1st boat bought today

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FloridaTom

Recruit
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
5
Hello All<br />My name is Tom and I recently retired and moved to the Pensacola Florida area. Today I bought a 2001 Proline 19' Sport my first boat. I hope I didn't screw up)<br /><br />It has a 125hp Merc and is in great condition.<br /><br />I am hoping for suggestion on what electronics to use. Right now it has a compass and a Lowrance X24, it is also has the cable and bracket for a Garmin GPS but I don't know what model. (do they all use the same cable?)<br /><br />I would like to put a Radio (VHF) any suggestions?<br /><br />Also has anyone any experience with posible coast guard courses, good or bad?<br /><br />I better keep this short for now.<br /><br />Tom
 
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18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: 1st boat bought today

Tom – welcome to the board!!! And to your new used-toy. :) <br /><br />Yup! Definitely get your stern-side into a boating safety course. The longer courses are better. Either USCG Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron offer outstanding courses for free or almost free.<br /><br />Radio: IMO, anything Icom, or next choice is Standard Horizon. About the antenna...start with the discussion here:<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=010789 <br /><br />Fishfinder: good luck. There are more opinions here than fish to catch. :)
 
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Bob La Londe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 26, 2004
Messages
196
Re: 1st boat bought today

No, not all the Garmin GPSs use the same cable. My GPSMAP 176 on my little boat has a molded 4 pin plug, and my 168 GPSMAP/Sounder on my bigger boat uses a push in screw lock plug that is much larger and has about 15 or 20 pins.<br /><br />I do like my Garmin GPS Map units, but I also like to have paper maps and charts for refference. A paper chart and a compass can get you home or atleast close if you know how to navigate.
 
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Bob La Londe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 26, 2004
Messages
196
Re: 1st boat bought today

P.S. Most of hte bracket mounted units come with a power cable and a PC interface cabel so its no big deal. Both of mine came with both cables. Its great to be able to load maps for an area I plan to visit.
 
ziggy

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: 1st boat bought today

hi Tom, <br />cool that ya got a new boat man. your in for a real good time. and from what i can tell from personal experience, a whole lot of learning. best i can tell (iboats fourm)this is a great place to be to get some education. personaly i'm am also a power squadron member. started with the basic safety classes. it should be a must for all boaters. it was very educational to me, and i've been around recreational boats since is was 0 years old. i'm now into my third class. piloting. not done with that yet but they are talking about piloting with your gps. useing charts, what it all means. i could go on. power squadron is just a bunch of people that all want to be educated and enjoy being with others that like boating and want to be educated too. it's a non profit org. but usually does cost for the materials. check for a squadron in your area, just give them a chance. bet they got good squadrons down there in fl. lots of members. lots of knowledge. think the coast gaurd aux is the same type of group, but don't know for sure, think perhaps they a little more regimented. ie on call for disaster relief. marine radio monitering. call them too. see what the difference is and see which group would best suit you. <br />don't know about the vhf. i'm reading the replys too. think perhaps i might be up for one onboard too.
 
jlinder

jlinder

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 5, 2004
Messages
1,086
Re: 1st boat bought today

Welcome to the forum, and enjoy your new boat.<br /><br />I would add to ziggystardust's post and contact the power squadron for a VSC (Vessel Safety Check). Free, optional, and it a really helpful learning experience.<br /><br />They will go over the boat checking for safety gear, operation of bilge blower, horn, etc. I found that I learned a lot from the experience, and have a safer boat in return.<br /><br />There is no legal requirement, and no penalty if you fail. But you want to fix the problem to make your experience a safe one.<br /><br />Also, take their classes. Boats are expensive enough as is, but you can save a lot if you learn how to do your own repairs.
 
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crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,581
Re: 1st boat bought today

Welcome and good luck with the new boat!!! Make sure to take note of how soon you are thinking of getting a bigger one.It is an unexplained phenomena that takes place with almost every boater.Take all the boating courses you can and make sure to invite an experienced boater to take a cruise with you.You will learn plenty from him.Charlie
 
fireman57

fireman57

Captain
Joined
Aug 24, 2004
Messages
3,811
Re: 1st boat bought today

Been around these beasts they call boats for well over 30 years. Don't know whether to be happy for you or pity you. Just kidding. Boats are addictive and I hope you enjoy yours. But don't forget that boats are best enjoyed when they are shared.
 
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FloridaTom

Recruit
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
5
Re: 1st boat bought today

Thanks for all the good information. I had them keep the boat to do what they called yearly maintenance. I will bringing it home today. <br /><br />I am pretty sure the cable for the GPS had more then 4 pins but will check it out today.<br /><br />I picked up some flyers on boating courses and plan on checking out the military bases to see what they offer. My wife and I are both retired Air Force (enlisted) so like to use the bases when ever possible.<br /><br />Another question: How much do running the electronic drain the batteries? (Boat has two batteries). Seems like if I run Fish finder, VHF radio, GPS and maybe a FM radio that is could be a big drain?
 
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NYMINUTE

Captain
Joined
Oct 6, 2003
Messages
3,298
Re: 1st boat bought today

Good luck, welcome aboard. This is the best site for info. Sometimes too much info, but it is all good knowledge. ;)
 
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springhead

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 17, 2004
Messages
184
Re: 1st boat bought today

welcome and good luck with your new boat tom,very nice boat,proline makes a sturdy boat, u will have to take courses and learn how to take waves and wakes, go easy at first and have fun
 
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18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: 1st boat bought today

Tom – that boat is designed specifically for use in the San Francisco Bay. You’re welcome to leave it parked in my driveway. :D <br />(Yeah it will work in salt water.)<br /><br />Looked at the pix. First thing I noticed was the I-beam trailer. Many people that launch/retrieve from salt water prefer the I-beam over the square tubular frames because it allows them to wash off all surfaces of the trailer. Can’t wash inside a tube.
 
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brother chris

Commander
Joined
Jul 28, 2002
Messages
2,063
Re: 1st boat bought today

Nice boat Tom. <br />Good on ya.<br />Now....how soon is it going to be before you end up in the "Stupid Human Tricks Whilst Boating" section. <br />Just kidding.<br />But don't forget the drain plug. Put a note on the dash, or something on your key chain to remind you.<br />I hate to hear that the boat has 2-5feet of water in it while you are parking the trailer.<br />Happy boating.<br />Brother Chris...
 
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