Going for a spin

[vansammy]

On Saturday, I'll be taking my friend's Maxum 2700 for a spin. In return for cleaning her boat, she promised to let me take it out. I’m going to lift it and power wash the barnacles (and there’s plenty!). This will be the first time I drive a boat though. However, I’ve successfully passed my safe boating exam. Any recommendations, comments or tips for me?

 

[OBJ]

Re: Going for a spin

Vansammy, absolutely take someone with you that is experienced with boating and the craft itself. I have taken a boating course myself but nothing beats someone with experience in the boat with you the first time out. And by the way....ENJOY!!!!

 

[magster65]

Re: Going for a spin

Go out on a calm day if Saturday's windy. Away from shore, practice stopping and slow speed turning, it'll help you when you return to the dock (boats are a little tricky the first few times at the helm). Keep an eye on the water for debris floating around, that'll ruin your day in a hurry! Be calm, safe and take an experienced boater with you... most of all... Have fun!

 

[vansammy]

Re: Going for a spin

I'm afraid I'm going to have to go out without an experienced pilot. Don't have anyone around for that... I guess I'll have to learn by trial and error! I'll stay in the harbour, and avoid high congestion areas... But any suggestions for making my first experience a good one would be appreciated!<br />

 

[golfer]

Re: Going for a spin

My advice, if you truly have never driven a boat....Don't do it without someone that knows how...It is really alot harder than it looks, and especially leaving, and coming back into the ramp/marina...If you still insist on making this mistake, make sure the owner decreases her insurance deductible to 0$ until you are off the water.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Going for a spin

Well, since you're going to do it anyway: 1ST- remember all the stuff they taught you in your boating course. If inboard engine, run the blowers first to exhaust gas fumes. Make sure engine is running smoothly before you leave dock. Make sure steering , gearshift and throttle work OK before you get too far away. Then find a deserted stretch if water to practice with the boat at various speeds and turning. Go slow at first until you get used to the way it handles. If you can find a deserted dock, practice docking at it . Oh yeah, make sure you have plenty of gas. Have fun.

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Going for a spin

Here's a few things I remember about my early boating experiences.<br /><br />Unlike a car, on a boat the steering wheel moves the back of the vehicle -- not the front. In addition to getting the feel for this phenomenon, this means you need to remember to keep an eye out for your (rear) quarters while turning in tight places; also, more often than not it's easier to leave the dock in reverse, than in forward.<br /><br />Also, given a choice, have the bow to the current or wind when approaching the dock.<br /><br />There's no place I'd rather be than on the ICW.