new boater help?

[fneely]

Hello everyone, I am a newbie to boating a need a little advice. I just purchased a new sylvan mirage 8524 pontoon, with a 115hp yamaha fs. It is supposed to be ready to pick up friday so I plan on hitting the water for the first time this weekend. So my question is, what is it that I may need besides lifejackets, an anchor, or gas that I might not know or be thinking about. Also would I be able to pull a kneeboarder with 115hp. That and any other advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[curtiscapk]

Re: new boater help?

I was a newbie last year and my list is still growing. It is kinda done by experience. 24 footer with a 115 is what I have not sure if it has enough to pull a knee board but mine is older. Tubes just fine in the low 20's.

List

Life Jackets enough for all
Throwable
beer
food
beer
snacks
beer
pop for the kids I guess
extra rope
Fish or depth finder
beer
bumpers are a must especially for new boat
beer
horn
extinguisher
beer
push pole

sure I missed something,


Well now I am thirsty!

here is another good place for info.
http://pontoonforums.com/

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: new boater help?

I was a newbie last year and my list is still growing. It is kinda done by experience. 24 footer with a 115 is what I have not sure if it has enough to pull a knee board but mine is older. Tubes just fine in the low 20's.

List

Life Jackets enough for all
Throwable
beer
food
beer
snacks
beer
pop for the kids I guess
extra rope
Fish or depth finder
beer
bumpers are a must especially for new boat
beer
horn
extinguisher
beer
push pole

sure I missed something,


Well now I am thirsty!

here is another good place for info.
http://pontoonforums.com/

You forgot beer.

Might want to include docking lines and consider a porta-potty for ladies and laddies.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: new boater help?

i think this may help you. > http://www.boatus.com/onlinecourse/documents/REGULATIonS.html

 

[rrhodes]

Re: new boater help?

Yes you can pull a kneeboard +1 on the safety course.

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: new boater help?

Depending on how many people will be on the boat when pulling a knee boarder, you will need a rear view mirror if you don't have a spotter. Depending on your boat launch/dock you may or may not need fenders. I have some but I have never needed them.
One tool that every boat should have is a sharp knife/Leatherman multi-tool.

 

[onthelaketwo]

Re: new boater help?

bring along somebody who is not new to boating...

Just ask around...

It will make the first trip easier.

 

[imported_John o]

Re: new boater help?

I'd highly recommend a trolling motor (50lb thrust and up) as a take home capability.

You cannot paddle a pontoon. (Well you can but you'd look awfully silly and get nowhere if there is the slightest breeze)

I boat on a smaller lake than some (10,000 acres) and my trolling motor can get me back to teh dock from almost anywhere on the lake. Not had to use it for that yet but it's a nice peace of mind thing to have.


Also remember to have sun screen on board.

 

[Bennettc]

Re: new boater help?

You will also want to bring a spare tank of gas. That way if your not paying attention or don't really have a feel for how much gas your motor uses you have a safety net.

A screw driver and a pliers or wrench would be a good thing to have.

 

[Bamby]

Re: new boater help?

My rule is to never leave the dock without a spare prop. Depending on conditions of the water you boat in determines how often you may need one. I dealt a spare out of my dealer right before I signed the papers.

 

[takirb]

Re: new boater help?

I was new (still am) as of a couple of months ago. I have -

3 tanks for fuel (only 1 is spare, boat was made for 2)
2 paddles (used twice already)
8 lifejackets
throwable
2 anchors
2 docklines
whistle and a horn
fire extinguisher
emergency jump start
deep cycle battery for accessories
standard socket/tool kit
spotlight/floodlight

i also have a watersafe box that contains -
boat paperwork
extra bulbs
flashlight
batteries
JB water weld (used on water 2 miles from camp when gas tanks leaked, very handy!)
battery voltmeter
rain poncho
extra screwdriver kit
nylon string
cable ties
10 gauge electrical wire
electrical tape
spare wingnuts for batteries
electrical terminals

Believe it or not, most things other than emergency items (whistle, horn, throwable, extinguisher, etc) have already came in handy in a pinch. Either i'm not a good boater, i don't have a good boat, or i don't check enough before leaving the dock LOL never hurts to have what you need when you need it