1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

[Glowplug007]

Ok couple things here, first off its AWESOME BEING A BOAT OWNER! hahahahahahaha
Me and wife went out to the middle of lake , shut off the motor and drifted while we ate lunchriceless! I kept thinking the whole time "if we rented this boat for a day, I would dread pulling back into the marina". But as an owner, I can do this every weekend weather permitting!

Anyway, here is an issue im having. Im 6'2" and when im just relaxing in the driver seat the frame of the windshield is right in my line of sight. I have to either crouch down or sit straight up to get around it. My solution is to sit on the throw life cushion thingy but I was wondering if this is a common problem. When crouched and looking through the windshield I just felt that my view was very restricted and when navigating through buoys it doesnt seem feasible. Do folks actually look through the windshield a lot or do most of you look over it?

Next item: As im new to boating Im trying to get a feel for setting the trim, which I know is complicated by a lot of factors, so im going to tell you what I felt, and maybe you can point me down the right path to fine tune it. I can definitely feel when the boat gets up on plane. I have found that when going slow and to get up on plane I keep the trim all the way down (bad?). Once im on plane and cruising at 3000 rpm at 24mph, if I just trim up a lil bit my speed goes up 3 or 4 mph and my rpm's scoot up a couple 100, all this without adjusting the accelerator. My question is: with the rpm's going up (along with the bow just a bit) is it more efficient and fuel conserving to do this? If the rpms are higher then the motor is using more fuel? Or is it just using the same amount of fuel more efficiently to maintain a given speed?

Next: my wife has already invited some friends on the boat in 2 weeks. There will be a total of six of us. Boat is only rated at 983lbs. I know its going to be an odd question to ask all of the people, 3 of which are women, but I plan on asking how much each person weighs. Once I add all that up, then add in fuel and gear I know im going to be at max weight and perhaps a bit over. I dont think I will be over by more then much and im already planing on telling everyone to bring ONLY what they cant live without for 4 hours, and im planning on only running half a tank of fuel. However my question is how negotiable is the "max weight" rating from the coast guard? We all know that most on and off ramps on highways usually have a posted speed limit 10mph under what anyone could safely go so is there any play in this number? If I go over it a bit am I seriously risking sinking? If thats the case then screw it cause im not trying to flood my boat and pay off something sitting at the bottom of a lake. How do you guys handle this problem? Suggestions?

Last question, how important if the fuel additive the dealer sold me and told me to add to every fill up? Is it the same theory or is the ethanol in the gas really meesing up my mercruiser engine more then the motor in my toyota? Thanks for all your help!!!

Boat is a 2010 bayliner 175, and loving it so you can take your bayliner bashing and shove it where the sun dont shine!

 

[jopes]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

go ahead, ask all the women thier weight, Bet you will be swimming back that day.

as for weight, you can tell about how much they weight. if they look like 125 then they are 150, if they look 150 then figure 175. That way your not asking and your on the safe side.

As for the window, mine is just about in my way as well. I had planned on putting in captain chairs to remedy this problem, but for now I will have to try your cushion trick and see how it helps me.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

Do folks actually look through the windshield a lot or do most of you look over it?

Most folks, including myself, look over it?no big deal.

Next item: As im new to boating Im trying to get a feel for setting the trim, which I know is complicated by a lot of factors, so im going to tell you what I felt, and maybe you can point me down the right path to fine tune it. I can definitely feel when the boat gets up on plane. I have found that when going slow and to get up on plane I keep the trim all the way down (bad?). Once im on plane and cruising at 3000 rpm at 24mph, if I just trim up a lil bit my speed goes up 3 or 4 mph and my rpm's scoot up a couple 100, all this without adjusting the accelerator. My question is: with the rpm's going up (along with the bow just a bit) is it more efficient and fuel conserving to do this? If the rpms are higher then the motor is using more fuel? Or is it just using the same amount of fuel more efficiently to maintain a given speed?

Trim the nose down while getting on a plane and then trim the nose up until you have equal steering wheel pressure from left and right. In other words, if you can let go of the steering wheel and the boat tracks relatively straight without any steering wheel effort, you?re trimmed up.

