Just a Rockie

[pablo1010]

Hi all,<br /><br />Just bought a new boat and motor. Boat is a Legend V-166 AllSport and the motor is a Mercury 60hp 4 Stroke.<br /><br />Just wondering before a take my boat out for the first time on the water if all you wise boaters have any do's and don't for me.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Raymond

 

[jch7450]

Re: Just a Rockie

If it's a new boat bought from the dealer, I'm thinking they informed you of the regs. and safety stuff to have on board.<br /> The the most inportent thing is ( DON"T FORGET TO PUT THE PLUG IN"! <br />A many boats sunk at the ramp because of this, and even some long time boaters have done this in the past, Good luck and wellcome to iboats

 

[pablo1010]

Re: Just a Rockie

Thank you for your advice, I'll have the regs and safety stuff according to the "canadian boating guide" and to think about it I never tought of the plug, chances are I might of forgot about that. Thanks again

 

[jch7450]

Re: Just a Rockie

Ohhh I just remembered something else, if you have a trailor, before backing it down the ramp, unplug the trailor lights, if you hit the water with the lights hooked up you run a 99% chance the bulbs will blow, because of the hight heat the generate.

 

[pablo1010]

Re: Just a Rockie

Ok, I'll have to write all this down. That's exactly what I'm looking for these little tips to save me some trouble.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[jlinder]

Re: Just a Rockie

Keep reading this forum. You will find a lot of information here and some very good people offering real knowledge. You will be able to read about errors others make and maybe be able to avoid them. (The stupid human tricks section is good - we can laugh at ourselves.)<br /><br />In the US there is the United States Power Squadron which provides great classes and assistance to new boaters trying to learn ( http://www.usps.org/ ). I suspect there is a counterpart in Canada. Does anyone know?<br /><br />Good luck and enjoy.

 

[jch7450]

Re: Just a Rockie

I agree with jack, thats a great site.<br /> heres one more it offers TONS of great knowledge.<br />Well thats enough on this, but never forget the beer on the dock.<br /> http://www.boatsafe.com/

 

[manykids]

Re: Just a Rockie

http://forums.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=014399#000000 <br /><br />Try the above.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Just a Rockie

If you are new to boating, to prevent other people from getting angry with you when you get ready to launch your boat, stop at the "ready" area and get everything you need out of the tow vehicle and into the boat. Disconnect the tie down straps but leave the bow strap connected. If you have kids with you, know where they are so you don't run over them. In other words, when you reach the ramp be ready to use it. Its simple courtesy. Ignore this tip and you will incur the wrath of those who can launch and retrieve their boat in a a minute or two at most.

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: Just a Rockie

RockieBoater:<br /><br />Congrats on your new boat. I was is your shoes last year at this time and was thankful for all the information on this web site. I'm happy to say I had a safe and fun summer with my boat. It may sound silly but if Canada has something like our Coast Guard Auxiliary or if any local dealers offer any type a safe boating course take it! I took a course like this years ago as a teenager but took it again last spring and learned many things I had forgotten. For a very small fee my wife and I both took the course. They also explained what required safety items you must have and basic rules of the water. They also conducted a vessel saftey check for free at the lake the weekend after the class. The vessel safety check is piece of mind and it doesn't hurt having that safety sticker on your window when the local law enforcment boat pulls along side to see if you're "having a nice day". <br /><br />Also, don't be afraid to go to your favorite place to boat and just hang around the boat launch area. I did this a couple times to watch the more experienced boater’s launch and retrieve their boats. Many times I told them I was a new boat owner and was just watching so I could learn. I offered to help most the time and not one person turned me down to hold a rope or guide them in the water or do something to help. Many times they would take time to explain why they do things the way they do. Heck, I even went out on the water a couple times with folks I just met for a cruise around the lake. Boaters are some of the friendliest people around! Anyway, you can learn a great deal just watching more experienced boaters and asking questions. I did. And completing a safety course is a must if you’re new to boating. I know there are some online boating safety courses. Check here http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/generalcourse.htm for one and another can be found here http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/. These are for the states, one I found for Canada is at http://www.safeboater.com/ and I'm sure Canada has a few more for its boaters. <br /><br />Have fun with your new boat and welcome to iboats!<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Steve