Baby steps

[LiquidAssets]

Ok, so I'm new to boating and finally finished the spring tune-up and have the boat sitting in the slip(wet).....I have been out a couple of times, but since the boat is new to me, I am still not 100% comfortable going far from shore. I really want to get accustom to the new boat and build some trust before heading more than a mile or so from the slip.

I have a number for coast guard in case anything happens. Am I being paranoid here or what? I mean it's a boat, and it floats.....but I know to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. My concern is that some parts of the lake are fast moving, and that if the engine won't start for some reason, a paddle is not enough to get me out of the current.

My wife and dog are meeting me at the slip tonight after work, and I'm wondering if I should just take it easy again, or slowly test the waters and build up my comfort level with the boat. By the way, my boston terrier just goes up to the bow and sleeps in the sun, he loves it.

Any opinions would be appreciated. I have all recommended coast guard equipment on board.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Baby steps

It all depends on how comfortable you are. I can tell you from experience that if you are not confident about the boat and/or your skills, you'll be too stressed to have fun.

 

[LiquidAssets]

Re: Baby steps

I'm comfotable with my skills, have grown up on boats my whole life. Just not 100% confident in the boat right now. But I'm sure after a few more trips this will change.

 

[wbc1957]

Re: Baby steps

I am sure if you asked around, there are others you may know who have some boating experience on those waters. If not, hire someone for a few hours of instruction and critque of your efforts. Experience is the best teacher, but to overcome some areas in lack of confidence, having someone like a set of training wheels, can be all the difference. Food for thought...

 

[ussoldier_1984]

Re: Baby steps

If your not comfortable with your boat equipment have the motor checked out by a marine mechanic. to make sure all is well

 

[roscoe]

Re: Baby steps

. My concern is that some parts of the lake are fast moving, and that if the engine won't start for some reason, a paddle is not enough to get me out of the current.



Any opinions would be appreciated. I have all recommended coast guard equipment on board.

That'a why we have anchors, they are a serious piece of safety equipment.
Can keep you out of trouble, or from going over a dam or down rapids. And will keep your bow into the wind during a storm.

go boating

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Baby steps

Knowledge of basic boating skills is required to avoid tragedy. You don't seem to have taken any steps to acquire that knowledge, so that is why you are uncomfortable. On the positive side, you seem to have already recognized that, and that is a good first step. Now it's time to do something about it. Consider a safe boating course as a step in the right direction. You might be surprised if you call the coast guard on the telephone.

 

[Navigator_Victory]

Re: Baby steps

Figure out why you do not trust the boat.....gut feelings can go a looong way.....if I get uneasy I turn around.....might be the angel on your shoulder trying to warn you.

 

[Boating Newbie]

Re: Baby steps

I'm also new to boating. I've taken an eight week class and have my boating safety certificate. I've studied a lot and talked to a lot of boat owners. But as most know, reading something in a book is very different than actually handling a boat. My concerns are around using my GPS, learning how to dock and anchor, and just general comfort. I have a friend who gave me a lesson the water, but I would feel comfortable with more practice. It doesn't seem like there are any instructors for "on the water" lessons. I'm not sure how people learn. Perhaps they grow up around boats or just wing it, but I'd prefer something more formal. Any ideas for where I can get some type of instruction? I'll be boating on Detroit River/Lake St. Clair in Detroit.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Baby steps

Liquid, if you have grown up on boats all your life, get out there and drive it like you stole it. Put it and yourself through the paces. Take on some big wakes and chop. Practice turns and throttling up and down. Do some hole shots. Do some donuts, run up some turbulent water, and bust through it. Your aren't going to get any experience without experience.
If your wife starts yelling, just increase the speed until you can't hear it over the motor.
To answer your question: Am I being paranoid here or what? yes.

B.Newbie, practice docking and anchoring several time in an area where there is no boat traffic. Practice docking by approaching an object such as a channel marker from all 4 directions to practice the effects of wind and current. Don't worry about the occassional bump, that's how you learn.
See if you can find someone at your marina who is willing to ride around with you for 20 minutes or so--tell him you are learning on how to trim the motor/trim tabs for best performance and will he give you some tips. I bet he teaches you more than that.
As for the GPS, it is a big distraction. Learn to boat without it, and use it where you truly need it--travelling distances or for charts of unknown and unmarked water. PLay with it at the dock.

A great way to learn, and have fun, is to hire a fishing guide for a couple of hours. If you don't fish, you should.

it is refreshing, however, to see new boaters concerned about safety and who know their limitations

 

[LiquidAssets]

Re: Baby steps

Perfect, this is good stuff.

