First 2010 ride

townsde · 03-28-2010, 04:39 PM

We are picking up our newly purchased boat next weekend for a test ride and I plan to leave it in the water. If it should turn cold again our dealer said to drain the manifolds and it would be OK. He also advised to not charge the water system for the sink or head yet as that would surely freeze.

I did not see any boats in Moultonborough Bay or Melvin Bay this weeked. We drove by the Lees Mills boat launch. It has a new ramp but it is still closed with metal pilings around the front.

NoRegrets · 03-28-2010, 04:45 PM

OK townsde, What did you buy? This is the most exciting time of the year and you must be thrilled. I understand next weekend will be great summer like weather.
Best of luck with your new vessel.

townsde · 03-29-2010, 08:03 AM

I am picking up a 2004 Four Winns 24 foot bowrider. It has the 5.7 GXI engine with duo Prop.

We are new on the Lake and this is our first boat of this size. I started thinking about 19 feet and after reading this forum I moved up to thinking 22 feet and then it became 24 feet. I have gone through the 2 itis thing without ever buying so I guess that is a good thing.

We have alot to learn about the Lake but this should be a great summer for us.

NoRegrets · 03-29-2010, 08:20 AM

I believe you will be pleased with the 24' size. Funny how you started the 2 foot 'itis with a 5 foot upgrade! We'll see if you are in a 26 footer next year.

hancoveguy · 03-29-2010, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townsde

I am picking up a 2004 Four Winns 24 foot bowrider. It has the 5.7 GXI engine with duo Prop.

We are new on the Lake and this is our first boat of this size. I started thinking about 19 feet and after reading this forum I moved up to thinking 22 feet and then it became 24 feet. I have gone through the 2 itis thing without ever buying so I guess that is a good thing.

We have alot to learn about the Lake but this should be a great summer for us.

Nice choice. Thats what I wanted this year but it wasn't in the budget. Ended up with a 24 ft 98 Wellcraft Eclipse. Still have high hopes though. These big bowriders are the way to go I think. I just got rid of an express cruiser-no fun there.

Good luck with the Four Winns, great boats.

OCDACTIVE · 03-29-2010, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townsde

I am picking up a 2004 Four Winns 24 foot bowrider. It has the 5.7 GXI engine with duo Prop.

We are new on the Lake and this is our first boat of this size. I started thinking about 19 feet and after reading this forum I moved up to thinking 22 feet and then it became 24 feet. I have gone through the 2 itis thing without ever buying so I guess that is a good thing.

We have alot to learn about the Lake but this should be a great summer for us.

Welcome to the lake. You chose a great boat and a great size. It should handle most anything safely that the lake can produce! Congratulations! Just take it easy and don't be afraid to ask questions. There are plenty of boaters on this site as well as on the water that are more then happy to help.

See you on the water!

sa meredith · 03-29-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townsde

I am picking up a 2004 Four Winns 24 foot bowrider. It has the 5.7 GXI engine with duo Prop.

We are new on the Lake and this is our first boat of this size. I started thinking about 19 feet and after reading this forum I moved up to thinking 22 feet and then it became 24 feet. I have gone through the 2 itis thing without ever buying so I guess that is a good thing.

We have alot to learn about the Lake but this should be a great summer for us.

Good for you...exploring the lake, and all it has to offer, will be something I'm sure will bring you many many hours of great fun.
My advice, and I'm sure most will agree, is get a good chart, and spend some time with it each night before you head out, planning your course. Lake Winni is funny...you could swear you're in open water...no land anywhere near by, and come upon a rock shoal instantly.
Although the lake can be great fun, it can very unforgiving to someone not familiar with it.
Even if you are running with a GPS, I still strongly recommend a chart.
Also...ask a lot of questions...people are often quick to disclose their own favorite little spot to drop anchor, and swim/read/nap/lunch...whatever. I wish you well...
By the way...for me anyway, on a weekday (and only a weekday) Johnson's Cove is a great spot.

jrc · 03-29-2010, 05:59 PM

I'm looking at a May 1st launch. All this talk about people on the water and buying new boats is starting to make me a little crazy

OCDACTIVE · 03-30-2010, 07:52 AM

So how many people will be attempting their first rides this weekend? 80 degrees!!! Early start to the "2010" season. Usually it's Memorial Day weekend, who would have thought Easter weekend!!!!! I remember many Easters looking out the window at the ice and snow still on the lake.. We definately deserve this after last year!

Again although the air is warm, be sure to wear you life jackets. The water is very very cold!

I hope to see you all out there. I will be on my dock waiting for mine to be fixed for the season. Feel free to pick me up!

I haven't figured out what type of summer drink I will be mixing dockside.. Never had to think about it this early on..... Maybe Mai Tai's? definately not "dark and stormys" LOL

codeman671 · 03-30-2010, 09:36 AM

I am planning on launching one of the boats on Saturday. I am a bit behind schedule this year, between home renovations, the pontoon still in the canvas shop and the weather it is driving me crazy. I am usually in the day ice-out is called.

