Do's and Don't's

[Dan]

I am about to be a new boat owner and was wanting some advice on the biggest do's and don't's. One that I know of is ramp etiquette, do not spend a lot of time on the ramp. Anything else to be aware of?

[KG's Supra24]

Do take off the transom trailer straps before backing in!

Do plan ahead ... Don't get into a tight docking situation you don't have a plan for bailing out of. You can only back to the starboard side.

Don't do power turns

Do be aware of your surroundings and what others are doing on the lake around you.

Do make people wear life jackets ... It's not affecting their "surf game". It is affecting your liability.

Congrats on the new boat!

[BrettLee3232]

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[csm]

Do plan ahead ... Don't get into a tight docking situation you don't have a plan for bailing out of. You can only back to the starboard side.



This.... You will encounter situations where the wind, or someone's wake totally throws off your plans while you're trying to pull into the lakeside dock with everyone on the patio partying and watching you.... Just be prepared for things to not go as planned and have a backup plan. Eventually, it just becomes second nature. Enjoy the boat!

[Dan]

Thanks, good stuff! wondering exactly what a power turn is. Would that be doing a turn when taking off full throttle?

[Dan]

Oh and the launching and retrieving the boat, I am going in the middle of the week to practice that when there is hardly anyone around. From what I understand these inboard boats do not respond well at slow speeds.

[Dan]

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LOL! Yes those are the rules!

[sivs1]

Oh and the launching and retrieving the boat, I am going in the middle of the week to practice that when there is hardly anyone around. From what I understand these inboard boats do not respond well at slow speeds.

Teach your wife, significant other, whoever you'll be going out on the boat with the most how to launch and retrieve the boat. Don't be that guy that has to back the truck, get out, drive the boat to the dock, tie it up, go back to the truck and drive off.

HAVE PATIENCE. Yes it's a $80k toy, however no need to add additional stress while learning.

[mcdye]

Congrats on the new boat. It will take some time getting use to the handling of a inboard. They are different beast for sure.

- Throw a life jacket out in the lake, try and go around it at idle speed. You will get to where you can do a very small circle at idle. Bumping in/out of forward gear is the easiest way to control at idle speeds.

- Don't be the guy (PowerTurner) who spins the boat around when you have a down rider. Back off and idle around.

- Starboard docking is the way to do. Slow approach at a 45' then cut the wheel all the way to the right (? or left, come on spring) and bump reverse. Practice with lifejacket

[Prospersigman]

1st rule...DON"T FORGET THE DRAIN PLUGS!!! Sounds obvious, but it has happened to even the most of us at least once.

[The General]

Great thread!

Practice docking and retrieving the boat and riders as often as you can until its second nature to you as well as anyone else that will be at the helm of your boat.

Don't forget to reinstall the drain plug.

Learning proper launch etiquette is very important.

If you see someone that looks like they need assistance, ask if they're ok. It really sucks paddling a 5000lb boat back to the dock while boats rip past you without stopping.

[sivs1]

If you see someone that looks like they need assistance, ask if they're ok. It really sucks paddling a 5000lb boat back to the dock while boats rip past you without stopping.

Good Point! I have been towed in and I have towed others in. Last boat I towed in wasn't even worth what one of my surf boards costs. Was getting dark and most boats kept going by these people. We threw them a rope, turned on the tunes and made a party of it.

The one thing I have noticed over the many years of boating is people have either become very rude and or selfish thinking they're the only ones that matter. As boaters we are a community no matter what your background or current boat is. Remember to lookout for other Supra and Moomba's on the water, good chance they could be a member of this forum.

[trayson]

Don't do power turns

!


Thanks, good stuff! wondering exactly what a power turn is. Would that be doing a turn when taking off full throttle?

When you're towing a rider (or tube or whatever), many boaters have a natural desire to turn around a full throttle (turning while under power = power turn) and sprint back to their rider.

Not only does it mess up the water for everyone else, it messes up the smooth water for YOUR rider too! And it's really not gaining you anything other than the frustration of anyone else around that has to now deal with your waves that weren't necessary. It's safer to just ease off throttle and come back to your rider at idle. They're not going anywhere and the 2 seconds longer it'll take won't matter.

