Traumatizing...when does it pass

[Blevins]

Ok so me and the wife bought the boat 2 months ago got it up and running and the motor crapped out in the river and we got stuck for a couple hours waiting for a tow...... In like 3ft swells tossing the boat like a washing machine. Ok so that was an awful day. After the motor got put on and I got the thumbs up I (by myself) went out and turned the motor off to tie down a couple things. When I went to restart the boat the batts didn't have enough juice to crank the motor. So I was stuck again. I got towed again. So my question is how long until the trauma passes. I found myself today after running the boat for an hour or so staring at the shore nervous about wether or not I'd break down or get stuck. How long until I feel more comfortable and less terrified about breaking down again? Don't get me wrong I know boats are unpredictable but you guys understand what I'm asking.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

It might help to buy a Manual for your motor, study up and get familiar with all the key systems, like fuel lines, pumps, filters, etc., electricals like batteries, connections, etc., etc. The more you know and understand the less likely you'll break down, and if/when you do, you'll know how to fix it. The modern motors are pretty darn dependable but just a simple loose or corroded battery connection can leave you sitting in the middle of the river. Boats aren't like cars, where you just "add gas and drive". Good Luck and be careful!

 

[Mordekai]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

You can do things like adding a few simple mods to minimize your risk of getting stranded like water/fuel separator to remove water from your gas, adding dual battery with an acr and a 2 bank charger at home.... etc.

I'm not saying you can prevent almost everything since everything has risks.

 

[dmoriarty51]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

i feel your pain, ive had similar luck with my first boat... ive borrowed friends rigs a few times and been out with them enough to know what to expect... i bought it memorial day weekend, spent a couple weeks of crappy weather getting things cleaned up and ready and fixing a couple things.. and first trip out the motor started acting up.. it got us back to the dock, everything checked out did a tuneup, and tried again, well this time it did the same thing only the end result was a blown cylinder, it still got me to the dock that day too albiet very slowy.

got the motor rebuilt and have checked and double checked everything under the sun.

i now have 3 trips on it flawlessly but everytime the sound of that motor changes cuz the throttle got bumped or it just moves a touch on its own my heart goes to my throat...... it startles me not so bad this last run as the first 2 but does none the less. afterall i am on the upper mississippi, a relatively safe section of it compared to the south from what i read, but there are still places the current can take you if you are powerless.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

With the boat, the more you know and understand, the more confidence you'll have and the more enjoyable your boating will be. Take the motor cowl off and look/study it, remove/replace the spark plugs, check/clean the fuel filters, etc., etc. Once you understand it, you'll enjoy it a lot more, sorta like women folks, but I know a LOT more about motors than women!....

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

Ditto what they say.
In the meantime, pickup a portable jumpbox and keep it onboard. Those things have saved the day for me a bunch of times.

Do you subscribe to a on-water towing service? IMO it's worth the cost.

 

[Lakemeadan]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

Get a check list, plenty on line. I'm going out this weekend and spend a night on the lake. So, I'm already preparing, charging up the jump start battery I take, charge night lights and radios, put plug in, grease bearing and few fittings on out drive, trailer tire pressure check, check surge brake fluid, all other fluid levels drive and engine, poles, tools etc prepared on boat. I'll check volt gauge on boat and see if I have 12.5 or more volts to see if need charger now. The day I leave I'll pull out the garage and hook up the hose to it and start it, run for atleast 10 mins or untill temp gauge has maxed (evens out), ck oil pressure, fuel level, smell for gas. I'll shift it into forward and reverse (CAUTION !!!). Might of left a few things off the list but these helps me be prepared for a less traumatizing time on the lake. It amazes me how many boats won't even start at the ramp, didn't check the battery? Oh yea, don't forget your boat keys.

 

[Lakemeadan]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

One more thing since you just got the boat and don't know how old the fuel is and if it was treated. Flush it out and start with fresh fuel.

 

[HAV2FISH]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

Take small trips on a lake used by other boaters till you get to know your boat and get more comfortable with it. This way help is just a matter of flagging someone down. The more you use it the faster the scare of a breakdown goes away. Also like others have said get familiar with how things work.

