Hey all, I've just got to tell what happened when I took delivery of my brand new, first boat.<br /><br />I got a great deal on a 2001 Glastron, end of year and all. Bought it at the boatshow and received the boatshow discount even though it was that last years model. Anyway, went to pick it up and the dealer had sold it to someone else. Seems that another branch of theirs sold it and the guy took delivery already. He told me he had bad news and good news. The good news was I was going to get a brand new, still in shrink wrap, 2002 model for the same price. <br /><br />When came time for pick up, the dealer offered to deliver to a lake for a test drive before signing papers. At the lake, I tell the dealer that I'm a complete rookie, show me everything. He proceeds to ramp and releases all straps except the bow. <br />Backs the boat down to the water, then stops and releases the bow strap at waters edge. <br /><br />Now, I'm watching all this from the dock where there is a guy in his huge bass boat tied off further down. As soon as the dealer releases the strap, my new boat starts its maiden voyage without its Capt. or crew and slides right off the trailer 
Luckily, it was partially in the water and made no contact with the ground. <br /><br />The dealer tries to stop the boat, but it really took off. All of a sudden there is very little room between my stern and the guy tied at the dock (who by the way is on his cell phone, oblivious to all of this) All I know is that my brand new, still raised, outdrive is about to introduce itself to this guys expensive fiberglass target. <br /><br />I jump in, between the boats, as the dealer finally gets a hold on the bow. This got the guy's attention real quick and upon realizing the peril his boat was in, he jumps up, yells and... drops the cell phone....you got it, right into the water.<br /><br />Anyway, we got the boat under control before getting up close and personal with the bass boat. Standing there, soaking wet, I turned to the dealer and said, "I take it that's how NOT to launch a boat" <br /><br />Oh well, no damage to the boat, loved it and signed the papers on the lake. Even got a free lunch from the dealer (who also ended up promising to reimburse the guy for a new cell phone.) Ah, the joys of boating.
Luckily, it was partially in the water and made no contact with the ground. <br /><br />The dealer tries to stop the boat, but it really took off. All of a sudden there is very little room between my stern and the guy tied at the dock (who by the way is on his cell phone, oblivious to all of this) All I know is that my brand new, still raised, outdrive is about to introduce itself to this guys expensive fiberglass target. <br /><br />I jump in, between the boats, as the dealer finally gets a hold on the bow. This got the guy's attention real quick and upon realizing the peril his boat was in, he jumps up, yells and... drops the cell phone....you got it, right into the water.<br /><br />Anyway, we got the boat under control before getting up close and personal with the bass boat. Standing there, soaking wet, I turned to the dealer and said, "I take it that's how NOT to launch a boat" <br /><br />Oh well, no damage to the boat, loved it and signed the papers on the lake. Even got a free lunch from the dealer (who also ended up promising to reimburse the guy for a new cell phone.) Ah, the joys of boating.