My First Boat and ownerexperience

[hostage]

After reading these forums, guides etc. I finally settled on a 2000 Maxum 1900 SC (cuddy) for $7.5k.

I took my boat to the launch yesterday I picked a weekday so I would **** less people off, if I had any learning experiences. Before I got "in line", I prepped my boat for launch, then found out the guy who took me for a test drive the day previously left the plug in his truck. I ran to a store about a mile away got one put it in and then got in the line. I watched others fixed ropes put bumpers on etc.

It was my turn I got the g/f to help direct me. It took me getting out a few times wading into the water and some help of the guys who were next to realize that one of my trailer tires went over an obstruction that raised the trailer enough out of the water so the boat couldn't launch. I pulled it out repositioned it and lauched it smoothly.

Putting the boat back on the trailer was even smoother.

In all, everyone was very patient, some people helped me out after I told them I was new, etc. Everyone seemed very nice and agreed you need to learn some how. The only bad part is I found my g/f hates boating.

 

[lncoop]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

Good job. Sounds like you took your time (but not too much), kept your head when things didn't go exactly according to plan (which they often won't in the alternate reality that is boating), and persevered. You have many great days ahead of you and you'll only get better at your new hobby. Best of luck!

 

[hostage]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

After reading all these horror stories, I didn't want to be "that guy". I noticed even with the slight delay of launching. I was still much faster than many of the other boaters. The guy before me launched quicker but was longer in all since he was tied up to the dock as he and his g/f were shuttling items to and from his boat and car.

I did make 1 mistake, luckily nothing went wrong, I didn't have my trim up all the way. I think I am going to have a check list for when I go out.

 

[lncoop]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

I did make 1 mistake, luckily nothing went wrong, I didn't have my trim up all the way. I think I am going to have a check list for when I go out.

If your lower unit didn't hit the concrete I wouldn't even call that a mistake. Check list is never a bad idea though. You'll have one memorized soon. Where ya from?

 

[hostage]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

Rochester, NY though I was raised in Tyler, TX.

 

[lncoop]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

Wow. Any culture shock?

 

[hostage]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

More so weather, but a lot more outspoken people up here. I also notice more people seem a bit more social down in Texas. Strangers seem to strike up a conversation in Texas a bit more.

 

[lncoop]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

Not surprising. If you ever get homesick you can check this out.
http://www.fishingtx.com/index.php

 

[brick75]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

Sounds like your first experience wasn't too bad, congrats. Now as far as the gf goes, you may need to consider other fish in the sea if she is going to be an obstruction to this

 

[25thmustang]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

More so weather, but a lot more outspoken people up here. I also notice more people seem a bit more social down in Texas. Strangers seem to strike up a conversation in Texas a bit more.

Your a ways up north too, the closer to the city you get the more outspoken they become.

Sounds like a good first trip. Smart to do so on a weekday and even smarter to ask for help when you understand you might need it. Better to succeed with help than fail without it.

One part of this post scares me...

"The only bad part is I found my g/f hates boating."

That sounds terrible. Does she plan to go back out with you (boating wise that is)?

 

[hostage]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

At first she was rather anxious, but she started to calm down. I think the swan w/ their chicks helped a bit. We would have stayed longer but it started to get cooler as sunset aproached. I just need to find a distraction for her. I am a very calm person, though I did feel a little nervous about trailering and launching/retreiving a boat. Both which I have never done before. I think she noticed I was a bit uncomfortable doing it for the first time and that made things worst for her. Even though she freaked out, she said she had a good time. I am glad I at least got the kinks and everything ready before I had friends come.



-Hostage

 

[25thmustang]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

Alright, that sounds much better than I thought. Sounds like after some getting used to, both of you will be out enjoying things every chance you can get.

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: My First Boat and ownerexperience

Women come and go, but boating and fishing is forever.