my first year of boating report

[avenger79]

well this year I decided to try boating. I've wanted to do it for years just never took the plunge. I'm a little hardheaded, I can do it all on my own. Another way of saying I bought a lemon to start with.
I took it out a few times, never ran right but it ran well enough to have a great time. Then I had to get towed in for the first time. Embarassing is the only word that comes to mind.
Took it to a shop finally and spent more money on a repair then I have ever spent before in my life on a repair of anything.
Took it out a couple more times, runs better, still not great but good.
I can honestly say I'm hooked. Boating is very fun, but sure leaves lots of opportunities to learn new lessons. This weekend I'm hoping to take it to a new lake. Hopefully it will work out.
Next year I think I'll be looking to replace the old beater with something a little more reliable.
All in all I would say boaters in general are very nice people, and the thought of getting out there more and meeting more people is very inviting.
I certainly don't regret trying it or even buying the lemon. I love that boat so I didn't mind throwing a little money at it. It's different and gets lots of looks when it makes it to the water.
It's been a pretty fun season so far, coming closer to the end for us. Still a few more weekends to get out before I have to start doing winter prep chores.
Just wanted to say hope you guys don't mind having me around a little longer. Next time I go to buy a boat I think I'll throw a few questions here first. Even if it's a new one.
Much information here, and good folks here to.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: my first year of boating report

I myself bought an old boat this summer and had my share of issues, but for some reason had no issues getting my hands greasy or pulling out the check book.

I also found boaters much like motorcyclists, easy going and friendly. seems if you are on two wheels or have a prop or sails, you are with friends.

 

[avenger79]

Re: my first year of boating report

I also found boaters much like motorcyclists, easy going and friendly. seems if you are on two wheels or have a prop or sails, you are with friends.

isn't that funny. If I'm in my truck I lock everything up, if I'm at a rally with thousands of bikes I'll throw my jacket and helmet right on the bike and walk away. I've even seen people leave wallets and purses out on the bike.
same thing with the boat.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: my first year of boating report

Yep, my first year, too. Also waited many years.

I go out with wife and/or grown son. We've launched at 8 different accesses so far, and at different times of the day. Trying to get all sorts of different experiences under our belts the first year. We've loaded once at near dark and docked once in the dark (at a cabin up north; had spotlight on board). So far, so good. Finally learned to be comfortable with slow speed maneuvering of our 17 1/2 foot dual console boat with 115hp outboard.

Lots of good advice on this forum for newbies, especially the tips to 1. take a safe boating course, and 2. use the right tow vehicle.

Still have a few things to learn about the combo GPS/sonar. The user manual helps, but I may end up asking a few questions here anyway.

That's the nice thing about iBoats. Even if I don't post a question, I learn something new just about every time I log in.

 

[heycods]

Re: my first year of boating report

Our boating season is a little longer, I think I will wait till Feb to do thoes winterizing chores. But welcome to the world of boating however long your season is.

 

[642mx]

Re: my first year of boating report

I'm enjoying my first year of owning a boat too. Its a lot of fun! I don't want the summer to end....