Re: Did I destroy my brand new boat?!?
I was a newbie last year. In short order I forgot to put in the drain plug (thankfully the boat was still on the trailer so whipped it back up the ramp quicksticks), then I drove all the way to a lake (40 mile round trip) only to remember as we drew in to the ramp area, I'd left the life jackets in the garage! The last error, was driving to my nearest lake (16 miles round trip) and thankfully realizing whilst at the gas station gassing up the boat that the boat ignition key was still back at the house. I put it all down to senior moments!!
I now have a checklist that I go through to ensure that garage kept items are loaded into the boat before leaving. I double check I have the boat key. I have gotten into the habit of always disconnecting the battery and bringing it into the garage (to avoid battery theft). I keep the drain plug with the wrench for tightening up the battery nuts together in the 2nd, but empty battery box on board.
I am told practice makes perfect and it will get better. LOL