chalky fiberglass

You can always have a pro polish your boat. Not too expensive in the big picture and then you know it's done correctly. You don't need the stress.
 
NorCal Boater said:
You can always have a pro polish your boat. Not too expensive in the big picture and then you know it's done correctly. You don't need the stress.
Click to expand...
yea, but i don't really do much other stuff like that, and i think i would like to learn.......would help me when it comes time to hand wax our coach........................
 
Very familiar with all the lakes in Ohio that you mentioned. Salt Fork was our favorite. We use to spend nearly every weekend there. Our boating lifestyle has changed and we now spend our time around at the islands in the Western basin of Lake Erie. If you ever get up that way maybe we’ll see you on the water.

I think for the first time in the 13 years of ownership, I am going to let the pros do the buff and wax this spring. I will be interested to see how their results differ from mine. I’m sure theirs will be better.
 
ok folks........i am gonna try this again.............at 1:30 this morning, i woke up.....thoughts of getting this boat running thru my mind............thought about how nice it will be taking it out on the lake, etc...........and the thought comes to me "how the heck do i get into the boat when getting ready to back it in the water"......i know there are ladders for trailers out there, but since some of you have the 215, with probably a similar trailer, what do you do, or what ladder did you buy?..........the best method would go from truck bed, over on to trailer tongue, up into the boat...........the 215 has the rail running around the bow, so you have to get up high enough to get over that..............looking for some input...........thanks in advance
 
NorCal Boater said:
Congratulations! I hope all goes well. My wife and I looked at the 215 Express several times many years ago. We really liked it but eventually bought a used 24' Cuddy as our first "sleep-on" boat. While living in Las Vegas we once towed it to Long Beach, CA and took the boat to Catalina Island for 6 days sleeping on it every night. We ate ashore and there were even pay-by-the-minute showers for boaters. We soon learned that this was a lifestyle we wanted so we started looking for a bigger boat several years later. We eventually bought a 26' 4Winns with an aft cabin. We spent the first night on it with the 2 of us and 1, 90 lb. dog. The next morning we looked at each other and both said, "We need a bigger boat." Six weeks later we sold the 26 footer and bought a 34' 340 Sundancer. Four years after that we bought a 52' Motor Yacht.

Why did I tell you this story? Well, because many that start down this path end up like us and you may as well. For me, there is nothing like pulling into a new marina or anchorage after several hours of cruising to get there. Getting the boat squared away from the day's cruise and for the evening....making that first cocktail and enjoying the quiet of the surroundings and watching the sun go down. Then waking up after a totally relaxing night aboard, smelling the fresh morning air while enjoying the first cup of coffee or a Bloody Mary and anticipating the coming day's activities. It's addictive and you are starting down that path and I am envious. It's like falling in love.... Enjoy the journey.
Shawn
Click to expand...

This was EXACTLY our experience in boating as well....there is nothing more relaxing....C'mon Spring hurry up!!!!!
 
tiara in the snow 01.JPG
View attachment 66696
jssearay said:
ok folks........i am gonna try this again.............at 1:30 this morning, i woke up.....thoughts of getting this boat running thru my mind............thought about how nice it will be taking it out on the lake, etc...........and the thought comes to me "how the heck do i get into the boat when getting ready to back it in the water"......i know there are ladders for trailers out there, but since some of you have the 215, with probably a similar trailer, what do you do, or what ladder did you buy?..........the best method would go from truck bed, over on to trailer tongue, up into the boat...........the 215 has the rail running around the bow, so you have to get up high enough to get over that..............looking for some input...........thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I believe many of the smaller boats are more difficult to detail than the big ones. They have rails, decals, creases and similar design elements that make it hard to polish and wax them. The easiest boats to work on have large smooth surfaces, no decals and gradually curving design elements. That said, there are some polishing tools that work in tight surfaces. I've seen some detailers using nice battery powered machines that fit in the palm of a hand and with wool pads that are about three inches in diameter. These seem ideal for working in tight spaces so typical of smaller boats, and on bigger SRs with tight spaces around on logos and on vertical surfaces near the helm and port cockpits sides.
 
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jssearay said:
ok folks........i am gonna try this again.............at 1:30 this morning, i woke up.....thoughts of getting this boat running thru my mind............thought about how nice it will be taking it out on the lake, etc...........and the thought comes to me "how the heck do i get into the boat when getting ready to back it in the water"......i know there are ladders for trailers out there, but since some of you have the 215, with probably a similar trailer, what do you do, or what ladder did you buy?..........the best method would go from truck bed, over on to trailer tongue, up into the boat...........the 215 has the rail running around the bow, so you have to get up high enough to get over that..............looking for some input...........thanks in advance
Click to expand...

