Absolute beginner

[Terry C]

OK, first post.<br />I just bought my first boat, a 1989 Renken 1600 Classic with an 88hp Evinrude O/B..(I am fairly sure that is what it is anyway) never even had a rowing boat before this.. nothing strange about that except that I am sixty Eight, and have not a clue as to where to start getting into this new hobby. I have been looking for owners handbooks for the boat and the engine, and have emailed a couple of places, but so fat the replies total zero.. (1) can anyone point me to a good supplier of such documents please? and (2) I am open to ANY advice you wish to pass on to help me get going without making a total pratt of myself (and my poor longsuffering wife)the first time I hit the ramp.<br />I have already downloaded the "beginners advice" from the top of this thread (thanks Nos4R2) but that is the limit of my knowlege of boating at this time.. Thanks all. Terry.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Absolute beginner

Just keep reading the forums here and you'll learn a lot real quick.<br /><br />Try posting in the outboard forum for info on your motor. In the mean time, someone will come along that knows a little more about your boat.<br /><br />Welcome and good luck!

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Absolute beginner

Wow....where to start? In my mind, there's no substitute for personal experience. <br /><br />1. A boaters safety class would be ideal, not sure how or where to find one where you live however. Maybe someone else here knows more about that than I do. Maybe call some local marinas/boat dealers and see if they know of something like that in you area. <br /><br />2. Do you have any friends, relatives, or acquaintances who own a trailer boat of any type? If yes, I would use that person as your primary resource. Contact those people and go spend at least one full day on the water with them on their own equipment. Watch them and help them with loading/unloading the boat, approaching docks, stopping, turning, getting the motor started, laws & courtesy, navigation, review their safety equipment, etc. Ask questions and chat every step of the way. Then see if maybe that experienced person would be willing to come with you and spend some time on your boat (especially for the maiden voyage) to help show you how everyting works and runs. I don't want to be pessimistic here, but two inexpereinced people trying to go at it alone on a 17 year old boat that you don't know how to work sounds like a potential disaster. I would strongly urge you to find one person to take with you on your first day who has some boating experience.<br /><br />This site is wonderful, and research and reading is important. However trying to go from zero to experienced boater via the internet and reading books will not work in my opinion...there's a "feel" to operating a boat, and personal trial/error is the only way to figure out that feel. The "error" portion is the hairy part...you need to hope your errors are minor, because the wrong error can be very expensive and dangerous. You need to figure it out in person somehow, with help, and with your own boat. Maybe someone on this site who lives near you will volunteer to mentor you...I'd love to but I live too far.<br /><br />However it works, I'm sure this will be a fun learning experience for you, and welcome to the site!

 

[JB]

Re: Absolute beginner

Ahoy, Terry.<br /><br />Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />You can get Owner's Manual and Service Manual from kencook.com.<br /><br />Look for a copy of Chapman's Guide (the waterman's bible) and see if you can get into a USCG or Power Squadron beginning Boater's course.<br /><br />Keep reading, and keep posting your questions.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Absolute beginner

Evinrude OEM engine owners manual & service manual are available at kencook.com - but the boat owners manual, well, you're reading it now. <br /><br />Some boat ramp protocol - <br />Don't block the ramp while preparing to launch - transfering gear & people from the truck to the boat, putting in the plug, removing stern tie-downs, etc. - do it in the parking lot, or some ramps have a make-ready area for that purpose. After loading, pull clear of the ramp to prepare for the drive home. <br /><br />If anybody gets impatient with ya, don't let 'em rush you - just take the time you need to do it right because forgetting something could have serious consequences.<br /><br />Main thing to remember - when you eventually get around to launching without a drain plug, we want to read about it in Stupid Human Tricks.

 

[beezee28]

Re: Absolute beginner

Terry C. Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />Main important thing is SAFETY. Call your local boat dealership to find out who give boating safety classes in your area. Usually the Aux coast guard give the class with minimum charge. They would also familiarise you with the basic safety requirements on the boat and safety on the water.<br /><br />Be patient and take your time. Don't rush. Post your question in iboats forum and someone will answer them. Enjoy your new found hobby.

 

[Terry C]

Re: Absolute beginner

Wow.. Thanks fellas.. for the quick replies and for the solid advice.. I am going to find a Marina or a good boatyard and go talk to them.. I doubt the hull will taste water for a few days yet.. speaking of which, I remember reading somewhere that O/B's need to be run in water at least once a month,even if only in a 44 gal drum, is this correct?. Terry.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Absolute beginner

United States Power Squadron <br /><br />Check these people out, there will be a local chapter in your area. They are all about teaching people boating safety. They will even inspect your new craft to make sure you have all of the necessary safety equipment, and your rig is seaworthy.<br /><br />Welcome to iboats!!! Have much fun in the water!

