New boater needs advice....thanks!

[youngdawg]

Hello all, and thanks in advance for your help.

First time boater, went to local SR dealer several months ago looking for a 20ft-ish boat to enjoy local lakes and pull the kids on tubes and boards. Terrific service from the local dealer, settled on the 205 sport, got delivery 1 month ago and currently trying to learn the ropes.

Before purchase, I explained that I am VERY new to boating, never trailered, driven, or docked a boat. I was assured that part of the orientation would be 1/2 day where they would go through all this stuff with me, so don't sweat it.

1 week before day of "delivery" which was supposed to happen at my local lake, I am told to meet at the dealership and they will do mechanical walk-through, then follow me to the lake for the "on water" stuff. Long story short, the dealership spent lots of time showing me the in-n-outs of the boat on the dealership floor, but then sent me off on my own with the boat on a trailer. No "on water" help of any kind. I managed to launch the boat by myself, with only 1 call to the dealership to bail me out of a panic situation. Now I'm trying to learn everything regarding moorage (how to properly secure to dock), trailering on and off (haven't tried that yet, but not looking forward to it).

Sorry this is so long, but I'm now considering hiring someone to teach me the basic skills, but I feel like the dealership should do what they said they would. I don't want to burn a bridge with them since I love the boat and plan to be a SR owner for decades to come, but I'm unsure how best to learn the basics.

Any suggestions? Does the dealership typically help out with this type of stuff, or am I expecting too much? Do others just learn through trial and error, or are there other resources beyond the basic safety courses?

Thanks!
Dale

 

[Gunn]

Contratulations on the purchase! The dealer should have lived up to their promise, but unless it was written down, and you now have the boat, it's probably not going to happen. Now that you have the boat in the water, just learn by doing. Or reading here, other places online, or with a good book. The book that has everything is Chapman's Piloting and Seamanship. It would answer your questions on docking, mooring, navigation, rules of the road, etc. May be overkill for a small bowrider on a lake, but you can just dive to the relevant sections.

This forum can answer all your questions too. Just search it out using Google's advanced search feature (pointing to Clubsearay.com).

Getting a 205 on and off a trailer is pretty easy. Ideally, go to a ramp that has a dock to pull up along side of. Put your sterndive full up! Drive the trailer down until the fenders are just above the surface. Use ropes on the boat to walk it up, then attach the winch and pull her on up. Pull away and then fasten your rear tiedowns, remove the bilge plug.

Oh, and read your manual that came with the boat!

Good luck,

Tom

 

[Bugsy24]

Dale a "GOOD" dealership usually will take care of teaching you the Basics! That being said if the Showroom ain't on the water!!!!!! then your probably SOL. I suggest finding a Captain in your area and hiring him for a couple of hours, Money well spent!
Hope this helps and welcome to the site!

 

[wvsundancer]

I would look on the web to find the local power squadron in your area and join. It is a great orginization. I would also make a call to the dealership who sold you the boat and ask tehm if they have provided you with all the necessary safety equipment required in your area. I am very surprised that the dealership left you "high and dry". My local dealership does not do busines this way.

 

[youngdawg]

Thanks for the quick feedback and advice! I should make it clear, my experience with most aspects of this dealership was very positive. It just seems fairly obvious that, once the sale was actually made, the salesperson no longer felt obligated to follow-through on the hand-holding that had been promised in order to help make the sale. My fault for not getting it in writing I suppose.

I did contact the local power squadron and I'm going to take some classes from them. This forum is an awesome resource, and I plan on coming back often!

 

[alwhite00]

When we bought our boat and were heading out of the channel for the first time my wife asked me where I learned to drive a boat and I answered - I am learning right now.

I just take everything slow, Especially getting around other boats and docking. We have stayed overnight a few times and I basically walked around the slips and looked how others were tied up and used a combination of techniques.

As far a loading on a trailer, I have a roller trailer, Not sure what you have but it pretty much centers itself when loading, Rule number 1 - RAISE THE OUTDRIVE!!! - I haven't forgot (yet) but I have seen others and it's not pretty.

Hang around the launch ramp and you can pick up quite a bit. (and it can be pretty entertaining as well)

Good luck and post any questions you have and the boaters here will talk you through it.

LK

 

[dmarsh70]

HI All - I am brand new myself. I went to the USCG Auxillary boater safety last week. That taught me a lot of the basics, learned how to tie a knot at least! I am also studying Chapman's Piloting & Seamenship. Great book, but very large! Now i need real world experience! I've heard horror stories of newbies (LIKE ME!) making the mistake of heading out on their own. So I decided to hire a local guy to spend a day with me... Wish me luck! Oh my boat, should be here next week 2004 260 Sun Dancer with 600 hours....

 

[Someday Lady II]

I would look on the web to find the local power squadron in your area and join. It is a great orginization. I would also make a call to the dealership who sold you the boat and ask tehm if they have provided you with all the necessary safety equipment required in your area. I am very surprised that the dealership left you "high and dry". My local dealership does not do busines this way.

I second the power squadron suggestion and may I also add that becoming a member at a local yacht or boating club or marina will allow you to meet a lot of fellow boaters who are almost always more than willing to help a new member out. That was the way it was for me and I am sure many others.
Enjoy your time on the water, you will be fine.

 

[jpk33]

A couple of IMPORTANT points to remember for trailer boats. 1) Drive up when putting on trailer 2) If garboard drain plug was removed make certain its replaced BEFORE launching! 3) Drive down before starting motor once off trailer. 4) Turn on bilge blowers before starting engine (for at least 5 minutes). Good luck & welcome aboard!