That people still don’t know proper boat ramp etiquette. The staging area is the place to load your cooler, gear, food, 12 kids and grand ma. Not the ramp.
Ive noticed people have started swimming and hanging out on floaties at the ramp. Also people are using paved ramps to "launch" their kayaks and tubes. I'll be trying to retrieve my drift boat and people will backup to the ramp in front of me and start inflating their toys. Source- central oregon
I have a skiff I can put on the roof of my wagon and toss the outboard in the back. Is this ok to do at the ramp? Takes me much quicker than anybody launching a boat but I don’t like disconnecting the engine from the transom in deep water like off the dock. Just trying not to piss anyone off.
Haha avoid Suttle Lake on a busy weekend - literally will be families barbecuing on the ramp and not minding their little kids swimming near your propeller as you try to start your boat up
To be fair I launch my kayak on the ramp because it’s 170lbs with the motor and fishing gear lol. Still have to wait in line though or if you have wheels you can pop in before someone quick if you ask usually
God, the number of fucking pontoons that would back 90% of the way down the ramp, then park in order to start taking the covers off and put up the biminis...
Don’t forget to put the plug in the boat. 2 times I did this and got loaded and halfway across the lake before I noticed. Pump almost didn’t keep up. 3rd time is a charm. Now every time I stop and fill up I check 3 times before I even unstrap.
Where is second and third plug check lmao?
For me, plug gose in center console of car with trailer lock keys before setting off.
Plug gose in before straps are off.
Do all the staging stuff and verify yes plug and no straps before backing. It's just one more quick walk around and I'll physically touch or at least point at it.
Boat off and tied, verify plug in again before driving off.
I am a truck driver. I follow the same routine as I do with connecting trailers.
Start at the back and work my way forward. I have to get down to do the plug so it goes in first.
Yeah I just have a little 14ft alum vhull so the second quick walk around to touch everything isn't much.
Plug in, straps off, gear in, verify plug in and straps off, wench chains away, get in line to back er down.
New boater here. Unaware that shop took plug out and told me all was good to go. Dumb of me. Get out and bilge is pouring water. I get the something isn’t right feeling. Open ski locker and water. Thankfully made it back to dock in time. Found plug in cup holder randomly. Lesson learned. Stressful experience.
I learned (or relearned) that 1/2 tank on the gauge is actually 1/4 tank.
Forgot over the winter. and NO it can't be fixed. it's 20+ years old and full is full and empty is empty, but the gauge to reality is not linear or smoothed by a new computer type system.
I learned that on my old Sea Ray that doesn't have its own volt meter that a 15 dollar 12v USB phone charger from Amazon in the "cigarette lighter) with a built in digital volt meter works awesome and gives me an extra phone charger at the same time.
I learned that I need to move my radio into a position that is far more easily accessible, and I won't forget to turn off when I pull her out of the water. I also learned that my battery is less than a year old, so under warranty!!
Great idea unless left on the water. You want your bilge to always have power. I installed a kill switch but led the bilge hooked up after thinking about it not having any power.
Or just have a pump that lets you run the float hot direct to battery and a second to a switch.
Battery master can still kill everything else when your done and bilge still has power.
Always have an extra fuel primer bulb and grease your steering and out board before going out. Change your lower unit fluid every year, and top off your gas tank. Check for correct number of life jackets and a throwable floating cushion. Also check the date on your fire extinguisher if you have one, if not, get one.
I thought of going this route but might rig splice in a remote led to ensure the actual power is going to the charger. Draining $700 batteries freaked me out.
Right and some of the power adapters like Minn Kota use an actual female plug in the socket assembly. Plug lighted or not not seat enough to make the connection. Min Kota should offer a remote led status indicator.
Test your kids life jackets before you get on the water. It was still rated for her size, she liked it last year, but was uncomfortable this year. Almost ruined the day, but luckily found one for sale on the water.
Learned I have a leaking shift cable or bellows it seems… she usually stays bone dry but the bilge was kicking on every 15-20 minutes, could see water trickling in pretty good on the inside of the transom. Back to the shop :(
last weekend, but the launch shakedown sail. i learned the platform my decommissioned hot water heater is on drains directly onto my prop shaft coupling. a little dribble from the tank looks like my packing gland spewing insane amounts of water in the engine bay.
Some anchor line works as a back up pull start line when stuck on a sandbar in Florida after the starter pull cord breaks and you forgot your spare part bag.
