first boat 15ft. invader 85 pls.help

[Mroz]

Hello, everyone . So i just got my first boat 1985 15ft invader . i dont know anything about boats yet :]
So i was wondering if somebody can recommend any topic what i should start with ...

Also i was wondering about seat/ cushions . boat missing front/side and rear cushions like the pictures showing. i just cant find them anywhere any suggestions ???

thanks

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: first boat 15ft. invader 85 pls.help

Welcome to iboats.

Step one - Boating safety class.

Step two - Get a service manual for your motor!

Your cushions will have to be custom made.

If the boat is new to you then have the motor properly checked out and find out the condition of the impellar.

 

[southkogs]

Re: first boat 15ft. invader 85 pls.help

+1 to the safety class.

Maintenance, trailering, launch and recovery would be next (presuming the OB is running fine).

 

[5150abf]

Re: first boat 15ft. invader 85 pls.help

Welcome to iboats.

+2 on the safety coarse and the manual, get the boat running right in your driveway before you even think about getting it wet, hard to walk back to the truck once you launch.

If you know someone with a boat have them go out with you the first time and show you the basics, alot of people think a boat and a car a the same when the only thing they have in common is they both burn gas and have a steering wheel.

Also in a car there are lane markings and signs and you generally know what the cars around you are going to do, on the water boats can and do run in any direction at any speed, imagine a parking lot with 100 carsin it, everything from Porsches to bicyles all doing whatever they want now add to that the surface you are driving on is constantly changing and you have no brakes, it is a different world.

I don't mean to freak you out but that is what you are going to be going into, obviously it is a blast or we wouldn't do it but iy just takes awhile to get used to the different rules on the water.

Also make sure your trailer is in good road worthy shape, good greased bearings and good tires with a spare and tools to change it.

Can you do your own maintanence stuff?

 

[Mroz]

Re: first boat 15ft. invader 85 pls.help

Yes , i can do my maintanence stuff by myself . I think i can do the engine to ...
Also i alredy find somebody who will go with my first time

Manual for engine is no problem but Safety class??
Aslo what means OB? Like southkogs saying

Sorry about all the question but ...

Anyway thank you .

 

[Philster]

Re: first boat 15ft. invader 85 pls.help

OB = outboard

Safety class = boating safety course = YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

Youtube is undervalued because of the idiots on there that give it a bad rep, but visit there and google 'boat docking' or 'boat launching' or 'outboard maintenance'. The terms are endless.

If you are a true boater bound for success, you will spend at least an hour watching stuff.

 

[ccave04]

Re: first boat 15ft. invader 85 pls.help

Manual for engine is no problem but Safety class??
Aslo what means OB? Like southkogs saying

.

Mroz, welcome to the boating world. I too am a pretty new boat owner and although I grew up riding on boats and enjoying others boats, I took a safety course when I officially owned my own as well.

Actually first I took an online boating course that was free and then took a local coast guard one as well to get the paper so I can drive my buddies PWC legally The coast guard course also got me a break on my boaters insurance (not much but every bit helps).

Anyways enjoy the boat and the forums, these guys are great and can help with most problems as long as you articulate it to them correctly.