I got a boat & don't know how to use it! (Page 2): Thanks for the response. I am currently taking g an online course.

Bruce10892 Loc: Northeast Ohio

Flytier wrote:

Look up online and register for a coast guard safety and operators course. You can do the course online also. You need to know the rules of the road. There are street sign in the water but you need to learn how to read them.

Thanks for the response. I am currently taking g an online course.

Bruce10892 Loc: Northeast Ohio

TooMuch wrote:

Nice boat! My recommendation is that you put guides on the trailer with small dim lights on top. These guides will assist in KNOWING where the trailer is tracking when backing down the ramp when unloaded. They will also serve as guides for loading the boat onto the trailer. The lights are for loading at night. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the response.....every suggestion is appreciated

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Bruce10892 wrote:

I've always wanted a small boat. My nephew gave me... (show quote)

Bruce is this the first time you will be towing as well? If so I would suggest go to a large empty parking lot and practice backing up.

Remember all the practice we all had before getting our drivers licenses. Put up some cones with poles / sticks in them so you can see them and back the boat between them a few time until you are comfortable.

Bruce10892 Loc: Northeast Ohio

plumbob wrote:

Bruce is this the first time you will be towing as well? If so I would suggest go to a large empty parking lot and practice backing up.

Remember all the practice we all had before getting our drivers licenses. Put up some cones with poles / sticks in them so you can see them and back the boat between them a few time until you are comfortable.

Thanks for the response....great idea 💡

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Bruce10892 wrote:

Thanks for the response....great idea 💡

You are welcome Bruce good luck.

UncleRob Loc: NE Maryland

Take the USCG safety course if there's one close to you. There's no shoulder out there on the water to pull off onto and fix things, make sure everything is in working order BEFORE you go. Dunno how many bodies I pulled out of the water due to a mechanical failure that could have been avoided or by people not knowing the rules of the water. The USCG Ancillary sometimes has classes and free safety checks, look into those as well. Above all have fun!

Whitey Loc: Southeast ohio

Bruce10892 wrote:

I've always wanted a small boat. My nephew gave me... (show quote)

Nice boat an I hope you an J can hook up. Good luck an tight lines 👍

Bruce10892 Loc: Northeast Ohio

Whitey wrote:

Nice boat an I hope you an J can hook up. Good luck an tight lines 👍

Thank you sir.

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Bruce10892 wrote:

I've always wanted a small boat. My nephew gave me... (show quote)

When you get out send us some pictures

Bruce10892 Loc: Northeast Ohio

ranger632 wrote:

When you get out send us some pictures

I will definitely do that!

DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

Bruce10892 wrote:

I've always wanted a small boat. My nephew gave me... (show quote)

Nice boat and you will do fine after reading all the good info in this thread, researching boating operations, practice backing your trailer, etc. Also, it is nice of J in Cleveland to offer his boating experience. Wear a life jacket and welcome to boating.

Bruce10892 Loc: Northeast Ohio

DVTracker wrote:

Nice boat and you will do fine after reading all the good info in this thread, researching boating operations, practice backing your trailer, etc. Also, it is nice of J in Cleveland to offer his boating experience. Wear a life jacket and welcome to boating.

Thank you sir...

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

plumbob wrote:

Bruce is this the first time you will be towing as well? If so I would suggest go to a large empty parking lot and practice backing up.

Remember all the practice we all had before getting our drivers licenses. Put up some cones with poles / sticks in them so you can see them and back the boat between them a few time until you are comfortable.

Bob had a point. The easiest way to keep track, put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and move it the direction you want the trailer to go.

Bruce10892 Loc: Northeast Ohio

Flytier wrote:

Bob had a point. The easiest way to keep track, put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and move it the direction you want the trailer to go.

Thanks

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

Flytier wrote:

Bob had a point. The easiest way to keep track, put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and move it the direction you want the trailer to go.