First time out with new to me boat.

[Matt O]

OK guys I think I have covered all that I need to on dry land. I even made a list of pre launch things to do list. Like remember the plug, fill the tank. Take a few tools with me. Stay close to the ramp for a while. But I am sure that having never had a real boat of my own I am missing alot, including experience. So what would you tell someone that was getting ready to launch his boat for the first time. Any advise on learning the conrols of a boat. I have stick driven my other boat a few times. And years back I piloted very briefly my uncles Bass tracker. But in reality I;m a novice. So tell me what should I do, should I not do, what should I be extra aware of, things of that nature. Remember nothing too basic is out of the question here. As I told you I'm a novice. I'm taking it the weekend after labor day for a short shake down fishing trip. With the preconcieved idea that I may not fish much but find things wrong with the used boat and have to shore fish. But at least I will know what I have to fix before I can really enjoy my boat. So let me have it, and thanks, <br /><br />Matt

 

[tylerin]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Matt what kind of boat do you have. Where are you launching it(Lake, Ocean, River?)

 

[Matt O]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Sorry I forgot to mention that. I will be launching in at Rend lake in ILL. I bought a 1976 Hydro sport 15 foot boat with a 115 horse Mercury. Thanks for the reply. <br /><br />Matt

 

[envy83]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

If you haven't already purchased one, getting a set of those "ear-muff" thingy's or even a big Rubbermaid trash can for the motor and making sure the thing fires and that you know how to make it fire (i.e. pushing the key in to set the choke). Older motors always seem to have their little quirks and once you get used to it, it sounds like you're in for a great time.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Two experiences from my past that may help you.<br /><br />First, develop a launching and retrieving pattern. Meaning you follow the same steps every time. Be careful of having someone help you, because that is a good way to forget to do something or not have it done right. On this topic, you already have the plug covered. Just as important, make sure you tilt the motor up before you pull out of the lake. My first time I drageed it up the ramp. No harm done though.<br /><br />Second, make sure you know the lake before you go speeding across it. Even though you may have a depth finder, it really doesn't matter if your going 30 and you find an unmarked rock pile. It was this condition that exhibited my OB's kick up feature and scared the crap out of us. <br /><br />I'll add a third as well.. make sure your driver side window is open when launching and retrieving for two reasons. If for some reason your rig slides into the lake, you will be able to get out easily. Also, it is not that uncommon to accidentally hit the lock button getting out of the car on the ramp. It's a bummer when your car is running on the ramp with the door locked (also been there done that, except it was also raining).

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Matt I would like to commend you for coming to the board as a novice and a open mind, any members here that will give advice are going to know so from past experinces and mistakes, such as myself. My suggestion to you is first make sure you have all required safty gear (i'm sure you do) second when you get to the launch prep your boat away from ramp, Take a deep breath walk and don't run, as already mentioned have a set pattern ie: unhook trailer lights before you launch, walk back prepare docklines and fenders walk to back of boat put in plug or plugs,release transom tie down and/or transom saver, load all neccessary gear into boat, back down ramp slow and easy once at water edge set park brake put tow vechicle in park, release safty chain and winch strap from boat, if you have a partner have them hold docklines, while you proceed to back boat the rest of the way into water and float off.One other thing to remember if you back down slowly take note how deep trailer was at the point boat started to float at the back, this will help you know how far to back the trailer in when you are ready to retrieve the boat later, once you retrieve your boat, follow the same procedure as putting in but in the opposite order, things will go smooth 99% if you follow a set routine, and remember the only expert with your rig will be you.. good luck and happy boating.

 

[braindead0]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

I'd also suggest being careful on the throttle, 115hp is a pretty healthy dosing of wahooo.. ;-)

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Find a friend with experience to assist you the first couple of times. Try to find one who will sit quietly and only interject if you've missed something, instead of someone who does it for you.<br /><br />And I find launching has always been easier than retrieving. Got a bent trailer fender to prove it.