[kaneboats]

Do: keep sunscreen, extra towels, sweatshirts, etc. and a tool kit on the boat
Dont: ever litter or permit your guests to do so
Do: explain limited storage space to your guests and consolidate coolers BEFORE you launch
Dont: be THAT guy!

[Dan]

When you're towing a rider (or tube or whatever), many boaters have a natural desire to turn around a full throttle (turning while under power = power turn) and sprint back to their rider.

Not only does it mess up the water for everyone else, it messes up the smooth water for YOUR rider too! And it's really not gaining you anything other than the frustration of anyone else around that has to now deal with your waves that weren't necessary. It's safer to just ease off throttle and come back to your rider at idle. They're not going anywhere and the 2 seconds longer it'll take won't matter.

Gotcha! Good stuff to keep in mind.

[Dan]

Good Point! I have been towed in and I have towed others in. Last boat I towed in wasn't even worth what one of my surf boards costs. Was getting dark and most boats kept going by these people. We threw them a rope, turned on the tunes and made a party of it.

The one thing I have noticed over the many years of boating is people have either become very rude and or selfish thinking they're the only ones that matter. As boaters we are a community no matter what your background or current boat is. Remember to lookout for other Supra and Moomba's on the water, good chance they could be a member of this forum.

I definitely would want someone to help me.

[Dan]

This is really good stuff! Taking notes for sure. So far it seems the boat community (this forum) are great people and always out to help. Thank you and keep it coming.

[russellsmojo]

1st rule...DON"T FORGET THE DRAIN PLUGS!!! Sounds obvious, but it has happened to even the most of us at least once.

Second this^^

Some tense moments when the bilge kicks on and you wonder why for about 10 seconds then oh ***** sets in. Lol. Still remember it vividly.




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[JD14Mondo]

When loading boat don't power all the way up. I always winch the last few feet. It takes practice to figure out how far to back trailer in for loading and launching. Have fun stay safe.

[Mwcraz]

Do not get ready at the ramp. Too many boaters pull in line just to unload the truck and start prepping and loading the boat. This slows everything down. Be ready to launch when you pull in line.

Do not put your wife in the truck and have her back the trailer for the first time at the ramp! Many marriages have failed by doing this. I back our boat almost to the water and my wife jumps in for the remaining 20 feet straight back. Works perfectly every time and no stress. When we load I back the trailer and she loads the boat.

Depending on your ramp a good rule is to submerge you trailer fenders so the front is about two inches underwater. As mentioned before do not power load your boat. If it won't winch the back the trailer a few more feet.

Most importantly remember to relax and have a good time. Many on the ramp will help if asked. I have put many boats in the water for newer boaters.

Congrats and enjoy!


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[jelmhorst]

Be aware and courteous around docks. Stay back several hundred feet [100 ft rule may be law but still no reason to be that close at speed]- there may be swimmers in the water and your wake is coming for those docks. The beatings docks take cost owners money to repair, and they're not cheap. Unfortunately common sense gets left in the truck when the boat is put in, so ask yourself if you had that spot on the lake, how would you feel with your actions. As a new owner you're already ahead of the game asking for tips. I was once guilty of the bad habits listed until learning the correct paths commonly being shared here.

[SWELLwakesurf]

Have fun and be safe. Get some time on the water when its slow to practice docking and getting used to the boat, inboards are a different animal when docking and driving, practice as speeds you will be pulling tubers, surfers, skiers . . . and get used to how it handles at each speed. a boat at surf speed will handle a bit differently then at full plane.

Make sure you do it with a big smile on your face and don't stress out about anything too much, its all about having fun with family and friends!


Congrats and welcome to the club!

[gregski]

Don't invite a bunch of others out for your first day. Your stress level will be high enough just thinking through the boat stuff. If you have friends along and you feel pressured to entertain or move quickly, you'll get overwhelmed. Your first day should just be a practice "test drive" with a couple of people who "get it".

[Dan]

A lot of really good advice here. There is stuff being mentioned I have not really thought about. Just trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible so I will not be, THAT GUY!!

