Picking up new RZ2 on Wed...need your expertise

[bja37]

In just three days I will go from being a Tigeowner-wannabe to the real deal, Tigeowner!

This is the first boat I've ever purchased.

It's obvious to anyone who lurks on this site that 1) there is a ton of knowledge here 2) there is a ton of passion for boating here 3) there is a tremendous willingness to help your fellow Tige owners here.

I hope to draw upon all three.

I ask you this...

what should I make sure to have my dealer thoroughly cover with me during delivery?

what should I be looking for during the delivery to be certain everything is how it should be?

do you have any other tips for any of us on here that are new to boat ownership?

and yes, I will gladly provide pics!!!

Thanks in advance!

BA

[Ewok]

Since this is your first boat, I'm going to recommend some simple basics so forgive me if it sounds too elementary.

Have them show you how to secure the folding tongue and hook it up to your tow vehicle.

Have then show you how to fill up the gas tank. You have to listen for a change in noise as the gas is going in the tank to avoid fuel splashing out of the filler port.

Have then show you how to maneuver a trailer, prep the boat for launch including checking to make sure the drain plug is in. There are 2 kinds of boater on the water, those who have forgotten to put the drain plug in, and those who will.

After the boat is off the trailer, take some time and a few practice runs at docking the boat. It's a bit harder to back up and maneuver an inboard boat compared to an outboard or IO, but if this is your first boat, it should not matter to you.

Have them show you the basic rules for traffic and navigation on the water, such as red, right, returning and when 2 vessels are converging the vessel on the right has the right of way. I guess you have to take a boating safety class but having some practical experience helps alot.

Have them show you what every switch and menu item does on the helm controls.

Have them show you how to set up the Bimini and how to fold it up and attach it to the tower.

Have them show you how to fill the ballast and use taps to change the shape of the wake.

Have them show you how to load the boat on the trailer and attach the rear tie down straps on the transom.

Lastly have them show you how to put on the big trailering cover.

That should abut cover it for a new boat owner. There is much more to these basics but you should be safe to get on and off the water.

And congrats on the new boat, you will love it.

[NICKYPOO]

All good advice from Ewok. I'll move us along to your ramp routine.

Getting the boat on and off the trailer is probably the most intensive and important part of your boating day. It doesn't hurt to have a check list. Print one up, laminate it and have a way to stick it to the boat so you can check off each item until it becomes habit.

My prep procedure goes like this-
1) Put the plug in
2) Did you put the plug in?
3) Open engine hatch
4) Check battery voltage
5) Put bimini up
6) Load boards in racks
7) Load people and their gear
8) Remove tie downs
9) Check for plug

I'm now ready to drop in. I'll back the boat down until the wheels are in the water. I will then stop and remove the bow strap, ask the wife if she is ready to drop in and I get back in the truck. I then put it in the water just far enough so that it safe to start the boat. Once running, the wife gives me a thumbs up and I will drop her all the way in and she can back out and go into a holding pattern out away from the ramp while I go park the truck. This gives the boat time to warm up and she and my crew are out of the way of others trying to use the ramp. With the truck parked in my secret spot, I can trot down the ramp, while the wife is idling in. She pulls up the the end of the dock, I jump on and we are gone. Minimum time spent in the way of other boaters and when I get on, we are ready to ride.

The end of the day is the same routine in reverse. The wife drops me off to go get the truck and she returns to a holding pattern out away from the ramp. Once I get the trailer down, she can begin her docking sequence. Once I decide which lane I'm going to be in, she has generally started her approach, a nice long, straight, idling approach. I'm there waiting in the water with the which strap ready to attach. She drives it on, I clip the the strap, winch it tight and pull out. The whole crew is generally still on the boat. While they gather their things, I wipe down the hull and put the straps on. They clear out, I put the bimini down, make sure the gear is stowed, pull the plug and we are gone.

I've had the same routine for years. It's all habit now and it makes what can be highly stressful to some couples, smooth as silk for us. What makes the whole thing go is team work. You have to have another person who knows the routine. You need a boat drivers besides yourself. What happens if you die out on the lake? What is the rest of your crew to do? You need a second capable driver. Don't be the guy who does it all himself and has his wife hold onto the boat at the dock while he goes and gets the truck and then does everything himself. That guy sucks. He takes forever and is always in the way.

[bja37]

good stuff...keep it coming!

[robert theisen]

Nicky and Ewok covered it very well. Just remember to make a list and don't get in a hurry.........oh and don't forget the plug. I know I have it's like a break in ritual to boating,you got to do it at least once.LOL!

[hyphen79]

Bja,

First off congratulations on your new boat. It's a fantastic feeling isn't it?

