First boat and first post, just saying hello

[knotical]

just bought my first boat and trailer and wanted to say hello.
I may be asking a lot of questions shortly.

the boat based on the HIN it seems to be a 1978 mirrocraft deep v fisherman 14'
previous owners have made modifications including teak decking and a windshield.
it has a remote steer and start 1977 evinrude 25hp.

the trailer has no markings or tags and has been painted several times.
I have replaced the lights and wiring, installed new safety chains, and 12" tires.
but the wheel bearings are gone so their replacement is next.

I am both excited and a little worried.
I cannot feel or even see the boat or trailer behind my dually truck and camper.
maybe I will experiment with a mirror angled at the back end of the camper.

that's it for now.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: First boat and first post, just saying hello

Welcome to iBoats and to the boating community! If you have questions about anything, feel free to ask. Someone will have the right answer (and a few of us will unknowingly steer you in the wrong direction )

First of all...I hope you have either enrolled in or previously taken a boating safety course. That is by far, the most important thing. Most other things will come with experience.

What body/bodies of water will you be on?

 

[Willyclay]

Re: First boat and first post, just saying hello

Welcome to the iboats.com forum. The experts here, which I am not, can help you with any issue involving your boat, motor and trailer. My FIL mounted a hitch on the front of his truck so he could see while manuevering the boat/trailer at the ramps and his house. Took a couple of minutes to swap ends and also awareness so as to not block the ramp but it worked well for him. Good luck!

 

[Robbabob]

Re: First boat and first post, just saying hello

Welcome aboard!

Everyone has input to help another, no matter being a so called expert or not. It's sharing knowledge and friendship here.... that is what I like about this forum

We don't trailer our boat, but we do with the jet ski. Only see it when making turns. When at the ramp, we lower the tailgate to get it lined up.

Through experience, you'll figure out what works best for you

Congratulations on the new purchase!!!!

 

[AviatorJim]

Welcome Aboard

Welcome Aboard

Welcome aboard. Sounds like you are off to a good start. I'll throw out my begginner's advice too. Pick up a spare prop on Ebay first chance you get, and a cheap fishfinder to tell you how much water you have left before you need to put on the spare prop. Be careful of water in your gas, and make sure you never forget the oil.

Any be sure to have a Jolly Roger on board, just in case you need it.
--Jim

 

[Fireman431]

Re: First boat and first post, just saying hello

Always store the drain plug on the front of the trailer so when you hook the trailer to the truck, you remember to immediately put the drain plug back in!

I know, I know...who would ever forget that? It took 15 years, but it finally happened to me! One time in my entire boating life, but I felt like an idiot. Luckily, I was alone at the ramp.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: First boat and first post, just saying hello

Welcome aboard. Great place to be.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: First boat and first post, just saying hello

just bought my first boat and trailer and wanted to say hello.
I may be asking a lot of questions shortly.

the boat based on the HIN it seems to be a 1978 mirrocraft deep v fisherman 14'
previous owners have made modifications including teak decking and a windshield.
it has a remote steer and start 1977 evinrude 25hp.

the trailer has no markings or tags and has been painted several times.
I have replaced the lights and wiring, installed new safety chains, and 12" tires.
but the wheel bearings are gone so their replacement is next.

I am both excited and a little worried.
I cannot feel or even see the boat or trailer behind my dually truck and camper.
maybe I will experiment with a mirror angled at the back end of the camper.

that's it for now.

Welcome to iboats, Knotical. Sounds like you got yourself a nice boat. I'd love to see that teak decking. How about some pictures...

Happy and safe boating always!!!

 

[ingalp01]

Re: First boat and first post, just saying hello

Welcome aboard...

This site is a vast source of knowledge, commentary & just good ole kinsmanship when it comes to anything boating.

Before posting questions and such do a search for that topic, and you will probably find all the answers you need.

When you do post, rest assured you will get plenty of answers, and usually you will find the solution you are after.

I am fairly new to the site myself, and I absolutely love it!

Enjoy your time here and on the water...

 

[ziggy]

Re: First boat and first post, just saying hello

congrats on your new boat. enjoy, and do take the advise on the boater safety classes. they are not only educational, they are fun...

I cannot feel or even see the boat or trailer behind my dually truck and camper.
maybe I will experiment with a mirror angled at the back end of the camper.

i can relate. i towed a jet ski for years behind a full size van. one van didn't even have a view out the back windows.
imho. just because ya can't see it or feel it there, it is. remember that it is. assume that it is.
as for backing it. use the mirrors. you'll end up backing in an S depending on where ya want it to go. back it in a left or right arc so you can see it out of one mirror. if ya can't see it while backing. the boat is going straight behind you. you know it is, because you know it's there but ya just can't see it. but it is there.. the minor arc worked best for me... i'm sure i looked drunk or crazy backing but i had no issues with putting it in the drink.
use the mirrors....

 

[knotical]

Re: First boat and first post, just saying hello

good morning everyone.

I have a question regarding boat registration in canada.
is there a website I can check registration history of a canadian vessel?

I bought my 1978 14' mirrocraft from a widow friend and I am getting the impression my dearly departed friend may have not changed the registration when he bought it from an old friend 10 years ago.

my friends live on lake water front property, not even the trailer was registered or licenced. That took a few extra steps to clear up and get a plate.

anyhow, winter snows have hit and neither boat or trailer will be going anywhere until april so I have some time to sort it out.

thanks for any advice.