 

[Pete30]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Bring a paddle, I've been getting a lot of use out of mine lately

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

All advise given is good. Just thought I would mention to make sure you take some fresh water with you to drink. Probably not a big problem on a lake but I know from experience that to be stuck on the water in the sun with out fresh water for more tha a couple of hours can make you go nuts. We were sutck out in the bay once (water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink.)

 

[Solittle]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Have you done or had done an initial service on the motor? Things like:<br /><br />Fresh fuel<br />Fully charged battery<br />New impeller in water pump<br />Changed gear oil in lower unit<br /><br />For the trailer:<br /><br />Tire pressure<br />Correct weight on the hitch<br />checked the wheel bearing grease<br />Lights & safety chains<br /><br />A prayer or two is also helpful on the first trip!<br /><br />A cold one in the fridge when you get home (not on the boat)for a fun day well done and a short "to do list."

 

[Link]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Matt<br /><br />Ah... one more thing. A quick trip back to this post to let everyone know how the outing went! <br /><br />Have fun<br /><br />Link

 

[Matt O]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Wow what great advice some things I have not thought of yet. I never thought about taking the paddle from my john boat but I will now! I have done alot of pretrip work on the engine, new tune up, lower gear lube checked. Water pump impeller was recently replaced, and water flow has been tested with a set of Muffs. I am learning how to fire off this cold natured beast. And don't worry I;m not the bravest soul on water, I;d just asoon have a 30 horse on this thing, but the price was right and I am looking forward to enjoying it, Luckily I found this place and now feel a little more confident, certainly not over confident though. I will certainly let everyone know just how the first trip goes. I will try to post a pic of my boat if I can figure it out. Thanks again guys,<br /><br />Matt

 

[Matt O]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

well I can't make the pics show up here so here is a link to my website that I have for my son. http://www.geocities.com/oharver/boat.html?1062210174060

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Drive Camp, that looks like a well kept, Nice setup. Everyone seems to have given you great advise. I bought one of those pressured Air Canisters, from Sports Acadamy, that you can pump up, when it runs out of air, a whistle, and if you have a cell phone with you in case of trouble is not a bad idea. The Air horn and whistle, will get attention, also. <br /><br />I hope your first trip out is trouble free, and you have a great Labor Day Weekend.<br /><br />GodsBeast

 

[93bronco]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

nice looking boat!!!<br />if you are in a place that has alot of current you mite consider guide posts (not the rollers- they have chewed up buddies hightide).<br />they make it alot easier as a beginer to get the boat centered & going on strait.<br />-<br />good luck & have fun!!!!

 

[grooveman]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

Matt, I too am new to boating and after a couple weeks of preparation I will be taking my boat to the lake for a trial run. Mine is also an older boat but she has been pretty well taken care of. I have serviced the engine, purchased a new battery, filled the tank with fresh gas and purchased all the other necessary items. I even bought a little kicker motor for trolling and for getting back to the dock in the event of an engine problem. Im excited about getting out on the water in the first boat Ive ever owned. I have gotten lots of good advice from the experienced boaters here. Good luck!

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

drive camp. great looking boat, CONGRATS!!!!<br /><br />shes a bit small tho, with a big ol HONKER of a motor hangin off the end<br /><br />BE CAREFUL, that thing is gonna go like a CRUISE MISSLE, lol, holy crrapola, treat that throttle like its made of eggshells at first, dont be afraid of it, but do have a healthy respect for the thrust that thing has<br /><br />once you get used to it, youll treat it more and more like you do your car, with total awareness of what its doing<br /><br />THEN you hammer it, lol, I remember Jason taking his big ol tri hull out with a (125?) and it scaring him a bit with the speed of it, and hes got a heavier boat<br /><br />Have a great weekend!

 

[JasonJ]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

That is a juicy lookin Merc danglin off of there. Castaway is right, get used to how that Merc runs. It comes on strong after 3200 rpms. You ram that throttle forward, it moves NOW. My rig with 125 horse Merc is even faster now that I reworked my throttle and am getting my full 5500 rpms.

 

[chris abela]

Re: First time out with new to me boat.

sorry to be a bit negative, but don't you think that a 115 is a bit overpowering for that kind of boat.<br /><br />Have you checked the manufacturers specifications for max hp?