I got my first boat today, any tips?

  • gimpy
    Owatonna, Minnesota
    Posts: 149
    April 13, 2003 at 4:08 am #1243212

    It is an 89 Slyvan Monster Fish, motor and the whole works.

    Mike W
    MN/Anoka/Ham lake
    Posts: 13294
    April 13, 2003 at 5:05 am #263955

    Way to go. Must fell pretty good. I was wondering why the fish where trembling so much today

    leinieman
    Chippewa Valley (Dunnville Bottoms)
    Posts: 1372
    April 13, 2003 at 10:56 am #263957

    Way to go Gimpy! The tips I have for you arn’t the fun kind but very important ones. Read the boatng safety rules and regulation handbook. I’m sure the Minnesota DNR has one. Next your boat is like your car so don’t fool around in it as the consequences could be BAD. Be aware of others around you as they may not have had these tips. The last tip is fish,fish,fish. Oh yeh don’t forget you have fellow anglers around your area that don’t have a boat that would love to go with you once you are used to your rig. Don’t forget the trip swap forum. Congradulations and have fun. Steve

    Gianni
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Posts: 2063
    April 13, 2003 at 11:45 am #263961

    Best advice: Have fun.

    A couple other things I did after I got mine.

    1. Do a web search on the boat and motor and see if there are any common problems with that brand/type and make sure that those have been taken care of before you hit the water.

    2. Head down to the local library and get the service manual for the motor and look it over – I wouldn’t recommend reading the whole thing, because it will probably be a little dry, but make sure that the regular maintenance and lubrication-type-stuff are all done. Also, make sure you know how to get the cowling off and on and check over the wiring for frays and potential shorts, especially in the main battery cables as they are not fused – an electrical fire in a boat sucks, trust me.

    3. Check out the trailer lights, boat lights, bilge and livewell pumps, etc and take care of any problems before you hit the water (probably did this before you bought it, but no harm in including it here).

    4. Practice backing the boat up in an empty lot if you’re not used to trailering. I don’t mind watching a new guy putting on a show at the ramp, but I’ve also been that guy and it’s embarassing. Every rig backs differently; a little wider, a little shorter, etc really makes a big difference.

    5. Every spring, I take mine for a shakedown cruise on a lake before hitting moving water. Remember Steve Vick’s post about having to drag the boat upstream after the motor crapped out? Not fun. At least on a lake, you can use the electric or row, row, row your boat back to the ramp.

    6. Most important: Have fun. Next time I’m heading up to Austin to see the wife’s parents I’ll let you show me where the fish are.

    bt-eye
    Apple Valley, Mn (Pool 2)
    Posts: 352
    April 13, 2003 at 12:00 pm #263963

    Congrats on your First Boat. It’s always exciting.
    Take your time and have fun

    tom_gursky
    Michigan's Upper Peninsula(Iron Mountain)
    Posts: 4751
    April 13, 2003 at 2:54 pm #263972

    Remember son, its not the size of the ship that counts…its the motion of the lure and the persistence of the fisherman. Go get em Gimpy!

    P.S. Watch out for those damn tug barges

    LeoKam
    Camp Lacupolis, MN
    Posts: 183
    April 13, 2003 at 3:40 pm #263975

    And dont forget to put your drain plug in and unattach your boat from the trailer before launching.

    Don Hanson
    Posts: 2073
    April 13, 2003 at 9:39 pm #263985

    All good points, don,t be afraid to asked a seasoned boater to go with you the first time.

    bill_cadwell
    Rochester, Minnesota
    Posts: 12607
    April 13, 2003 at 9:51 pm #263988

    Always back it down into the water before you unfasten the bow of the boat from the trailer winch. Fish out of it a few times first before adding a few new toys like rod holders etc unless the boat came with them. Have fun but always safety first. Look out fish, Gimpy is out to get you. Thanks, Bill

    Jack Naylor
    Apple Valley, MN
    Posts: 5668
    April 13, 2003 at 11:04 pm #263993

    good going Gimpy, all good suggestions here so far. I’d add to throw in a backup set of sparkplugs and a real cheap plug wrench, couple screw drivers, and always check the DRAIN PLUG, til you are in the habit of leaving it in when leaving home. think ahead of the boating situations that you may get into, on the water courtesy, if at a ramp, especially by yourselft don’t be afraid to ask to help from anyone just standing around. most folks will be happy you asked them. have fun. Jack.

    richardsmith
    Owatonna Mn 55060
    Posts: 174
    April 14, 2003 at 12:20 am #264000

    Pretty nice “FIRST BOAT” Need any help, just give me a jingle !

    Richard (Smitty)

    Keep a tight line !!!

    sednerb
    Mount Vernon, IA
    Posts: 52
    April 15, 2003 at 12:46 am #264123

    Don’t forget to put a “pee’ can in it, along with some emergency paper. You never know when you’ll need it. Besides, there’s nothing more unattractive than seeing some guy hanging his lure over the side of the boat right next to you.
    SEDNERB

    gimpy
    Owatonna, Minnesota
    Posts: 149
    April 15, 2003 at 2:13 am #264144

    Ah no, I hope I never see that.

    Thanks everybody cant wait to start fishin in it.

    Snagger
    Owatonna, MN
    Posts: 184
    April 15, 2003 at 11:01 am #264172

    Good Luck Gimpy. Remember always get ready to launch when you are waiting in line not when you are backed up to the landing. Need any help drop me a PM.

    Fear no Fish

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