Our first boat, any advise?

[26aftcab454]

Re: Our first boat, any advise?

there are alot of good post here- i think launching and loading are the most stressful. i reccomend to go check out the ramp for 20-30 min before your 1st trip. Ensure you have eveything loaded and ready before you hit the ramp. The idea is for everyone to be curtious and have fun. If you have a problem stop for a second and calmly decide your next move. Above all-what ever happens do not get upset with your loved ones if they make a mistake.
NOW GO HAVE FUN!! Congrats on your purchase!
Joe

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Our first boat, any advise?

Dave what part of Louisville you in I am out in PRP and have 2 resto projects to put in the water . There are quite a few members in the Louisville area . I know alot of peaple like Patoka over in Indiana for general boating . I would stay away from Nolin on your first launch as its plenty busy as well as Taylorsville.



Rick

 

[jennis9]

Re: Our first boat, any advise?

Congrats on your new Starcraft... make sure to chime in on the Starcraft users post in the Restoration forum.

A few tips -- these first ones are from TDs advice to me:
? take a safety class -- best thing I did before hitting the water
? boats on a trailer: bow UP, plug out

Things I learned my first season:
? learn to launch BEFORE a holiday weekend -- get a routine and do it the same way EVERY EVERY EVERY time - before you launch ask if the plug is in
? long dock lines make it easier -- put a knot at the end so you can grab on
? make a spare car/door key and leave it in your tackle box
? make a spare boat key and leave it in your glove box
? have a basic tool box on board: make sure there are extra plugs/fuses in there
? I have a trailer kit in my Jeep at all times - with the wrench to dismantle the setup if I need to change a bulb, spare bulbs, locks, Wd40 and extra fuses
? tow insurance is worth it
? learn to anchor properly

Fun:
? you can never have too many rod holders or tackle
? the tube that is shaped like a triangle is the best shape-- the cover doesn't fly off

Have fun, be safe and let us know hoiw you're doing!

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Our first boat, any advise?

Since there a couple of Starcraft owners on here, I was wandering if anyone knew the weight of a 1991 1901S Starcraft Eurostar? When I looked this up on NADA it was showing around 1400LBS. Seems that it is heavier then this at 19" with a 4.3L V6.

ElNeuvoCptn...

This is known as "Hijacking" a thread...Post your question in either the Starcraft forum OR boat topics n questions..

 

[davesparks2001]

Re: Our first boat, any advise?

Thanks for all the great responses to this post guys. Elnuevocapitan, I'm glad to hear you likin your Starcraft, it sounds like are boats are very similar and the NADA shows mine to be about the same weight. Rick, I grew up in PRP, graduated from PRPHS and only migrated as far as Prarie Village. I know it will be more crowded than recommended for a first outing but we are planning a brief boat ride on Taylorsville Lake Saturday. On the upside we won't be heading out until around 2-3:00pm so I'm hoping the ramp won't be too crowded. And as suggested, I am taking an experienced boater with us, I've been watching the Capt Steve videos and I got muffs so I'll run the boat at home before we go. I'll keep checking for more replies to this post (never dreamed it would get so many) and I'll post an update of how the maiden voyage goes so maybe another newbee will benefit. Thanks again for all the input, this site is awesome. Dave.

 

[75reinell]

Re: Our first boat, any advise?

The best advice I can you give you has been said already. Safety courses are a must for all boaters new and old. Never hurts to learn something you had forgotten.

Second is take your time. You may be nervous on the ramp, but rushing is what lead to problems. I have been around boats for a long time and loaded and unloaded hundreds of times. A few weeks ago after buying my first working boat, I rushed at the ramp and made a mistake. Granted it has been many years since I last loaded and unloaded. I ended up loading the boat short of the bow stop and had to drop it back in and reel it up. It was a busy day and I was trying to get in and out and rushed.

Most importanly though is enjoy and have fun. There is nothing greater to me than owning and operating your own boat.