First....you're over thinking all of this shit and I feel it is just your excitement/anxiety over getting the boat. The boat I currently have is a 23' Cobalt CM23. This is a very deep boat with high hull sides (called freeboard) and it sits high on the trailer. So it's pretty challenging for a 69 year old guy to climb into it when launching. I can do it by stepping on the trailer and up to the swim platform. Most of the time tho I bring along a 4' folding aluminum step ladder and my wife throws it in the back of the truck after I get in the boat.

The way we work it is.... We get to the ramp, prior to actually getting in the launch lane we transfer items from the truck to the boat, I get the straps off and make the boat ready to launch (blowers on; batteries on, etc.). If you have a roller trailer leave the bow/winch strap connected. If you have a bunk trailer you can take it off. I then get the truck and boat in the launch lane all lined up to back straight in. I now get in the boat and my wife, or a friend, back me straight down the ramp. When I have enough water under the boat to lower the outdrive I do that and start the motor. I let it warm up a second or 2 and then when I'm ready my wife will back me down and hit the brakes. If there is enough water under the boat it will slip right off the trailer. If it doesn't I will put the drive in reverse and power the boat off and wait at the dock. My wife parks the truck and trailer and comes down to the dock.

Try to use a ramp that has finger piers that go far into the water. If you can do this you can tie your lines on the boat, back it in and have your wife walk the boat back along the pier as it comes off the trailer. You will be going on a sea trial; let the seller launch the boat and see what he does. You could even shoot a vid with your phone of him launching it and save and refer to it later.

Launching and loading a boat causes many boaters a lot of angst but it doesn't need to. Like anything else you need to practice on a day when there is not a crowd at the ramp (weekday?) Watch other boaters and see who gets in and out of the water the most efficiently. Be sensitive of hogging the launch lanes and don't be afraid to tell someone waiting that you are a new boater. Most often they will offer to assist. One last thing, if she doesn't already know, take The Admiral to a big empty parking lot and have her practice driving towing, and backing the trailer striving to be able to back in a straight line. One more last thing....I promise. Seek out the US Power Squadron in your area. They offer classes on boat handling and most are really good. They also offer Skipper Saver courses geared towards wives. An instructor will take her out on your boat and teach her the proper way to start, stop, maneuver and dock the boat. He/she will show her the proper way to use the VHF radio, tie a line, throw a line, etc. You are allowed to go along but you must only speak when spoken to or given a command by the captain. My wife took this class when we moved up from a 26' to a 36' and even tho she knew the basics of handling the boat, after 4 hours she could put the boat anywhere and when returning to the dock she spun the boat around and backed it about 50' between 2 other boats and docked stern in. The only problem with her learning to drive well is you will fight over who is going to do the driving.

Just soak everything in and enjoy the experience. I predict that within 3 years you will sell the coach, buy a bigger boat and move to Florida or someplace with year 'round boating.
Shawn
 
NorCal Boater said:
First....you're over thinking all of this shit and I feel it is just your excitement/anxiety over getting the boat. The boat I currently have is a 23' Cobalt CM23. This is a very deep boat with high hull sides (called freeboard) and it sits high on the trailer. So it's pretty challenging for a 69 year old guy to climb into it when launching. I can do it by stepping on the trailer and up to the swim platform. Most of the time tho I bring along a 4' folding aluminum step ladder and my wife throws it in the back of the truck after I get in the boat.

The way we work it is.... We get to the ramp, prior to actually getting in the launch lane we transfer items from the truck to the boat, I get the straps off and make the boat ready to launch (blowers on; batteries on, etc.). If you have a roller trailer leave the bow/winch strap connected. If you have a bunk trailer you can take it off. I then get the truck and boat in the launch lane all lined up to back straight in. I now get in the boat and my wife, or a friend, back me straight down the ramp. When I have enough water under the boat to lower the outdrive I do that and start the motor. I let it warm up a second or 2 and then when I'm ready my wife will back me down and hit the brakes. If there is enough water under the boat it will slip right off the trailer. If it doesn't I will put the drive in reverse and power the boat off and wait at the dock. My wife parks the truck and trailer and comes down to the dock.

Try to use a ramp that has finger piers that go far into the water. If you can do this you can tie your lines on the boat, back it in and have your wife walk the boat back along the pier as it comes off the trailer. You will be going on a sea trial; let the seller launch the boat and see what he does. You could even shoot a vid with your phone of him launching it and save and refer to it later.

