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!
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.
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.
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.