Alright, I'm going to be getting a 17' fishing boat as my first boat. Any tips on towing or boat ramps or boating in general? I cant wait to finally have it and go out and cruise in it. I'll be taking a course on boating also, but any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

Register the boat and have all the proper saftey equipment on board at all times. If you have never towed before go to a empty parking lot or a very low traffic boat ramp and practice backing up. Oh a very very very very important tip always make sure the drain plug is in BEFORE lanuching the boat... trust me you will forget to do it atleast once, its just the right of passage.

 

^^i agree, i have had countless occasions of silently laughing at people trying to back down a boat ramp for the first time. but i always offer advice and am never an @ss about it. because i realize i must have looked the same way when i backed a boat down a ramp for the first time. good luck on the boat.

 

Don't be one of "those guys" on the launch ramp. Be FULLY prepared before you back down that launch ramp. That means drain plug(s) in , batteries checked, boat unhooked from the trailer (except for the bow strap), keys in the ignition, motor primed with fuel. Be quick, yet safe. Don't create a huge wake. If possible, have somebody pull the truck up out of the water while you pull the boat to the dock.

When putting the boat back on the trailer, always remember to trim the motor up some, unless you hate your prop and lower unit. Once on the trailer, trim the motor ALL the way up, again, unless you hate your prop and lower unit. Secure the bow strap, then slowly pull up out of the water. Don't tie the boat down on the launch ramp, unless it is deserted and nobody is around.

Your truck should be on the launch ramp for no more than 2 minutes. Any more, and people will probably get angry. Practice launching on a non-busy day. There's nothing worse than a husband and wife trying to load/unload their new boat and them just sitting there yelling at eachother... As there's 5 boats in line to launch. Also, use common courtesy. It seems as if intelligence disappears on the launch ramp and people just freak out.

 

(Broward County...)
Just my opinion but, 17 foot isn't enough boat for the Atlantic.
Mine was 19.5 and I stayed in the bay. I needed a couple more feet for 'big water'.

I saw 17's out there but, it wasn't my cup of tea.

Capn Raoul says 'Ahoy!'

 

Zaairman said everything I would suggest.

 

Congrat's man. Like said before practice with the trailer if you're unfamiliar. You'd be surprised how many people don't know jack. Always remember, wide turns or the trailer will be on the curb. Don't forget all the safety stuff too. Wouldn't be a bad idea to get the coast guard to do a boat inspection for you. At the end you get a sticker for that year and they don't usually bother you if you got it.

 

congrats on getting the boat.

go here for lots of info

http://forums.iboats.com/index.php

 

Pfft... I've been 11 miles out on Erie in a 16 footer

Ya just have to pick your days, although it was a little hairy getting back in the one time

 

We don't have to go back an forth on the issue.
He already said he's taking a boating safety course, I assume thru the Coast Guard Auxillary.

All he has to do is ask about cruising, with full disclosure of his boats specs and they will set him straight.

 

It's probably a online boater safety course ... Doesn't teach you much.

 

And that would be a shame, I recommend forking over the $36 and giving up six evenings.

http://cgaux7.org/pub_classes.asp

 

I agree. I did the online boaters course just so I could get reduced insurance. I've been around boats my whole life but for a new boater, you need some real time experience with a pro.

 

It was about 10 years ago, I think it was one evening a week for a couple of hours.
All I know is, I learned at least four things at each session that kept me from becoming 'a floater'.
The more I learned, the more I knew I still didn't know.

Graduation day was sad for me. I didn't want the course to end!

I was like wtf? you people heard the questions I've asked, and you are still going to let me go out there?
The guy said, "Raoul, wear two life perservers at all times and strap a light to your head, we'll find you."

 

My biggest blunder after graduation was 'Red-Right-Return'.
I knew the rule but, I was going from a creek to a river and assumed the river was the 'Big water'. Actually, the bay was behind the creek and I was running the wrong side of the bouys everytime I went thru 'the sandbox' and running aground...

...with the wheel in one hand and my certificate of graduation in the other.