SpringTime Get Ready Thread...New Boat owner's look here

[dogbert]

My tip for this year. Learn to let other's drive the boat so that I can relax a bit more....I'm a bit of a control freak.

Let me know if this works out for you...I'm still trying to learn after 17+ years of boating.

[Dan and Christy]

I'm with you on that Tequilla. The only time I don't drive is when I am boarding or surfing.

[time2kyl]

If ever you back down the ramp and can't seem to get the boat off the trailer.............. that maybe, just maybe you forgot the transom straps.. Now I am not sure about this, I've just heard it from a friend. I swear.

What kind of person would forget that...while trying to look cool in front of some ladies...I think we must have the same friend...

[Tequilasun]

Let go of the rope!

Happens to me all the time....I'm a slow learner.

My tip for this year. Learn to let other's drive the boat so that I can relax a bit more....I'm a bit of a control freak.

[whitlock87]

whitlock87: I actually grew up on CA lakes

A agree that if it's a heavy traffic day then there are definitely times when power turning is necessary. I can't tell you how many times I've been to the one nice cove and another wakeboarder will come in and power turn after every fall (which is usually a lot) and destroy the only good water on the lake. It's ludacris!

Also, bring a harpoon gun to warn jet skier's following 10' behind your wakeboarding children.

I am with you on that , if it is not necessary, then don’t do it.
Besides going over your wake can hurt.

Also when it comes to jet skiers, we like LA county lakes. They do not let the lake fleas and Boat on at the same time or in the same location.


One last thing, when you fall, and you will. Let go of the rope!

[TigeDuner]

Check the condition of the ramp and the water level on the ramp. Several of the ramps in AZ are closed or will be soon as they continue to let water out.

Make sure you have a cushion on board that qualifies as a throwable device and is USCGA. CaptainK3B got a ticket for this a few years back.

Keep a paddle and anchor on board also.

[NICKYPOO]

Wow, 38 posts in and I've got something to add still.

This is mostly for older Tige owners but, it's still good to keep in mind. Tighten your windshield. Pull the little foam strip out of the bottom edge of the frame and check the screws attatching it to the boat. I checked mine last night and sure enough, they were almost all 1/4 turn loose. Not bad considering in six years, this is only the second time I've done it.

[Ruune]

Tire NOT to tie up to anything except a CLEAT or SKI HOOK

What about a tower?

Thats a negative, ghostrider. Towers are typically designed to endure stress from being pulled towards the back of the boat, and not so much from side to side.

same thing goes for grab handles. A buddy of mine tied his nautique up to my boat, using one of his grab handles... 5 mins later we heard this "PLOINK!!." The next thing we saw was the handle flying up. Good thing it was him that tied it!

Regarding smoking- I only allow it on the platform. otherwise, they can grab a lifejacket and float ...as long as its one of the cheap orange ones.

[dogbert]

If ever you back down the ramp and can't seem to get the boat off the trailer.............. that maybe, just maybe you forgot the transom straps.. Now I am not sure about this, I've just heard it from a friend. I swear.

Just to expand on that a bit, do not back your boat in until the trailer floats, especially if you have 2 wheel drive.

[CessnaCaptain]

I Heard.. From a friend I think.....That

If ever you back down the ramp and can't seem to get the boat off the trailer.............. that maybe, just maybe you forgot the transom straps.. Now I am not sure about this, I've just heard it from a friend. I swear.

[Moki]

Always remember not to inhale when you first dive into the water, be patient and wait until you come up to the surface.

[dyldebus]

whitlock87: I actually grew up on CA lakes

A agree that if it's a heavy traffic day then there are definitely times when power turning is necessary. I can't tell you how many times I've been to the one nice cove and another wakeboarder will come in and power turn after every fall (which is usually a lot) and destroy the only good water on the lake. It's ludacris!

Also, bring a harpoon gun to warn jet skier's following 10' behind your wakeboarding children.

[whitlock87]

DON'T POWERTURN!!!! I see so many people do this, even people who are great at wakeboarding.... I just don't get it.

If your boarder falls. Stop the boat, let the wake pass you and turn slowly and pick him up. This simple (and totally obvious IMO) task will keep the lake smooth until at least 9am

And seriously people, don't tube near the only smooth water on the lake. Go to the main channel or the big recreation area where all the other tubers are at. Besides, who wants to tube in smooth water?

OK I am with him on the good water thing, And yes I have kids who rather tube then board,
( yes I know it’s a very sad thing when your youngest has no interest in boarding but want to tube first thing out )

But no Power Turns, he never been to a lake in CA.

Protect you riders at all time.
Some times you have to turn around fast and hard to get between your rider and another boat.
( Never leave your rider sitting away from the boat while you are waiting for someone to pass )

Also some time it is necessary to stop and make your rider fall instead of putting him / her in a bad spot

I also like to learn the lake before we board. ( take a few minuets and drive around first)

[Tanner]

Check to make sure your trailer tongue is secure before you leave your house/storage. I've seen so many people think someone else secured it and that person thought the other person did.

Better yet.... just make sure and do the important stuff YOURSELF!

If your gonna be in an area where your tying up.... for god sakes... avoid the pontoon boats.... and make sure you have spare bumpers. I suggest 8's or bigger

[wannabewakeboarder]

Tire NOT to tie up to anything except a CLEAT or SKI HOOK

What about a tower?