Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

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18rabbit

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Nov 14, 2003
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3,202
Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

Ditto the idea of the boater safety course (a.k.a. basic boating course). Launching your boat and retrieving it is just the beginning. If you are boating in any body of water where there are other boats, you will want to know the rules. Just like driving, but different. Some boats have right away in certain situations but not others, stuff like that.
 
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spratt

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

I will definitely check on the safety course today. Also, here is the info on my location, in case others are or have been to the ramps I plan on using:<br /><br />Port Orchard, Washington, and other ramps are: Manchester, Wa., Gig Harbor, WA., and perhaps some of the local lakes. But I enjoy salt water fish so much more than fresh...my taste buds love fresh Salmon, Rock Cod, True Cod, Flounder, and the list continues:)<br /><br />The boat is a 1969 15' LeeCraft Runabout, pretty light (at least my little S10 truck thinks so), and the trailer is bunks (at least I don't see any rollers!)...the previous owner put some PVC pipes at the rear of the boat as risers to make loading the boat easier.<br /><br />Thank you all for your excellent advice.
 
jtexas

jtexas

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

Go slow, check & double check everthing.<br /><br />As long as the plug is in & the tie-downs are off, and the parking brake is set & the S-10 is chocked, and you've practiced backing the trailer, and you remember to bring the boat keys, and you've practiced the cold engine starting procedure at home (on the muffs of course), you really can't go wrong.<br /><br />Wouldn't hurt to invite somebody who's done it before, though.<br /><br />Just have fun!!<br /><br />Did I say go slow & check and double check everthing?<br /><br />and put the plug in and remove the transom saver?
 
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islandboat

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

Go over everything at home first. If you have write a check list. I've been launching boats for 30 years and every once in a while some one tries to help. That can get the most routine produres overlooked. Do everything in order, the same way each time if possible. <br />Very important; get your dock lines cut and spliced the correct length before you arrive at the launch. I have 2 dock lines, depending on where I go and if I launch solo or 1 helper. Solo; a little longer than normal so it will reach the drivers door of the truck. Back down slowly, very slowly, and let the boat float with out the boat trying to pull you out of the truck. Timing is important. Put it in park, set the brake as you exit and walk back to the peir. lay the rope over 2 pilings; one at the bow and one at the stern. Make sure the dock line is connected to the bow and stern. This will keep the boat from drifting sidways in the middle of the ramp and scraping down the side of another boat at the pier across from you while you park your vehicle. Start to finish, I launch my 25 footer solo in about 3 minutes.
 
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waterone1@aol.com

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

A-lot of great advice here, now I would like to add my two cents worth. If you know any experienced boaters.....please take one with you. You will be very distracted as you think about 100 new things at once and having someone experienced can be a big help, or even a life saver. If you cannot find an experienced boater, at least have someone meet you at the ramp and stay there to keep an eye on you and watch for your return, Lakes and rivers can be very deserted this time of year especialy durring the week. Make sure you have proper safety equipment onboard ( fire extiquisher, life vests, anchor, etc.) Not trying to worry you to death, but please be careful......welcome to the wonderful world of boating.
 
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umblecumbuz

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

That last point from Waterone1 is a must ... whenever going solo, tell someone where you're heading and when you expect to be back. Some rely on mobiles (cellphones your side of the pond I think), but they can die. <br /><br />We lose several experienced solo fishermen from our island every year. Experience is sometimes a killer, because you can so easily become slap-happy.<br /><br />Belt and braces ... always.
 
Dunaruna

Dunaruna

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

Originally posted by mattttt25:<br /> you'll get long, detailed descriptions from everyone. here's a simple explanation. watch some people do it, don't be afraid to even ask someone for some help.<br />
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Yep.<br />Take your time and have fun. Thats what its all about.<br /><br />Even if you stuff up (we all have), laugh it off, don't get angry.<br /><br />Aldo
 