Next: my wife has already invited some friends on the boat in 2 weeks. There will be a total of six of us. Boat is only rated at 983lbs. I know its going to be an odd question to ask all of the people, 3 of which are women, but I plan on asking how much each person weighs. Once I add all that up, then add in fuel and gear I know im going to be at max weight and perhaps a bit over. I dont think I will be over by more then much and im already planing on telling everyone to bring ONLY what they cant live without for 4 hours, and im planning on only running half a tank of fuel. However my question is how negotiable is the "max weight" rating from the coast guard? We all know that most on and off ramps on highways usually have a posted speed limit 10mph under what anyone could safely go so is there any play in this number? If I go over it a bit am I seriously risking sinking? If thats the case then screw it cause im not trying to flood my boat and pay off something sitting at the bottom of a lake. How do you guys handle this problem? Suggestions?

Dude?you?re on your own on this one. However if you plan on being a little heavy, I?d go out ONLY if the water is calm. BE SURE to have adequate life jackets for everyone on board. This is a must do!! If a cop pulls you over, don?t offer him anymore information than what he?s asking?.this is where lots of people dig their own holes when dealing with the cops. Just show them you have all the required safety equipment and be compliant and they should leave you alone. Just don?t exceed the ?Max persons? stated on the placard.

Last question, how important if the fuel additive the dealer sold me and told me to add to every fill up? Is it the same theory or is the ethanol in the gas really meesing up my mercruiser engine more then the motor in my toyota? Thanks for all your help!!!

Man?you don?t need to add that stuff at every fill up. What does the owners manual state? If it says add it?then do so. If not, then the dealer is just trying to score more sales from ya. Follow your owners manual and you?ll be fine.

Boat is a 2010 bayliner 175, and loving it so you can take your bayliner bashing and shove it where the sun don?t shine!

That?s fine bro?I know you?re proud of your new ride so I?ll cut ya some slack for now.

 

[Glowplug007]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

Also it kind of bumps and grinds when I put it in gear, is that normal?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

Also it kind of bumps and grinds when I put it in gear, is that normal?

If it's an outboard, you are shifting too slow. shift firmly into gear; never ease it in, A common mistake of newbies. Can't speak to OB's.

Since you are inexperienced, don't risk overloading your boat.
Look at the plate--how many people is it rated for? that is your best number, better than toting up all the weight in the boat and on the thighs. safer, too.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

X 2 what Home Cookin said. Firmer shifts newbee!!

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

For your last question - yes it's normal. Proper way to do it is to swiftly, smoothly go from neutral to forward, or neutral to reverse. Don't slam it, but don't baby it. If you baby it and ease it into gear, it' will make a racket. Just shift into gear like you mean it.

As for the windshield, you get used to it. I find I drive sitting upright at the edge of my seat, and can just look over the windshield. The boat cushion works too.

As for the weight bit - you can ask, but you're responsible for the carnage that ensues! The capacity plate should list max number of persons along with weight. IF you get caught, you will be subject to a fine. How much you are willing to chance on that "if" is up to you.

Have fun with the new ride, no one cares what the name is on the side.

 

[mommicked]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

On the shifting,try to snap it quickly in/out of gear not slowly or it grinds the gears.be carefull to only shift/dont move it so much as to apply throttle.gradually give it throttle until your ready to get it up to get on plane.all boats are different at this and w practice youll learn the best way to throttle up on plane.the gears on a rental boat are probably abused already and make more noise even when shifted correctly.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

windshields on boats almost always don't match the driver, or if they do, it doesn't match the other driver in the family. Mine is good but I need to buy a pad for my wife to stand on; the bar over the top is right at her line of sight. One good reason to test drive a boat. And with center consoles you want to check them for two positions, sitting and standing.
I often look over the top of most of my boats except when it's cold. On one, I have a good set-up and good view, but the windshiled is tinted so I ahve to look over the top at night--when it's usually cold, sometimes near freezing. I sometimes wear clear safety glasses at night so I can see over the windshield more comfortably.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

I have captain seats in my boat so the front of the seat will fold up like a bench and that sets me higher than the windshield. I hate sitting low, I like to see right over the bow. You have back to back seats. What I used to do is get a throwable and put it on the seat, I would kneel on it with my right knee to prop myself up.

