I was also a boat virgin until a month ago. Launched my 2021 Tracker Classic XL by myself. It didn't go as well as I'd imagined, but I did get it backed down on the first try and afloat. Remembered the plug, but as I left the marina, it occurred to me that I had left the storage unit wide open - had just driven out with the boat and forgot to close the door. Cut my initial trip short with the thought of returning to a cleaned out unit and a subsequent furious wife.
Luckily, the staff there saw the open door and no me. They closed and locked it. Nothing stolen.
Two more trips under my belt now, and I'm getting better at approaching the dock and trailer to load. Found both to be tricky in the wind with a light aluminum boat.
when I launch by myself, I put a rope on the bow, tied to the trailer back up slowly hit the brakes and let it slide off then go tie it off on the cleats and pull the truck out.
God bless Texas----------------------- Old 300 I will remain what i am until the day I die- A HUNTER......Sitting Bull Its not how you pick the booger.. but where you put it !! Roger V Hunter
You did better than me when I did my maiden voyage in my new to me, 1990 Fishhawk back in 2001. 40 mph NW winds. Ramp faced west.
I just had to get the boat out, much to the dismay of my wife.
I remembered everything I needed for a day on the rough water.
Except the plug...
my old man did that on the ottawa river years ago. we barely got the boat back on the trailer just enough to strap it and pull out. not a good way to start your day. old man could sling the curse words.
You did better than me when I did my maiden voyage in my new to me, 1990 Fishhawk back in 2001. 40 mph NW winds. Ramp faced west.
I just had to get the boat out, much to the dismay of my wife.
I remembered everything I needed for a day on the rough water.
Except the plug...
My maiden voyage consisted of me backing down the ramp..... Backed the boat out then forward next to the dock and tied it off.... Got out and parked the truck.... While parking the truck I got to talking the guy next to me for about 5 - 10 minutes or so. ...... Once done chatting I walked back to the dock in utter disbelief that someone stole my boat, it was gone..... Old man fishing off the dock was shaking his head and looking sorrowful at me as I was being creative with my language..... When I asked him if he saw who took my boat he said nope...... I asked how could he not notice when he was standing right there the whole time?..... He shakes his head and told me that he didn't see anyone take my boat because nobody did take my boat..... Wtf?? He laughs and told me to look closer....... Yep! My boat was there alright..... 3ft below water..... Apparently the guy I just bought it from the day before didn't tell me the plug was missing and I was so excited at my first boat that the plug was the last thing on my mind, all I wanted to do was get it wet..... Well she got wet and 30yrs later I still have that boat and I still check the plug first thing๐๐๐
For my new boat was Tuesday. Bought a 2016 Crestliner 1650 Fish Hawk. On the Rock River near Sterling Illinois. Sheltered ramp and plenty of deep water to keep the newb out of trouble. (Winds gusting to 25mph)
I need someone else to start another boat thread so I can now chip in as an expert. I mean, I did it once, right?
I do have a couple of short cell phone vids that I have no idea how to post.
Pretty pleased with myself for just an hour or so boat ride
I have never been passed the rock River when the wind wasn't blowing 25 mph. kwg
For liberals and anarchists, power and control is opium, selling envy is the fastest and easiest way to get it. TRR. American conservative. Never trust a white liberal. Malcom X Current NRA member.
Me and the boy grabbed my old man and hit a little lake about 30 miles from here this afternoon. When we got there it was like a mirror. Put the boat in and the plugs out and started our first pass down the dam. Caught 4 fish in no time when we noticed a weather copter hovering and looking at a storm cloud to our north. The water went from glass to rolling whitecaps in less than 3 minutes, temp dropped about 15 degrees too. We rolled them up and wallowed our way crosswind back to the ramp. It was pretty rough and we were all pretty wet when we made it back. Had a hell of a rodeo getting loaded up but we finally managed.
Not fun, Iโd guess 30-35mph winds and 2 1/2 foot waves, more than I like in my 15โ boat with a 20hp tiller and my 5 year old onboard. Glad we had Pop with us or Iโd have had a tough time getting it loaded.
I typical will not fish in winds 20 mph or more with my bass boat, unless it is a tournament. My aluminum river boat, 15 mph and Iโm saying screw it, no joy. I have bilge pumps, I havenโt pulled the plugs in my bass boat in the past 5 years.
we regularly fish in 4-5ft sea's but it takes getting used to, they don't call them sea legs for nothing.
God bless Texas----------------------- Old 300 I will remain what i am until the day I die- A HUNTER......Sitting Bull Its not how you pick the booger.. but where you put it !! Roger V Hunter
Me and the old lady used to take two kids, a labrador, toy box, cooler and grill in an 18 1/2 Sawyer Charger Never felt like we needed more room or capacity.
The only canoe left in the garage is a 16 1/2 foot Swift I feel overloaded just looking at it
This picture is from our first time out in my boat - Iโm not the guy in the picture.
Spoonbill are a blast - get on those fish boys..
We had our second trip this week and nailed a couple more 40lbers
Guy in the pic looks sorta familiar ... ๐
"What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated." Thomas Paine
And I know nothing of that part of Florida. Looking at a map, and being a small boat owner, I can see wanting to change that. Guessing a guy could get seriously turned around in some of those waters? Guessing most of them must be marked?
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