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spratt

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

This has all been great advice!!! I actually successfully launched the boat and took it for a run Thursday. Everything went fantastic. I learned a couple things about the boat, so I will be doing some motor work over the winter...my son went along just to help launch...the little 15' boat floated almost right off teh trailer and he towed the boat over to the dock and tied it off while I parked the truck / trailer. Thanks to everyone, I disconnected the lights, removed the tie-downs, installed teh plug, and backed in. Once in the water, we released the bow and it just slid right out off the trailer so he could tie it off.<br /><br />I had pre-started the boat at home to verify that, then it fired on first key bump in the water, reverse neutral and drive all worked great. Once while at WOT, it slipped out of gear (or so it seemed) then when we put the motor in idle it slipped back in and didn't do it again. For safety sake we headed to dock, but while out the speedo showed 20 mph...that sound accurate to you guys for a 1966 40hp Evinrude? Also just before I went out I drained and refilled teh lower end, the drained oil was creamy and I am assuming water mixed, revealing a seal problem. That will be the first item I tackle on the boat. I know I shouldn't but I did take the boat out anyway with new oil in the foot, as I had to know if there was any other problems to be found, and there were none.<br /><br />Trailering was a snap, it went right back on, it is very light and I just pulled it on, snapped the bow hook adn cranked it up adn towed it out, tied it down, raised the motor, and went home.
 
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umblecumbuz

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

Wow!<br /><br />You never forget your first time, do you?
 
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spratt

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

Originally posted by stillfishing:<br /> Wow!<br /><br />You never forget your first time, do you?
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Nope...why I remember my first~...well, that can save:)<br /><br />It was exhilirating to say the least. Knowing that I was driving my own boat and the motor ran like a sewing machine...so smooth, started on the first key bump, planed real nice, and as mentioned the gear slip was the only fluke...I checked the manual when I got home, and it said that if the prop had hit things before that the rubber bushing behind the prop could actually be slipping on the sahft...so---I will be rebuilding the lower unit anyway, and that will show me all teh things I really need to do. The prop IS banged up some, so a new one may be in order...it isn't really bad, but I don't know how bad BAD is to be honest...
 
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spratt

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

Originally posted by stillfishing:<br /> Wow!<br /><br />You never forget your first time, do you?
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Nope...why I remember my first~...well, that can save:)<br /><br />It was exhilirating to say the least. Knowing that I was driving my own boat and the motor ran like a sewing machine...so smooth, started on the first key bump, planed real nice, and as mentioned the gear slip was the only fluke...I checked the manual when I got home, and it said that if the prop had hit things before that the rubber bushing behind the prop could actually be slipping on the sahft...so---I will be rebuilding the lower unit anyway, and that will show me all teh things I really need to do. The prop IS banged up some, so a new one may be in order...it isn't really bad, but I don't know how bad BAD is to be honest...
 
roscoe

roscoe

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

3 things.<br /><br />1- those old speedometers can be really bad. You were likely going faster, you can check your speed with a simple handheld gps unit.<br /><br />2- raise your motor before pulling the trailer out of the water, as some of those ramps can do terrible things to your motor.<br /><br />3- All the seals on the lower unit may not need to be replaced. It could just be the washer/seals on ther fill and vent screws. They shoould be replaced with new, everytime you change the lube. If replacing them fixes it, great. If not, then you will need to do all the seals.<br /><br />Congrats on your successful maiden voyage.
 
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spratt

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Re: Question from a TRUE newbie, so don't laugh!!!

Originally posted by roscoe:<br /> 3 things.<br /><br />1- those old speedometers can be really bad. You were likely going faster, you can check your speed with a simple handheld gps unit.<br /><br />2- raise your motor before pulling the trailer out of the water, as some of those ramps can do terrible things to your motor.<br /><br />3- All the seals on the lower unit may not need to be replaced. It could just be the washer/seals on ther fill and vent screws. They shoould be replaced with new, everytime you change the lube. If replacing them fixes it, great. If not, then you will need to do all the seals.<br /><br />Congrats on your successful maiden voyage.
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Well, I was guilty on the motor point :rolleyes: <br /><br />I do have a new Magellan Explorist 100 GPS, but I never thought of taking it along to ccheck sped!! Thanks for that reminder!!!<br /><br />One of the screws WAS missing the seal, so it could be the culprit!! However, the guy I bought it from did mention that he thought the seal behind the prop needed to be replaced...I am searching for the best price online now to get a seal kit and water pump overhaul kit...1966 40 hp Evinrude...
 
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