SAMIAM · 03-30-2010, 09:37 AM

I think you should invent your own drink....maybe call it "Active Thunder"
Something with rum,for sure.

robmac · 03-30-2010, 09:57 AM

OCD, when do you expext her back ?

OCDACTIVE · 03-30-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robmac

OCD, when do you expext her back ?

Test driving her on the 24th of April in VA, then back on the 25th... She will go right to the graphics shop for a week then home to have new gauges and hardware installed... I hope to have her on the lake by the 2nd weekend of May as long as all goes well.

As you can probably imagine I am going crazy!!!

Sam... how about "Thunder Rolls" instead.. There is already a Garth Brooks song that can be its theme.. LOL.. rum is a must....

Although my new favorite is a "dark and stormy" It is a Bermudian drink that is great for the dock. Gooslings 151 rum and Ginger beer.. Not ginger ale which poses a problem because it is hard to find. Usually just a mom and pop store has it. The Old Country Store used to have it in the old refridgerator chest next to the map room, but not any longer. When I find it at a store I buy everything they have.. LOL

jmen24 · 03-30-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

Test driving her on the 24th of April in VA, then back on the 25th... She will go right to the graphics shop for a week then home to have new gauges and hardware installed... I hope to have her on the lake by the 2nd weekend of May as long as all goes well.

As you can probably imagine I am going crazy!!!

Sam... how about "Thunder Rolls" instead.. There is already a Garth Brooks song that can be its theme.. LOL.. rum is a must....

Although my new favorite is a "dark and stormy" It is a Bermudian drink that is great for the dock. Gooslings 151 and Ginger beer.. Not ginger ale which poses a problem because it is hard to find. Usually just a mom and pop store has it. The Old Country Store used to be not any longer. When I find it I buy everything they have.. LOL

The general store in Quechee, has cases and cases of the stuff. Huge selection. http://www.quecheegorge.com/quechee-country-store.php

OCDACTIVE · 03-30-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmen24

The general store in Quechee, has cases and cases of the stuff. Huge selection. http://www.quecheegorge.com/quechee-country-store.php

Thanks man.. I found a store locally for me... but they only stock it by the 12 pack.. I actually have about 4 cases now that should last the better part of the summer.......... Well we'll see!

jmen24 · 03-30-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

Thanks man.. I found a store locally for me... but they only stock it by the 12 pack.. I actually have about 4 cases now that should last the better part of the summer.......... Well we'll see!

Sounds like you will be just in time for fall fooliage, and a hike down the gorge is always good that time of year. Can't wait to see some picks of the boat all ready for the water. I won't bug to much as I am sure it is harder for you to wait.

OCDACTIVE · 03-30-2010, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmen24

Sounds like you will be just in time for fall fooliage, and a hike down the gorge is always good that time of year. Can't wait to see some picks of the boat all ready for the water. I won't bug to much as I am sure it is harder for you to wait.

Thanks... It has been a long hard wait but it will be worth it. I can't count how many people I have offered rides to so just catch me at the town docks and we can go out for a spin!

townsde · 03-30-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Good for you...exploring the lake, and all it has to offer, will be something I'm sure will bring you many many hours of great fun.
My advice, and I'm sure most will agree, is get a good chart, and spend some time with it each night before you head out, planning your course. Lake Winni is funny...you could swear you're in open water...no land anywhere near by, and come upon a rock shoal instantly.
Although the lake can be great fun, it can very unforgiving to someone not familiar with it.
Even if you are running with a GPS, I still strongly recommend a chart.
Also...ask a lot of questions...people are often quick to disclose their own favorite little spot to drop anchor, and swim/read/nap/lunch...whatever. I wish you well...
By the way...for me anyway, on a weekday (and only a weekday) Johnson's Cove is a great spot.

I have the Bizer chart for the Lake and I have a Garmin Nuvi 550 GPS with the Lake Winnipesaukee map loaded into it. I am planning on wearing Life Vests this weekend since the water is so cold.

I thank you for the suggestion on Johnson's Cove and I have it circled on the Bizer chart.

Your suggestions are well taken. Thanks.

gf2020 · 03-30-2010, 01:27 PM

I always enjoy a Dark & Stormy!

I take delivery of my new boat from Shep Brown's on Friday, April 16th. I plan on cruising the lake for a couple hours before towing the boat home to MA. It will go in to a slip in Boston Harbor around May 1st.

Long Pine · 03-30-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townsde

I am picking up a 2004 Four Winns 24 foot bowrider. It has the 5.7 GXI engine with duo Prop.

We are new on the Lake and this is our first boat of this size. I started thinking about 19 feet and after reading this forum I moved up to thinking 22 feet and then it became 24 feet. I have gone through the 2 itis thing without ever buying so I guess that is a good thing.

We have alot to learn about the Lake but this should be a great summer for us.

