new to boating

[sing23]

I have a new boat or should I say my first boat and I am tring to decide weather It is better to put it into a lake or salt water. I am new to boating and I would like to take care of the engine and I am leaning to lake water being I am new to this navigation thing.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: new to boating

Tell us a little more about the power package in the boat. Is it Mercruiser, Volvo Penta, Cobra, OMC, or other. Is it raw water cooled or does it have a closed cooling system on it.

 

[180shabah]

Re: new to boating

Welcome to iboats.

The lake is definately better for the boat, unless you hit a stump, rock, or a submerged '52 Buick. However, woth the proper precautions you will still get many years of service in salt water. If, you have a trailer, why limit yourself, you can do both.
As you are unsure about navigation, I would sugest takeing some courses. Safe boater, basic navigation, first aid, etc. Check with your insurance company about the posibility of a discount for these.

Be safe and have fun.

 

[ziggy]

Re: new to boating

i think freash water will be less damaging to your boat than saltwater.
as for the navigation thing. i've had fun trying to educate myself thru the power squadron and have learned more than i can apply on most inland lakes. it's just fun to be around others that like boats. any classes you take on boating will be fun and educational......at the minimum, take a boating safty class talked about above so yer not a hazard to yerself and others......and welcome to the addiction...........

180shabah.

a submerged '52 Buick

i've hit the stump and rock before, even been tangled up in the lillypads, but havn't struck a buick, yet. you hit many of them? best i've seen is a refergerator goin down river, but i managed to miss that........ a buick sounds as bad as deadhead logs....yikes

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: new to boating

it really doesn't matter fresh or salt water. what matters is the maintainance, when you go home. proper flushing, lube, and washdown. also extremely important in New York is proper winterizing. you don't want a cracked block, manifolds, or lower unit. there are 20 year old boats out there, that are in better condition than 3 year olds.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: new to boating

LAKE wins hands down.Tides and current are NO place for a 'new to you' boat.Give it a few good shake down cruises,fix any problems and get used to it.Then play 'The Old Man and The Sea'

DHP