 

[Terry C]

Re: Absolute beginner

Thanks Studley..I have located the Squadron here, and will contact them.. Are you sure they talk to old guys with 16ft boats?.. looks a bit classy to me.. not all large yatch's and power boats are they? LOL.. JB.. is that a Jack Pike in your avatar?.. Terry.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Absolute beginner

I remember reading somewhere that O/B's need to be run in water at least once a month,even if only in a 44 gal drum, is this correct?.

Not true. But, if you plan on leaving it sit for a while(Few Months), it would be a good idea to add some fuel stabilizer on the last trip out to keep the fuel fresh during the lay-up. Much longer than that and you will want to fog the motor, too.

 

[Terry C]

Re: Absolute beginner

Thanks Rick.. that is one of my problems solved.. Terry.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Absolute beginner

Terry - On running your outboard once a month - - To me starting up every month or so is a good idea when you are not using it. The purpose of this is to get some fuel through the carburetor which will help prevent the formation of gum that can clog the little passages in the carb. Gas will deteriorate over time and stabilizer will help as Rick points out. You don't have to use a drum. Get what is called "muffs" that attach to the end of your garden hose. They look like ear muffs and fit over the water pick-up on the lower unit. Don't run the engine our of the water dry. You will kill the water pump.

 

[Terry C]

Re: Absolute beginner

Thanks admiral.. There are muffs on the boat, I just did not know what they were.. so much easier that a drum of water.. that's a relief. Terry.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Absolute beginner

Are you sure they talk to old guys with 16ft boats?..

They'll talk to a 12 year old with a 12' jonboat. One of the local chapters is sponsoring a cardboard boat race in a couple of months!!! They teach safety classes on a regular basis. I'm sure there are several going on in the near future with boating season just getting underway in most of the country. (It's nearly always boating season here).<br /><br />You will also find a lot of like-minded people, from 10yr olds to 90yr olds, who like to get together and go boating.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Absolute beginner

Welcome to iboats and the world of boating.<br /><br />When you are ready to launch, get yourself a mentor/tutor.<br />Maybe someone from the power squadron, of a fellow you meet at the boat ramp.<br />Arrange to have him show you the ropes a few times. Buy him dinner and pad his ego by praising his beautiful boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Absolute beginner

that the wife along to the safety course. it's always good to have another person trained. it case of an emergency. also remember to keep the bow line when launching. my other half is of no use when it comes to launching. i have to launch the boat, get out tie it to the dock and then move the trailer from the ramp. it's agravating to other boaters. same thing when loading just in reverse. i use a ramp that is wide enough for 2 boats, and try to keep the other side open for the others.

 

[jch7450]

Re: Absolute beginner

Heres a good site.<br /> http://www.boatsafe.com

 

[jtexas]

Re: Absolute beginner

The first paragraph in the Seloc manual says outboards need to be run every few weeks - showed it to my wife - "Sorry Honey, I have to either go fishing or face a big repair bill" - it worked! Fishing trip twice a month year-round no questions asked. She doesn't know about stabilizer.<br /><br />You don't say whether you've done much trailering - but just in case:<br />Don't underestimate the effect the boat will have on your stopping distance.<br />Don't underestimate the importance of safety chains - crossed under the coupler.<br />Don't be tempted to drive with non-functioning trailer lights - they're easy enough to fix - carry some extra wire, electrical tape, cutter/stripper, and a 12v tester in your tow vehicle for emergency repair.<br /><br />Practice backing the trailer - do a few launches mid-day mid-week when you can have the ramp to yourself.

 

[shmalik]

Re: Absolute beginner

Don't forget about the required safety equipment for your boat. I think it depends on where you are going to boat, some state and/or federal laws may apply. Most likely you are going to need personal flotation devices (PFD) - one or every person on board, a throwable flotation device, fire extinguisher(s), sound producing device. You might be required to have a first aid kit and visual distress equipment.<br /><br />These links might be useful:<br /> http://www.blacklakeny.com/article.asp?id=78 <br /> http://www.boatus.com/howto/howto_tech.htm

 

[Terry C]

Re: Absolute beginner

Fellas I am overawed at the helpfulness(?sp) of everyone here.. I have been involved in many forums for many years, but you guys take the cake for making a person feel "at home". I have not answered each and every post, but here is a collective and heartfelt "Thank you" to you all. I am going through the links and searching for the books you have recommended.. (found some at Amazon for half price) and look forward to some solid reading.. Terry.