New Boat

[Studman]

We just bought a 20V and it is our first boat. Any pointers or suggestions to make first outing easier? Have looked at this site several times before buying a Tige -- great site.

[NICKYPOO]

Oh boy, you just made a huge withdrawl at the Bank of Opinionated Suggestions. Actually there is a ton of info on here about stuff you need to know. Search for some threads on towing, trailering, launching, retrieving, how to not look like a Jack A$$ at the ramp. Dig and you shall find.

Congrats on the boat. What year is it? How many hours? What will you be towing it with? Not trying to be nosey, just...........well informed.

[NICKYPOO]

Here's a good one:
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...&threadid=1770

And another:
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...&threadid=1419

Real good one here:
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...&threadid=1736

Similar:
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...&threadid=1685

Here's the one I was looking for:
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...&threadid=1463

Not very informative but definately something to think about:
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...&threadid=1745

[Studman]

2006 new it has no hours on it. we will be keeping it at a marina we are in process of building a house and no place to keep it. when we do tow we will be pulling with Dodge quad cab 4.7 v-8. thanks for the thread info.

[wrangler]

Congrats!!!

Congratulations on your new and first ride!!! The first order of business is for you to post some pictures here for the world to see!!!

Nickypoo has started you off in the right direction and I think you will find that there is great information littered throughout the board. Make sure that you have all your safety equipment ready to go for your first outing. Also, think through your break-in procedures for the motor before you hit the water. There are some good threads on that within as well... I am guessing that you have the MPI motor like many of us and there are some "thoughts" on how to best break those in for the long life of your motor...

Congrats again!!!

[LoneStarCdub]

Studman,

Congrats on the new boat. I am looking at a 20v as well, and was hoping you could tell me how much you paid for the boat. It will give me a good idea in my negotiations. If you don't want to post that info on the board, please PM me. I appreciate your help and congrats.

[jsz]

Not sure about your experience around the water but if this is your first boat I would avoid the weekends. Have 2 or 3 other people to help launch and especially to load. "baby" it on. Do it early in the morning or whenever your lake is calm and empty.

When I was new I bought a boaters extension pole (8'=about $20) to help keep me away from the dock or others if it got too busy. It takes some time to get the low speed maneuvering down on these boats. Play around in reverse to see how it steers (not good).

I'm a list guy so I made a checklist for items to keep on the boat (vests, jump starter, etc.), one for things to load on the boat (drinks, towels, etc.), and another for launching (bilge plug, check oil, remove rear straps, etc.)

Sounds like a lot of work but its worth it. Take your time. Don't scratch it on your 1st outing!!!

[tony dunn jr.]

Congrats on your new boat I just got mine also last week. I will give you the best advise so far. In all your excitement and nerves of launching your new baby do not forget the PLUG!!!

[Boarder_X]

Congrats on your new boat I just got mine also last week. I will give you the best advise so far. In all your excitement and nerves of launching your new baby do not forget the PLUG!!!

LOL!!!!

I will say though, I heard this from somone, and I do believe it's true. ... "Everyone does it once.." I have. Actually twice. Once with the old boat, and one with the new.

[raythompson]

Yep, me too

I have also forgotten the plug a few times. I now have a sticker close to the winch that reminds me about the plug. I also place the plug in the cup holder by the driver so it is visible if not installed.

The first time I was at Inks Lake in Texas. Launched the boat, motored around a bit, then headed toward the camp site and beached the boat. Then I went about preparing the camp site. Three hours later when I when back to the beach the boat was sitting on the bottom and was half full of water. I had to dig under the boat to get the plug installed. The bilge pump emptied the boat in a little over an hour. Water got halfway up the engine. The only damage (besides my ego) was the starter selenoid eventually rusted and had to be replaced.

Other times I have quickly recognized the problem and got the plug installed before much water gets into the boat and the boat is still floating.

[NICKYPOO]

Done it. Only once though. I keep my plug on the netting on the front of the motor box so that when I open it up to get some air in there and give it a quick once over, it is dangling in my face.

[Wake Havasu]

Welcome to the family.

Practice close quarters maneuvers S L O W L Y.

Will helping docking and loading your new toy!