[Poison]

Cheetos/Cheese puffs + Children + Damp Boat Carpets do not mix. Trust me. If your friends with kids show up with cheese puffs politely tell them no.
Drinking and driving a boat under the influence is the same as driving a car in the eyes of the law (at least where I live). We all drink at the lake, but be an adult about it.
Boating is my absolute favorite thing in the world and I love every minute of it but people die doing it every year. Just be safe and courteous...particularly when there are other people in the water (skiers, boarders, surfers, swimmers).

Edit: I don't mean to sound preachy, but I live at the lake and I watch silly things happen all year long. I can see the ramp from my house and I've seen every type of failed launch attempt you can imagine. I've also seen too many close calls, too many drunk drivers, and I've seen the sheriff's office put a diver in the water and recover a teenagers body. Most things are common sense. Have a ball but be safe.

[moombadaze]

practice--ramp etiquette
practice--rider pick etiquette
practice--being a polite boater etiquette
.
if it is truly your first time out, see if some boat owner friend or a forum member here can go out the first time and give a heads up on some things


no Cheetos, Doritos, grape soda, and never- ever let somebody spray that spray on suntan lotion in the boat-in fact don't let anyone use it within 50 feet of your boat

[moombadaze]

something else, my dad years ago told me never ever tow somebody in using my rope, something about if I attach my rope to there boat and im then responsible for anything that should happen, but if they attach there rope to my boat I would not be.

not sure how much truth is in that.

just some .02

[BigOrange]

Remember the kill switch (to bring it and to put it on when you wonder why the engine won't crank)

Try to have a mental (or written) checklist when going through the trailering / launch / load process. This helps with the things like rembering the drain plugs and trailer straps. Also, avoid the bad habit that cost me several times -- of laying stuff on the swim deck after loading (for example drain plug) and driving off for those items to never be seen again. Check list is also good for remembering the board / tow rope (hey.....it happens)

Leave some spare sunglasses on the boat. Have extra towels as well. Find your wife's favorite non perishable snack and get some spares on the boat = Hangry prevention.

Don't forget to check the expiration date of your fire extinguisher. Have the state law number of life jackets and throw cushion on the boat. Use the boarder down flag if necessary in your state.

Carry a flashlight on board and spotlight as well if you are going to be out at dusk or past.

Can't have enough extra rope...just in case.

As best you can, become knowledgeable about any body of water before boating on it....where are the shallow spots? What ramps to use or not use?

When launching, a good practice is also to back the boat down slow enough and deep enough to crank it wet with the boat still recoverable to the trailer if it doesn't start.

Find all of your breakers in the electrical system....one will trip when you least expect it.

In the eastern US, cell phone coverage is mostly ubiquitous these days, so make sure you have a phone charged or charger on board, and some programmed numbers of who you might call if on the water with an issue and can't get a tow.

Don't stress!! Have an agreement up front between you and your wife that any issues docking / loading will be the other one's fault and then laugh about.

[PitBullAZ]

Awesome instructions on docking! Any chance you know of some youtube videos that demonstrate the techniques you've described?

[5:00]

Take a boater's safety class. There is so much to learn and it is actually a good class. It may be a requirement in your state but do it anyway! At least take the online class. It is FREE. My whole family had to take it before they were allowed to pilot even with us on board. https://www.boatus.org/courses/

Main thing on right of way is the boat approaching from your starboard side has the right of way. Learn the right of ways inside and out. That is where most people get into trouble.

Just because you have the right of way doesn't mean the other guy knows that. A lot of people have no idea what they are doing out there.

Have a communication radio on the boat. They are relatively cheap. Other signal devices as well.

Have life jackets for EVERYONE on board. You have 7 people on board but only bring 4 ski vests for the skiers and forget the other three people also need one.

Check over the boat every once in a while, check the engine compartment for fuel smell and generally does everything look good.

There is NO steering in reverse other than some torque to one side. This can get you when leaving the dock backward. You will either go out or hit the dock. Some times you just have to attach a couple of ropes or pull backwards on the tower. You will get used to it in time and use it to your advantage. I have had to ask people to back up when getting fuel because I can't steer around them. They shouldn't be that close anyway.

The fueling dock can be a bit hairy. It can be just as bad if not worse than the boat ramp. Everyone is in a hurry and they don't want anyone to cut in front of them. It is a good idea when approaching to see who is waiting because it isn't always a line. Just observe when coming in. I will sometimes ask who is in line if needed.
The worst guy is the one who gets fuel and brings his whole family up for snacks at the place where they pay and they don't move their boat first. Don't be that guy for sure.

