Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

[vtcc97]

Hello all,
I'm a newbie to the forum and a first-time boat owner. Just bought a 1999 Javelin Fish & Ski with an Evinrude Ficht 115 two-stroke (yeah, I've read about the Fichts). Let me be clear - I know NOTHING about boats.
Seems like everything works and I asked all the questions that my pre-purchase research told me to ask during the negotiation process, but I have yet to take it out on the water. I've never owned a boat and would love to pay someone to join me on my inaugural launch and teach me what everything is/does. Is this a service that is common enough for me to find? I am in Huntsville, AL.
I have considered taking it into a shop to get checked out, but I'd almost rather have someone knowledgeable try it out with me first, so I don't get gouged at a service center.
Any/all thoughts are welcome. Thanks in advance.
-Phil

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

Maybe you can hire someone at your shop to go with you on a test run, with an agreement that you'll take it to him for work if it checks out

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

Congratulations on the "new" boat. The first thing you need to know is the boat is actually a big hole in the water that you throw money into.

Having fun but not really kidding. Ask around here at iboats to see if anyone lives near you and would like to go out. Or, take your boat down to the ramp and hang out and ask someone for guidance and help getting it launched and retrieved (slow day of course).

 

[DYLBOSS]

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

Congrats and welcome to iboats! I'm pretty much a newbie too, but the first thing I did was take a safe boaters class online and took the exam (my state requires it). Best thing I could have done. Had a couple close calls last summer and remembering my training saved me, along with the good Lord . This forum is also amazing. Tons of information at your finger tips.

 

[pinellas50]

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

For my maiden voyage I put in at a quiet lake. I didn't want to be fumbling around at the bigger ramps getting everyone made at me.

I took my dad out with me. Left the wife and kids on the dock.

I am well versed with auto mechanics but never messed with boats in any capacity. I never owned a boat prior to buying my current Starcraft. But I did months of reading here to get an idea of what should and shouldn't be happening. Once on the lake I ensured that the motor was flowing water through it like it should so I ventured out away from the dock and ran it for a bit while watching and listening to everything. My dad was there for the same purpose and to help man the paddle in a worst case scenario.

I agree with the boating courses.

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

As mentioned above you should take a safe boating course. Check out http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/public_ed.htm for info on that. Personally I prefer the live class since you get to discuss the topics with your instructors and fellow students. You also can meet other new boaters which can turn into long lasting friendships...which is what happened to us.

I also like the idea of having an experienced boater take you out the first time to show you how to operate your boat. Great idea... however please do both, take the course and go out with someone experienced your first time.

Good luck to you and congratulations!

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

Congrats on the Boat Purchase. I have owned my Boat for a total of 7 days now. I'm no stranger to boats as my dad has owned one for years.

Check out this Bass Pro Launch Section.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...d=10001&langId=-1&mode=article&objectID=30043

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

Cool link AZ.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

Just as important as taking an experienced boater with you, is leaving the family at home for the maiden voyage!

 

[nswtex]

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

Don't add fuel without adding OIL

Ugh, don't ask

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

Welcome to iboats.
Do some good reading up on the forum here and ask as many questions as you need to. If I was down at our Gadsden Alabama facility I would try to join you for a trip.
Must be someone out here that can help out ???
Enjoy your boat.

 

[vtcc97]

Re: Just Bought First Boat...Now What???

Thanks for all the great advice. With the turn in warm weather, I may actualluy get it out this weekend and see if there's anything wrong with it that didn't check out during the purchase.
Best,
Phil