Do's and Don't's

[Prospersigman]

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

[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.

[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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[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.

[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

[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.