ezbtr
Captain
- Joined
- May 1, 2002
- Messages
- 3,057
Well after checking out one marina to launch, heard it was real crappy from some folks(trucks stolen, druggies, etc.)they directed us to a Marina in Oakley(CA.) called Lauretzens - what a GREAT place to launch! Did all pre check on boat(hell yes plug was in - I checked all at home before too)$10 and they even helped me out(told em I was 1st timer), after they helped I found out I could really do it myself even without wife if she wasn't there - had all 5 kids,(all PFD'd) wife and me in boat - road great, got choppy in Delta and wanted to take it easy first time, worked our way into some neat tributaries and saw a couple of great FISH! Stopped, anchored on shallows to eat lunch and just barely bumped(3-4 mph) bottom(no damage, just scratch on skeg), turned back into deeper water. Boat draft is about 2' safely. 
Oh yeah...in chop we all got SPRAYED good! All liked it except wife - would rather lie on bow to tan while I fish. ****in funny - blew her hairdo all to hell! Tried and excelled in NOT laughing! Towards the end kids wanted to let er rip a bit(wife objected even though we were really being safe - water calmed) So I cranked the 40 Merc to maybe 16 knots - NICE ride! but only for a minute.... Oh well I'll take it out next 2 days off on my own or with some kids or buddies. Putted in to launch area, waited for a few big boats to exit, tied off boat , let wife & kids off to go pee, just pulled in onto trailer, tied it down and was good to go(DOUBLE checked all tiedowns, etc.). I just need a bit more practice reversing down ramp - backed in driveway at home no prob, flushed out motor, and lited and pushed trailer in garage - gettin real good at that! I really appreciate all the advice I got from this and other forums! Cant wait to go again! Take care and all have a safe weekend! Heinz
Oh yeah...in chop we all got SPRAYED good! All liked it except wife - would rather lie on bow to tan while I fish. ****in funny - blew her hairdo all to hell! Tried and excelled in NOT laughing! Towards the end kids wanted to let er rip a bit(wife objected even though we were really being safe - water calmed) So I cranked the 40 Merc to maybe 16 knots - NICE ride! but only for a minute.... Oh well I'll take it out next 2 days off on my own or with some kids or buddies. Putted in to launch area, waited for a few big boats to exit, tied off boat , let wife & kids off to go pee, just pulled in onto trailer, tied it down and was good to go(DOUBLE checked all tiedowns, etc.). I just need a bit more practice reversing down ramp - backed in driveway at home no prob, flushed out motor, and lited and pushed trailer in garage - gettin real good at that! I really appreciate all the advice I got from this and other forums! Cant wait to go again! Take care and all have a safe weekend! Heinz