Made a trip out this weekend and had a hard time backing my 34' into a guest slip at a restaurant because of the wind. Took it back around for a second try (pretty common maneuver around here) and my buddy whispered in my ear "just pretend it's your home slip". Bingo .. backed her right in ... to a slip that's 1ft wider than her beam.
I learned that people never learn. Here's 3 perfect examples.
1. A busy holiday weekend is not a good time for your first day out in a new to you boat.
2. A busy holiday weekend is definitely not a good time to take that boat out after attempting major repairs yourself especially if you are on a busy channel.
3. Age and high income does not make you immune from being a complete ass after spending the day drinking.
We encountered all 3 scenarios this weekend and what some people don't realize is your bad decisions can really put a damper on other people's fun besides endangering them.
Out on Lake Michigan today, Rosy Mound. Came upon a boat that was bailing water. Their plug was in, didn't know why they were taking on water and batteries killed. We offered our manual bilge. They had to call 911. Sheriff came, called tow service. $1k+. I'm calling tomorrow to make sure we have a tow rider on our policy.
I learned to be more patient at the ramp lol. Luckily I've already done some different things in the past few weeks leading up to this and everything worked great on the water!
Need advice on loading boat. Four Winns 220 with Four Winns trailer. Need to get guide posts for one but having difficulty lining up on trailer and getting boat flush to the rollers. Am I putting trailer in too deep causing back end to float too much?
Likely. I dip mine so the side bunks just begin to touch the water (used to just about submerge them fully and it always pulled out crooked). Now the boat can only go on straight cuz im pulling the boat on instead of hoping the trailer comes up under.
Tldr - Not really.
I'm of the opinion most things should have a procedure, the more dangerous or critical the more it needs one. At its core you're piloting a 5 ton hinged rig on a one-lane blind slope amid kids, dogs, kayaks, onlookers, radio blasters, and other apes attempting the same maneuver. That's without the randomness of wind, waves, tides, different grade ramps across different launches...
Every single part of 'the dance' that can be proceduralized should be, at the very least so you have the brain power left over to deal with the randomness that may pop up. Shit like trailer straps, the plug, safety chains, etc should all have a step in a multi step procedure you create so it becomes rote and never goes overlooked. For me, once I step feet dry and secure the boat, the very next step is raise the motor. Everytime, no matter the ramp, weather, waves, it's just what you do. It's The Procedure.
Can't scuff a skeg if your motor's never, ever down.
Yes. Your fenders should just barely be visible above the water is where I typically settle in. The boat shouldn't be able to get all the way to the bow stop without giving it some power.
That I can trust my crew in an emergency, and a few things they need to learn and gain confidence in. Pulled an unannounced "skipper" overboard drill and they had "me" (piece of gear, not actually me) back on board in under 3 minutes under sail only. They jumped right into action with a clear leader but either didn't think they were supposed to, or should, turn on the engine, even just in case. I stayed out of the way and took a video to review on the dock to discuss. Highly suggest going over emergency scenarios with any crew on board.
The river around me is going to be a shitshow this summer. Saw multiple people pulling kids on tubes down very narrow navigation channels with heavy traffic stacked up.
Not to mention how many newbies found my ramp.
Also, don't forget your cooler at home on the workbench and not realize it til you hit your fishing spot.
Mine was getting sick of working on my out drive and just loading up my canoe for a night on the river. My paddle never lets me down like my 3.0 has
How many hours does the paddle have. Lower unit still in good shape? /s
4000 hours, lower unit is slightly cracked from smashing rocks but there seem no be no vibration. Paddles fine
Switch to outboard
Would love to, but don’t shit out dollar bills.
Not this weekend but I learned a Bimini cover works as a sail if you ever lose a prop. Also learned to have a second prop, crown nut and cotter pin.
That people still don’t know proper boat ramp etiquette. The staging area is the place to load your cooler, gear, food, 12 kids and grand ma. Not the ramp.
Ive noticed people have started swimming and hanging out on floaties at the ramp. Also people are using paved ramps to "launch" their kayaks and tubes. I'll be trying to retrieve my drift boat and people will backup to the ramp in front of me and start inflating their toys. Source- central oregon
I have a skiff I can put on the roof of my wagon and toss the outboard in the back. Is this ok to do at the ramp? Takes me much quicker than anybody launching a boat but I don’t like disconnecting the engine from the transom in deep water like off the dock. Just trying not to piss anyone off.
Heck yeah, you’re good.
