Well that was interesting!! We took the Fish Dancer out for it’s maiden voyage. Learning experience to say the least. It didn’t want to start at the dock. I finally figured out I was...

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

We took the Fish Dancer out for it’s maiden voyage. Learning experience to say the least.
It didn’t want to start at the dock. I finally figured out I was flooding it. Quit chocking it and got going. Got out on the open lake and ran into some pretty good chop. Lynny got soaked so I took it around one of the islands to get out of the wind and try out the trolling motor. The prop spins really good but it wouldn’t change direction so we went in a nice circle. Foot control isn’t working properly. Tried to start the engine again and no luck. Turned over great but wouldn’t fire.
I could smell that it was getting gas. It just wouldn’t fire. So Lynny says call Whitereb and see if he’s on the lake. So I did, he wasn’t but said he would bring his boat and tow me back. Great friend! We set the anchor and I kept trying to start it and after about 30 minutes it clicked! The emergency cut off switch was off. Lynny had even asked me if there were any switches that I needed to turn on but I had forgotten about that one. Duh. It was hidden under my leg so I didn’t see it. I called Whitereb and let him know that I got it going. We started back to the dock heading through the islands. Found out real quick that isn’t the best way to go. It’s really shallow, like less than 2’ in some areas so we went really slow until we got back to the main channel. At least we were going with the waves then and not plowing through them. Got back to the launch and tied up the boat. Got the trailer into the water and tried to put the boat on it, about 5 times! Finally got the nose where it belonged and Lynny hooked the winch and pulled it up tight but the ass end kept drifting off the fenders. Figured out I was too deep in the water so Lynny held the boat in position and I pulled up enough to get it centered. I’m exhausted. Lol. But I learned a lot of things that I’ll remember next time.
Lynny says she is not going out with me again until I get everything dialed in. Lol.
Whitereb says he is going to come over and help me get my trolling motor working proper or at least try to figure it out.
I didn’t even get to drown a worm. 😢😢

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Fish Dancer wrote:

We took the Fish Dancer out for it’s maiden voyage. Learning experience to say the least.
It didn’t want to start at the dock. I finally figured out I was flooding it. Quit chocking it and got going. Got out on the open lake and ran into some pretty good chop. Lynny got soaked so I took it around one of the islands to get out of the wind and try out the trolling motor. The prop spins really good but it wouldn’t change direction so we went in a nice circle. Foot control isn’t working properly. Tried to start the engine again and no luck. Turned over great but wouldn’t fire.
I could smell that it was getting gas. It just wouldn’t fire. So Lynny says call Whitereb and see if he’s on the lake. So I did, he wasn’t but said he would bring his boat and tow me back. Great friend! We set the anchor and I kept trying to start it and after about 30 minutes it clicked! The emergency cut off switch was off. Lynny had even asked me if there were any switches that I needed to turn on but I had forgotten about that one. Duh. It was hidden under my leg so I didn’t see it. I called Whitereb and let him know that I got it going. We started back to the dock heading through the islands. Found out real quick that isn’t the best way to go. It’s really shallow, like less than 2’ in some areas so we went really slow until we got back to the main channel. At least we were going with the waves then and not plowing through them. Got back to the launch and tied up the boat. Got the trailer into the water and tried to put the boat on it, about 5 times! Finally got the nose where it belonged and Lynny hooked the winch and pulled it up tight but the ass end kept drifting off the fenders. Figured out I was too deep in the water so Lynny held the boat in position and I pulled up enough to get it centered. I’m exhausted. Lol. But I learned a lot of things that I’ll remember next time.
Lynny says she is not going out with me again until I get everything dialed in. Lol.
Whitereb says he is going to come over and help me get my trolling motor working proper or at least try to figure it out.
I didn’t even get to drown a worm. 😢😢

We took the Fish Dancer out for it’s maiden voyage... (show quote)

It sounds like had enough to do. Live and learn. A mentor might be the answer.

