Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

[texacana]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

He J.B., you know, I installed an automotive tach just for ****s and grin... It's working but I don't know how accurate. At WOT it reads 5500 rpm and the speed is 39 MPH.. As you are familiar with my idling problem, at idle it jumps from 200 to 700.. So, I guess the tach is working... My speedometer is not accurate either because it's integrated within the EAGLE depth finder that I just recently bought... Oh my... Owning a second hand boat is not easy.. But I am having fun... So I guess all is well.... Thanks!

 

[stinger1]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

in oklahoma we fish year around. except for a few weeks during the winter, we have a lot of nice days through the winter to fish. <br /><br />i dont plan on winterizing, as i intend to fish through the winter. however my boat is kept outside. <br /><br />what advice can you give as far as protection during the cold spells

 

[dmessy]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

It still gets plenty cold it Lawton!<br />Keep your motor upright , not tilted to avoid pooling h2o with freezing temps and drain your h20 pump if the cold spell is bad enough. Keep your batteries hot(trickle charge) and your fuel fresh. Even 30 day old fuel will turn to varnish so you may want to add fuel stabilizer if you aren't able to get your line wet for awhile..

 

[stinger1]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

glad you mentioned that<br />i am a firm believer in stabil<br />i put it in every tank of fuel<br /><br />i believe that is good advice for anyone<br />correct me if i am wrong<br /><br />thanks for the tips

 

[12Footer]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

A VHF radio,cell phone,CB,SSB are all good things to have aboard. Try to prepare for anything ,because anything can happen ojut there.<br />Motors break. Have alternate propulsion if possable. This is why many offshore fisherman like twins on thwe transom,despite the expense. A trolling motor mounted "bass boat-fashion", or just laying allong the gunwhale "just in case", and a good,charged deep cycle battery will save your arms (and maybee even the rest of you) if the main engine croaks. Carry WD40 to use as a primer fuel,instead of starting fluid. Starting fluid is death to outboard motors,and not much good for any other kind.<br />Back to the top

 

[12Footer]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

Before hitting the water first trip, look for corrosion on all connectors and terminals. Once you are happy with them,coat all terminals with liguid tape or CRC "battery terminal protector".

 

[texacana]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

I've gone fishing this morning. I used the new props, again by Hustler, size 11 3/4 X 17... It sucks!!! It took a while for my boat to plane... So I stop and swap it with 12 1/4 X 15 props also made by Hustler.. I guess to gain speed I need to replace my engine with a bigger one. Replacing just the props doesn't help much... I lost planing power and didn't really gain any speed with the 17 pitch...

 

[BBogey]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

WOW, I'm really glad I found this site, what a wealth of info for a motor-moron like myslef!!! I'm going to be getting a 17' boat with 60 HP motor, which I assume is TINY compared to what a lot of you guys are talking about, but the same principles to some degree, right?<br /><br />I saw that several of you talk about a "fuel stabilizer", what brand? Do you just read the back and dump it into a 6 gallon tank? Will the directions on the back work for a dork like me? How often is right, how often is to much?<br /><br />THANKS!!!

 

[BigFishKen]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

Along with that question, I would like to hear opinions on "ring-free" and other de-carbonizing fuel additives....Thanks, Ken<br /><br /> "If a man speaks in the woods....and his wife is'nt there to hear him.....is he still wrong??"

 

[Deerdog]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

BBogey,<br />I dont put fuel stabilizer in the tank unless I plan to leave it out of the water for more than 45 days. some folks say 2 months but oh well. <br /><br />Anyway, you can get the stabilizer ( I use a brand made by Johnson). The instructions are easy to follow concerning how much to use in regards to how much fuel is in the tank.<br /><br />Engine cleaner, not to be confused with fuel stabilizer, is a different animal. I use a brand made by Quicksilver called Quickleen. You again add it to the tank based on what is in it (for example I believe it is i ounce per 6 gallons) I will put it in abt every two tank fulls although some will use it more. What I have found is that it does clean out the system.<br /><br />In any event they both are easy to put in and use. The instructions are very clear.<br /><br />good luck<br />deerdog

 

[yensid]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

bump

 

[JB]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

If you have a problem and post it on this board someone is going to save you hundreds of dollars.<br /><br />It is a simple courtesy to report back to us the results of our advice. If you don't you are cheating the helpers out of their pay.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[dmessy]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

Hey J.B., et al..you started this thread with how to make your first boating experience less traumatic and expensive. This advice was learned the hard way...<br />When trailering your boat to and from the water, make sure it is straped on front and rear. Slow down when towing and leave plenty of room for stopping. Have your boat ready to unload b4 lining up to the launch. Be courteous to others on the road/water. This is suppose to be fun right?

 

[Walter]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

Hi folks... Just returned from a week at the lake. It was grand!!! Only problem is a lesson learned that spells OUCH!!<br /><br />My good friend's son, Danny, took my 14 ft. Klamath out for a spin with his two friends. I ALWAYS keep no less than 3 PFD's on board...but my son had removed one immediately after I'd inspected the boat prior to Danny asking if he could take it out. Bottom line...$175.00 ticket for not having enough PFD's aboard. GRRRRRRR!!!!<br /><br />Never take anything in the way of safety equip. for granted! Check...then double check!!<br /><br />It's good to be home...<br /><br />Walt

 

[rwise]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

Saved by the spare!<br />I have owned my boat for about 10 weeks, it is an older boat with an even old engine. I read this board a lot and post little. Went fishing last weekend and as is the norm for this time of year the water is low, hit a stump with the prop, just missed the skeg. Well the prop is spun, told my brother to dig out the spare and I put it on, motored back in and picked up another spare. I keep a spare shear pin, prop, prop nut, plugs and points in the boat and the tools to change them! I would recommend that everyone carry spares and know how to change them!<br />Richard

 

[ka3wld]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

"Bump" Check the weather forecasts before going out.

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

Got a spare tire for the trailer? Your bearings in good shape on your trailer? I highly recommend bearing buddies!! Carry some spare light bulbs in the car as well as some fuses. A Transom saver for your outboard while trailering is well worth the 40 dollar cost, as well as tie down straps, and make sure your winch and strap are in good order, I have had one break at a ramp, trust me it sucks!!! And it is embarrassing.<br />If your boat takes on some water throw a cheap bilge pump in, again a great cheap purchase. Do you have a deep cycle battery charger? Jumper cables can be helpful too.

 

[JB]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

Do you know the "Rules of the road" for dealing with other vessels under way??<br /><br />For example: Sailboats and the vessels on your right ALWAYS have the right of way.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB

 

[texacana]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

Calm seas doesn't make you a better sailor..<br /><br />Be safe!!!!

 

[texacana]

Re: Hey, New Boater!! Getting started.

Calm seas doesn't make you a better sailor..<br /><br />Be safe!!!!