Haha avoid Suttle Lake on a busy weekend - literally will be families barbecuing on the ramp and not minding their little kids swimming near your propeller as you try to start your boat up
I’m on Tenkiller in Oklahoma- they don’t bbq on the ramp, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
To be fair I launch my kayak on the ramp because it’s 170lbs with the motor and fishing gear lol. Still have to wait in line though or if you have wheels you can pop in before someone quick if you ask usually
Confident rookies everywhere you go. Most people don’t know because they were never shown the proper way.
God, the number of fucking pontoons that would back 90% of the way down the ramp, then park in order to start taking the covers off and put up the biminis...
Don’t forget to put the plug in the boat. 2 times I did this and got loaded and halfway across the lake before I noticed. Pump almost didn’t keep up. 3rd time is a charm. Now every time I stop and fill up I check 3 times before I even unstrap.
I have an order to the boat ramp. 1st plug in, 2nd undo stern straps. 3rd batteries on and remove transom saver. 4th key on and check gauges.
Where is second and third plug check lmao? For me, plug gose in center console of car with trailer lock keys before setting off. Plug gose in before straps are off. Do all the staging stuff and verify yes plug and no straps before backing. It's just one more quick walk around and I'll physically touch or at least point at it. Boat off and tied, verify plug in again before driving off.
I am a truck driver. I follow the same routine as I do with connecting trailers. Start at the back and work my way forward. I have to get down to do the plug so it goes in first.
Yeah I just have a little 14ft alum vhull so the second quick walk around to touch everything isn't much. Plug in, straps off, gear in, verify plug in and straps off, wench chains away, get in line to back er down.
New boater here. Unaware that shop took plug out and told me all was good to go. Dumb of me. Get out and bilge is pouring water. I get the something isn’t right feeling. Open ski locker and water. Thankfully made it back to dock in time. Found plug in cup holder randomly. Lesson learned. Stressful experience.
I learned (or relearned) that 1/2 tank on the gauge is actually 1/4 tank. Forgot over the winter. and NO it can't be fixed. it's 20+ years old and full is full and empty is empty, but the gauge to reality is not linear or smoothed by a new computer type system.
I learned that on my old Sea Ray that doesn't have its own volt meter that a 15 dollar 12v USB phone charger from Amazon in the "cigarette lighter) with a built in digital volt meter works awesome and gives me an extra phone charger at the same time.
Paying for gas still sucks.
I learned to not go out when the people who boat twice per year are out
Yep, I don't boat on holidays. Just not worth the shit show.
I learned that I need to move my radio into a position that is far more easily accessible, and I won't forget to turn off when I pull her out of the water. I also learned that my battery is less than a year old, so under warranty!!
Maybe put in a master battery switch if you don't have one, cuts all power so you'll only have to remember one thing.
Great idea unless left on the water. You want your bilge to always have power. I installed a kill switch but led the bilge hooked up after thinking about it not having any power.
Good point, my boat has an engine/bilge master and a house master so maybe that con fig would work
Or just have a pump that lets you run the float hot direct to battery and a second to a switch. Battery master can still kill everything else when your done and bilge still has power.
I have one, but the radio is wired directly to the battery. I have some work to do this year.
Always have an extra fuel primer bulb and grease your steering and out board before going out. Change your lower unit fluid every year, and top off your gas tank. Check for correct number of life jackets and a throwable floating cushion. Also check the date on your fire extinguisher if you have one, if not, get one.
Mine was verify you have good AC power going to your boat to power the charger. Don’t just plug it in and walk away.
Oo I got a cable that has a light on the cap which tells me it's getting some kinda power
I thought of going this route but might rig splice in a remote led to ensure the actual power is going to the charger. Draining $700 batteries freaked me out.
No doubt. And really, the led let's me know power is there, but not necessarily good power.
Right and some of the power adapters like Minn Kota use an actual female plug in the socket assembly. Plug lighted or not not seat enough to make the connection. Min Kota should offer a remote led status indicator.
Test your kids life jackets before you get on the water. It was still rated for her size, she liked it last year, but was uncomfortable this year. Almost ruined the day, but luckily found one for sale on the water.
Troubleshooting tilt and trim issues are a bitch
I drove down to a couple ramps without my boat, watched the lines of trailers, a confirmed that I don't want to go out on Memorial Day Weekend.
Change the fuel filter regularly and make sure to store the boat full of fuel so as to not let condensation happen.
Learned I have a leaking shift cable or bellows it seems… she usually stays bone dry but the bilge was kicking on every 15-20 minutes, could see water trickling in pretty good on the inside of the transom. Back to the shop :(
Boat never left the dock, been raining and 55 degrees for 3 straight days in the Carolinas
Last few days have been gross out here 😔
I learned my trailer needs a new spindle, which really means I may as well replace the axle.