At the ramp:
Turn on battery switch, make sure you have key in ignition, lanyard for kill switch is in
Start the blower early
Fenders and rope, have more than you think you need

Don't worry, you will be fine. It just takes practice and by thinking about it ahead of time you are ahead of most at your stage. Have a blast out there and ask for help if you need. If there is a marina someone who works there may help and give them a tip of some kind.
Take your time and practice when you can if no one is around.

[mcdye]

Awesome instructions on docking! Any chance you know of some youtube videos that demonstrate the techniques you've described?

Tips: Docking - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Px6AkkKHb4

Kirby's School of Wake Boat Driving Tips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsrbyOjJXhs

Kirby's School of Wake Boat Driving with NASCAR Ned
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWZKJwXvdh8

[wolfeman131]

Have a dive mask or goggles and a serrated knife stowed away in case you run over your tow rope & need to cut it off.


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[deckwork]

Don't feel rushed at the ramp. As long as you enter line at ramp prepared most boaters will be very understanding if it takes you a little longer to launch or load we have all been there. Rushed usually means mistakes will be made.

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[beat taco]

Inboards love to swing their ass into the dock when you pull away. Always turn away from the dock and then back towards it to pull the ass away.

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[deerfield]

Have a dive mask or goggles and a serrated knife stowed away in case you run over your tow rope & need to cut it off.


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Dan – I fastened stainless steel pliers to a two-foot section of nylon rope. At the other end of the nylon rope I fashioned a lariat that adjusts to fit securely around my wrist. A safety box cutter with stainless steel blade slides freely up and down the rope. Lariat keeps the pliers and safety knife from dropping to the bottom of the lake when I find myself under the boat. Goggles are helpful for a clearer view of the underwater situation. PM me your address and I will send you one of these tools and a set of goggles, along with a Momba logo t-shirt (just need your size). Welcome to the Moomba family! - Deerfield

[BrettLee3232]

Dan – I fastened stainless steel pliers to a two-foot section of nylon rope. At the other end of the nylon rope I fashioned a lariat that adjusts to fit securely around my wrist. A safety box cutter with stainless steel blade slides freely up and down the rope. Lariat keeps the pliers and safety knife from dropping to the bottom of the lake when I find myself under the boat. Goggles are helpful for a clearer view of the underwater situation. PM me your address and I will send you one of these tools and a set of goggles, along with a Momba logo t-shirt (just need your size). Welcome to the Moomba family! - Deerfield

Wow, wow, wow....I never got this Moomba welcome basket? [emoji4]


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[Dan]

Dan – I fastened stainless steel pliers to a two-foot section of nylon rope. At the other end of the nylon rope I fashioned a lariat that adjusts to fit securely around my wrist. A safety box cutter with stainless steel blade slides freely up and down the rope. Lariat keeps the pliers and safety knife from dropping to the bottom of the lake when I find myself under the boat. Goggles are helpful for a clearer view of the underwater situation. PM me your address and I will send you one of these tools and a set of goggles, along with a Momba logo t-shirt (just need your size). Welcome to the Moomba family! - Deerfield

Awesome, will do. And thanks!

[Dan]

Picked her up today. Better than I expected. 25436
25437

[russellsmojo]

Good looking boat!! Nice colors


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[dusty2221]

Love it

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[Rmajewski]

This has been incredibly helpful. Thanks everyone!

[execoll]

Congrats on the boat, it looks great.

I suggest:

A boat tool kit. Boats break it's a fact and it sucks to be on the water and your boat breaks and all you need is a pair of pliers to fix it.
A good first aid kit.
Rope, rope, rope you never have enough rope. I'm not sure where all my rope goes but I always seem to need more.
Proper fitting life jackets, yea the bag o jackets will meet the law requirements but come on you spent 70+K on a boat buy some jackets that fit.
Paddles, not everyone is nice and it gets dark quick when you run out of gas/engine wont start and your a mile from the dock.


You and family members need to take a boat safety course.