Launching and loading a boat causes many boaters a lot of angst but it doesn't need to. Like anything else you need to practice on a day when there is not a crowd at the ramp (weekday?) Watch other boaters and see who gets in and out of the water the most efficiently. Be sensitive of hogging the launch lanes and don't be afraid to tell someone waiting that you are a new boater. Most often they will offer to assist. One last thing, if she doesn't already know, take The Admiral to a big empty parking lot and have her practice driving towing, and backing the trailer striving to be able to back in a straight line. One more last thing....I promise. Seek out the US Power Squadron in your area. They offer classes on boat handling and most are really good. They also offer Skipper Saver courses geared towards wives. An instructor will take her out on your boat and teach her the proper way to start, stop, maneuver and dock the boat. He/she will show her the proper way to use the VHF radio, tie a line, throw a line, etc. You are allowed to go along but you must only speak when spoken to or given a command by the captain. My wife took this class when we moved up from a 26' to a 36' and even tho she knew the basics of handling the boat, after 4 hours she could put the boat anywhere and when returning to the dock she spun the boat around and backed it about 50' between 2 other boats and docked stern in. The only problem with her learning to drive well is you will fight over who is going to do the driving.

Just soak everything in and enjoy the experience. I predict that within 3 years you will sell the coach, buy a bigger boat and move to Florida or someplace with year 'round boating.
Shawn
Click to expand...
All good info, and yes, I am pretty excited.......I guess my comments were not specific enough........I have owned boats on and off for the past 30 yrs.....this boat is the largest, and tallest.....my concerns about getting in and out are based on 1) my physical limitations do not allow me to climb that well and 2) going on the boat alone.....sure, no problem if spouse can back me in, and pull me out, then we could use a small ladder like you do......but if I am alone, and have just put the boat back on the trailer, how do I get off the boat (which is in the water) so I can pull it out with the truck....that is where the “steps” I am seeking come in........there won’t always be a pier......and I cannot climb over the front (too high) and I am not jumping in the water......that is why I asked....as for power squadron training for my wife, good idea, but she is a retired attorney....you don’t TELL her to go anywhere.....suggest maybe.....and she does intend on going to a training session, as the fellow we are buying the boat from is a member of the local squadron, and a past. President.......as for Florida, I wish.....but unfortunately, she would never live there.....thanks again for the info.......
 
if you are not physically able to climb on and off the front of the boat you will have a very difficult time launching and retrieving the boat by yourself.....i also used a small step ladder to gain access to my 215EC and the Admiral would back the boat (and me) into the water....then i would circle back around to pick her up at a dock after she parked the truck and trailer.....with your limitations you may be forced to only use the boat when someone else can assist you and only on ramps that have a finger dock for passengers to board/exit your boat.....

good luck....it is a GREAT boat...

cliff
 
CliffA said:
if you are not physically able to climb on and off the front of the boat you will have a very difficult time launching and retrieving the boat by yourself.....i also used a small step ladder to gain access to my 215EC and the Admiral would back the boat (and me) into the water....then i would circle back around to pick her up at a dock after she parked the truck and trailer.....with your limitations you may be forced to only use the boat when someone else can assist you and only on ramps that have a finger dock for passengers to board/exit your boat.....

good luck....it is a GREAT boat...

cliff
Click to expand...
Hello.......my limitations are not that bad, I get around ok, but things like climbing are a challenge....like jumping a chain link fence (like when you were a kid)......with the “steps” or “ladder” from the boat trailer frame up to the front deck, I would be fine....and I can keep my feet dry...hahaha....I am encouraged that you thing the 215 is a good unit........thanks
 
When and where we launch there is always finger pier. Like others have mentioned, we prep the boat before getting to the launch lane - batteries on, blowers on, plug in, dock lines attached. I then back the boat down the ramp and the Admiral handles the lines. I release the safety chain and bump the boat off the trailer. The Admiral walks the boat back to the end of the finger pier and secures it. I park the truck and trailer and return to the boat. Motor is running and off we go. We have been very fortunate in that we have never felt rushed when launching. When hauling out, there have been times where we have just idled off to the side and watched the show.

Although I have threatened, I have not yet tried to launch on my own. I have the same concerns as you. Don’t let it be a deal breaker. As Cliff said, the 215 is a good boat.
 
Buckeye Boater said:
When and where we launch there is always finger pier. Like others have mentioned, we prep the boat before getting to the launch lane - batteries on, blowers on, plug in, dock lines attached. I then back the boat down the ramp and the Admiral handles the lines. I release the safety chain and bump the boat off the trailer. The Admiral walks the boat back to the end of the finger pier and secures it. I park the truck and trailer and return to the boat. Motor is running and off we go. We have been very fortunate in that we have never felt rushed when launching. When hauling out, there have been times where we have just idled off to the side and watched the show.