Not sure if you got it through Melvin Village Marina, the Four Winns dealer on Winni (or if the previous owner did), but if you did and you choose to have it serviced there, I'm sure you will be pleased. The reason I mention where you got it is that I believe Melvin Village only services boats they sold (although this might have changed in the last couple years). In any case, Rob the service mgr there is a great guy - always returns phone calls promptly, honors commitments, happy to offer advice over the phone, and I've never had a problem with any of their work. Best of luck to you.

Lucy Goose · 04-12-2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townsde

I am picking up a 2004 Four Winns 24 foot bowrider. It has the 5.7 GXI engine with duo Prop.

We are new on the Lake and this is our first boat of this size. I started thinking about 19 feet and after reading this forum I moved up to thinking 22 feet and then it became 24 feet. I have gone through the 2 itis thing without ever buying so I guess that is a good thing.

We have alot to learn about the Lake but this should be a great summer for us.

We did the same thing with the two footitis. And this is our first year on our own boat on the lake. We've been on other folks but not our own. We bought a Four Winns Vista 278. We just took our test drive this past Saturday in Melvin Bay and she is now officially ours. Going to have the name put on and a grill and a generator. Can't wait to explore and meet folks.

03-28-2010, 04:39 PM	#1
townsde Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Hollis NH and Moultonborough Posts: 68 Thanks: 6 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	Its Launch Time We are picking up our newly purchased boat next weekend for a test ride and I plan to leave it in the water. If it should turn cold again our dealer said to drain the manifolds and it would be OK. He also advised to not charge the water system for the sink or head yet as that would surely freeze. I did not see any boats in Moultonborough Bay or Melvin Bay this weeked. We drove by the Lees Mills boat launch. It has a new ramp but it is still closed with metal pilings around the front.

03-29-2010, 08:03 AM	#3
townsde Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Hollis NH and Moultonborough Posts: 68 Thanks: 6 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	Its Launch Time I am picking up a 2004 Four Winns 24 foot bowrider. It has the 5.7 GXI engine with duo Prop. We are new on the Lake and this is our first boat of this size. I started thinking about 19 feet and after reading this forum I moved up to thinking 22 feet and then it became 24 feet. I have gone through the 2 itis thing without ever buying so I guess that is a good thing. We have alot to learn about the Lake but this should be a great summer for us.

03-30-2010, 07:52 AM	#9
OCDACTIVE Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fort Myers FL / Moultonboro Posts: 1,045 Thanks: 444 Thanked 574 Times in 178 Posts	So how many people will be attempting their first rides this weekend? 80 degrees!!! Early start to the "2010" season. Usually it's Memorial Day weekend, who would have thought Easter weekend!!!!! I remember many Easters looking out the window at the ice and snow still on the lake.. We definately deserve this after last year! Again although the air is warm, be sure to wear you life jackets. The water is very very cold! I hope to see you all out there. I will be on my dock waiting for mine to be fixed for the season. Feel free to pick me up! I haven't figured out what type of summer drink I will be mixing dockside.. Never had to think about it this early on..... Maybe Mai Tai's? definately not "dark and stormys" LOL __________________ Have you had your Vessel Inspected Yet?

03-28-2010, 04:45 PM	#2
NoRegrets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hudson - NH Posts: 408 Thanks: 233 Thanked 212 Times in 88 Posts	OK townsde, What did you buy? This is the most exciting time of the year and you must be thrilled. I understand next weekend will be great summer like weather. Best of luck with your new vessel.

The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to townsde For This Useful Post:
BroadHopper (03-29-2010), OCDACTIVE (03-29-2010), winnisummergal (03-31-2010)

03-29-2010, 08:20 AM	#4
NoRegrets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hudson - NH Posts: 408 Thanks: 233 Thanked 212 Times in 88 Posts	I believe you will be pleased with the 24' size. Funny how you started the 2 foot 'itis with a 5 foot upgrade! We'll see if you are in a 26 footer next year.

03-29-2010, 05:59 PM	#8
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	I'm looking at a May 1st launch. All this talk about people on the water and buying new boats is starting to make me a little crazy

03-30-2010, 09:36 AM	#10
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,539 Thanks: 222 Thanked 828 Times in 499 Posts	I am planning on launching one of the boats on Saturday. I am a bit behind schedule this year, between home renovations, the pontoon still in the canvas shop and the weather it is driving me crazy. I am usually in the day ice-out is called.

03-30-2010, 09:37 AM	#11
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,920 Thanks: 341 Thanked 1,693 Times in 595 Posts	I think you should invent your own drink....maybe call it "Active Thunder" Something with rum,for sure.

03-30-2010, 09:57 AM	#12
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	OCD, when do you expext her back ?

The Following User Says Thank You to jmen24 For This Useful Post:
OCDACTIVE (03-30-2010)

03-30-2010, 01:27 PM	#19
gf2020 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North of Boston Posts: 203 Thanks: 11 Thanked 35 Times in 28 Posts	I always enjoy a Dark & Stormy! I take delivery of my new boat from Shep Brown's on Friday, April 16th. I plan on cruising the lake for a couple hours before towing the boat home to MA. It will go in to a slip in Boston Harbor around May 1st.