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?
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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?
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!
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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!Quote:
Originally Posted by KG's Supra24
Thanks, good stuff! wondering exactly what a power turn is. Would that be doing a turn when taking off full throttle?
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.
LOL! Yes those are the rules!Quote:
Originally Posted by BrettLee3232
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan
HAVE PATIENCE. Yes it's a $80k toy, however no need to add additional stress while learning.
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
1st rule...DON"T FORGET THE DRAIN PLUGS!!! Sounds obvious, but it has happened to even the most of us at least once.
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by The General
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KG's Supra24
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan
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.
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!
Gotcha! Good stuff to keep in mind.Quote:
Originally Posted by trayson
I definitely would want someone to help me.Quote:
Originally Posted by sivs1
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.
Second this^^Quote:
Originally Posted by Prospersigman
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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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.
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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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.
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!
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".
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!!
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.
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
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
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.
Awesome instructions on docking! Any chance you know of some youtube videos that demonstrate the techniques you've described?
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.
Tips: Docking - YouTubeQuote:
Originally Posted by PitBullAZ
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
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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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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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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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! - DeerfieldQuote:
Originally Posted by wolfeman131
Wow, wow, wow....I never got this Moomba welcome basket? [emoji4]Quote:
Originally Posted by deerfield
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Awesome, will do. And thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by deerfield
Picked her up today. Better than I expected. Attachment 25436
Attachment 25437
Good looking boat!! Nice colors
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Love it
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