first time on the water

[MarylandDmax]

i just recently purchased a new (to me) boat and will be taking it out for the first time today. im just a little nervous, just because i dont want anything to go wrong. anyone have any last minute advice before i take it out.?

 

[Scottimus]

Re: first time on the water

Take your time and don't forget the plug

 

[jigngrub]

Re: first time on the water

Wear your PFD (life jacket).

 

[robert graham]

Re: first time on the water

Find a ramp where there aren't many other people and boats so you can relax and take your time launching and retrieving. Make yourself a written check-list of everything you need to do and have for a happy, successful day on the water. Good Luck!

 

[mippel]

Re: first time on the water

i just recently purchased a new (to me) boat and will be taking it out for the first time today. im just a little nervous, just because i dont want anything to go wrong. anyone have any last minute advice before i take it out.?

Take your time, relax and have fun!!!

 

[MarylandDmax]

Re: first time on the water

Take your time and don't forget the plug

After reading around, the plug is on the top of my check list haha

 

[Scottimus]

Re: first time on the water

After reading around, the plug is on the top of my check list haha

I hear ya! My first time out I did fine, it was on my second time out that I forgot the plug!

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: first time on the water

Just enjoy it!

 

[jmorgan87]

Re: first time on the water

don't forget to lower your outboard prior to starting it! My first outboard was an old bass boat I got it running at our shop, would crank really easy there. Loaded the boat up, put motor in up position. Take it to the lake, and the d@ng thing won't start...finally an old man in a brand new bass boat pulls up and goes 'hey those things start alot easier with the motor down...'

bit embarrassing...

 

[MarylandDmax]

Re: first time on the water

well the first time i started it at my house on muffs, i had it in the down position. it had not been run in a while, so it didnt suprise me when it didnt fire right up when i turned the key. but after a little crankin and not starting i was begining to wonder. to make the story short i didnt press the choke, flooded the engine a little but got it started, thankfully it didnt fowel the plugs.

 

[etracer68]

Re: first time on the water

I always put the plug in before I leave the house, and if posible start the motor on muffs before I leave too. Make sure you also pump the fuel bulb up too.

 

[Icyharp]

Re: first time on the water

The most issues come from the boat ramp itself. But being it is your first time out let someone on land know you are out and where you are heading, should something go wrong. For the most part use some common sense and enjoy your day!!!!

 

[TJDave]

Re: first time on the water

I always fire it up at home on the muffs just before I leave for the launch. Then it will fire right up when launching and not tie up a ramp and dock while you are trying to get it running. Especially on older boats. I have been stuck waiting on the ramp many times for someone to get their boat running, and GTF out of the way. Jet skiers seem to do this more than boaters at our ramp though.

 

[MarylandDmax]

Re: first time on the water

thanks yal, bein a firday afternoon the ramp shouldnt be too crowded

 

[Scottimus]

Re: first time on the water

I always put the plug in before I leave the house, and if posible start the motor on muffs before I leave too. Make sure you also pump the fuel bulb up too.

I started doing this too, then I found out it is illegal to have the plug in while transporting. The police can give you a ticket! So, I will have to try to remember to put it in at the lake now...

 

[Cap’n Ray]

Re: first time on the water

Take your time, double or triple check your checklist (you have one right?), and don't try to look like an old hand- attitude is everything! If your having trouble and seem humble you are much more likely to get polite assistance- if you exude a macho 'know it all' attitude then you'll just be entertainment! Then enjoy the first day of the rest of your life- the addiction is swift and strong!!

 

[dsiekman]

Re: first time on the water

i just recently purchased a new (to me) boat and will be taking it out for the first time today. im just a little nervous, just because i dont want anything to go wrong. anyone have any last minute advice before i take it out.?

Unfortunately you lost that bet when you bought a boat! Just kidding...sort of. Things will go wrong. It's part of boating. Just take it easy, plan ahead, and don't get too wound up about anything other than your safety and the safety of others. Relax and have a good time.

 

[NYBo]

Re: first time on the water

Take someone with you who can act as crew.

I can be ready when you get here to pick me up.

 

[etracer68]

Re: first time on the water

Scottimus, why is it illegal to have the plug in during transport on a boat with an outboard? I can understand an IO or inboard motor, but not an OB. Im not saying your wrong, just I never heard of this before, I understand on IO's or inboards fuel vapors cant get out, except for the side vents. Does it have something to do with the fuel cell? On short runs to the lake (within 1/2 hour), I generally put the plug in at home, and on long runs, I leave it out, until I get to the ramp.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: first time on the water

Scottimus, why is it illegal to have the plug in during transport on a boat with an outboard? I can understand an IO or inboard motor, but not an OB. Im not saying your wrong, just I never heard of this before, I understand on IO's or inboards fuel vapors cant get out, except for the side vents. Does it have something to do with the fuel cell? On short runs to the lake (within 1/2 hour), I generally put the plug in at home, and on long runs, I leave it out, until I get to the ramp.

It's part of Minn. war on invasive species.