Old Member returning - purchased a motor for my inflatable, a bit nervous...

[boatlova']

Hi, I was an old member here on the forum back when I purchased a Saturn XD 430 (14 ft) and received a lot of helpful advices from this forum. (I think the new version of this boat is SD430). I had a trolling motor which we took to the lake only a couple of times. I know it's pretty sad.. the boat has been sitting idle due to so many reasons for a long time. Just found the time to get into boating and purchased a 20 hp Suzuki motor. I have never used an outboard motor on a boat and have very limited boating experience. I have been watching plenty of YouTube videos. I think in the next couple of weeks I will be taking my family out on to the lake on my 14 footer with the motor. Any helpful suggestions and instructions are delightfully welcomed as I want to soak in as much info as I possibly can to be safe and have a good time. TIA.

Edit: Wanted to add that I don't have a trailer and cannot get one due to space limitations unless I can fold and keep in my backyard. I have transom wheels which I will be attaching.

 

[airshot]

Set up the boat and motor in your drive with a pair of water muffs. Then you can play with your motor and get the feel of how it starts, runs etc.

 

[KJM]

Hi, I was an old member here on the forum back when I purchased a Saturn XD 430 (14 ft) and received a lot of helpful advices from this forum. (I think the new version of this boat is SD430). I had a trolling motor which we took to the lake only a couple of times. I know it's pretty sad.. the boat has been sitting idle due to so many reasons for a long time. Just found the time to get into boating and purchased a 20 hp Suzuki motor. I have never used an outboard motor on a boat and have very limited boating experience. I have been watching plenty of YouTube videos. I think in the next couple of weeks I will be taking my family out on to the lake on my 14 footer with the motor. Any helpful suggestions and instructions are delightfully welcomed as I want to soak in as much info as I possibly can to be safe and have a good time. TIA.

Edit: Wanted to add that I don't have a trailer and cannot get one due to space limitations unless I can fold and keep in my backyard. I have transom wheels which I will be attaching.

Probably be a good idea to go out alone a few times to get a feel for the boat and motor before taking family. Make sure all have life jackets too.

 

[boatlova']

Set up the boat and motor in your drive with a pair of water muffs. Then you can play with your motor and get the feel of how it starts, runs etc.

Thanks for the suggestion. I may do that.

 

[boatlova']

Probably be a good idea to go out alone a few times to get a feel for the boat and motor before taking family. Make sure all have life jackets too.

That's a good one as well. I may take it out by myself just to get a feel.