New Sundancer 300 Owner

[brentjaye]

I just purchased a 2004 Sea Ray Sundancer 300 and am keeping it on Lake Washington. I have never owned a boat, but have piloted many ski boats. I have taken the America's Boating Course online course and had a certified captain help with the receipt of the boat.

I am looking for recommendations on what new cruisers have done to get themselves ready for the transition to a bigger boat. The captain offered a course for 2 days for $1800. This is steeper cost than I'm looking for, and frankly, I don't have the patience to sit in a course for 2 days to begin cruising. Please let me know any recommendations, especially if they are specific referrals in the Seattle area.

Thanks,

Brent

 

[Sundancer]

Drag a friend along or find someone at the marina to show you the ropes and get you out and comfortable driving and docking. Get the manuals out and familiarize yourself with all of the systems (VHF, MMSI, anchor/windlass, Generator, blower, chartplotter, depthfinder, etc.,)so you know how they work and what to expect or do if they don't work. There are a lot of folks that would love to help you burn some fuel!!! From the initial switching on of the blowers to locking up and leaving her at the dock, there is a lot to learn! Don't be intimidated, but watch and ask others. I'm sure you'll run into some folks that can assist!

There is the Power Squadron course that you can take. It's a good way to meet folks and learn more about boating. I'd ask your marina if they can recommend a captain. I agree that $1,800 seems a bit steep to me! I'd suggest a shorter course from someone less expensive! Get used to docking, getting on plane with trim and tabs and basics like anchoring and scope. Hopefully you understand the navigation rules by now since you've piloted smaller boats?

 

[Kreole Kid]

First of all CONGRATS !!!! I just took that power squadron course and it is a wealth of info, However nothing beats getting on her and put putting around slowly with an experienced buddy or two.
When I got my 340 this year, I went to Destin FL to pick her up. I brought 2 of my very good friends who have boats and we literally drove her home via the Gulf of Mexico. I learned how to drive and park her in two days. The rest of the stuff to learn will come in time. Get to know your motors first and if you're not afraid to get dirty, get down in the bilge and have a look and tinker around with your new money pit.:thumbsup:
Good luck to ya :smt038

 

[r_moss]

Great boat, congrats..........We love ours.

 

[charlieft]

Congrats ... We love our 300 and I was surprised that it's the best handling boat I have owned. I would just take it slow and you should be fine ... don't try too hard ...

 

[Rxflyer]

Congrats on the new boat ! We sure do enjoy ours. Don't know if you bought from a private owner or via a broker, but our salesman did a great job of giving me some tips, instruction and orientation. Our first boat, so we needed all the info we could get. Any chance of getting a checkout via the dealership ? Hope you have a lot of fun getting to know her !

 

[brentjaye]

Thanks all. I've taken it out twice and have found it more comfortable than i thought. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Uplate]

Best advice I can give is go slow around the dock, and practice, practice, practice. You can practice out on the lake around a buoy to pretend you are going into your dock, etc. Get the feel of the pivot point of your boat, which is likely extremely aft with I/O's. Also remember you have the option of using the wheel with I/O's at slow speeds which can certainly help when you need it. Practice and try it out.

Always remember there is no shame in having to go around again to set up for a good docking if you miss the first time. As long as you end up where you want to be is the important thing.

 

[Nacho Boat]

Docking (and anchoring) are always the most challenging aspects of operating a boat. Just remember the #1 rule....never approach a dock faster than you want to hit it.:thumbsup:

Congrats on your purchase!!!!