New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

[strokeoluck]

Hi all, my wife and I just purchased a 2005 Bayliner (about an 18' - I forget the exact length). We moved to the twin cities 'burbs last year and quickly discovered that darn near everyone either has a cottage "up north" or a boat. Since we have two small kids (8 and 10) and don't want a cottage, we purchased the boat. The only time I ever drove a boat in the past was an old girlfriend's boat - well actually it was her Dad's boat - many years ago and I ruined the prop by not knowing anything about boating, buoys, etc.

Anyway, this time around I'm trying to do everything right (and I'm much more safety-conscious at my present age). I've talked to numerous folks, printed off probably 500 pages of online docs that talk about boating basics, and ordered two boating videos that cover a variety of topics. I realize that doesn't start to equal the experience gained from actually boating, but it's a start.

I'm not sure if I'm in the right forum but I do have a couple generic questions about our boat:

1) It's a Bayliner. Whenever I tell some experienced boating people that I bought a Bayliner I get comments that it's an ok starter boat. They seem to mention brands such as Chris Craft, Four Winns and others as "better quality" boats. But when I think of a boat I think of a chunk of fiberglass, some wiring and gauges, and the engine. Since so many boats seem to have the standard MerCruiser engine (ours is a 4.3L) what exactly makes other boats so much better than a Bayliner?

2) We paid $9,000 for the boat, trailer, 3 batteries and charging system, and a Lowrance GPS/fish-depth finder - is this a fair price?

3) How do we find out what "neat" relatively local places we can take this thing as a family. For instance we're awfully close to Lake Minnetonka. But once I drop it in the lake, I would really have no idea where to go - boater-friendly parks, sand bars (would seem you almost have to be a "local" to know where sand bars are...wouldn't you?), good restaurants, etc. Don't get me wrong, we know a few people that grew up here and could give us a few pointers, but is there someplace online that would offer comprehensive resources?

I'm sure I'll have other questions soon, but once you folks tell me if I'm in the right place I'll start to ask some other questions (like, what the heck is a "bilge", what does it do?, where is it?; should I be thinking/worrying about the prop "pitch"?!; how likely is it I drop my SUV in the water the first time I try and unload the boat at a ramp?!?!?!?).



Thanks.

 

[DJ]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

1. As an X-Minnesotan, I can tell you that Minnesotans are very snobbish when it comes to boat brands. Forget the comments and just enjoy it. What makes a NICE boat is a SUPER CLEAN one. I'd rather have a Clean Bayliner than a trashed Four Winns.

I used to have to deal with that, amongst my circle of freinds, with my Lowe compared to all the Lunds. My boat never broke and always looked better, caught more fish and was a favorite to ride in.

Bayliners were and to some extent still are considred "starter boats". Many of the older Bayliners were cheaply built. In my opinion, Bayliner has rectified that and now makes a less expensive-not cheap-boat due to efficiencies in: purchasing power and manufacturing.

Your MerCruiser is 100% identical to those MerCruisers in the other brands.

Old "perceptions" die hard. Most folks take them to the grave.

2. Your price was OK, especially considering you have the 4.3L engine.

3. Take a boating safety course.

4. Minnetonka is a ZOO. There are plenty of smaller lakes around.

5. Get lake maps and explore at slow speeds.

 

[salty87]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

welcome to iboats, you've found a very good place. i spent a little time up your way this past summer, both weeks it was fun.

boats aren't unlike cars, some have reputations deserved or not. if it gets you out on the water and back, it's a good boat.

you didn't mention the yr/model you got but it's a little late to sweat the details of the deal...i'd say go enjoy it but you've got some time to kill huh? plenty of time for worrying.

you should be able to get maps and charts online. you definitely want to get at least a depth finder if you don't have one. sites like this one are great too.

 

[roscoe]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

welcome aboard strokeoluck.

Most of the Bayliner bashing grew out of the 80's models, 19' and smaller.
Not made the best, and often had a problematic motor on it.

You have a decent boat. Enjoy it.

Take a boaters safety coarse for sure.

Find a friend or acquaintance that boats, and ask him to take you out on his boat for an hour. Then have him show you the ropes on your boat. Make sure this includes launching and loading. Then buy him a big steak dinner for his trouble.

Who knows, someone here on iboats may offer to take you out.

Happy boating.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

Thanks guys.

I tried doing a search for Minnesota lake maps but don't come up with much beyond some basic fishing maps. Could you directe me to a particular site?

Also, when I searched for boating courses via the Minnesota DNR (?) website, the only program I could find was in Duluth - obviously a bit too far for me. I'm assuming w/all the boaters around here there must be other options, but again, not quite sure where to look. Thoughts?

Thanks again.

 

[nlain]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

I did a google search on minnesota power squadron and came up with several, you might want to check with them, they usually do some boater training. Here is one link that I found.

http://web1.userinstinct.com/24285458-minnetonka-power-squadron.htm

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

Got it, thanks. I'll give them a call tonight and register for a course.

 

[H8tank]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

Take a boating safety course, this will answer most all your questions.