Ewoks and Nicky's advice are all fantastic. Is the dealer going to do an on water orientation with you? Most dealers that I have dealt with do this. My wife loved the on water orientation because she didn't have to take my word for everything and the dealer was there to answer her questions.

Remember, being on your boat is going to be fun. Take your time and don't feel rushed. Eventually it will just become 2nd nature.

The routine of launching and loading the boat will for sure be the most stressful part of your boating experience. Getting this routine down will take some time, and eventually you will be that couple that everyone wishes they were.

One piece of advice is that with these inboards, water has to be going across the rudder in order to steer the boat. So spending time with the person unloading and loading the boat so they can learn to maneuver is a great thing to do. My wife is a pro at this, and we aren't the couple at the ramp that is fighting with each other. However, we have been doing this going on 6 seasons now.

Good luck, and we can't wait to see pictures!!!!!!!!!

[hyphen79]

Nicky and Ewok covered it very well. Just remember to make a list and don't get in a hurry.........oh and don't forget the plug. I know I have it's like a break in ritual to boating,you got to do it at least once.LOL!

PLUG-n-STRAPS!!!

It's not if it will happen, it's when it will happen. When it does don't freak out.

Here, have a laugh on me. The misses still gives me crap to this day about it.
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15578

[bja37]

Guys....Thanks again and keep the tips coming, can never tire of good advice.

Although this is my first boat, I've had a PWC for a decade, so I've seen the people at the launch that I REFUSE to be like...stunning the lack of common sense in the world.

I do need to get my wife acclimated to doing either the truck or the boat at the ramp. should be interesting, she's never been big into driving anything...more of a passenger in life. she knows that's about to change.

Thanks again and keep the info coming...can never have too much!

BA

[Bakes5]

Looks like you were smart and bought your 2nd boat first....love the RZ2

Lists are great. I actually have one on the Fridge that I go through before even leaving the house. It gets old leaving things like sunglasses, towels, beach chairs etc. It also gives the kids something to do when they ask me how they can help.

If you have kids ensure that they know they have to help out for getting out the door, launch prep and reset once you get back. Ours are pro's at this point and it makes things a lot easier with 6 people working rather than 1.

Make sure you are a back up the boat master. Go practice in a parking lot. Some ramps have weird approach angles. I have little respect for anyone that has owned a boat for even a short while and can't back it up. My wife has not mastered backing up yet but probably loads the boat better than I.

Understand that when you put the boat in reverse, it will pull the stern backwards and towards the drivers side of the boat....the rudder really does not do much. In other words you cannot back in a straight line.....more of a counterclockwise spin. That is ok though as long as you factor that in your approach angle.

[Wakeman22]

Welcome to the site and congrats on your first boat. great choice.

Ewok and Nicky covered the most part of getting started and what you should be asking your dealer about. It is highley suggested to ask and expect a water checkout for your first boat. A good dealer will do this.

Other gave great advise for what the "crew" should do and how the boat backs in reverse.

One point not mentioned is approach to the dock and or trailer. Use the wind to your advantage. It can push you into the dock. Slow your boat down as you aproach and can let you drift up to or away from the dock.

Also the boat has no brakes and do not depend upon reverse to stop the boat quikley. When in the area of a dock or trailer slow and easy is best.

Good luck and have fun.

[Wickedcummins]

make sure you check your boad racks a few times cause the bolts get loose

[jbort]

Allow Mom a turn at the wheel in the dealer check-ride in case she wants to get some driving pointers or has questions. She's your backup and while you are the skipper SHE's the owner (although you may think you are both). Also never never never yell in bad tone when she's backing UNLESS STOP is needed - u get my drift.

also when going slow, the steering is sloppy like a PWC so be aware.


Very exciting and have fun. Follow break-in schedule and u should be good to go.

[Ewok]

Good advice all around, remember the golden rule of docking, never approach a dock faster than your willing to crash into it.

[Timmy!]

Make sure your dealer covers the part where you take the boat up to 35mph and do power turns! Oh yeah! That's my favorite part of delivery/test driving the RZ2 - the awesome handling! If you haven't done that yet, you SHOULD! Enjoy and Congrats!

[Duncan]

The end of the day is the same routine in reverse. The wife drops me off to go get the truck and she returns to a holding pattern out away from the ramp. Once I get the trailer down, she can begin her docking sequence.

Great advice in the whole thread.

I would suggest wetting your bunks by backing the empty trailer deep enough to submerge the bunks, then pulling out just enough for your optimal loading depth (for us, the water barely covers the fenders). The wet bunks make loading easier and you should not develop as many scratches in your gel coat.