Planning first voyage

[wendyg]

We had a great first experience on the lake and no major problems. Because of the sky conditions and late start, we changed our plans and decided not to venture up to Center Harbor. It was after 5pm by the time we got the boat in the water and gassed up to go! We wanted to see the boat in the rack and the kids got a kick out of watching the guys put the boat in the water...all part of the first experience! We took a right out of Saunder's Bay and headed out into the Broads past Diamond Island and Rattlesnake. Got to open it up, which was a lot of fun. Noone was on the lake and it was pretty calm considering the skies. We headed back to Governors Island and then came back in. Everyone had a great time! We are looking forward to getting the GPS to help us learn the name's of the Islands and have a heads up on the markers more than anything else. Visualizing them was a bit tricky, but we did just fine and didn't really go into any areas where we encountered a lot of them. Found the Witches, of course, and what we think were the markers around Eagle Island. We didn't go in close enough to identify the lighted buoy, as the skies were really starting to darken up and we decided it was time to head in, cover the boat and get some dinner.

Here were our errors...forgot to shut the blowers off once we started heading out, and forgot to check the batteries. Not any worse then the couple of times we had to pull over with the camper and connect the brake controller...oops! All part of learning something new.

Trying to post pictures...any tips on that!

[PC31]

Here were our errors...forgot to shut the blowers off once we started heading out, and forgot to check the batteries.

I always leave the blowers on so I do not forget to turn them back on when I slow down.

[Dave R]

Glad to hear it went well. Those markers sure do shrink out there, don't they?

Regarding bilge blowers... Something I rarely see, but always do before starting my engine is: I put my face right in the output of the bilge blower and take a good, long sniff. There will be a distinctive odor and you'll get used to it. If it ever changes, you'll notice immediately and have no choice but to "pop the hood" and find the source of the change. With luck, this little habit will someday save you from a costly repair or inconvenient breakdown.

Gasoline fumes, God forbid, will be immediately apparent too.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Dave R

Glad to hear it went well. Those markers sure do shrink out there, don't they?

Regarding bilge blowers... Something I rarely see, but always do before starting my engine is: I put my face right in the output of the bilge blower and take a good, long sniff. There will be a distinctive odor and you'll get used to it. If it ever changes, you'll notice immediately and have no choice but to "pop the hood" and find the source of the change. With luck, this little habit will someday save you from a costly repair or inconvenient breakdown.

Gasoline fumes, God forbid, will be immediately apparent too.

Dave R. as you often do you bring up a good point. Nothing like a good sniff test. I generally pop the hatch every weekend after the cover comes off while I am running the blowers.... I then leave it open start the engine, and do a visual for any leaks.

It all about forming good habits that hopefully someday save you from a rotten voyage.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by PC31

I always leave the blowers on so I do not forget to turn them back on when I slow down.

Hmmmm, I'm not so sure that's a good idea. Not all blowers are made to be operated continuously. I've read that some may overheat if left on too long. Best to know how yours are rated.

http://www.coastalboating.net/Resour...gpageQ105.html

[Lucky1]

Welcome Wendy! I noticed that you just joined in May. Sounds like you and your family will have fun boating together. If it is a new boat and this is your first boating experience with it, then a Saturday morning gets you away from the worry of darkness if The Captain is busy during the work week. It also will offer you a nice chance to get off at Center Harbor where the Red Hill Dairy is just across the street so you can have a fun lunch. Or you could pack a picnic and spread a blanket at the Band Stand and eat there. Remember Bike Week and mosquitos though. I wish you only very happy experiences with the family and the boat

[eillac@dow]

WendyG,

Oh well, the pics are big! But it is a great pic! Nice boat. I am very happy for you. I enjoyed reading this thread from the day you first posted.

Your boat is beautiful. Enjoy it with your family. I would say...just be cautious, but it sounds like you are already there. The members of this forum have given you such great advice.

I wish you alot of fun memories with your new boat.

Have fun and be safe.

[joey2665]

Wendy glad you enjoyed your maiden voyage. I have a 2007 270 SLX it is a great boat you will love it.

[Wolfeboro_Baja]

Originally Posted by wendyg

Trying to post pictures...any tips on that!

Easy! To post pics in a thread, follow these directions:

1. Open up a "Reply to Thread" window.

2. In the area of Additional Options, find Attach Files and click on "Manage Attachments"; a new window will open up called Manage Attachments. Here's where you need to know where your pics are stored on your hard drive.

3. Click the "Browse" button and a new window opens called "Choose File to Upload". Navigate to the location of your stored pics; highlight a file (you can only upload one pic at a time) and click "Open". This window closes.

4. Click the "Upload" button in the Manage Attachments window; a few seconds will pass depending on the size of the file. You'll also see a message in this window, "Uploading File...Please Wait". When this message disappears, you should see the file name you uploaded listed as a Current Attachment.

5. If you have multiple pics to attach, repeat steps 3 & 4 for each picture. If not, just close the window.

6. Type whatever message you intend to post with the pics in the usual message reply window and click "Submit Reply". That's all there is to it!!

I know, it sounds like a lot but once you do the first one, it'll become second nature.

I, too, frequently forget to turn the blower off; that's better than forgetting to turn it ON!! And I've not yet forgotten to install the transom plug but I did forget to remove the transom straps one time; slightly embarrassing but nothing major!