Everyone that is old enough needs to know how to back the trailer in and load the boat on the trailer. You never know who will have to do it in an emergency situation.

You and family members need to take a first aid course and a CPR course if old enough I would suggest a life guard course also. I love being on the water and have been for most of my life but it is dangerous and while you may know the rules not everyone does and it causes accidents.

You need to learn how to change your trailer tires, I know it sounds silly but do it before you have to and you will thank me later when you have a blow out and stuck on the side of the road.

Since your a new boat owner make a check list of things you need you leave the house/dock. Its a lot easier to walk back inside and get that extra life jacket than get to the ramp and think "oh crap".

When at the dock be a fast as possible but don't let others pressure you in to being in a hurry that is when your frustration level skyrockets and stupid mistakes cause $10k in damage to your boat.

Finally: never be afraid to ask a question, chances are you are not the only one that had that thought or done that thing wrong.

[The_Robo_Fighter]

All,
Great thread, and I agree with almost all of it. Be safe, be respectful and have FUN! I see way too many people stressing out about how their boat looks or who is looking at them. I've seen Dads yelling at children and wifes about stupid things. I've seen friendships ended over innocent accidents. My boat is a family tow tractor. It has a few love marks but, each scratch tells a story about the family fun we've had. Cheetos have been smashed in the carpet and a wayward grape has been found in the off season clean up. But nothing a pressure washer and a magic eraser didn't fix.

[russellsmojo]

All,
Great thread, and I agree with almost all of it. Be safe, be respectful and have FUN! I see way too many people stressing out about how their boat looks or who is looking at them. I've seen Dads yelling at children and wifes about stupid things. I've seen friendships ended over innocent accidents. My boat is a family tow tractor. It has a few love marks but, each scratch tells a story about the family fun we've had. Cheetos have been smashed in the carpet and a wayward grape has been found in the off season clean up. But nothing a pressure washer and a magic eraser didn't fix.

So true! If I do not find a few crushed chips, popcorn, juice box, or some other leftover kid stuff then it was not a good day on the water!! Or should I say normal day.


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[slvr bulit]

All,
Great thread, and I agree with almost all of it. Be safe, be respectful and have FUN! I see way too many people stressing out about how their boat looks or who is looking at them. I've seen Dads yelling at children and wifes about stupid things. I've seen friendships ended over innocent accidents. My boat is a family tow tractor. It has a few love marks but, each scratch tells a story about the family fun we've had. Cheetos have been smashed in the carpet and a wayward grape has been found in the off season clean up. But nothing a pressure washer and a magic eraser didn't fix.

Well said!

[kaneboats]

I had to get that lecture from my cousin way back with my first boat. He called me "Uncle Gordon" who was the stuffiest, pickiest, PITA boat owner we ever knew. I got over myself (mostly) and everybody has had a lot of fun on the water ever since. Although-- I still don't toss my empties back in the boat when we're floating like SOME people do.

[Ed_Geary]

"I still don't toss my empties back in the boat when we're floating like SOME people do. "

Hey! I resemble that remark.

[bzubke1]

Always make sure you have the right size wrench for your trailer lug nuts incase you need to change a tire. This one bit me in the butt my first outing of the year. Figure out how far you need to back the trailer into the water when loading the boat and make sure your truck driver knows as well. I frequent an unusually steep ramp and see quite a few people every year back in too deep and then go in deeper when it doesn't work out. For my boat and trailer the steeper the ramp, the less I back the trailer in when loading. May have been said already, but I always start the boat and make sure all is well before I take off the bow strap. Once the bow strap is off I put the boat in reverse and signal the driver to come back a little further. If the driver lets the truck roll back a foot or two the hits the brakes hard the boat should slip right off. I used to have to really give it in reverse to get the boat off the trailer until I noticed someone at the ramp using this technique.

[Dan]

This thread has tremendously helped with first boat ownership. Thanks to everyone for there advice it truly has been helpful. Actually helped rescue a kayak-er and his 4 year old daughter this past weekend when another idiot boat (which needs to read this thread) capsized them. They were ok, just lost his phone some tackle and scared the sweet little girl. I ended up taking them back to where they put in at.

[Darter]

Nice work! Always good to help the others out and especially to set a good example for the little kid (and adults, for that matter).

