first time out

[lhall8]

I just took out my 19' sylvan bowrider for the first time. It really was a lot of fun. However, being my first boat, it was rather nerve racking on the crowded water. I will be able to get used to this easily. Yet, since I do my own mechanical work, and am fairly new to all this, I am kind of worried about breaking down on the water. I was wondering if a could get a large trolling motor to get me in a few miles, maybe 2 or 3 at the most. I use a fairly small lake,that is mostly calm. I just want some insurance to get back to the dock. Any thoughts on this would really be appreciated.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: first time out

Fire and sinking should be your biggest worries. A dead motor on a lake means at worst you drift to shore or set the anchor in 4' of water. A VHF marine radio is great. If not, put on your life jacket and 1/2 float/swim to shore ,walk to the nearest house . Wear shoes for this. Keep the mechanical stuff in good condition and you will enjoy boating.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: first time out

If I was in a fairly small lake or even a fairly big one, that is at least regularly used by other boaters, I wouldn't worry about a get-home spare motor. Worst case you'd do what cyclops2 said, more likely, you'd get towed back by another boater. Or use your cell phone to call for a friend to come and get you. If you were doing remote or long distance boating, my recommendation would be to get a small kicker motor.

 

[KCook]

Re: first time out

more likely, you'd get towed back by another boater

Exactly. My OB motor conked out more times than I care to remember. But in every case somebody would offer me a tow back in. Instead of spending money on a trolling motor spend it on fresh batteries. Water separating fuel filter is a good idea too.<br /><br />Kelly Cook