Super Newbie

MrTracy

MrTracy

New Member
Aug 31, 2020
18
Bowie, MD
Boat Info
2003 Amberjack 290
Engines
5.0 MPI Bravo III
I purchased a 2003 Sea Ray AmberJack 290 just a couple of weeks ago. 314 hours on the motors and 14 hours on the generator. I have put it in the water yet because I a waiting on the Bravo III drive to be rebuilt. They should be done in two days.
Any how, I know NOTHING about about except i figured out how th blow the horn and turn on the spot light.. These things are so complicated. There is no help for just basic shit. Starting the engines, using the toilet, every damn thing. I have no desire to put it in the water because I have never driven a boat. I am ex Navy but this is no aircraft carrier which is what I was on CV-66 for all you ex Squids.

HELP!
 
Mr. T, welcome to CSR. Might I suggest you take a boater safety course in a classroom setting rather than online. The exchange of information you will get from others in the class will be invaluable.

I make this suggestion based on the premise that despite COVID restrictions you might be able to find a classroom setting. Call your local US Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary to find out how to sign up for a course.

And good luck with the new boat.
 
Completely agree. Start with a good boating class. Welcome to CSR.

Ok so the boat is on a trailer correct? Start with the simple thing. Hook the boat and trailer to your tow vehicle. Then locate a big empty parking lot. Then practice backing up. What marina will you be using? Things will start to slow down a bit soon, then go practice using the ramp. Get in the habit of doing a pre check before you are on the ramp. Check the oil, fuel, batteries, and most of all check the drain plug! Many time there are long time boaters at your marina. Use their knowledge of the area, some are willing to go out on the boat with you
 
The Annapolis School of Seamanship has classes for the beginner including docking and operator skills. Check out their website here. There are also plenty of people around that may be able to coach and help. That's smaller than I'm used to but once you get the drive done, give me a shout and maybe we can find some time to get it wet.
 
Find a competent boat owner familiar with a similar style boat and pay them to go out with you for a day. This will be the beat learning experience you can get. Let them drive the boat for a bit to get familiar with it and check for anything that a rookie might not notice then you take over and let them train you on everything in the boat. And agreed 100% with taking the boater safety course.
 
All good suggestions above. Use the internet/you tube as well. There should be a lot of bits and pieces out there. You could also hire a captain for a few hours to show you the ropes. When you do your first outing, do it mid week -- you don't need the stress of the weekend boat ramps. Good luck.
 
Fortunately, being in Maryland means that there are tons of people around that can help you. I suggest that you hire a captain for a couple of hours to show you the basics. Enjoy your new boat!
 
gmacd81 said:
The Annapolis School of Seamanship has classes for the beginner including docking and operator skills. Check out their website here. There are also plenty of people around that may be able to coach and help. That's smaller than I'm used to but once you get the drive done, give me a shout and maybe we can find some time to get it wet.
Click to expand...


Thank you so much. Annapolis is only 20 minutes from me. I will surely take you up on your offer. I did take the online boating course but yes i would love to take it in person where direct questions can be asked.

What the hell is up with all these valves, sea cock, and spigots everywhere on these things???????????????
 
dwna1a said:
Completely agree. Start with a good boating class. Welcome to CSR.

Ok so the boat is on a trailer correct? Start with the simple thing. Hook the boat and trailer to your tow vehicle. Then locate a big empty parking lot. Then practice backing up. What marina will you be using? Things will start to slow down a bit soon, then go practice using the ramp. Get in the habit of doing a pre check before you are on the ramp. Check the oil, fuel, batteries, and most of all check the drain plug! Many time there are long time boaters at your marina. Use their knowledge of the area, some are willing to go out on the boat with you
Click to expand...
 
Trailer-ed hahahaha, you got jokes... I am not driving around with 10K lbs strapped to me. If this boat is not in the water, it will be dry docked next to the water. I pick one adventure at a time.
 
Golfman25 said:
All good suggestions above. Use the internet/you tube as well. There should be a lot of bits and pieces out there. You could also hire a captain for a few hours to show you the ropes. When you do your first outing, do it mid week -- you don't need the stress of the weekend boat ramps. Good luck.
Click to expand...
 
I have overdosed on Youtube. The only thing youtube really shows if after you have learned the boat operations. There is really nothing that shows how to really start a boat and what to check before you do. Nothing that shows how to make the water hot or how you turn the lights on or off. And what are all these switches for everywhere. There must be at least three places to turn batteries on or off.
I think I am an idiot for buying this thing. I had a few drinks and I ended up owning a boat..smh
 
2 quick notes to keep yourself out of trouble....1) never run the boat on land without muffs 2) ALWAYS run the bilge blower for a few minutes before starting the engines. And to take that a step further open the hatch and sniff for fuel vapors
 
Welcome to the Chesapeake Mr. Tracy. As the dealer told me when i got my first boat "Hit something cheap".
I think I am an idiot for buying this thing. I had a few drinks and I ended up owning a boat..smh
and i can promise you that owning a boat will cause you to drink a LOT more.
 
Tracy, find a friend with some knowledge, or call the local power squadron. At our marina, I've learned more in the last 3 years owning our 500 just from other boaters on the dock.
 
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