Bought My First Boat, Where Can I "Practice"?

DarrenEm · **Joined:** Sun Jan 08, 2017 12:06 pm **Posts:** 119

I just picked up my first boat, a 2017 Lowe FS 1610 with a 115 Mercury!

First, I'd like to thank everyone for their help with the last thread I posted, asking for advice. It helped me out a lot when selecting this boat/motor package.

I had the chance to take it for a brief test run yesterday and had a blast. Since I am brand new to boating, I am looking for suggestions on where to launch (easy, and free perhaps?) it for some "practice" in launching, trimming, docking, etc. Also any place I can cruise and properly break in the motor (which may be anywhere lol). I want this amateur phase to last as little as possible so I'd like to practice alone, without the family on board.

Also, I noticed quite a bit of debris in the water yesterday, as in floating logs/wood mostly. Is this just based on the time of year? I'm hoping it's not something I'll have to worry about all season.

I live in Quinte West, between Belleville and Trenton. Also, I have seen the launch maps, I'd just like some advice on which is the best launch and area for a beginner to practice.

Swiftdeer · **Posted:** Fri Apr 21, 2017 7:15 am

Congrats on the boat. It's usually this time of year after the winter melt tend to find more stuff floating in the water especially with the higher water levels picking up stuff from here and there. Can't help you out too much with the launch sites as i just drop in my kayak and go- been years since the boat was in the water. Also make sure now that you have the boat to carry your boating card with you at all times- never know when you may need to show it.

tomfoolery · **Joined:** Fri Nov 12, 2004 3:32 pm **Posts:** 144

What Swifty said about floating debris. This is the worst time of year for that. Just use caution.

As far as launching the boat; if you are not experienced at backing up a trailer, practice in an empty parking lot with highly visible parking spots marked out. If you are already experienced at trailering, (reversing) when you get to a launch, do all your prep work away from the ramp. Make a list of launch procedures, and follow it until it becomes second nature. IE: put the plug in, remove the safety straps, attach a line or two to the cleats etc. etc., when you are ready move to the ramp and launch do so and tie your boat off on the dock while you move your truck and trailer to a parking spot.
When returning to the ramp, try not to get exited about docking. Go slow. I know it is a new boat and you sure don't want to KISS the dock hard, so use as little amount of throttle as possible to make your steering adjustments. BOATS DON"T HAVE BRAKES.....throttle adjustments are your way of stopping momentum, whether it be in reverse or forward gears.

Have fun and enjoy your new ride.

TrophyHunter · **Posted:** Fri Apr 21, 2017 8:45 am

Great advise Tom ,

polliwogg · **Posted:** Fri Apr 21, 2017 9:53 am

Good place to start would be a RVCC recreation vessel courtesy check from Canadian Power and sail Squadrons, Bay of Quinte call Lance Bryson at (613) 969-5953 They will inspect your boat for safety equipment, better a free courtesy check than a ticket. Someone might even go out on the water with you.

Have you got a pleasure craft operators card if not again call Your local squadron, Bay of Quinte or RCAF.

Do NOT remove the safety chain to keep the boat from rolling off on the ramp before you get to the water. Unhook it when the stern is over the water.

Yes debris in the water is something you have to watch for all season.

Revue you pleasure craft operators handbook.

JoePa · **Joined:** Sat Jun 19, 2010 10:22 am **Posts:** 47

And don't worry if you get all screwed up backing down the ramp - just take your time - most people understand that backing a boat into the water isn't easy until you get the hang of it - I remember when I first started launching my boat the dam thing was going all over the place and I was worrying that I was taking too long - eventually got the hang of it - now even with a truck camper on the truck I do a pretty good job - good luck - take your time

One other thing - when you pull the boat out make sure that you double check everything to make sure everything is secure and tied down right - I got distracted once and forgot to put the latch down on the coupler and drove miles with only the coupler sitting on the ball - boy I was luck I didn't have an accident

TheLandshark · **Posted:** Fri Apr 21, 2017 12:47 pm

Always check the plug. Oh and before you launch check it again. We have all done it at some point. If you haven't you probably haven't boated enough. All great advice. Until you are completely comfortable, keep your speed low. Screw ups at 30mph are worse than those at 15. I would invite an experienced boater from this site for a ride. If I lived closer I'd happily go with ya nd helpl knock down the learning curve. The next time you go out, run it down the side of the dock and just get the racing stripes over with. :lol:

she will run better after that. Congrats and enjoy your new baby

DarrenEm · **Joined:** Sun Jan 08, 2017 12:06 pm **Posts:** 119

Thanks for the tips guys. I ended up launching off of Ontario Street in Trenton at the concrete dock. Yikes! I took a cruise to the base, and docked at the ramp there for a minute to pick up an additional 2 passengers (my kids) and then rode back. I love it! The launch was fine. I took a few approaches to line it up while docking but, no new scratches lol. Loading it back on the trailer went well too!. I did end up knicking the paint and vinyl eventually... While putting the damn cover back on! I left the side unzipped and the ratchet swung against the side of the boat

. It had to happen sometime I guess! lol.

All in all, it was a great ride, and my kids were happy. The boat feels very solid for its size.

All that's left now is to have the depth finder swapped out with the new one I bought (found an awesome sale on Lowrance Elite 4 chirp) and I'll need to add a trolling motor.

Frozenbassfan · **Joined:** Sun Jan 18, 2015 7:11 pm **Posts:** 7

That's right the first scratch is the hardest to see. Just adds character. I own a lowe fm 165 wt. two small things I added to my boat/trailer that wasn't included with my purchase. I recommend a transom saver if there isn't one installed, sounds like you went with max hp for boat size. Good to support that big motor. Second, I replaced the rear tie down straps that came with the trailer for a pair of retractable ratchet tie downs. Both changes just make you feel more comfortable/confident when going to and from the water. Hope this helps.