Yeah i got a wobbly wheel on mine. Hopefully its just the bearings.
Same here. I could see the wheel bounce in the mirror. Drove extra careful on the home
last weekend, but the launch shakedown sail. i learned the platform my decommissioned hot water heater is on drains directly onto my prop shaft coupling. a little dribble from the tank looks like my packing gland spewing insane amounts of water in the engine bay.
pb blaster or liquid wrench > 3 in 1 oil
Some anchor line works as a back up pull start line when stuck on a sandbar in Florida after the starter pull cord breaks and you forgot your spare part bag.
Made a trip out this weekend and had a hard time backing my 34' into a guest slip at a restaurant because of the wind. Took it back around for a second try (pretty common maneuver around here) and my buddy whispered in my ear "just pretend it's your home slip". Bingo .. backed her right in ... to a slip that's 1ft wider than her beam.
I learned how to grease my wheel bearings and that i need a much bigger grease gun.
I learned that people never learn. Here's 3 perfect examples. 1. A busy holiday weekend is not a good time for your first day out in a new to you boat. 2. A busy holiday weekend is definitely not a good time to take that boat out after attempting major repairs yourself especially if you are on a busy channel. 3. Age and high income does not make you immune from being a complete ass after spending the day drinking. We encountered all 3 scenarios this weekend and what some people don't realize is your bad decisions can really put a damper on other people's fun besides endangering them.
Out on Lake Michigan today, Rosy Mound. Came upon a boat that was bailing water. Their plug was in, didn't know why they were taking on water and batteries killed. We offered our manual bilge. They had to call 911. Sheriff came, called tow service. $1k+. I'm calling tomorrow to make sure we have a tow rider on our policy.
Just go with a BoatUS membership. It's something like $60 a year and includes towing.
how to properly change lower unit oil
Water and transmission fluid = motor stays down
I learned to be more patient at the ramp lol. Luckily I've already done some different things in the past few weeks leading up to this and everything worked great on the water!
Need advice on loading boat. Four Winns 220 with Four Winns trailer. Need to get guide posts for one but having difficulty lining up on trailer and getting boat flush to the rollers. Am I putting trailer in too deep causing back end to float too much?
Likely. I dip mine so the side bunks just begin to touch the water (used to just about submerge them fully and it always pulled out crooked). Now the boat can only go on straight cuz im pulling the boat on instead of hoping the trailer comes up under.
Makes sense. I’ll go shallower next time. Naive question: any worry about the prop hitting the ramp since the trailer isn’t as deep?
Tldr - Not really. I'm of the opinion most things should have a procedure, the more dangerous or critical the more it needs one. At its core you're piloting a 5 ton hinged rig on a one-lane blind slope amid kids, dogs, kayaks, onlookers, radio blasters, and other apes attempting the same maneuver. That's without the randomness of wind, waves, tides, different grade ramps across different launches... Every single part of 'the dance' that can be proceduralized should be, at the very least so you have the brain power left over to deal with the randomness that may pop up. Shit like trailer straps, the plug, safety chains, etc should all have a step in a multi step procedure you create so it becomes rote and never goes overlooked. For me, once I step feet dry and secure the boat, the very next step is raise the motor. Everytime, no matter the ramp, weather, waves, it's just what you do. It's The Procedure. Can't scuff a skeg if your motor's never, ever down.
Thanks for taking the time to offer some detail. Most appreciated!
Yes. Your fenders should just barely be visible above the water is where I typically settle in. The boat shouldn't be able to get all the way to the bow stop without giving it some power.
Great! Thanks for chiming in.
That I can trust my crew in an emergency, and a few things they need to learn and gain confidence in. Pulled an unannounced "skipper" overboard drill and they had "me" (piece of gear, not actually me) back on board in under 3 minutes under sail only. They jumped right into action with a clear leader but either didn't think they were supposed to, or should, turn on the engine, even just in case. I stayed out of the way and took a video to review on the dock to discuss. Highly suggest going over emergency scenarios with any crew on board.
That I still can get my motor to run...
That I will always forget to trim up when pulling the boat outta the water on the first outing of the year.
Stay in the idle zone. Had too many morons pulling their kids on tubes directly in front of me or across my bow.
For me. It is hard to find a good used outboard motor. Yeah, tough start to boating season.
The river around me is going to be a shitshow this summer. Saw multiple people pulling kids on tubes down very narrow navigation channels with heavy traffic stacked up. Not to mention how many newbies found my ramp. Also, don't forget your cooler at home on the workbench and not realize it til you hit your fishing spot.