First year of boating

K

keets

New Member
Jan 16, 2007
116
Ohio River Beaver co Pa
Boat Info
2006 260da
Engines
6.2l
Finished my first year of boating. The cost of boating was right where i figured it would be. It was a good year here in western Pa. I have a 2006 260 da 6.2L. Running the boat, trim tabs and docking took a little time to get use to, but it all fell into place. The people at the docks were the biggest surprise, I expected everyone to be nice and all but everyone went way out of thier way to help us out. The other boaters were unreal, great bunch of people. Backing into our slip with the wind, current of the river, and single prop made it an adventure sometimes. We dock right in front of a big beach party bar so everytime we came in we had a large group of people watching us dock the boat. My wife and I enjoyed boating more than I ever thought we would. We went through the locks with no problems. Next year we will try out some lakes in the area. Just wanted to drop a note. Thanks for all of the advice. Keets.
 
Sounds great..I'm sure next year will be even better.. Happy New Year..

PS, You should put your boat info in your signature...

Barry
 
We just finished our first year as well. "Slow Dance" had 250 hours when we got it last December and just went over 500 last week. As for maintenance, here's the list:
Two tuneups
Changed fluids a few times
Replaced the stereo speakers in the cockpit
Added A/C and HEAT
Replaced one battery
Replaced Serpentine Belt
Changed cockpit light to LED
Replaced zincs three times
Currently having manifolds and (maybe) risers replaced

The boat is wet slipped at our house and my wife and I agree we should have done this years ago. The people on the water are great, with the possible exception of a Palm Beach County Marine Patrol guy we had a run in with during a trip from Port St. Lucie to Ft Lauderdale at Thanksgiving. All in all, the experience has been spectacular, in spite of the fact that we are apparently putting our mechanic's children through Harvard. SeaRay life is good.
 
If you enjoyed your first year of boating as much as you say, be aware that "ITIS" will soon set it if it already hasn't hit you.:lol:

Just be very carefull at the winter boat shows as you look at those 280s 310s and 330 Dancers. If you have 2 foot-itis its one thing ......................but if you get 6-10 foot itis, it really hurts (in the pocket book).:smt043
 
Sounds like you've got plenty of maintenance going on. Glad you enjoyed it and hope that next year is even better.
 
Dave S said:
If you enjoyed your first year of boating as much as you say, be aware that "ITIS" will soon set it if it already hasn't hit you.:lol:

Just be very carefull at the winter boat shows as you look at those 280s 310s and 330 Dancers. If you have 2 foot-itis its one thing ......................but if you get 6-10 foot itis, it really hurts (in the pocket book).:smt043
Click to expand...


Ok, just got back from 10 hours of looking at boats. I have itis so bad it's not even funny, 15-20' itis.
 
So far we don't have that particular malady. The maintenance issues we've encountered have proven to us that we're in the right boat. Something larger with more engines would be more than we want to spend on our "hobby." Well...at least until our mechanic's kids are out of college.
 
chazaroo said:
So far we don't have that particular malady. The maintenance issues we've encountered have proven to us that we're in the right boat. Something larger with more engines would be more than we want to spend on our "hobby." Well...at least until our mechanic's kids are out of college.
Click to expand...

You probably still have ITIS...........it's just in remission.:grin:
 
Sounds like a great 1st year, just wait the second gets even better.
 
Well, my wife got 2'itis after the 1st month. She wants a 320 Da. We are headed to the Cleveland boat show in Jan. I want to wait a few years, I never owned a boat before the 260 so I want to make sure we figure out what our needs our. I can also tow the 260 and I want to tow the boat to some of the lakes in the area. Can't wait till summer comes!!!!!!!
 
keets said:
Backing into our slip with the wind, current of the river, and single prop made it an adventure sometimes.
Click to expand...

The twins on the 320 would possibly help you out here...when docking there's nothing more satisfying than sticking it on the first attempt.

I used to miss going to different lakes/rivers, then I see the fueds at the boat ramps on holiday weekends.

Glad you enjoyed your first year, you're hooked!
 
Well, I can assure you all that we're totally happy with our 250 and have not, nor do we expect to contract itis. Absolutely, positively...gee...that 270 sure looks nice. More room, not much more money..maybe we could just...
 
Keets, You can tow that 320.

Chazaroo, If you really like boating, then you may very well have boatitis. I have it, and so do many of my friends. In fact, at dinner with family the other day, I mentioned I found a possible boat for a very good friend who is looking. My wife replied that he probably had lost the urge. I responded, "No he didn't. It's like herpes. You do your best to manage the flair ups, but it never goes away." I was scolded for the crass comment, but I know my wife very well and she was impressed with the analogy.
 
1st boat: 14' Bayliner
2nd boat: 17' Bayliner
3rd boat: 20' Glastron
4th boat: 24' Sea Ray
5th boat: 28' Sea Ray
6th boat: ???????????

My wife is in the medical profession and claims there is currently no cure for the 'itis virus.
 
I must be one of the lucky ones, my lake will not allow anything over a 21ft boat. So I am pretty sure "Itis" will not hit me anytime soon.

My first year as well and I can't wait till spring!!!!
 
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