I've been boating for quite a while, but I've quickly learned there's a big difference between going out/driving someone else's boat and being the boat owner.


Cheers.

 

[mjgates]

Re: Baby steps

it is refreshing, however, to see new boaters concerned about safety and who know their limitations

Amen to that. Memorial Day weekend is coming up. One of the scariest weekends of the year because of new boaters who are not concerned and don't know their limitations. And one of the most entertaining at the ramp.

 

[mjgates]

Re: Baby steps

Perfect, this is good stuff.

I've been boating for quite a while, but I've quickly learned there's a big difference between going out/driving someone else's boat and being the boat owner.


Cheers.

Your not kidding. I grew up around boats. Dad had one until I was around 16 or so. Then I bought my first boat in the late 90's. What a difference. I went for the first time on a weekday with my dad. He taught me how to back up a trailer. I had no idea. Drop and retrieve, and that was just the beginning of the lessons I have learned. Some the hard way. I quickly realized i didn't know as much as I thought I did.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Baby steps

I'm also new to boating. I've taken an eight week class and have my boating safety certificate. I've studied a lot and talked to a lot of boat owners. But as most know, reading something in a book is very different than actually handling a boat. My concerns are around using my GPS, learning how to dock and anchor, and just general comfort. I have a friend who gave me a lesson the water, but I would feel comfortable with more practice. It doesn't seem like there are any instructors for "on the water" lessons. I'm not sure how people learn. Perhaps they grow up around boats or just wing it, but I'd prefer something more formal. Any ideas for where I can get some type of instruction? I'll be boating on Detroit River/Lake St. Clair in Detroit.

First thing you should do is change your name on here. You'll not want to have that nic when you've been boating several years. Keep in mind, you can't change a nic and keep your # of posts. Just sayin'

Call your local coast guard reserve. Around here, they are happy to go out with you, give safety and operating pointers, and help give general guidance. You may even find it won't cost you at all. They are experienced and want to have a safe environment for all.

Now for the OP: Get your boat inspected. If there are no concerns about your boat from a professional, then you need to take that boat into waters with confidence! If you lack the confidence, then you could also benefit from contacting your Coast Guard Reserve Center and see about having them tag along.

Enjoy boating... don't get in over your head, though. We see it on our lakes all the time. Money buys a big boat, but there are a lot of operators that don't know what they're doing.

Good luck!

 

[ryanr623]

Re: Baby steps

Perfect, this is good stuff.

I've been boating for quite a while, but I've quickly learned there's a big difference between going out/driving someone else's boat and being the boat owner.


Cheers.

First off to ease your mind i would have the engine/drive inspected by a mechanic. Thats one of the main reasons I bought from a dealer.

Secondly, do they offer any sort of towing insurance where you live? I never go a season without it. Where I live it's $50 a season. Well worth the peace of mind. Some marinas off it as well. You're boating on erie, correct? I'm almost 100 percent certain someone offers tow insurance out of buffalo.

BTW I boat on erie too, only in toledo. Erie can get nasty really fast so I know what you are talking about.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Baby steps

Put it and yourself through the paces. Take on some big wakes and chop. Practice turns and throttling up and down. Do some hole shots. Do some donuts, run up some turbulent water, and bust through it. You aren't going to get any experience without experience.
If your wife starts yelling, just increase the speed until you can't hear it over the motor.

Home Cookin' is totally right here. Our previous boat was a '87 16' bow rider with about a 74" beam. Very nimble, however slow out of the hole, but could turn on a dime and would respond well to dodging debris at speed.

Our current boat is a '95 22' Cuddy with an 84" or so beam. Probably weighs double the previous boat. First time out, wow... what a change. Yep, put it through the paces in open (lake) water; donuts, crossing over our wake, hole shot, and evasive action for debris was a big change.

Liquid: Learning the handling characteristics in a controlled environment allows you to instinctively compensate and operate the boat when hazards or unexpected waters occur. If you've been in these waters driving a friends boat, then just get out there in yours.

Enjoy safely!

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: Baby steps

some one touched on this but not really. have you hear of sea tow, tow boat us. Those are towing companys so when you do break down they get you. get a year membership and you can get towed much as you want back to the dock and only for$100 a year thats peace of mind. and right now there isn't that many boats out so go out and have fun like said before take it through it paces. first thing i did with my boat was see what it could do but with out any other boaters around. go wot and see what you can do but know your limitations. so when you get into a storm on accident or some thing happens you will know how to get you boat out of that situation and be safe. But get a sea tow membership and take that boat out further it's meant to go further.