I trim all the way down to get going and then trim up about 1/4 once I'm getting on plane. You have to get a feel for it and learn your boat then its second nature. Keep it all the way down in deep water when you are trolling around off plane.

Dont overload your boat the coast guard recs are in there for a reason and that is saftety.

I dont treat every fill up by any means. If the boat is going to sit for a month or so then you may want treatment for peace of mind. The best treatment is to burn most of your gas on each outing, so your thoughts about a half tank to start with are pretty good.

 

[ChesBayBoatMan]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

I'll give my two cents on the overloading... First of all I agree with everything everyone else has said. Check the max number of people and don't go over that number... Now I will say this. Carry the number of people you are comfortable with on your boat! Remember that every person or thing you put on your boat is one more thing obstructing your view, and can become a distraction when you need to be focused on operating your vessel. As the captain you are responsible for the safety of your guests and have a responsibility to other boaters around you to maintain a safe vessel and therefore, YOU, with the help of the max capacity, are the only person who can determine how many people you want on your boat at a time. Just because the plaque says you can carry 6, 8, 10 people does not mean you want to carry or feel safe with that many. I for example have a 35' boat and could carry safely 15 - 17 folks. My personal limit for comfort and safety is 10 and I don't do that on a regular basis! You can always make another trip with other people... if you get the boat back to the slip.
Enjoy your boat!

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

I bet you'll find the boat way too crowded with 6 on board, all day, unless two are small kids. My 25 footer is perfect for 6, OK for 8, and crowded with 10.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

You should be fine with 6 as long as they are all average size or so. 6 could get a little crowded on that boat though I will say as well. Depends on your exact plans for the day.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

If you have pedestal seats, you could get a shorter post so you sit below the windshield. Being a new boat you probably aren't looking to modify anything I'm sure.

My 16 footer is rated for 7 people. I'd never actually bring that many people, since the boat really only has room for 2-3 if you are fishing. 4-5 tops for cruising.

If you still want everyone to attend you could rotate some folks out, and let them hang out at a beach for a while and have a picnic.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

I would think if the capacity plate says six persons or 9xx pounds you would be fine as far as coast guard goes. I would doubt if they carry a scale and would expect to weigh everyone aboard. That said use good judgement as they would IF you have six people but 4 are on the very large side you may be pressing the issue. But if the boat is rated for 6 and you have 6 ave. people you will be fine. Make sure there are PFD's for all passengers and you have all other required safety equipment. Do keep in mind your boat WILL handle differently with an additional 600+ pounds aboard. So dont make sudden sharp turns at wide open speeds, dont load the boat onto the trailer when fully loaded etc. Use common sense as YOU are responsibile for all on board. I always start out with the trim all the way down, once on plane bump it up small bits at a time you will feel when you have gone too far. I always sit on the backrest of the seat just seems like I have a better view.

 

[smclear]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

In my opinion, the capacity plates always overstate the max number of people for a comfortable trip. You may be able to fit "x" amount of people in your boat and be legal doing so, but you'll most likely be so crowded that you won't enjoy it. If that happens, your guests will not be comfortable. If that happens, they'll develop negative attitudes toward boating. No one wants that. I would suggest getting a little more experience with the boat before you start inviting the neighborhood out. You're ahead of the game if the wife enjoyed it enough to ask others to join in.

 

[sasto]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

6 onboard your 17footer?. Nah!. 4? Perfect! Make it a two day invitation and split it up. Just getting started in boating? The less onboard your boat, captain, the less distractions you have.

Have Fun!

 

[spdracr39]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

Sounds like everyone agrees. Thats unusual but it is a sign

 

[infideltarget]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

Ummm...

If these are your passengers, I would stop at four, and forget what the data plate says. :facepalm: No, wait...I would stop at 2. Forget that. I would not allow 'em on my boat at all!

 

[JimS123]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

In days of old, windshields performed the task of a windshield. Today, ergonomics have gone out the window. Also, the curved glass IMHO provides poor visibility. Too much distortion! They are now designed to look nice from afar, and that's all.

Now, I hate to say always or never, because there are a few boats that have glass that are acceptable to me. Darn few!

I'm 6' and my eyes line up with the middle of the glass. I sat in the boat before I bought it to make sure it fit me. That's one of the reasons I haven't traded the old girl in yet.