 

[haskindm]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

There is nothing wrong with a well cared for Bayliner. Older Bayliners came with "Force" engines which were not known for their reliability. Yours has the same Mercruiser as anybody else's boat. More expensive boats may come with better hardware, larger cleats, more expensive instruments, higher quality vinyl or at least more colorful vinyl, etc. Often there are more choices in more expensive boats so that you can tailor it to your needs and wants. Just like cars, houses, or anything else, you can spend more or spend less. The important thing is to get a well cared for boat and maintain it properly. The Bayliner should serve you well. You will eventually decide that you want something different. It is often referred to as "two-foot-itus". We often want a boat just two feet longer than what we have, or with a different layout, or different engine. It happens to all of us. Enjoy the ride. Take a boating course. The are offered by the Power Squadron and Coast Guard Auxiliary as well as the state. You will not only get some valuable knowledge, but you will meet other local boaters that will be happy to answer your questions.

 

[rainman240cs]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

I recently took an online course called Americas Boating Course, google it and it will come right up. Iv'e been driving small motor boats since I was a kid and thought I knew what was up.The course humbled me quite a bit! You get a book in the mail and a DVD also, all for like, 40 bucks, a great deal I thought.

 

[Mr Happy]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

It does not matter what brand you have as long as it is clean and safe on the water.
To help out go to this official site for Minnesota boating http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/boatwater/index.html

You can take the Online Safety Certification test. While studying you will find all sorts of useful information that most boaters do not know.

 

[kaferhaus]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

Do they not require boat operator licenses there??????

They are required even here in the deep dumb redneck south.... Best thing that ever happened here was the boater's exam.

However.... they PROMISED that the money would be used to hire more marine police..... and of course they haven't hired the first one yet.

Then they raised the price of fishing licenses..... claimed the money would be used for more marine police.....

Just more taxes that are labeled as "fees" and of course they've spent the money on no one knows what....

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

As for an operator's license - I'm told "no". Now, I've only asked the guy that is selling me the boat, and he claims that it's just like an ATV; they "recommend" you take some instructional courses, but it's not required. Everything I see online indicates the same. I did find the power squadron course and I'm going to give them a call this evening to register for a class. Can't wait!

 

[nlain]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

No boat operator license required in Georgia. I know they are in some other states but not all require that. A license does not make you a good boater, check on the drivers on the highway, they all have to have a license.

 

[kaferhaus]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

A license does not make you a good boater, check on the drivers on the highway, they all have to have a license.

Very true but they do know the "rules" and there's punishment for violating them.

The law here got rid of most of the "drunks" and many of the morons. And the boating while impaired or intoxicated laws here are stricter than the driving laws.... first offense impaired is a $1,000 fine and loss of license for 90 days. First offense drunk is a $1,500 fine and loss of license for one year.

Also you're taken aboard the police boat and they call a "tow" for your boat.... that adds several hundred dollars to your "bill"

Speeding in a "speed control zone" is $150, speeding in a no wake zone is $175. Reckless operation is $500 and 90day suspension... etc etc.

Before the licensing too many boaters had no idea what the hell was going on or what they were doing.

Biggest problem we have here is the same everywhere. Idiots at the ramp that aren't prepared to launch but are in line... wait until they're blocking everyone to load their gear onto the boat.... and vice versa... back down the ramp, pull the boat 20-30 feet up and start unloading the boat... If it's a private ramp the attendant will straighten them out pronto otherwise another boater who's waiting will ask them to move out of the way.

The public ramps.... different story. I've witnessed more than one fist fight over a lack of courtesy, which leads to the police coming... etc. etc.

 

[ridesapaint]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

Great topic here! I grew up in the twin cities, did 4 years in the coast guard, and have missed the land of lakes since. There are some wonderful lakes up that way, too many to name. To find cool lakes around the cities is a challenge, but I like to google map areas I want to go (be it dallas/ft worth, little rock, albuquerque) and see if there are lakes in that area big enough that accept boats. Minnetonka is a zoo, and getting lost is possible. Its like anything else, start with baby steps. You are getting great info here and will in the future, and really lucked out in joining this site because you will get 10 different answers to any one question, and most will be good answers.
I would love to show you around your boat, but I am down in redneck country. I had no idea there was a boater's certification! It must be for rednecks.
My two favorite lakes ever are Lake Powell and a little unknown treasure called Lake Ouachita in Arkansas. Both have the cleanest water I ever seen and have no private docks or cabins. Table Rock in MO is nice too. I like big lakes on the Sea Doo because I can go a long distance in a short period of time.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: New boater questions - sorry if they're retreads!

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html

you can search lakes on the DNR website.

also the east and west metro books by these guys are a must have in your boat

http://www.sportsmansconnection.com/minnesota/fishingbooks/

I also have a small metro area lakes map book that I love. Its a spiral bound book that you can find in most bait shops.

Ill agree Minnetonka is a circus. I only go out when its on someone elses boat.

I would say just get out and explore some lakes. well known spots are going to be just that. WELL KNOWN. usually what I do is I get on google or some other map thing on the internet and look for lakes nearby. then I look on the DNR site and then my map book. there are so many lakes in MN it would be a shame to just use one. Most of my favorite lakes are in the cities and not the "good lakes"

As far as snobbery ,thats only with people you dont need to deal with . I have a beat up old 14" tinny with a 6 horse and my friends with much larger, faster and better equipped boats give me the same respect.

Mn is a great state to have a boat. sometimes you just have to drive a mile in any direction and you can find a lake.

It sure doenst hurt to "mention" your boat or fishing once in a while at work or wherever. Many Many times you will find a coworker, friend or relative who also boats or likes to fish and they will invite you out to the same lake they are going to.