Strange newbie question - The Hull Truth

kone · 03-16-2009, 05:10 PM

Pardon me in advance folks... Ok, after spending a few weeks fishing the sound in Hatteras NC with another buddy the last few years another buddy and me decided we wanted a boat so we went halfies on a 1850 Century DC. Nether of us has any significant experience boating or fishing coastal waters, or any water for that matter. I did quite a bit of freshwater fishing off 12' aluminum fishing boats in the past but that hardly helps here.

So to shorten a very complex question; other than the standard PA boating course, how do we get started? We want to learn well, be safe, have fun, and not step on any of your toes along the way - I'm sure us newbies can be a real pain in the a$$ so we're trying to avoid that as much as possible. Any advice?

Thanks in advance for the help.

kone · 03-16-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kone

Pardon me in advance folks... Ok, after spending a few weeks fishing the sound in Hatteras NC with another buddy the last few years another buddy and me decided we wanted a boat so we went halfies on a 1850 Century DC. Nether of us has any significant experience boating or fishing coastal waters, or any water for that matter. I did quite a bit of freshwater fishing off 12' aluminum fishing boats in the past but that hardly helps here.

So to shorten a very complex question; other than the standard PA boating course, how do we get started? We want to learn well, be safe, have fun, and not step on any of your toes along the way - I'm sure us newbies can be a real pain in the a$$ so we're trying to avoid that as much as possible. Any advice?

Thanks in advance for the help.

we're located in Berks County PA by the way.

thubert57 · 03-16-2009, 05:21 PM

The Coast Guard Aux Boater Safety Course or Power Squadron Safety Course would be the first place to start.

Make sure the boat is in working order and put her in the water. Pay close attention to the weather.

starmonk · 03-17-2009, 06:41 AM

Learn the proper etiquitte for launching and retreiving at public ramps. This is a sore spot among boaters. Never follow too closely in a boat remember it does not have brakes. Mostly you can learn by watching and observing. Take your time. It is not complicated but does take a little common sence. Most of the dunder-headed moves you will see could have been avoided if a little common sense was used. Take it slow and most importantly have fun! Good Luck! See ya out there!

MikeAstringer · 03-17-2009, 08:07 AM

In my opinion go take a "live" course rather than the online course. I took the PA course online to get the card because I also boat in NJ (where it is required). I don't believe that a new boater is going to learn what he/she needs to know to safely operate their vessel by taking the online course.

I also had my wife and kids take the online course to get their cards because in addition to our two boats we have a waverunner (also required) but I take them out personally to teach them to be safe operators.

Take a trip down to Bucks County and I'm happy to take you out on the Delaware. Any excuse to get on one of the boats is fine with me!! My marina opens 5/1.

kone · 03-17-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeAstringer

Take a trip down to Bucks County and I'm happy to take you out on the Delaware. Any excuse to get on one of the boats is fine with me!! My marina opens 5/1.

We may just take you up on that, thanks for the offer! I've exchanged emails with a service in NJ that conducts live training and that sounded like it might be good, it's expensive tho. I don't mind paying someone for their time but...

MikeAstringer · 03-18-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kone

We may just take you up on that, thanks for the offer! I've exchanged emails with a service in NJ that conducts live training and that sounded like it might be good, it's expensive tho. I don't mind paying someone for their time but...

My e-mail is mike.astringer@humancapitalconsultants.com. Reach out anytime.

Mike

One4Water · 03-20-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kone

We may just take you up on that, thanks for the offer! I've exchanged emails with a service in NJ that conducts live training and that sounded like it might be good, it's expensive tho. I don't mind paying someone for their time but...

My wife and I played e-mail tag with one of those companies and had the worst time just trying to get them to find the time to come out with us and when we finally nailed down a date, the guy called and said we are all set but he had never been on a cat boat so some of his handling and manuevering information would not apply. No price break was offered. If I am spending for a service, I am getting the whole service. That's just me though. I am sure they do have value if you get the right Captain on board. Just make sure he knows your boat otherwise it will all be general information.

We got refered to a local repair guy that launched for us and went for our first ride on the new boat and shared some good info. Other than that, we just went out as much as we could and self ejumacated ourselves. Yes we took the safety course and have been on jet skiis for years so we kind of knew the general dynamics of water travell. We learned a lot and continue to do so all the time. Thats part of the fun of it. We took it slow and stayed back bay for a long time. The ocean came later when we were much more knowledgable about the boat an dhow she handles.