 

[jserb]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

You know, I have to agree with the author of this post......way back when, i too had outboard problems on my first boat and I gotta say, when I hear a pitch change in my twins for no reason i too start checking my instruments immediately(almost paranoid)...Truth is, if you get burned (stranded and towed in) enough i don?t know if that worry ever goes away. For that, i don?t think its a bad thing to have that constant concern. That means you are a safe boater. If your good enough to listen to what the boat is telling you, odds are your also aware of other items that the inexperienced boaters are not. Items like nav aids, other vessels, and other floating objects are all things that you begin to hone in on and become very aware of. I LOVE boating, and I LOVE navigating at night, it?s the challenge, and I can tell you night navigating cant get anymore nerv wrecking?.but you have to remember that?s why we love boating; because its a challenge, if it were easy you wouldn?t find it enjoyable. Anyone can put there boat in and drive straight ahead, go to an anchorage and then turn around and go home at the end of the day. WHATS THE FUN IN THAT?.noo I know for a fact most of the experienced boaters on this website look for something? more challenging?.
So to bring my story here full circle, I don?t think you will ever get that feeling out of you. The people that don?t have that fear are the people that haven?t been boating long enough. I assure you, if anyone reading this hasn?t had a breakdown of some sort on the water which left them either stranded or ALMOST stranded and was lucky enough to limp home?..well all I have to say is your time will come?be nervous because it?s a fact of boating, and Pandora will always catch you in the end!

Change that feeling of ?nervousness? to ?awareness? and you will have figured out how to experience relaxed boating.

 

[Simoniz]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

Or get a boat with 2 engines or add a small auxiliary outboard on a bracket in case the main goes.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

It's like when you're flying a plane, always know where you're at, where you're going, how far you're going, estimated time of arrival, when you plan to return, a flight/float plan letting folks on the shore(friends/family) know your plans, how much fuel you have and how much is required for your trip, the weather, the nearest landing site(ramp or marina), communication with radio or telephone, etc. Know your limitations and the limitations of your boat! You'll get better at it!

 

[iop]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

I think "concern" is right word here... the scenes you describe is no where near "trauma". Concern is actually a good thing.

 

[jserb]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

can i get a bigger photo of your lady there IOP???

 

[proaudioguy]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

Hey Capt Blevins,

I think you are making a big deal out of (almost) nothing. Become familiar enough with the mechanical side to prevent certain issues and just rely on the fact that you have a towing service to bail you out if you get in trouble. No need to be paranoid. I took a boat that had not been in the water in over 3 years to the keys without any way to call for a tow (although I tried to make those arrangements) knowing full well I was very likely to break down with my wife and 10yo in the boat with me. In fact I had quite a bit of trouble and a few times I wasn't sure if I was going to have to get a tow, but we managed. The way we went into it was as an adventure, knowing anything could happen, and since we approached it in a positive way, it was actually a lot of fun.

You should definitely make sure to charge your batteries at home at some interval, but definitely the night before you go out. You should be sure to shut off the main battery switch. Also follow a strict maintenance schedule. Most maintenance issues can be done by any able bodied person over 14, and it's a good way to get familiar with your boat's mechanical. When you have the harder stuff done, look over the tech's shoulder. Anyone that won't allow me in the shop while they are working on my stuff doesn't get my business. I understand insurance concerns with national chains which is why I avoid them. The key is not to pester the guys doing the work.

I am curious where in Bradenton (assumption) you had 3ft swells in a river. I'm originally from the Tampa area. We are considering a trip to your area for some fun in the sun. We currently live somewhat land locked in central FL. Lakes full of aligators are just not the same.

Ps, ditto what Jserb said.......

 

[Micahhaase]

Re: Traumatizing...when does it pass

When i was 16 or so me and a buddy drug a 14 foot flatbottom down to the local creek/river to do some fishing....needless to say we forgot oars had no motor and was about 3 miles down river before we thought uhh we need to get back home.. a combination of pulling plants along the bank when the bank was steep and walkign the boat when we could it took us 4 hours to get back to where we started.