dumb newbie questions

[gearhead]

The only dumb questions are the ones you don't ask, right? so here goes: Do I need to purchase bumpers or are they typially at the dock near a ramp? When buying rope to tie up a boat what type and lenght should I get? Is an anchor needed? I have read all the legal stuff at the DNR website, but these type of questions still linger.

 

[suzukidave]

Re: dumb newbie questions

yes you need at least two fenders. <br /><br />Buy 2 10' nylon mooring lines. Get the premade goldbraid versions which have loops at one end.<br /><br />Yes you need an anchor plus 150' of line. If you have a small boat you can maybe get away with 100' but that's good for only about 25' of water.<br /><br />Take the Coast Guard requirements seriously. Drowning is bad.

 

[crab bait]

Re: dumb newbie questions

i agree with suzuki, but i like a little longer mooring line .. you never no where the cleats are on the dock .. tides an such .. i'd go with 15 to 20 footers

 

[Ross J]

Re: dumb newbie questions

Welcome aboard Gearhead. This is a great board, everyone here is prepared to listen a while when somebody either needs some assistance or wants to share their thoughts with us. I love it.<br /><br />Take the CG course, you can't beat it!<br />When you buy the dock ropes get somebody to whip the ends (or melt them).<br /><br />What size boat have you got? Your stats don't say much!<br />Ross

 

[marty_scher]

Re: dumb newbie questions

Some of the nicer docks may have a tack-on bumper that may run the entire length of the dock. These foolers will still scratch your boat finish if even slightly windy out.<br /><br />I picked up a pair of fenders along with 5' of anchor chain today.<br /><br />One other tip. Get your boat REGISTERED and be sure to carry even the temporary registration on board. I forgot mine (in the old days you only needed numbers on the side of the boat) and although I did not get a ticket, I did have to attend an 20 minute on-the-spot boat saftey lecture. <br /><br />Have fun.

 

[gearhead]

Re: dumb newbie questions

I bought '79 Mark Twain 160T from a friend. Very well taken care of. All of the interior and controls are original and near flawless. I registed the boat the day I brought it home, don't need any legal problems. I just want to make sure that whatever I do, I do it safely. I plan to take care of this boat the way it's original owner did.

 

[crab bait]

Re: dumb newbie questions

you'd want to practice backin'up the trailer .. look here on this page in red letters " search forums " click it an type in boat ramps or trailer backing ,ect.. there's a lot of " homework " to read.. also everthing you do,, do it rite as best you can,, an the same way in the same order always.. cause you establish habits QUICK even bad ones at that.. GOOD LUCK

 

[blifsey]

Re: dumb newbie questions

I see you read the DNR site for your state but I don't know if you saw fire ext. and paddles on their site. Also, a "horn" of some type and a light source such as flares or signal light for emergency usage. Plus when I started boating I knew about PFDs but didn't know I also needed a Type IV throwable device until I started reading up on boat safety.<br /><br />BL...

 

[boats4ever]

Re: dumb newbie questions

Where do ya tie off those fender/chain combinations?............ <br /><br />.......on the trailer practice.......the trick to it is go slow, slower the better and forget those people looking at ya.....they had to start somewhere also.<br /><br />Happy boating...

 

[crab bait]

Re: dumb newbie questions

just rope,, the chain is to beat your crew with..no the chain is for the anchor.. first anchor then alength of chain then the rest is rope.. you ty rope to the fender only.. and you ty the rope to the boat .. all boats have cleats that you ty off things to... goin' slow is a good thing but a little practice in a parkin'lot & not at the ramp at peak hours ,goes along way to make boater friends... man o man you have a lot to learn comming up an adventure to be sure .. good luck along the way..

 

[gearhead]

Re: dumb newbie questions

Thanks for all the replies. Actually backing a trailer is no problem. I did take it out for the first time today and, as everyone has, I found a little rock with the prop. Not bad but kinda chewed the edge of the prop. I have been looking at a couple of props on ebay and was wondering. Is there a major disadvantage to running a slightly smaller diameter prop. Mine is a 13 3/4, what if I used a 13 1/2 or 13 instead?

 

[Ross J]

Re: dumb newbie questions

You're running a Johnson 115hp, if you go down from a 13 3/4" prop you'll run the risk of cavitation. The footprint of this prop sounds right for your boat, but discuss this with your local shop.<br />Ross