My advice, for what it is worth, know the rules of the road, know your boat, be smart and get out there and do it. Power Squadron and similar courses are excellent as well. The more you know the better off you are

We are from PA as well but boat at the Jersey shore. If you ever want a buddy boat or want to head out to observe, drop me a line. We normally head to the ocean but not that far out most times. The back bays are fine by us too. we usually fish but love to explore as well. There is a lot of scenery to be had back there.

tonyb · 03-21-2009, 07:12 AM

A few things .....

1. Remember to put the plug in the boat! You may be thinking to yourself "I'm no idiot, why would he say that?!?!" ... and you cannot even imagine how many times I, and most everyone on this site has gone to the ramp and dropped her in only to ask this of yourself as you are parking the truck ..... !! .. and its even WORSE if you forgot because then you look like an idiot trying to put the plug in the boat when the boat is already in the water! ... Prepare yourself with a witty comeback like "I always clean my bilge before every trip"...!

2. Remember to pull the swim ladder up before you take off after you're playing in the water! This is another one that I see ALL the time when we are out on the water! A huge "rooster tail" behind a 16 foot boat is usually the telltail sign!

3. Pull your boat bumpers into the boat and make sure you have all your lines stowed after you leave the dock! A million times I have seen boats running with bumpers flopping on the side of the boat and lines dragging in the water as boats are running at full speed! I've collected many a boat bumper out on the water just because of this too!

4. A guy on a boating show on TV once had an idea that works. Get 2 milk jugs with the tops on. Tie a short piece of rope to the handle about 10 feet long and you can even use fishing line. Tie a heavy sinker on the other end. Head out to a bay or a body of water where there is no one around. Throw the 2 milk jugs in the water about 10 feet from each other. Try to pull up, and STOP, with the 2 milk jugs running into the side of your boat at the SAME TIME. Its kind of practicing coming into a dock or a seawall without anyone around to watch or critique you! You'll learn how much throttle in reverse you'll have to give your boat to stop it and you'll also learn which way to turn the wheel and throttle and its good practice.

5. Remember to stow EVERYTHING before you head out on the road back home. If I stopped on Route 528 here in Merritt Island for every life jacket I saw on the side of the road because no one does this before they head home, I could open a life jacket store!

6. GREASE YOUR TRAILER BEARINGS BEFORE AND AFTER EVERY TRIP!

240 LTS · 03-21-2009, 01:43 PM

1. Go out with experienced boaters that don't mind you asking questions. Maybe they will let you drive when it is safe with no others around.

2. NEVER approach a dock faster then you are willing to hit it.

3. When approaching a dock faster then you would like DO NOT put any body part between your boat and he dock. You or the person "helping" will only do this once.

4. The actual boat ramp is not a place to practice backing the boat up. Do it in an empty parking lot. When you feel comfortable there, practice at the ramp when there is no one there. If some one shows up just pull away from the area till it is clear again. This typically can be done in the off season, or week days, depending where you live.

5. DO NOT scream at the people trying to help you launch. Only you will look like an idiot. Have a plan prior to arriving. Prepare the boat to launch AWAY from the ramp.

6. The #1 rule in launching a boat "Be considerate of others and Do Not hold up others at the ramp". Watch people who know what they are doing and do what they do.

7. When in doubt, go slow. When in doubt, stay far away from others. When in doubt, ask questions.

8. When everything is clear and your passengers are ready (PFD's on) for you to get on plane:

a. Look around
b. Is everything tied down?
c. Is the trim down?
d. Put you beer down
e. Hammer down!
f. If "d" is in the line up, get some one else to drive.

In the beginning go slow, stay clear of others, know "The rules of the road". Don't be a show off or a know it all. I try to learn something every time on the water.

Read THT!

kone · 03-21-2009, 05:01 PM

lots of great info! thanks and keep it coming if you have anything to add.

1stchunt · 03-22-2009, 07:38 AM

I would highly recommend getting "Chapman's Book of Seamanship and Small Boat Handling". If you go into any marine supply place, just tell them you want a copy of "Chapman's" and they will know exactly what you mean. It is probably in it's 45th printing or so, but it will provide you with weeks of good info on everything (much of it illustrated with photos, etc) on docking, lines, navigation, weather, rules of the road, safety--well, you get the idea.

If you only get one book on boating, this is the one.