DarrenEm · **Joined:** Sun Jan 08, 2017 12:06 pm **Posts:** 119

Frozenbassfan wrote:

That's right the first scratch is the hardest to see. Just adds character. I own a lowe fm 165 wt. two small things I added to my boat/trailer that wasn't included with my purchase. I recommend a transom saver if there isn't one installed, sounds like you went with max hp for boat size. Good to support that big motor. Second, I replaced the rear tie down straps that came with the trailer for a pair of retractable ratchet tie downs. Both changes just make you feel more comfortable/confident when going to and from the water. Hope this helps.

I did consider a transom saver, but I got a slip at Trent Port Marina and I doubt I'll be trailering more than a few times a year. Still worth it? I'll look for some straps. Thanks for the advice!

tomfoolery · **Joined:** Fri Nov 12, 2004 3:32 pm **Posts:** 144

Transom saver is worth every penny. Even if you only trailer once or twice. That is a lot of weight acting like a 6'8" basketball star swinging on a net putting stress on the transom.
The ratcheting tie downs are great. So simple to use. They are called BoatBuckles...

Sounds like you are getting the hang of the launch and docking procedure figured out.

boqbass · **Posted:** Sun Apr 23, 2017 11:39 am

Hello congrats on your boat purchase! I know it's a bit of a drive but the boat launch at northport in the county is a good launch, not busy, lots of parking. Once you get ur boat launched if the bay is rough you can fish in northport bay which can be protected. There are washroom facilities and a park with a play set for kids if the rest of the family doesn't have the stamina you have. My boat tip is NEVER let anyone do any of the road ready prep when you are trailering your boat. It's ur boat ur responsibility and it becomes a routine if you do it yourself. Have fun!!

DarrenEm · **Joined:** Sun Jan 08, 2017 12:06 pm **Posts:** 119

boqbass wrote:

Hello congrats on your boat purchase! I know it's a bit of a drive but the boat launch at northport in the county is a good launch, not busy, lots of parking. Once you get ur boat launched if the bay is rough you can fish in northport bay which can be protected. There are washroom facilities and a park with a play set for kids if the rest of the family doesn't have the stamina you have. My boat tip is NEVER let anyone do any of the road ready prep when you are trailering your boat. It's ur boat ur responsibility and it becomes a routine if you do it yourself. Have fun!!

I have it docked at Trent Port Marine as of today. How practical is it to cruise from Trenton to Northport area? I'd like to explore a bit but, baby steps! Lol.

Brian1990 · **Joined:** Sun Jan 08, 2017 10:10 am **Posts:** 97

DarrenEm wrote:

Thanks for the tips guys. I ended up launching off of Ontario Street in Trenton at the concrete dock. Yikes! I took a cruise to the base, and docked at the ramp there for a minute to pick up an additional 2 passengers (my kids) and then rode back. I love it! The launch was fine. I took a few approaches to line it up while docking but, no new scratches lol. Loading it back on the trailer went well too!. I did end up knicking the paint and vinyl eventually... While putting the damn cover back on! I left the side unzipped and the ratchet swung against the side of the boat

. It had to happen sometime I guess! lol.

All in all, it was a great ride, and my kids were happy. The boat feels very solid for its size.

All that's left now is to have the depth finder swapped out with the new one I bought (found an awesome sale on Lowrance Elite 4 chirp) and I'll need to add a trolling motor.

I just bought a brand new Lowe Fishing Machinr 165 from the kingston boat show and love it. The Boat warehouse is great to deal with. I got the Lowrance Elite 4 and the new minn kota 55lb thrust trolling motor in my package and love them both. Also love how easy it is to load on the trailer as long as you dont back the trailer to far in and keep the water level above the fenders a couple inches it guides itself right on straight everytime!

DarrenEm · **Joined:** Sun Jan 08, 2017 12:06 pm **Posts:** 119

Brian1990 wrote:

DarrenEm wrote:

Thanks for the tips guys. I ended up launching off of Ontario Street in Trenton at the concrete dock. Yikes! I took a cruise to the base, and docked at the ramp there for a minute to pick up an additional 2 passengers (my kids) and then rode back. I love it! The launch was fine. I took a few approaches to line it up while docking but, no new scratches lol. Loading it back on the trailer went well too!. I did end up knicking the paint and vinyl eventually... While putting the damn cover back on! I left the side unzipped and the ratchet swung against the side of the boat

. It had to happen sometime I guess! lol.

All in all, it was a great ride, and my kids were happy. The boat feels very solid for its size.

All that's left now is to have the depth finder swapped out with the new one I bought (found an awesome sale on Lowrance Elite 4 chirp) and I'll need to add a trolling motor.

I just bought a brand new Lowe Fishing Machinr 165 from the kingston boat show and love it. The Boat warehouse is great to deal with. I got the Lowrance Elite 4 and the new minn kota 55lb thrust trolling motor in my package and love them both. Also love how easy it is to load on the trailer as long as you dont back the trailer to far in and keep the water level above the fenders a couple inches it guides itself right on straight everytime!

Good to hear! I put the Lowrance Elite 4 unit in yesterday. Does yours have Navionics pre-installed? I'm not sure if that's a thing... I was able to select "Navionics" under chart settings however I can't see any of the Navionics contour lines for BOQ. I'm just making sure I don't have it already before I spend $150 for the chip.

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Bought My First Boat, Where Can I "Practice"?

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