First time out! Success!

[Kris.J]

Thanks so much to everyone who responded and gave me advice here, this is a great community & I really appreciate it!

I got this boat, signed up here, and asked questions in these threads:
http://forums.iboats.com/search.php?searchid=4108106


Last night we took her out right after work - the wife was a little high-anxiety to begin with, but that's how she rolls.

Here's the video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0S_VFr4g6o&feature=plcp

If you notice anything that I could do differently for better results, please let me know - thanks!

-Kris

 

[rogerwa]

Re: First time out! Success!

Need to find a way to get that motor started the first time. Man I was feeling for you pulling that rope.

I would just make recommendations on equipment. Get an anchor. In the case your engine fails, it is good to throw it out so you can figure your problems out. Also, a couple of clamp on swivel boat seats will make those benches much more comfortable.

Two Footitis starts from here though. Lucky for you the change from 12 - 14 is not that big. Any bigger than 14 and the Focus will have to go

 

[Kris.J]

Re: First time out! Success!

Thanks Roger!
F_R counseled me on needing that fuel tank vent open - I forgot to open it right away. She starts up great as long as there is no Operator Error involved.

I have two anchors all ready to go - I didn't think to bring one out on the test drive though. Lifelong learning!

I will look for clamp-ons, that's a great idea!

I am already thinking on how I'm going to work the wife into us buying a 14' - I know she'll be more comfortable on something a bit bigger, so that's one point in sellin' her. Maybe next year, there are plenty of boats for sale around here.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: First time out! Success!

Wow you got in that car after standing in the water? That would never happen with any of my vehicles. You'd be condemned to the bed until you dried off.

A couple of observations.

1. You definitely have enough oil in the gas.

2. When you were starting it, I noticed you'd just grab it and yank. If you want your pull start mechanism to last, what you are supposed to do is pull the rope slowly until you feel the cogs catch the flywheel and THEN yank for all you're worth. But when you pull it hard immediately and you feel it catch and hear that "snap" sound, thats not good. That actually goes for any pull start engine. That can quickly wear out/break the pull start mechanism.

3. The girl in the video curses around the 1:30 mark. She also is very negative about everything.

4. Where are your lifejackets?

 

[rogerwa]

Re: First time out! Success!

Seats like this coupled with a clamp on swivel mount are very low maintenance and add a lot of comfort.
http://www.iboats.com/Wise-Folding-...4837694--session_id.030914931--view_id.375098

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: First time out! Success!

Glad it all worked out. Get some safety equipment aboard though.

 

[NYBo]

Re: First time out! Success!

Unplug the trailer lights before dunking.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: First time out! Success!

Keep the boat tied to the dock until after you start the motor.

I agree about the PFD's those small boat can be very tippy.

An electric trolling motor can be very handy if your gas motor should conk out for any reason.

Catch fish.

Have fun.

 

[emoney]

Re: First time out! Success!

Congrats to you!!! Nothing beats the maiden voyage on our 1st boat.....nothing! Wife will come aroumd the 1st trip she gets to kick back and chill whilst ur fishing. Great video, btw!!!

 

[NYBo]

Re: First time out! Success!

I agree about the PFD's those small boat can be very tippy.

Not to mention the legal requirement to have them.

 

[colbyt]

Re: First time out! Success!

In addition to the PFDs I think most states require a fire extinguisher on gas powered boats.

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: First time out! Success!

Looks like you had a great time. Just please get some safety gear. In Iowa you are required to have PFD's a throwable device, fire ext and an air horn. Not sure what Michigan requires. Check it out and get it.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: First time out! Success!

Welcome to the enjoyment of owning and using boats

 

[Kris.J]

Re: First time out! Success!

PFDs were on board.
Gas is 16:1, the current tank-full has a lot of Seafoam in it.
I have a Minn Kota Endura 38 that I have used for a couple years to propel my Water Skeeter Fish Guide inflatable pontoon.
I have added unplugging the trailer to my checklist, I set up my tie offs this morning before going out, and I'm definitely going to check on the fire extinguisher requirement.

