New Boat Owner as of July 2021

[freerider8]

So being new to the boating world I have learned a lot so far and always trying to learn more about boating and fishing as well. I have learned some things from people on here since I have purchased my boat in July. The one thing that I learned was from an older gentleman that had owned many boats and has completely overhauled many boats as well. He told me that "if you take care of your boat, your boat will take care of you". I am finding this to be very true considering that I am finding many little things on my boat that the previous owner was just too cheap to do the right way or spend the time to do repairs correctly and not just band-aid the issue. I am slowly getting my boat to the way I want it to be and upgrading things as I can for the things that are not as pressing as others that could leave me stranded. My boat is running well after the carburetor rebuild which was well worth it. Here is to many more adventures on the boat. *And NO, I do not drink while boating. Only at home while daydreaming.

 

[KD4UPL]

A lot of people make the mistake of thinking a boat is like a car on the water; they sort of take care of them like a car. Basic maintenance and fix everything else when it breaks. This really isn't a good idea because being stuck in the middle of a lake is way worse then being stuck by the side of the road.
You really need to look at a boat like an airplane on the water; you keep everything in excellent shape and replace anything you think might be going bad. The goal is no break downs.
Further, learn to back a trailer and use the launch ramp quickly. There's nothing more annoying then people who take 5, 10, or more minutes at the ramp. I can launch my boat in about 2 minutes and retrieve it in about 5.

 

[freerider8]

A lot of people make the mistake of thinking a boat is like a car on the water; they sort of take care of them like a car. Basic maintenance and fix everything else when it breaks. This really isn't a good idea because being stuck in the middle of a lake is way worse then being stuck by the side of the road.
You really need to look at a boat like an airplane on the water; you keep everything in excellent shape and replace anything you think might be going bad. The goal is no break downs.
Further, learn to back a trailer and use the launch ramp quickly. There's nothing more annoying then people who take 5, 10, or more minutes at the ramp. I can launch my boat in about 2 minutes and retrieve it in about 5.

Very good advice, I am not there yet with the launching times yet but getting better with each time. Learning new tricks each time as well. So far I have been lucky enough to be the only one at the launch pad I use most of the time I am going out.

 

[KJM]

Very good advice, I am not there yet with the launching times yet but getting better with each time. Learning new tricks each time as well. So far I have been lucky enough to be the only one at the launch pad I use most of the time I am going out.

And don't use the ramp as the place to put your gear aboard undo tie down straps and generally get ready. Have all that done while you wait your turn for the ramp! Same when you are leaving. I had a couple of guys stay on the ramp when they trailered their boat to take off their rubber boots and cloths, store those in their truck and then procede to tie down the boat to the trailer all while on the ramp with boats waiting to use it, very annoying!

 

[KJM]

What kind of boat did you get?

 

[freerider8]

What kind of boat did you get?

1988 Baretta Super Sport