Must knows for new boaters

[Toto7SC]

Hi,

We just bought a 21' 1990 Chaparral bowrider and I would like to know what the most crucial things are to keep in mind as a beginner. That can go from *don't forget the plug before you launch your boat* to *make sure you have a spare battery on board*. Anything that comes to mind (bilge, blower operation etc. etc.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[GA_Boater]

Most important is taking a state approved boating safety course. All those things are taught in a safety course and if you take a classroom version, you can ask questions unlike the online courses.

 

[Grnbasser]

Make sure your winch strap is still attached when backing down the ramp. Don't want your boat sliding off your trailer in the middle of the launch ramp. Also, if you're launching your boat for the first time, back into water really slowly and pay attention to how far your trailer is in the water right before your boat floats off. This will make it easier to get your boat back on when it's time to leave.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Most important is taking a state approved boating safety course. All those things are taught in a safety course and if you take a classroom version, you can ask questions unlike the online courses.

What he said.

 

[R055]

Don't make a wake in the no wake areas, always one moron on the lake that goes up to 3000+ rpms 5 feet after he clears the docks

 

[tpenfield]

Boating is dangerous and complicated, it only looks like fun.

With that, my advice echoes the others in having a good boater safety course for you and others who may act as crew.

Murphy's law applies extensively to boating, so

Know the mechanisms of your boat, and the basics on how your boat was made, it can only help.

.

 

[charleso]

Another important piece of advice.....boats don't have a brake pedal. Be quick to pull back on the throttle, yer gonna keep moving. That way you are not hard shifting into reverse if you have to stop/back off.

 

[tpenfield]

Another important piece of advice.....boats don't have a brake pedal. Be quick to pull back on the throttle, yer gonna keep moving. That way you are not hard shifting into reverse if you have to stop/back off.

There is that old saying . . . approach a dock only at the speed that you are willing to hit it

 

[charleso]

So true tpenfield, so very true. And be careful, very careful when trying to grab hold of a dock or other fixed structure. It is amazing how fast you can be pulled overboard or lose you balance and fall overboard.

 

[leakytarp]

Mistakes I could've avoided: Raise the outdrive before trailering. Bring a jumpstarter and make sure its charged. Bring sunscreen. And my biggest: Do not leave the boat in the water without bottom paint for 6 weeks!
What helps me are checklists. One for packing, one for trailering, one for retrieving that I keep on my phone.

 

[Toto7SC]

Mistakes I could've avoided: Raise the outdrive before trailering. Bring a jumpstarter and make sure its charged. Bring sunscreen. And my biggest: Do not leave the boat in the water without bottom paint for 6 weeks!
What helps me are checklists. One for packing, one for trailering, one for retrieving that I keep on my phone.

Would you be willing to share your checklist? Or can they be found online?

 

[Ned L]

As already mentioned, a safe boating course. And don't think it ends there, that is just the beginning of what you should know about the "rules of the road". You wouldn't want someone to just grab some car keys and go off for a drive on a highway when they don't even know what a traffic light, or a stop sign, a yield sign, or even the yellow lines down the center of the road are,..... would you???? The exact same kinds of rules apply on the water, problem is there are no physical roads or signs, so you must memorize all the roads, signs and rules so you know when to stop, yield, keep going, and even where you are supposed to be. Yes, there are equally defined rules on the water as there are on land.

 

[89retta]

Most important thing is LIFEJACKETS. And make sure to wear them as it only takes a second for things to go bad.

 

[briangcc]

Ah huh....Drain plug to be installed BEFORE launching. Remove transom straps BEFORE backing down the ramp. Load the boat BEFORE you back it up and launch it. To include and not limited to coolers, fishing tackle, tubes/skis/boards/etc.

 

[flyingscott]

Practice your trailer backing in an empty parking lot to get proficient at it. It will save you time and grief at a busy boat landing. Load all your equipment in the parking lot not 1/2 way down the ramp that also allows you to double check everything. Make sure the key is in the boat.

 

[leakytarp]

Would you be willing to share your checklist? Or can they be found online?

Sure, here is mine, works for me, yours may be different. Most of the stuff I just keep in one bag anyway so I can fly through the list in a minute or two.

Towing:

- Outdrive up?

- Trailer straps on?

- Trailer pin correct? (Brake lock)

- Swing away tongue pin ok?

- Emergency Brake line connected?

- Trailer lights working?

- Boat window locked?

- Gas?



Launching:

- Drainplug in?

- Trailer straps off?

- Blower on?



Retrieving:

- Outdrive up?



Packing List - Must-have

- Drain plug

- Boat key

- Lanyard + kill switch

- Life vests, flotation, flares etc.

- Registration + licence

- Phone charger

- Phone + wallet + car keys

- Jumpstarter (charged?)

- Anchor

- Trailer lock key



Packing List - Additional

- Water

- Sunblock

- Bimini top

- Wakeboard + vest

- Ski rope

- Hat

- Sunglasses

- Snacks

- Vinegar / ammonia / disinfectant

- Bug spray

- Towels

- Dog blanket

- Dog life vest

- Dog water container

 

[Jcris]

Also, make sure your tow vehicle parking brake is working properly

 

[charleso]

^^^^^Some very good, sage advice in all the posts above. One that we all have overlooked. Become acquainted with an experienced boater and go out with them, both in their boat and yours. The knowledge acquired in a couple of trips will be immense.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Congrats!

Good advice above.

Want to add:

All motor boats require constant attention (repairs and maintenance), and I/O (inboard/outboard) powered boats are the most troublesome. You have a 27 year old I/O boat. Expect a continuous stream of issues that need addressing and do everything you can to learn how to spot and prevent future troubles. Do not get discouraged, just be aware. You can save a fortune by doing your own repairs and maintenance and knowing how can salvage many otherwise ruined boating days.Youtube and the internet in general make DIY VASTLY easier than ever; take advantage, even if it's just to learn what you are paying someone to do.

Sun and water, oddly enough, are two of the biggest enemies of your boat. Do everything you can to keep both out of it. Land is the other enemy, do everything you can to avoid boating on land, especially the rocky parts. You can never set the record for shallowest water boating, you can only tie it.

 

[jkust]

Get a spare tire for the trailer...everyone knows that but trailer lugs can be a different size than truck lugs so get a T wrench.
Get Liability insurance to protect your assets
Take care of the trailer wheel bearings by removing and repacking
Replace your fire extinguisher with a new one
Buy and carry with you a spare prop, hub and wrench to replace it.