Congratulations on the new boat, but be careful. This whole boating thing is addictive. Watch out for the dreaded but inevitable "two footitis"! You might have a touch of it now and not even know it...

tonyb · 03-22-2009, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stchunt

Congratulations on the new boat, but be careful. This whole boating thing is addictive. Watch out for the dreaded but inevitable "two footitis"! You might have a touch of it now and not even know it...

LOL!!!! .... This disease also works in conjunction with "more horsepower itis"...!!!!

sea nymph · 03-22-2009, 09:16 AM

Hey, since you're in Berks County, PA you may want to try traveling a little north and "practicing" at Beltzville Lake. Try early spring! It's a good way to get use to your boat without all the pressure, especially from the folks at the Jersey Shore. Common sense is the rule and always be in control of your vessel!

kone · 03-23-2009, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stchunt

Congratulations on the new boat, but be careful. This whole boating thing is addictive. Watch out for the dreaded but inevitable "two footitis"! You might have a touch of it now and not even know it...

ha ha... my buddy may already have it. He stopped by my place the other day and says, "I was down working on the boat and geez, it sure does seem a little small....". The Treasurer (mine) just about hit the ceiling!!!

kone · 03-23-2009, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sea nymph

Hey, since you're in Berks County, PA you may want to try traveling a little north and "practicing" at Beltzville Lake.

I'll keep it in mind, thanks. Any other info about Beltzville I should know about?

MikeAstringer · 03-23-2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stchunt

Watch out for the dreaded but inevitable "two footitis"! You might have a touch of it now and not even know it...

I believe this is closely followed by "multiplevesselitis". I fell victim to that this past fall and winter when I purchsed the 19' Searay and the Waverunner to go along with the 30' Trojan. Multiplevesselitis can cause serious complications to both your wallet and marriage!! It will however make your local marina and boating supply store much healthier.

kone · 03-23-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeAstringer

I believe this is closely followed by "multiplevesselitis". I fell victim to that this past fall and winter when I purchsed the 19' Searay and the Waverunner to go along with the 30' Trojan. Multiplevesselitis can cause serious complications to both your wallet and marriage!! It will however make your local marina and boating supply store much healthier.

In my case there'd be no marriage left to complicate

lime4x4 · 03-23-2009, 01:08 PM

we boat at beltsville lake alot. The docks should be put back in this week according to the park ranger i spoke to.We have a 27 foot cabin cruiser that we take to the lake a few times a week. Hopefully this weekend will have the boat out on the lake.The other poster is correct about using the lake in spring less crowded.We also boat in the upper chesapeake area as well..You'll probably want to use the main boat lunch area pine run. Easier to get to and alot more room at the ramp area.If u need any help just give a holler. We all were first timers at one time.lol.. The other thing to remember is to make sure u have all the required safety gear on board.If there are park rangers at beltsville ramp will stop and look over your boat before u launch.This seems to be a more comon occurance early in the season

MikeAstringer · 03-23-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kone

In my case there'd be no marriage left to complicate

I realize that I am very lucky to have a wife who puts up with my foolishness. I was a boater growing up at the Jersey shore with my dad and I was a boater most of my adult life in Nevada. I sold my boat when I moved east, immediately met my wife, married her, and my time and money (mostly money) went to providing a nice life to my now blended family.

My wife loves the beach and after 4 or 5 summers going down the shore and literally in pain looking at the boats in the bay and marinas my wife started suggesting I buy myself a boat. I am self employed and before this horrible recession worked 80+ hour weeks. My wife felt I deserved it and actually pushed me to buy a boat last summer.

The kicker is my wife does not love boating the way I do. Most nights in the summer we meet at the boat after work and have dinner. Most weekend nights we spend the night on the boat. That she enjoys. She says it's like having a condo on the water. When it comes to leaving the marina she's just as happy if I go by myself. She went out with me several times last year but she's happier in the slip having dinner, watching a movie and spending the night.

Our intention was to put the Trojan down the shore this summer and spend weekends on it. Unfortunately this recession has put that plan off. Even having the boat down the shore though she made it clear she's happy to go to the beach during the day while I take the boat out.

I bought the smaller boat to have something to trailer wherever I want to take it and have something a little more economical than the larger boat. My wife has made it pretty clear that I'll spend a lot of that weekend time without her.

While it's unfortunate that I can't get her as passionate about boating as I am it's great that she understands that it is something I am passionate about and is my unwind time. She does not give me any hassle about the time or money I spend on the boat. I spent this entire weekend at my buddy's shop working on the boat and rather than hassle me about the time we missed together actually brought me lunch!

Now THAT is a wife!