new to boating

[blacflie]

First off I would like to say I know I am up here in Oregon that is in the North West in case anyone was curious. I just recently received a 89 bayliner with a Merc outboard I was wondering if anyone could give me some boating tips like docking and anchoring and good places to travel to with my boat. The weather up here isnt the warmest I was curious on lake ristrictions down South if any. Any info would help me greatly. thanks

[Essex502]

Welcome to the forum! I can't offer much advice on the Oregon boating scene but as to general boating advice just ask away! I would suggest you acquire a few of the boating magazines which always have lots of tips and techniques for new boaters. "Boating World", "Boating" and "Trailer Boats" are a good place to start with what you have. Also, "Family and Performance Boats" is a little more performance oriented. On the performance side "Hot Boat" and "Powerboat" magazines are pretty much for the higher end boater but check them out to see if you're interested. Otherwise, check out the techinical tips section here and always feel free to post any question. Most of the people here are pretty friendly and you shouldn't get any hassles over the most basic of questions.

Have a great time with your new boat and post away!

[Rude]

blacflie, welcome to the party! as far as lake restrictions in the south, the only lake i can think of with restrictions is lake tahoe where they DO NOT allow ANY two stroke motors of any kind. when it comes to docking a boat, if you trying to parallel park your boat this is what i've found works best for me. come at the dock at about a 45 deg. angle, just before the nose of your boat hits the dock put your boat in reverse and have the motor cranked toward the dock. the nose of your boat should almost stay put while the back moves closer to the dock. just make sure you either have someone ready to grab the dock or have your fenders (the rubber kind you hang over the side of the boat) already tied on. i always do my docking manuevers at idle speed. you can't go wrong by moving slowly around the docks. if you want to check out a great outboard related site, go to screamandfly.com. they will have some very good advice for outboard questions. good luck and keep the deck side up http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[blacflie]

Thanks for the info. I am checking out the sites now and bought a couple mags tonight on the way to work.

[Red Horse]

Welcome.



One thing I have learned about boating over the years (6th boat) is that you need to do the maintanance. Used good oil (Amsoil) change it regularly, service the drive, (water impeller, lower unit oil, gimbal bearings etc) keep the prop smooth and clean. Pay attention to that little drop of oil in the bilge, find out where it is coming from. Ask Kevin and No Stressex about a GOOD bilge pump and friends. Lube the trailer wheels and have bearing buddies installed. Carry a spare on your trailer. Dont count on you tow vehicle spare working. It wont. And your lug wrench will not either. Do the maintainance and the you will have blast owning a boat. Dont and one of us will tow you in and then you will owe us beer, and some of us (KEVIN) will never shut up about it. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[MOWtown]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Red Horse @ June 24 2003, 8:13 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Dont and one of us will tow you in and then you will owe us beer, and some of us (KEVIN) will never shut up about it. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Hahaha...that's funny. Here we go...

[blacflie]

is there any good fourth of july fireworks displays on the lakes down there. The wife and I where thinking about taking a little road trip. Just curious on the closet lake to Oregon with the best bennefits.

[Red Horse]

I dont know of any here. But if you were in Texas I could show you. Possum Kingdom Lake near Fort Worth. In Hells Gates there is this young rich guy who puts on a party at his house right on the water. Live band, fireworks, Bud Light sponsered volleyball, helicopter rides, 100s of boats in this big cove. And if you drink too much, you can stay at his house. Has his own beach right there in the front yard. He also pays for everything. Why?? Who cares. It is allot of fun.

[PUMP 'HER']

Sounds like I'm going to Texas for the fourth this year. I think Havasu puts on a fireworks show over the water, dont they?

[ccracing]

Im not sure how far you are talking about, but there are some incredible lakes in Central California. The scenery is perfect and so is the weather. Over 4th of July we will be at Lake McClure camping. We may also head to Don Pedro for a day. These lakes make boating easy for beginners. They are not as crowed as Lake Mead, Mohave, Havasu but they are relaxing. The lakes are all East of Merced/Modesto about a half-hour.

CC

[John K.]

Welcome!!

Only one tip comes to mind. Check your bilge pump, make sure it works. I once saw a brand new Bayliner go down on Mead because the water was rough and the bilge pump didn't work. It took on three waves and it was gone.

Good Luck !!!!!!!!!!!

[MOWtown]

wow, were they able to salvage it or was it in the deep parts? BTW, if it only took three waves, I'm assuming they were huge and I don't think any bilge pump would have saved them....

[John K.]

The waves were bad, I've got a 21' and I had waves coming over the bow. They were able to salvage the Bayliner, in fact I stopped and picked up the guys dog who was on a boat cushion floatin. I passed the Bayliner when a patrol boat was hookin up to the bow, and they were pullin people out of the water.

[blacflie]

Yeah we got rough waters on the river up here so a working bilge pump is a must. Didn't make a road trip this fourth my wife's work schedule wouldn't allow it. Hopefully a road trip by the end of summer will happen. Thanks for the info none the less