Although I have threatened, I have not yet tried to launch on my own. I have the same concerns as you. Don’t let it be a deal breaker. As Cliff said, the 215 is a good boat.
Click to expand...
casey, launches alone are no problem......(i used to launch and retrieve my pontoon all the time, no big deal as it had a ladder built in to the trailer) .....it is when you get back to the ramp that poses the issue........still, hasn't anyone installed a boarding ladder that is mounted to the trailer, and which one did you install?.........that was what i was inquiring about.........i cannot climb over the bow rail down to the trailer, distance is too far without a ladder........none of this is a deal breaker..........boat is in shop in ontario getting inspection today......going up to meet the "guy" this morning..........hopefully sitting in my driveway in a week or so.............
 
tiara in the snow 01.JPG
I used to launch by myself occasionally and it helps tremendously to have a fender pile on the ramp dock. Always used two 50 foot long lines to do the launch and retrieval. One was tied to the bow and the other to a spring cleat on the boat. I would unhook the trailer connection on the bow, followed by laying the two long boat lines on the boat side and tied to a fender pile on the dock. Back down until the boat floats, adjust the lines a bit and park the tow vehicle. People waiting always offer to help to speed things up. Let them help. If they are not around, there is no rush. Retrieving is a little trickier but essentially you pull in and wrap a spring line around the fender pile tightly so you can get off without the boat moving. Back the trailer into the water and use the lines to position the boat over the trailer. Pull the rig up until the boat is not floating. Secure the trailer line to the bow and winch it snug. Again, let people help if they offer. Man, did I hate retreiving a boat at dinner time after an active, exhausting, sun burning, day on the water. Then you had to back it into the storage barn when you got home and disconnect things and park the tow vehicle. Slips are so much easier. But then again there is canvas to deal with when you get back to the slip. But, I digress...........
 
sbw1 said:
View attachment 66727 I used to launch by myself occasionally and it helps tremendously to have a fender pile on the ramp dock. Always used two 50 foot long lines to do the launch and retrieval. One was tied to the bow and the other to a spring cleat on the boat. I would unhook the trailer connection on the bow, followed by laying the two long boat lines on the boat side and tied to a fender pile on the dock. Back down until the boat floats, adjust the lines a bit and park the tow vehicle. People waiting always offer to help to speed things up. Let them help. If they are not around, there is no rush. Retrieving is a little trickier but essentially you pull in and wrap a spring line around the fender pile tightly so you can get off without the boat moving. Back the trailer into the water and use the lines to position the boat over the trailer. Pull the rig up until the boat is not floating. Secure the trailer line to the bow and winch it snug. Again, let people help if they offer. Man, did I hate retreiving a boat at dinner time after an active, exhausting, sun burning, day on the water. Then you had to back it into the storage barn when you got home and disconnect things and park the tow vehicle. Slips are so much easier. But then again there is canvas to deal with when you get back to the slip. But, I digress...........
Click to expand...
that is a unique method of retrieval...........so you pull the boat on the trailer with the lines............not sure what a spring line is..........................i would love a picture, better yet, a video............maybe i will look on you tube..........thanks
 
tiara in the snow 01.JPG
jssearay said:
that is a unique method of retrieval...........so you pull the boat on the trailer with the lines............not sure what a spring line is..........................i would love a picture, better yet, a video............maybe i will look on you tube..........thanks
Click to expand...
A spring line is a line tied to the side cleat on a boat. Having a line tied there is critical to controlling the position of the boat by the dock or in a slip for that matter. Always have a spring line attached and handy when you are getting ready to dock. Too much line is always better than too little line.
 
sbw1 said:
View attachment 66728
A spring line is a line tied to the side cleat on a boat. Having a line tied there is critical to controlling the position of the boat by the dock or in a slip for that matter. Always have a spring line attached and handy when you are getting ready to dock. Too much line is always better than too little line.
Click to expand...
thank you sir................
 
I keep a hooked end garboard ladder between the port lounge seat and the hull, I step up onto the trailer wheel well, grab the ladder and hook it over the side. Last year, I added a 2' long piece of dock line that is knotted on the end and at the middle. I secured the line on the "swim platform" on the port side of the outboard at the cleat. It is long enough to use hauling yourself up using the fold down swim step, but short enough that it doesn't overhang and become a hazard for the outboard. When not in use, I put it under the swim step so when I snap the ladder down in holds to rope from flapping underway. Since doing that, I've rarely needed the garboard ladder.
 
tiara in the snow 01.JPG
Having a fully extended boat hook for your sized boat in a handy position where you can grab it is also a good strategy when working around a ramp or dock. Again, best to have your stuff laid out in advance of landing. Ever notice that people who do not do this end up yelling at someone?
 
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