Foodfisher Loc: SO. Cal coast

Fish Dancer wrote:

We took the Fish Dancer out for it’s maiden voyage. Learning experience to say the least.
It didn’t want to start at the dock. I finally figured out I was flooding it. Quit chocking it and got going. Got out on the open lake and ran into some pretty good chop. Lynny got soaked so I took it around one of the islands to get out of the wind and try out the trolling motor. The prop spins really good but it wouldn’t change direction so we went in a nice circle. Foot control isn’t working properly. Tried to start the engine again and no luck. Turned over great but wouldn’t fire.
I could smell that it was getting gas. It just wouldn’t fire. So Lynny says call Whitereb and see if he’s on the lake. So I did, he wasn’t but said he would bring his boat and tow me back. Great friend! We set the anchor and I kept trying to start it and after about 30 minutes it clicked! The emergency cut off switch was off. Lynny had even asked me if there were any switches that I needed to turn on but I had forgotten about that one. Duh. It was hidden under my leg so I didn’t see it. I called Whitereb and let him know that I got it going. We started back to the dock heading through the islands. Found out real quick that isn’t the best way to go. It’s really shallow, like less than 2’ in some areas so we went really slow until we got back to the main channel. At least we were going with the waves then and not plowing through them. Got back to the launch and tied up the boat. Got the trailer into the water and tried to put the boat on it, about 5 times! Finally got the nose where it belonged and Lynny hooked the winch and pulled it up tight but the ass end kept drifting off the fenders. Figured out I was too deep in the water so Lynny held the boat in position and I pulled up enough to get it centered. I’m exhausted. Lol. But I learned a lot of things that I’ll remember next time.
Lynny says she is not going out with me again until I get everything dialed in. Lol.
Whitereb says he is going to come over and help me get my trolling motor working proper or at least try to figure it out.
I didn’t even get to drown a worm. 😢😢

We took the Fish Dancer out for it’s maiden voyage... (show quote)

Getting your share of experience. It's a quick learn.
Things will improve from here.

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

flyguy wrote:

It sounds like had enough to do. Live and learn. A mentor might be the answer.

I believe that would be Whitereb. He’s been taking me out on his boat. Now I can take him on mine. If he’s not to scared to go. Lol

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

Foodfisher wrote:

Getting your share of experience. It's a quick learn.
Things will improve from here.

Thanks FF. I was thinking that maybe I had bought a lemon. But it’s all good.

Barnacles Loc: Northern California

Fish Dancer wrote:

the ass end kept drifting off the fenders. Figured out I was too deep in the water so Lynny held the boat in position and I pulled up enough to get it centered.

FD, it sounds like your trailer could use a set of guide-ons. Here's a picture from an advertisement for a bolt-on set. I made my own and welded them to the trailer frame. I set mine up to reach higher up on the side of the boat than what's in the picture. Even if the trailer is in deep, the guide-ons do their job. They make all the difference in the world for getting the boat back onto the trailer!

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Good experience FD. Only gets better from here on out.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Fish Dancer wrote:

We took the Fish Dancer out for it’s maiden voyage. Learning experience to say the least.
It didn’t want to start at the dock. I finally figured out I was flooding it. Quit chocking it and got going. Got out on the open lake and ran into some pretty good chop. Lynny got soaked so I took it around one of the islands to get out of the wind and try out the trolling motor. The prop spins really good but it wouldn’t change direction so we went in a nice circle. Foot control isn’t working properly. Tried to start the engine again and no luck. Turned over great but wouldn’t fire.
I could smell that it was getting gas. It just wouldn’t fire. So Lynny says call Whitereb and see if he’s on the lake. So I did, he wasn’t but said he would bring his boat and tow me back. Great friend! We set the anchor and I kept trying to start it and after about 30 minutes it clicked! The emergency cut off switch was off. Lynny had even asked me if there were any switches that I needed to turn on but I had forgotten about that one. Duh. It was hidden under my leg so I didn’t see it. I called Whitereb and let him know that I got it going. We started back to the dock heading through the islands. Found out real quick that isn’t the best way to go. It’s really shallow, like less than 2’ in some areas so we went really slow until we got back to the main channel. At least we were going with the waves then and not plowing through them. Got back to the launch and tied up the boat. Got the trailer into the water and tried to put the boat on it, about 5 times! Finally got the nose where it belonged and Lynny hooked the winch and pulled it up tight but the ass end kept drifting off the fenders. Figured out I was too deep in the water so Lynny held the boat in position and I pulled up enough to get it centered. I’m exhausted. Lol. But I learned a lot of things that I’ll remember next time.
Lynny says she is not going out with me again until I get everything dialed in. Lol.
Whitereb says he is going to come over and help me get my trolling motor working proper or at least try to figure it out.
I didn’t even get to drown a worm. 😢😢

We took the Fish Dancer out for it’s maiden voyage... (show quote)

Glad it worked out ok in the end Capt.Jimmy. The cable in the foot control may be gummed up, a little lube and working it in should help. All boat /trailer combinations have a sweet spot as far as how deep to back into the water. Yes guides really help. Either the bunk type like Barny suggested, or the pole type like I use. You'll get the hang of it with a little practice.

They all bolt to the frame and are adjustable.

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

Barnacles wrote:

FD, it sounds like your trailer could use a set of guide-ons. Here's a picture from an advertisement for a bolt-on set. I made my own and welded them to the trailer frame. I set mine up to reach higher up on the side of the boat than what's in the picture. Even if the trailer is in deep, the guide-ons do their job. They make all the difference in the world for getting the boat back onto the trailer!

Thanks barnacles, those would definitely help! 👍

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

Fredfish wrote:

Glad it worked out ok in the end Capt.Jimmy. The cable in the foot control may be gummed up, a little lube and working it in should help. All boat /trailer combinations have a sweet spot as far as how deep to back into the water. Yes guides really help. Either the bunk type like Barny suggested, or the pole type like I use. You'll get the hang of it with a little practice.

Thanks Fred. I like your pole type too.
I’ll check the cable.
I forgot to mention that the boat steering is really stiff. You have to almost jerk it to make it turn.
I like your boat. It’s really purrty.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Fish Dancer wrote:

Thanks Fred. I like your pole type too.
I’ll check the cable.
I forgot to mention that the boat steering is really stiff. You have to almost jerk it to make it turn.
I like your boat. It’s really purrty.

You probably need to lube the steering cable too. Hopefully you don't need to replace it like Flytier.
Thanks, I try to keep it up. 32yrs old, and first 10 was 100% in the salt.

Foodfisher Loc: SO. Cal coast

Fish Dancer wrote:

Thanks Fred. I like your pole type too.
I’ll check the cable.
I forgot to mention that the boat steering is really stiff. You have to almost jerk it to make it turn.
I like your boat. It’s really purrty.

Check the king pin on the motor. Disconnect the steeringcable and move the motor by hand. Stiff? Grease the pin. Loose? Then it's the cable. Graphite

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

Fredfish wrote:

You probably need to lube the steering cable too. Hopefully you don't need to replace it like Flytier.
Thanks, I try to keep it up. 32yrs old, and first 10 was 100% in the salt.

Wow, you’ve really kept it nice.
I just found this picture on my phone that Lynny took today.

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

Foodfisher wrote:

Check the king pin on the motor. Disconnect the steeringcable and move the motor by hand. Stiff? Grease the pin. Loose? Then it's the cable. Graphite

Thanks. I’ll do it.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Fish Dancer wrote:

Wow, you’ve really kept it nice.
I just found this picture on my phone that Lynny took today.

Nice picture Captain. There should be 1or 2grease fittings on the tube that the steering cable goes thru, on the front of the motor. Try pumping some marine grease into the tube.