[kaneboats]

Nice work! Always good to help the others out and especially to set a good example for the little kid (and adults, for that matter).

And bad karma will come back and bite you-- always better to be several points to the good.

[smokedog2]

I’ve had my boat 12 years. The kids are driving now, working summers and not hanging with me much but they get out a little. The first year or two you will be so excited to share you will not expect much, I’d still think about some early rules for guests. This was actually published somewhere years ago ( I wrote it), it is lake house focused but has a few for the boat as well.

Some tips for Guests from a regular Lake House Host:

I am not a one-man Bed, Breakfast and Board shop. One boy I know actually declines to come out because everyone works at my house – but not his.

I have noticed a trend of adults leaving before teardown. I’m fine with once in a while “having” to get back but not participating at all in teardown all summer is getting old. I took Friday off to setup on my own, that was my choice and I like the quite time but for those of you that are guests, we hosts eventually notice who is there when stuff needs to be packed, unpacked, cleaned and stored.

Maybe is not an answer. I have other friends. I also have limited space, bedrooms and boats. I need to know who is in and who is out. I’m asking if you would like to go, not if you would like an option to go that remains open up to and including the day of arrival. A maybe cannot be asked to bring or do anything. They are total baggage.

It is a bit unpopular but my solution to this is first come, first pick of a room. Maybe people are mostly also late people. Maybe Blueberry Hill will have a cabin.

If you are coming out a day late to a lake house ALWAYS call twice, once in the am and once at the store to pick-up what is forgotten, that is also a small thing that helps a lot when it is 40 minutes to Wal-Mart.

If you are a first time guest you may be told to just bring your suit and a towel - that is what I tell folks.

Here are some things you can bring that have made a great impression on me, - frozen bottled water, it works for ice and you have drinks for the boat that do not stain, I allow coke etc. but some folks do not. In fact, never show up to any boat without at least a bag of ice.

Bring your own cleaning rag and bottle of vinyl cleaner – even if it is not Aero 303 - I am always out and will use any good brand in a pinch.

If you ride with anyone on a regular basis and they say don’t worry, I’ll clean the boat when I get home – find out when and stop by to help. I can assure you, you are an army of one. By this point in the summer, even the rabid boaters are tired of solo boat care.

I have some regulars that just step up and handle stuff like food planning, who will bring what – it is a huge help.

I’ve had a boat for years, every winter I buy about 10 rash guard shirts ($15-$19), I consider them essential, and I am down to four – I do not know where they go. Rather than cash (which I have never taken) - plex goggles or a nice rash guard shirt or two will get you remembered.

If you ride tubes with someone a lot, think ropes. I switch out my 4 man lines every year and buy 4 at a pop so they are all the same length. I snapped a little rope once and it came back into the boat. I’m big on big new ropes every year or so.

I’ve also gotten a rope swing, framed water pictures and even a toilet paper holder (a moose with a spare role box under it). If it was a gift, I know who it was from. One guy made custom t-shirts for everyone, nice design, nice shirt, very thoughtful.

Watch the rope. If a kid is having trouble getting suited up, ask if you can pull it in. Watch the boat traffic, if it looks odd, SPEAK-UP!

I don’t “expect” this or that from my guests, but it is remembered when they take a little time to show their appreciation.

I volunteered with a crew at school for years (Bingo), they have been coming to the lake for years. They are some of my favorite guests. They are there early for set-up, they bring all the food, run every meal, don’t leave until I get in my car (stay to the end, see what lock up really looks like), and leave cash in the cupboard for gas because I won’t take it.

All of this takes more time than an ATM but if you are hitching a ride, someone has more than a little time vested in you already. Having been a host a number of years I realize that I was never a very good guest – which may explain why I wasn’t one all that often.

Still, if you are riding in a boat you have never bought a tank of gas for, you’re doing it wrong.


Additional thoughts on Guest kids:

They have never been a problem. One mom thinks I shouldn’t make the kids work so much (roll eyes here). I asked a kid on his first trip this weekend (after teardown) if it was too much work to come back. Three hours to put up four boats and put the lake house in order plus empty the garage & clean the floor so 8 other boys could sleep there when they arrived next week – not trivial work. He would LOVE to come back.

