MAIDEN VOYAGE SATURDAY!!

[tjaizmopars]

Hi everyone ,saturday will be our maiden voyage in boating, purchased 1978 Bonanza 18ft 165 merc open bow , always garaged in fantastic shape!($2300-I think was a great deal) Took it to repair shop to have checked out,needed shift cable adj. but everything else checked out great! Our family is very excited about our new toy as we never had boat before. Any & all comments/advice appreciated . Have 7 & 14 yr olds wanting to get pulled via tube. Also trying to figure out what to name her. Thanks again,TJ

 

[jim phillips]

Re: MAIDEN VOYAGE SATURDAY!!

Take a boating course and get the feel of it before you take off and start towing people you need to learn how to be safe and have fun at the same time. I try to remember 2 things when I am out there #1 no brakes and #2 every one else is a idiot. no offence and i dont think i know it all but it helps you to stay aware of others. good luck, have fun and stay safe.

 

[roscoe]

Re: MAIDEN VOYAGE SATURDAY!!

I would suggest a child free first outing. Maybe have the wife take them shopping or something for 3 or 4 hours, while you get a handle on the boat. Then she can bring the kids out to meet you in the afternoon.<br /><br />There are lots of posts here about "first launches", "trailer backing", "launch ramp ediquette", "pre-launch checklist and procedures", and "launch safety". <br /><br />Do a search for these topics and be prepared to read for a while. Keep a pen and paper handy and make a checklist of your own. <br /><br />It would be a good idea to take an experienced friend along to either walk you thru the process, or just be there to help.<br /><br />Take everything slow. And don't be afraid to ask an experienced boater for a hand or some advice.<br /><br />If the kids are going to be there when you launch, have them go play on the beach or in the grass somewhere so they don't get run over. <br /><br />Go to a parking lot and practice backing into various spaces, from different angles, etc.<br /><br />Just doing this stuff can get pretty stressful, try to stay calm, even if things don't all go right.<br /><br />I can launch one of my boats in 4 minutes, theother one takes almost 15. Take you time.<br /><br />Once you get her in the water, you still have a lot to learn about the new boat, how it will handle waves, turn, stop, how to trim the motor, etc. You have a very powerful toy there.<br /><br />It would be good to take a boaters safety course too.<br /><br />Lifejackets, an alcohol free day, calm heads prevail.<br /><br />Don't forget the plug, always carry a spare plug, and enjoy the new boat.<br /><br />bon Voyage!!!!

 

[tjaizmopars]

Re: MAIDEN VOYAGE SATURDAY!!

Thanks for all advice/pointers - I do have pretty much experience boating from friends boat , general knowledge and rules of the water, will definitely take things slowly . Been reading alot also . Any other helpful advice greatly appreciated. Thanks again, TJ