Whether I have wet feet or not in my car is my business.
I understand my wife of 12 years sounds negative, but I love her and that's my business too.

I fished off it today with a buddy - we caught a nice bunch of FAT bluegills, and encountered a sheriff deputy I'm friendly with on a jet ski. I asked him to look things over, he said I'm lookin' good. He didn't mention a fire extinguisher, but I'm still going to check on it.

Thanks everyone!

 

[In Deep]

Re: First time out! Success!

Your wife's commentary cracks me up.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: First time out! Success!

PFDs were on board.
Gas is 16:1, the current tank-full has a lot of Seafoam in it.
I have a Minn Kota Endura 38 that I have used for a couple years to propel my Water Skeeter Fish Guide inflatable pontoon.
I have added unplugging the trailer to my checklist, I set up my tie offs this morning before going out, and I'm definitely going to check on the fire extinguisher requirement.

Whether I have wet feet or not in my car is my business.
I understand my wife of 12 years sounds negative, but I love her and that's my business too.

I fished off it today with a buddy - we caught a nice bunch of FAT bluegills, and encountered a sheriff deputy I'm friendly with on a jet ski. I asked him to look things over, he said I'm lookin' good. He didn't mention a fire extinguisher, but I'm still going to check on it.

Thanks everyone!

Sheriffs are probably not going to know what is required. You need to talk to the wildlife infisheries agents. Sheriffs aren't going to stop you out on the water, well I guess they can but in LA they don't. It's only wildlife infisheries. Alot of states require that you have a PFD on when the boat is underway. Now that you are a boater, gotta make sure you understand the laws because I promise you that guy in the cop outfit with the blue and red lights on top his boat will know EVERY rule to the letter.

You had more than wet feet, you were standing in water almost to your waist. That was my point! LOL

You can love your wife as much as you want. That doesn't change her negative attitude or her cursing in the video.There are children that browse this forum, I want to make them aware of it. I have nothing against her, shes funny as hell.

 

[southkogs]

Re: First time out! Success!

...You can love your wife as much as you want. That doesn't change her negative attitude or her cursing in the video.There are children that browse this forum, I want to make them aware of it. I have nothing against her, shes funny as hell.

??? ... :facepalm: ...


I don't live in Michigan any more, but I do boat there rather regularly (translation: I think I'm right, but your mileage may vary): a vessel under 16 feet is not required to carry a fire extinguisher or a signaling device. The oars in your boat will serve as a secondary "engine," and you can always use them as signaling devices as well. Sheriff on our lake would do stops too, but the DNR was the primary agency.

Those little outboards can be a real scream to play with ... especially the fun of reverse being to turn the motor around.

Nice little rig. Hope y'all have fun runnin' it.

 

[rivermouse]

Re: First time out! Success!

If you plan to go out at night carry a gun.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: First time out! Success!

Just pick up a copy of the MI boating regulations. Should even be online. They may have some funky rules that you don't know about. I know there are particulars between MN and WI that cost me $200 by a Sheriffs deputy (he was actually kind of a jerk as I was trying to show him I had read the document, misunderstood it and should have been obvious I was trying to do the right thing) on the water in WI over the fourth. I would have been fine in MN.

 

[emoney]

Re: First time out! Success!

Wow....what an interesting thread. A guy starts off by saying "thanks" to everyone and then share's his "1st time out". He's met with tons of critiques and quite a bit of negativity, to include opinions of his wife better kept to one's self. I get the need for continued "education" of a newb, but I think it's quite obvious where that line is drawn.

OP, I'm sure you're a big boy and understand that even iboats is full of "those types". Don't sweat it. I could see the smile you were trying to hold in on the video. Keep that particular attitude and all will be well. Best of luck.