HD FLD wrote:
My wife and I just bought a 14ft fishing boat with a 8hp evanrude. Looking for a easy place to launch our boat . We are not pros at this an need not embarrassing ourselves launching.
Thanks
H D, Here's one that everyone seems to forget. Keep your PFD in the tow vehicle and PUT IT ON before you step out onto the dock on onto your boat or trailer. This could save your life!
Tim Carlisle wrote:
Using a rope when you launch solo and even with your wife is a great time saving technique. That is what I do now since I have gotten too old for the climbing acrobatics required launching solo without the rope.
This. I learned from YouTube videos how to solo rope launch. I don't even get my feet wet! I don't need to back down super close to a dock, but I can't have any other boats and trailers between me and the dock for it to work, 'tho.
And as others have said, as long as your boat is loaded and ready before you enter the ramp area you will be quicker than most.
Thanks to y'all for the great advices. I have this down now. Ramp etiquette is the most important
nutz4fish wrote:
H D, Here's one that everyone seems to forget. Keep your PFD in the tow vehicle and PUT IT ON before you step out onto the dock on onto your boat or trailer. This could save your life!
I'm guilty as charged! I know I need to wear it, and even bought a very comfortable self-inflating vest. Thanks for the reminder-- I'm going to add it to my launching checklist right now....
Thank you Nutz.great advice.
We have 3 pfd. Came with boat.
HD FLD wrote:
We have 3 pfd. Came with boat.
Make sure you have a throw cushion, noise maker, fire extinguisher, a paddle preferably 2, and a flash light could come in handy at times.
HD FLD wrote:
What's a noise maker?
Most states require a horn on all boats 16ft and over. Electric, or air powered.
No wonder I didn't know what a noise maker was. Like I mention before our boat is only 14ft. But I appreciate all the info I've been receiving. Thanks
HD FLD wrote:
No wonder I didn't know what a noise maker was. Like I mention before our boat is only 14ft. But I appreciate all the info I've been receiving. Thanks
Mine is 14' too HD, but I have equipped it to the 16' requirements. I fish the same waters as bigger boats, so face the same risks. In fact I used it in the ocean for the first 10 years I owned it, often several miles offshore. Better safe than sorry.
Check your states requirements, because equipment is cheaper than violations.
Again great info fredfish. I will do the same
HD FLD wrote:
Again great info fredfish. I will do the same
Good luck, and be sure to post some pictures of your adventures.
Fredfish wrote:
Most states require a horn on all boats 16ft and over. Electric, or air powered.
Around here a coaches whistle is enough, but y'all need to check your states regulations.
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