New Boater and Sea Ray Owner

[bobinhood]

Bought my boat last month and its been in the shop getting, "customized". It is a 2007 Sport 205 Bowrider with a 5.0 Liter MPI engine. It had 385 hours on the motor. It was a freshwater boat, but it will become a saltwater boat. It is getting a freshwater cooler installed. It is also getting a Bimini Top for my bald head. Once I get it home I will post pics of it. Never had a boat before so I have been going through a big learning curve. This forum and Youtube has helped. Passed the boating safety exam and bought all the required safety equipment. Psyching myself up for the dreaded, "backing the trailer up" experience. I have a 2013 Ford F150 with towing package.

 

[NorCal Boater]

You'll do fine. just take it all s-l-o-w

 

[Chris-380]

Go to the ramp the first time or 3 during off peak times. During the week, early on the weekend. Get comfortable with the process. Make at least a mental Check list, preferable to write it down and go through it. The ramp can be a stressful place, the more organized and prepared you are, will make it a comfortable place to start (and finish) your daily adventures

 

[Stee6043]

Welcome! Looking forward to hearing how your summer goes. It'll be a breeze. It's like I always thought when contemplating having kids - "well, if all these other people can do it, surely we can figure this out".

 

[El Capitan]

This is funny. It’s great!... but funny. We’ve all dreaded the first trailering or first time docking etc.

Tons of fun! Let’s see pics!

 

[Stingrayaxe]

Very cool. Great boat if I say so myself! Enjoy the customizations to make it your own. Welcome.

 

[northern]

Backing a trailer is hard if you do not know how. Put your hand at the bottom the steering wheel. The direction you move your hand is the direction the boat will go. With all the empty parking lots go practice. Cones are less expensive to hit than a pillar.

 

[Tom Sylvia]

Do you know someone with boating experience? If so, ask them if they would come along on your maiden voyage. Its great to have a little back up and support.

 

[bobinhood]

Thank you for the welcome and suggestions. I do know some people that can help me out. I also know some people who want to know when I will be backing the boat up. They said they want to pull out their lawn chairs and sit with their beers and watch the show!

 

[All's Well]

Welcome to CSR - You'll get the hang of it in no time

 

[Cap'n Scuba Steve]

Welcome aboard CSR and welcome to boat life! You’ll likely do better than you think, and in no time will have it down solid. As others have said, take it slow. With boats and trailers, never go faster than you’re willing to hit something with them - either around the dock or the ramp. Until you get the hang of it, make and bring a checklist. You’d be surprised at some of the things people forget, such as their plug. Your fellow boaters are always standing by to help and to answer questions! Most importantly, be safe and enjoy your new boat!

 

[Pete T]

We all feel you with the first time jitters.
We got our boat last year and our Maiden voyage was on the FOURTH OF JULY.. Nervous is not the word for it.
Put it in fine, had a nice time on the lake, taking it out I forgot to trim the prop all the way up and learned a semi-expensive , and embarrassing lesson.
Good luck! It is definitely a learning curve.