25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

[ThrottleBack]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

Other states are doing the same. Get caught with a plug in the boat going down the road, and its instant fine! Its to prevent nuisance species from spreading via water inside a boat.

Same here. We are actually required to remove the plug once the boat is on the trailer before it moves one inch on the ramp. Not sure if it is state law but all the lakes we have been to have a massive sign that says "On Lake XXXXX it is required to:". Generally I remove the plug at the ramp but the next day when I do my post-trip checklist I put the plug back in and it stays in till that next trip up the ramp.

OP, here is a tip for the plug that serves me well that I got from my dad. We always keep the plugs on a lightweight chain that secures it to the boat, so it cannot get lost. The chain and the plug are spray painted day glow orange. On a tiller motor the chain is long enough that it hangs over the tiller arm, wrapped once. On other boats we take orange safety ribbon and tie it to the steering wheel.

Anyone who does the most absent of mental checklists will see that and check to make sure the plug is in.

 

[noclutch]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

Regarding the drain plug rule in some states, do they also say that you must run your engine dry of cooling water before leaving the ramp? Or is it assumed that the impeller and manifold heat will blenderize and sterilize the offending critters?? Seems like a half baked/partially effective law to me...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

That is a big debate. Water that is in your engine is above the temp which will kill them but hoses between the pump and the engine obviously can have them survive.

 

[ThrottleBack]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

Regarding the drain plug rule in some states, do they also say that you must run your engine dry of cooling water before leaving the ramp? Or is it assumed that the impeller and manifold heat will blenderize and sterilize the offending critters?? Seems like a half baked/partially effective law to me...

I think the idea is more about the bilge because it's probably more likely for the species to enter the boat from an anchor, fishing line, net, shoes, etc then to get sucked up in the motor and then make it'sway back out. The idea I'm guessing is that if any made it into the boat that hopefully they are now in the bilge and will wash out OR that when the water is drained the captain will see them and return them to the water.

Here the big deal seems to be Zebra Muscles. I'm not muscle expert but i would think they are most likely to stick to the hull, motor, or anchor and won't find their own way out of the boat. My V-Hull is small enough that very little water gets in at all and i would see any offenders. I check my hull and motor at the ramp, most do not.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

My V-Hull is small enough that very little water gets in at all and i would see any offenders. I check my hull and motor at the ramp, most do not.

They are not particularly easy to see in the baby stage. And I found out last year that if you do get them in the motor that they are more than happy to colonize on your thermostat

 

[ThrottleBack]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

I grew up on the Delaware Bay, I must be recalling muscles as much bigger then they are here in the lakes as I haven't seen one yet

 

[oldjeep]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

I grew up on the Delaware Bay, I must be recalling muscles as much bigger then they are here in the lakes as I haven't seen one yet

zebra mussels are very small, but it is not the ones with the shells on them that you are worried about transporting - it is their snot like baby state. You have to run your hand along the side of the boat to even find them.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

They get big but are usually around 1/2" long when they are in a lake.

 

[Edge180]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

I've simply been turned away for lowering the outdrive on the ramp and watching water trickle out; "sorry sir, you can't launch for the next 7 days." (That was a sad drive home with the kids, wife and folks all dying to get in the water!)

I'd like to add: "Trim Up Before Pulling the Boat Up the Ramp" (because I have been sporadically failing at this one in my 7-8 years of boating)

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

I've simply been turned away for lowering the outdrive on the ramp and watching water trickle out; "sorry sir, you can't launch for the next 7 days." (That was a sad drive home with the kids, wife and folks all dying to get in the water!)

When my brother got dinged for that, he had started his engine the previous day and kept the drive down to get all the water out that night. Next time, he is going to lower the drive when he gets within a 1/2 mile of the ramp to make sure more water didn't make it down there.

 

[Edge180]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

That is my routine now... in fact when I run it on the muffs at home after dewinterize, I stick the shop vac on the intake vents just to be sure.

 

[ThrottleBack]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

zebra mussels are very small, but it is not the ones with the shells on them that you are worried about transporting - it is their snot like baby state. You have to run your hand along the side of the boat to even find them.

oh wow, that explains why i'm the only moron visually checking the boat lol.

That is my routine now... in fact when I run it on the muffs at home after dewinterize, I stick the shop vac on the intake vents just to be sure.

Seems like a good idea to me, I would be pisssssed. Couldn't he simply have said he ran it on the muffs before leaving the house?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

Couldn't he simply have said he ran it on the muffs before leaving the house?

Apparently, it doesn't matter.

 

[ThrottleBack]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

Apparently, it doesn't matter.

See this right here would get me a ticket for arguing with people. I'm a guy who likes to check everything so if I have not been on in the water in a while I may be inclined to run the motor before leaving to avoid getting there and having problems. So if a DNR or anyone else starts making something of some water I'm likely to try and argue my position and get more then a little pissed before I get in the car and drive away.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

I hope this list helps at least one person...

14. Always bring more beer than you need.

I don't have an issue with that one as long as it's not for the operator.

 

[corby78]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

He didn't say he did it without "muffs." You DO use them, don't you corby??

Nope, but after I unhook everything and I'm ready, I turn it over to make sure it starts. Then I shut it off and get in line. Been doing it for years with no issues. Make sure I don't have a problem before I muck up the ramp.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

Nope, but after I unhook everything and I'm ready, I turn it over to make sure it starts. Then I shut it off and get in line. Been doing it for years with no issues. Make sure I don't have a problem before I muck up the ramp.

I know you think you aren't doing any damage but you really are. I would suggest not doing that anymore. I was at Lake Powell many years ago and I asked the marine mechanic there what he worked on the most and he said water pumps. He said some never change them and some start their boats on land before they launch.

Your choice though. Good Luck!

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

I agree with everyone that says to start the boat in the driveway before heading to the ramp. If it doesn't start in the driveway, it won't start at the ramp either. If I'm leaving early in the a.m. and don't want to wake the neighbors, I will start it in the driveway the night before.

This doesn't guarantee that the boat will start at the ramp, but it sure helps.

I can't tell you how many times I've waited at the ramp and there is someone blocking it because their boat won't start. I always ask "Did it start in the driveway?".

It is polite to not block the ramp and it is embarassing if you do.

Then again, I've always had older boats. If I had a new one, then I would probably be more inclinded to just make sure the battery is charged.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

I agree with everyone that says to start the boat in the driveway before heading to the ramp. If it doesn't start in the driveway, it won't start at the ramp either. If I'm leaving early in the a.m. and don't want to wake the neighbors, I will start it in the driveway the night before.

This doesn't guarantee that the boat will start at the ramp, but it sure helps.

I can't tell you how many times I've waited at the ramp and there is someone blocking it because their boat won't start. I always ask "Did it start in the driveway?".

It is polite to not block the ramp and it is embarassing if you do.

Then again, I've always had older boats. If I had a new one, then I would probably be more inclinded to just make sure the battery is charged.

 

[dijitz]

Re: 25 Things I've learned in my first two weeks of boating...

Awesome post.
I could add that you shouldn't forget that you have the fuel line disconnected (and exposed) while you check for spark against the block.

(I smell BBQ!)