My First Boat!

S

silentwitness33

Cadet
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
6
Good day one and all,

Well, I'm pretty excited and nervous all at the same time. I just bought my first boat. It's a 2006 Larson Senza 206 with a Volvo Penta 5.0GXi. I've had it out on the water a couple of times now and I'm very impressed with it. I think it's going to be a great family boat.

Question for the experienced boaters. Is it normal to struggle with close quarter boating manouvers such as docking, loading on a trailer, etc? I gotta tell you, I can back a trailer up and into the water with ease and confidence...but pulling up to a dock in my boat hasn't proven as easy (I know...I'm an idiot). A boat just doesn't turn like a vehicle and I have to admit that it's causing me some anxiety. Maybe practice is all I need. But it is frustrating! Any tips?

Technical question: When I first start up my boat there is a fairly quiet squealing which appears to be coming from the serpentine belt. After a couple of minutes the squealing goes away. I know on my truck I had to replace the serpentine belt and that fixed the problem. Is there something else that could be causing that issue on this motor?

Again, very excited to be among the boating class. I look forward to reading posts on this forum and the education that will come with it.

Chris
 
I

In Deep

Seaman
Joined
Apr 16, 2010
Messages
58
Re: My First Boat!

Congratulations on the boat. I also just purchased my first boat, a 2002 Larson SEI 180 and love it.

Hoping others can answer your question regarding docking/maneuvering as I have those same questions. I'm sure it will boil down to practice but some pointers will surely help us.

Cheers,

Doug
 
S

silentwitness33

Cadet
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
6
Re: My First Boat!

Doug,

Thanks for the reply. I'm glad I'm not the only one learning the ropes. I have been out six times as of today and I must say that today went well. There was little boat traffic at the dock which allowed me to relax and just manouver slowly. It's funny, I told my wife that when the little things go well (ie. unloading, docking, and reloading) then the whole boating experience is just so much more fun.

Congratulations on your purchase. I hope you're enjoying it as much as we are!

Chris
 
I

In Deep

Seaman
Joined
Apr 16, 2010
Messages
58
Re: My First Boat!

Chris,

I have you beat by one extra time out. The first few times backing the trailer at a busy ramp made for high anxiety for everyone.

I agree with you about the little things and also had the place to myself this past Wednesday.

We'll learn quickly what to do. You only learn by doing and asking.

Doug
 
N

new to fishing

Cadet
Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Messages
19
Re: My First Boat!

Your right...it takes some practice and comes with time...a tip I can give is to use your reverse when coming up to the dock...you have to remember there are no brakes and anticipate slowing yourself down at the right time...throwing it in reverse quickly and then bringing it back can stop you pretty quick if your just idling up to the dock...which you should be....take it slow...very slow until you get the hang of it...comes with time....i had the same anxiety about loading and unloading my boat with people waiting to load/unload theirs...i went alone so i was forced to do it myself and now it's second nature and i don't even give it a thought as i get it done as fast as most with two guys..good luck
 
marinebucaro

marinebucaro

Cadet
Joined
May 31, 2009
Messages
21
Re: My First Boat!

Practice, practice, practice! When I 1st started boating a few years ago I found that going to "you tube" and typing in boat parking I was able to find some really good tutorials. This helped be with the understanding on how to better handle my boat. hope this helps you out and you enjoy your weekend family getaways!
Johnny B.
 
D

Doernuth

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 6, 2010
Messages
332
Re: My First Boat!

Practice is the key. If you are out alone find a dock and just pull in and out several time. Eventually you will figure out the boat. Each boat handles differently so learn yours.

Confidence will come with time and practice. Don't be ashamed to practice.
 
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