I treat them all like my own and often the parents are a little surprised at the kids’ capacity.
E. g. after a fall you do not ask - are you ok? Are you ok? Are you OK!? . . . You ask if they have another run in them, they will tell you if they are not ok.

Kids are on KP every night (ages 8-14), never perfect but getting better, they cannot learn by watching you work. Usually someone helps finish up but they are getting pretty good at it.

I have been known to let some kids sit out KP, if he is hauling the boat stuff out, wiping down the boats, helping the younger kids etc. I’ll give them a pass for seeing what need to be done and doing it. Of course most of my guest kids are Boy Scouts and they end up helping their buddies anyway.

In other news my son at age 12 took a boat to and from the dock on his own for the first time a few weeks ago. I noticed three other guest boys had taken the boating course and were being taught to do that this weekend. I consider boating a great place to train responsibility.

I have rules -- for safety, care of equipment, and shared workload. Generally, take the kids, leave the parents behind.

[deerfield]

"Teaching my kids to Ride, Shoot Strait and Tell the Truth"

Good man.

[Dan]

Had this wonderfully beautiful boat of mine tide up to the courtesy dock, the no wake buoy is about 15 yard out in the water and this bass boat came flying up and shuts it down right at the buoy. This creating waves and such, rocking my boat up against the dock (had 3 fenders out). Did not mess my boat up but I gave him a glare that would start a fight in most bars. Q; how do you tell these folks to slow it down about 100 yards out with out getting into an argument?

[trayson]

Had this wonderfully beautiful boat of mine tide up to the courtesy dock, the no wake buoy is about 15 yard out in the water and this bass boat came flying up and shuts it down right at the buoy. This creating waves and such, rocking my boat up against the dock (had 3 fenders out). Did not mess my boat up but I gave him a glare that would start a fight in most bars. Q; how do you tell these folks to slow it down about 100 yards out with out getting into an argument?

If they're outside of the no wake zone, you can only appeal to their reason...

But if they're in the no wake zone, I get on my Wet Sounds PA System and yell "NO WAKE ZONE DUMBASS!!!". I've done that to more than a few guys on Waverunners that don't think they put out a wake...

[Connolly_Crew]

If they're outside of the no wake zone, you can only appeal to their reason...

But if they're in the no wake zone, I get on my Wet Sounds PA System and yell "NO WAKE ZONE DUMBASS!!!". I've done that to more than a few guys on Waverunners that don't think they put out a wake...

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]


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[keweaver13]

Sweet looking boat! Congrats.
I do not think it was mentioned, keep an eye on the weather. It can get real ugly real fast on a larger lake.

@SmokeDog - great post!

[jmb]

Sometimes I'm by myself and have to back down, drive off, tie up and then move truck

[zabooda]

Had this wonderfully beautiful boat of mine tide up to the courtesy dock, the no wake buoy is about 15 yard out in the water and this bass boat came flying up and shuts it down right at the buoy. This creating waves and such, rocking my boat up against the dock (had 3 fenders out). Did not mess my boat up but I gave him a glare that would start a fight in most bars. Q; how do you tell these folks to slow it down about 100 yards out with out getting into an argument?

If the no wake zone is there to protect boats at the dock then the responsible organization needs to move the buoys out further.

[Dan]

If the no wake zone is there to protect boats at the dock then the responsible organization needs to move the buoys out further.

That's kind of what I was thinking. Some folks just don't use their head and it is annoying.

[TJG]

This thread is a good read, thanks all! We're on our first wake boat, but have had pontoons and fishing boats for years. It really is quite different!

[td_in_nc]

Great thread - I have been boating for 5 years and found some great nuggets of wisdom.

After a close call, I now require when we stop for a break and float, everyone, must take a flotation device (at least a noodle) with them even if it is for a quick pee break. I had a kid (18 years old) jump in and he was tired from wakeboarding all day and he quickly started to struggle, threw him a life jacket, when he got back in the boat you could tell it rattled him.

[skiWA]

Another good reminder is to always chock the wheels and make sure the load is on the chocks before you put the truck in park and get ready to disconnect the trailer from the truck. Otherwise it might roll a bit before it settles and if it goes forward it might damage the truck.

