new boat help

[rowyourboat]

hey guys, i just got a new bass boat. im takin it out for the first time this weekend. can you guys give me a short step by step of what in the world im supposed to do once i unload it in the lake lol... i just dont want to do somethin stupid with her haha

[fishermantony]

Safety should always be your first priority!  Before I even leave my driveway I do a walk around when I think I'm ready to go, check lights, check trailer hitch connections and trailer straps, look at everything, do it a few times if you have to.  Once you get to the launch........first and foremost be patient!  You'll be a little slower at first if you don't have experience, don't let other people at the ramp cause you to rush and make a bad mistake.  Make sure your drain plug is in your boat!!!  Be legal, have registration, insurance and every safety device required by your state law, flares, horn, vests.  Bring a good amount of water and some snacks.  Ease your way into it.  When I first got mine, I really "white knuckled" it for about a month (didn't go full throttle).  Finally I would say, ask others with experience questions and if you can have someone come along with you.  Most of all, enjoy it!

[Fishing Rhino]

Find someone with experience to go with you. There are many things you'll need to learn. If there are others at the ramp, don't be embarassed to ask for help.

As for a list, here goes, and I'll probably forget something. This will vary from ramp to ramp depending on the type of facility. Some ramps will have a float, or pier alongside the ramp. Others are just a ramp with a beach on one or both sides. If possible, pick a ramp with the float or pier. The second url is a video, and I'd suggest one change. Put a clip on the line, and connect it to the safety strap. When the boat floats off, pull the trailer up a bit, get out, unclip the line and either pull the boat to a float/dock, or pull the boat onto the beach at the side of the ramp. In addition to the tie downs, remove the "transom saver" but leave the motor tilted up in case you need to pull the boat to the shore alongside the ramp.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2125145_launch-boat.html

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/how-to-launch-a-boat-by-yourself/63fa42740c74ab05b1ce63fa42740c74ab05b1ce-502948496404?q=how+to+launch+a+boat&FORM=VIRE2

[Hot Rod]

Read and re-read owners manuals.

If it is brand new don't forget the required "break in period" and instructions for the motor.

Try to pick a time when the launch might not be as busy.  Nothing worse than trying to do your best to be cautious and having some egghead hollering at you for going too slow (as happened to me one of the first times out.)

[slonezp]

Also get a depth contour map of the water you'll be on. You don't want to tear apart the bottom of the boat. When the big motor's on wear a PFD and have the kill switch lanyard attached to the vest.

At the ramp, it's going to take practice loading and unloading. Be patient. Eventualy you'll learn exactly where the trailer needs to be on the ramp to load and unload properly. I wouldn't advise power loading until you know what your doing. Don't forget the plug when you launck and don't forget to trim up when you load.

If this is a new boat, the motor break in period is probably 10 hrs. Once you've accomplished that, you'll want to start your takeoff with motor trimmed all the way down. The nose of the boat will raise and as it lowers itself you can start trimmimg the motor up until you find the sweet spot. That is the point with the least drag just before the boat starts to porpoise. Also the more choppy the water the more control you'll have with the motor trimmed down. The same goes when you're crossing wakes.

Be aware whats around you at all times. There are plenty of inexperienced boaters out there as well as "hot rodders" and drunks.

Good Luck

[hootersdoug]

I would agree with others already posted here.  Had I taken someone out with me the first time I ran my bass boat (ran my Dad's v-hull many times), I would have had someone to telll me that full down trim to launch is a lot different.  I probably spent 45 minutes running around Lake Geneva with my bow pointed to the sun before I called someone who told me that launch trim is a lot "deeper" than what I was used to.  Ask somone who you know that already owns a boat to go fishing with you.  They can teach you how to corner, trim it out properly, ride through rough water, launch with other boats wakes getting in the way, and how to operate as othes have already pointed out, safely.  Good luck and have fun!! 

PS: This advice will probably save you some embarassment also!!!!

[MI Gordon]

I just got my first boat last July. And like you, I talked to a bunch of folks seeking advice. I always fish alone. After it was all said and done, the best advice I got was this....try to get to a ramp when there is no traffic. Even if it means 3AM. That way there is absolutely no pressure. Unload and load until you feel confident. I did that that, and then, 2 weeks later when I got into a high traffic situation, things went well. Good Luck! And congrats on your new ride!

[boneil]

take your time and be patient with yourself.  It will take time on the water before you learn how to operate the boat to its full potential.  And don't feel too embarassed by the silly mistakes you will make,  we've all done them.  Learn how to operate the boat comfortabley and with confidence before you worry about boat performance and adjusting things. 

and most important.... have fun!

[Triton21]

Make sure the plug is in. I don't know anyone who owns a boat that hasn't left the plug out.

Kelley

[MI Gordon]

On my last trip out late last october, in the rain, and with my 22 yr old son for the first time..I left out the plug. All it took was getting out of my mojo just a tiny bit (rain, son, etc). This year I plan on leaving a note semi permantly affixed to my winshield "PLUG??"

[Long Mike]

I keep my boat plug attached to the boat ignition key.  It makes it very difficult to launch the boat without realizing that the plug is not installed.

[FD.]

I keep my boat plug attached to the boat ignition key. It makes it very difficult to launch the boat without realizing that the plug is not installed.

X2  I only had to launch twice without the plug to learn that trick

Also, there may be a kill switch on the throttle.  Make sure it is ON, before you kill the battery trying to start it.

[flyboy]

Go to a large parking lot like a shopping center, home depot etc. (when they are closed) and practice backing and parking between lines.  While at the ramp area always use the staging area to make final preparations and be prepared to launch when you pull onto the ramp.  So many times you will see someone staging on the ramp and trap all the rigs that are attempting to pull their boat out of other ramps and causing a line of people waiting to launch.  It is much more relaxing to stage your boat away from the ramp and be confident that all preparations are in order when you back down the ramp so that you can concentrate on putting the trailer exactly where you want it.

Enjoy your new boat!