New boater need help

[boaterntexas]

hey guys, going camping at lake quachita this weekend, plan on doing some tubing and kneeboarding while we are out there. was wondering if any one could give me some tips and hints to make thi s a succesful day boating. I don't know the proper method for pulling a person on a tube or knee board, I don't know all the boating ethnic, or etiquette. any one care to enlighten me, seeing as how I wil lbe sharing the lake with you.<br /><br /> Thomas

 

[ajp]

Re: New boater need help

1 Be careful.<br />2 Pay attention.<br />3 Go in straight lines. <br />4 If the person falls, do not do a power turn and directly head back to pick them up. First pull back on the throttle, then let the rollers catch up to the boat, then idle back to the skier. This will reduce the rollers going accross the lake. The water will be smoother for everyone.

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: New boater need help

Boater be sure and have a spotter in the boat with you while pulling anyone, they watch the person on the tube and you watch where you are going.The spotter is very important and can result in a fine if not used. <br /><br /> Also make sure you take up the slack in the lines before you takeoff. Had afrien break his wifes arm by having too much slack in the lines when he took off (sking).

 

[blipship]

Re: New boater need help

Remember the golden rule...stay to the right of on coming boats (unless of coarse the situation requires for you to take the left to avoid cutting someone off). And always remember that if you can't figure out which way to go...let off the throttle and wait for the other vessel to take its coarse. Also...try to have a little fun...

 

[skiffer]

Re: New boater need help

I agree with rickrick1 about having the driver look straight ahead. It's tempting to turn around while steering to watch the skier but this can have bad consequences. My son at age 16 turned to watch for just a few seconds but that was enough to hit a river bank and flip over the whaler. Luckily no one was hurt.<br /><br />Another thing to be wary of is having a number of boats towing skiers in a line, as in a river. If one skier falls, the following boat can go right over him.<br /><br />Sorry to raise problem issues. After all, it's supposed to be fun, but it is wise to anticipate problems before they ruin your day.

 

[jomac]

Re: New boater need help

All of the above plus you need to figure out is how much trottle it takes to plain your boat normal thing to do is WOT (depending on your boat) then as you start to plain (level off) ease off the trottle slowly to a comfortable speed for your skier via. the spotter thumbs up (faster) thumbs down (slower) With kids!! just start slowwwww! Take your time, Have fun and Good luck

 

[roscoe]

Re: New boater need help

Lifejackets, lifejackets lifejackets.<br />I was skiing years ago and skis hit a submerged tree limb. The small branches stopped the skis and I did a header into the 8" end of the limb. Blood everywhere from cut to scalp. Took a while till I could tell up from down. Lifejacket probably saved my life. 2 people from the boat dove in to get me out, I didn't even know the boat was there.

 

[Patrick123]

Re: New boater need help

Don't forget sunglasses. An afternoon on the water in the sun can fatigue your eyes kinda like snow skiing, and if your heading into the sun it is harder to see oncoming boats without sunglasses.

 

[Squirt]

Re: New boater need help

I'm new to boating as well.I called my local court hose registration office and the had them give me a free paperback phamlet on "rules of the road" for boaters and the needed equipment to have on board at all times,(i.e. horn, fire extuinguisher,throwable float,etc.) I'm sure all states differ slightly, but I hope this helps. Have fun!,Squirt

 

[BlackSmoke]

Re: New boater need help

Go here...<br /> http://www.boat-ed.com/index.htm <br />find your state, and do your homework.<br />Then...have fun!

 

[jprasisto]

Re: New boater need help

If it's real crowded, wait until later in the day or early a.m. You'll be able to get the feeling of the boat better and be under less "pressure". Also remember, boats have no brakes! Come up to the skier real slow. Since it's your first time it may be better to stay a little bit away and let them swim to you(not TOO far)Remember to keep the boat in nuetral or turn it off when pulling them out of the water. Those props are not rubber! Also, when someone falls off, or lets go, remember you're towing a rope that stretches a good ways behind you. DON'T turn back on top of it! I've seen too many people make fast turns right over the tow rope.<br />Great idea to check with the locals about rules/regs of the area.<br />Have fun!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: New boater need help

fly a ski flag-

 

[blifsey]

Re: New boater need help

If boat has speedo, try to stay 18 to 22 mph for kids. You can push this up a little as they get used to it. Fastest we've done with adults is 30'ish and in a tube, its like flying. Ditto the PFDs and not the cheap orange ones (Type II) when in the tube. Get a good Type III with at least 3 buckles and properly sized. Shut engine OFF whenever folks are getting in/out of the tube. If boat is an I/O, run exhaust vent blower as needed. If you don't know buoys, print a copy from boated and keep with you. You'll want to recognize No Wake and Danger buoys for sure. Biggest thing is have fun and enjoy so you'll want to do it again!!!

 

[MATTT]

Re: New boater need help

Also know the area that you will be boating. Watch for shallow area, submerge object etc.

 

[tbarr]

Re: New boater need help

Stay away from PEOPLE FISHING!!!<br />Just kidding (mabey). Sounds like everyone has covered it for ya. One thing ya may want to think about this goes for PWC's as well. Vary your course once in awhile. Thats just good boating etiquette.<br /><br />Have FUN !!!