[rdlangston13]

Don't fill the rear ballast bags with your new doomswell surfboard still in the rear locker...

[jmvotto]

Don't fill the rear ballast bags with your new doomswell surfboard still in the rear locker...


pics or it didn't happen
:(

[DFTR Josh]

Don't fill the rear ballast bags with your new doomswell surfboard still in the rear locker...
They come with an OOPS warranty?

[rdlangston13]

pics or it didn't happen
:(

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170720/f44280d835a01f5558908690f89223d7.jpg

Try to fight back the tears



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[trayson]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170720/f44280d835a01f5558908690f89223d7.jpg

Try to fight back the tears



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Are Heidi and Cody still alive?

I didn't want to break the news to them when I saw it... :(

[rdlangston13]

Are Heidi and Cody still alive?

I didn't want to break the news to them when I saw it... :(

I haven't been home yet. This is why we can't have anything nice lol. Board was all of like 3 weeks old... Maybe it will still ride ok? Or maybe it will ride BETTER!

[trayson]

Well Brock can fix it. It will ride "okay" but really you're better off getting it fixed. At a minimum, you'll really need to get some fiberglass resin and hardiner and make sure any cracks where it got crunched are water tight. Because you don't want water intrusion into the core of the board. You could really "seal" it with anything, but riding it as is would be asking for trouble IMO. (And I saw it first hand and have had to repair my own boards before).

[Dan]

Well after a first year of a first time owner, I can tell you one don't that bit me. Don't put your trailer in too deep. Boat caught on the right side just before hitting the stop and shot off to the right missing the stop and getting the boat on the trailer sideways. Prop started hitting the frame of the trailer before I could get shutoff. Cost me about $260 for prop repair and some trailer paint from SC. Other than that we had an awesome year last year and am looking forward to the weather warming up.

[Catman]

Don’t feel bad I’ve been boating for 15 years and the exact same thing happened to me. Nettles repaired the prop for around 250 oops

[MJHSupra]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170720/f44280d835a01f5558908690f89223d7.jpg

Try to fight back the tears



Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkDoes keeping it in a rack damage it?

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[rdlangston13]

Does keeping it in a rack damage it?

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I wouldn’t think so. This was a result of it being in the rear lockers when my lovely wife decided to fill the ballast.


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[kaneboats]

I drove out of the garage once with a rear locker door open. Had to buy two new panels for the aluminum garage door. The locker door got only a corner smashed in a bit. Actually works as a hand hold so it's easier to open. Never worried about it again but still a bad move.

[russellsmojo]

I wouldn’t think so. This was a result of it being in the rear lockers when my lovely wife decided to fill the ballast.


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Cheap shot across the bow at the misses that is not on the forum! Awesome manliness!


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[trayson]

Cheap shot across the bow at the misses that is not on the forum! Awesome manliness!


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Well, I was on his boat when it happened. It was tragic indeed.

But I point no fingers. Ha ha

[rdlangston13]

The misses is on the forum lol. And what cheap shot? I said she was lovely...


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[russellsmojo]

You did say lovely. Lovely makes it all better. It’s like “with all due respect” haha.

I remember the time my lovely wife jackknifed the black boat trailer on white Tahoe. But she remembers the time I backed into the house with swim platform. I blamed the house on her for not being out to tell me when to stop! Lol


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[rdlangston13]

You did say lovely. Lovely makes it all better. It’s like “with all due respect” haha.

I remember the time my lovely wife jackknifed the black boat trailer on white Tahoe. But she remembers the time I backed into the house with swim platform. I blamed the house on her for not being out to tell me when to stop! Lol


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A man is only as good as his spotter...

[MJHSupra]

I wouldn’t think so. This was a result of it being in the rear lockers when my lovely wife decided to fill the ballast.


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I have the same board and just slapped on some new fins. Have yet to ride it.

[MJHSupra]

A man is only as good as his spotter...

True. Such as the time those damn tree branches were getting into my driver's side board rack when I was backing the boat into the driveway one late Saturday night.

Sunday AM the chainsaw fixed the issue right up so future episodes would not occur.

On Monday Roswell Marine appreciated my contributions to keep the economy moving forward.

Guess I left the part of the story out about not being smart enough to swivel the racks inside the boat when I left the ramp . . . .