Kinda scared now

[brad20653]

Just bought a boat yesterday getting it tagged monday. I know nothing about boats and ive been reading about the vapors blowing up and to tell you the truth im jinda scared to even get in it now. I know make sure no vapors and all but still seems kinda scary. Id really be a wreck if my neborn was in the boat.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Kinda scared now

Brad – Welcome to the forums!!! <br /><br />The first thing you are going to do it get everything you NEED TO HAVE on the boat BEFORE you take it out. This includes PFD’s (personal flotation device – lifejackets) for everyone that is on the boat. They must be the correct size and should be adjusted and read to go, if not worn. A great place to buy these items is right here, the iBoat’s MegaMall. Prices are good, service is great!<br /><br />Simultaneously, you are going to sign up for a free or cost-next-to-nothing basic boating class through either the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron. The class is short, easy and you will come away with the knowledge you need to safely pilot your boat. You’ll also come away with a ton of confidence. Take you wife, but don’t pick on her when she does better than you in the class. <br /><br />The third thing you are going to do is come back here and ask questions!!! We love to answer questions. Sometimes we have to make up our own questions. Sometimes we even make up answers to questions that haven’t been asked. <br /><br />Overall, if boating wasn’t safe, we wouldn’t be doing it. It’s part hands-on, learn as you go and part know-the-rules. The basic boating class will cover both. For instance, you’ll be taught to turn on your bilge blower for a minimum of 4-minutes, 6-minutes preferred before you start you engine. But wait! You also do a sniffer test with your nose. If you don’t smell gas fumes, you’re good to go. <br /><br />Good luck!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Kinda scared now

Originally posted by 18rabbit:<br /> We love to answer questions. Sometimes we have to make up our own questions. Sometimes we even make up answers to questions that haven’t been asked.

Ok, Now the secret is out, Thanks 18rabbit for letting the Rabbit out of the hat. (so to speak).<br /><br />Great advice though!!

 

[garycinn]

Re: Kinda scared now

I'm not suggesting that this take the place of running the blower, common sense, and good boating practices, but it could give you the peace of mind you are looking for:<br /><br /> http://www.fireboy-xintex.com/gasoline_detectors.html <br /><br />They are about $200 or so.

 

[DJ]

Re: Kinda scared now

Brad,<br /><br />I respect your apprehensiveness. If more first time boaters felt that way, we would have fewer dumb accidents. I think you may be panicking a bit about the fumes.<br /><br />Just take a deep breath and read everyhing you can get your hands on regarding the operation of the equipment on your boat. The courses mentioned above are an outstanding idea. I still take them and I've been boating for 30 years. I always pick up something new and I get to help calm the nerves of a newbie like you.<br /><br />Don't be ashamed to make checklist and do "dry runs" in the driveway, long before you hit the boat ramp. Being prepared is 90% of having a great time on the water.

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Kinda scared now

I lift the engine hatch and stick my head down and have a good sniff. If I ever smelled petrol Id worry and do something about it before running the engine that would include finding the leak!.<br /><br />Only things I'd add to Rabbits suggestions are <br /><br />flares , VHF Radio , Anchor with plenty of chain and warp ( I always go a size to big as its the last line of defence when all else fails!). Snorkel , Goggles , Knife (for cutting ropes tangled round your prop)<br /><br />Lastly take spares , belts , plugs , filters , oil , Trim fluid and tools to fix the simple things that could stop you.<br /><br />Of course follow all this advise and your boat will sit low in the water and have no room for your family / friends

 

[Solittle]

Re: Kinda scared now

Common sense should be at the top of the list - - One more thing - keep the captains hands out of the beer cooler until you are back in the driveway at the end of the day.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Kinda scared now

Brad1,<br /><br />Relax, head the advice mentioned above and you will be just fine. I know lots of people with boats of all different sizes and none have ever blown up.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Kinda scared now

Tow Boat US, Sea Tow or a similar service also gives good peace of mind on the water.<br />It's nice to know that help is just a radio call away(you DO have a VHF radio on board...right?)<br /><br />Dave