New Member, First Boat

C

CareyP

New Member
Feb 10, 2008
6
Delafield, WI
Hello All,

I am a new forum member however I have not read many of the threads. So forgive me if my question is redundant.

I am driving to pick up my 240 SD this week, and it is our first boat. I have traditionally been nautically challenged but considering the number of lakes around my home you would have to be a zombie to keep from getting the fever.

I researched for a couple of years before making my decision on the 240, however some of my friends think I may be biting off more than I can chew with such a big boat to start. Any opinions, especially those with similar experience, would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
 
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Congratulations and best wishes on your first boat! Did you take the boating safety course? If not, PLEASE take it. It is worth all the time. You'll enjoy boating more when you know the rules of the road and how to boat safe.

No, IMHO, you did not go to big. My first boat was a 27 and my whole family loved it right from the start. Practice on weekdays when there are less boats, get advice and hands on lessons from fellow boaters, and ask a million questions. Boaters are alway willing to share.

Welcome to the addiction!
 
Thanks for the quick replies!

I live in Wisconsin so I still have over two months before we get to boating season. My plan is to take the boater safety course at the end of February because as I said, I have been nautically challenged.

Thanks for the confidence builders, I appreciate it.
 
There are a few boater safety courses, and one of them is a little longer (one night a week for about 4 weeks), but offers much more detail on navigation and chart reading as part of the course..If they offer that one in your area, you might want to take it instead. You will be much more confident in going out on the water. As for handling the boat, if you can take someone with you the first few times that knows how to handle a boat you can have him guide you and show you how to maneuver and dock the boat. In no time at all you'll start wondering if the boat is big enough, not if it is too big for you.

ENJOY!!!

Barry
 
Presentation said:
Where in Wisconsin?

We live in Greenville (Appleton) and keep the boat in Oshkosh.
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We live in Delafield, about 30 miles west of Wilwaukee in lake country. I have a slip on Okauchee, but I plan to enjoy quite a few of the lakes around us. Maybe even Lake Michigan for Summerfest!
 
barryg said:
There are a few boater safety courses, and one of them is a little longer (one night a week for about 4 weeks), but offers much more detail on navigation and chart reading as part of the course..If they offer that one in your area, you might want to take it instead. You will be much more confident in going out on the water. As for handling the boat, if you can take someone with you the first few times that knows how to handle a boat you can have him guide you and show you how to maneuver and dock the boat. In no time at all you'll start wondering if the boat is big enough, not if it is too big for you.

ENJOY!!!

Barry
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Thanks for the advice Barry, that is the course I am signed up for. As you suggested I am planning to go out with several of my friends, one at a time during the week, just to get pointers from each one of them individually. I wouldn't be comfortable taking my wife and kids out prior to becoming familiar with the boat.
 
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2007 240Sundeck is our first boat, as a kid my dad had a 14 to 18 foot fishing boat. Like the others have said just take your time.
 
Welcome,
be sure to post pictures and sign up on the CSR member map. Link in my signature or on the right of the page.

I don't think 24' is to big to start but like others said be sure to take a boating course. You didn't say whether you bought your boat from a dealer or not. But it is nice to have a captain go over the features of your boat and how they work. You could always hire the captain from the local sea ray to come out and show you. Sounds like your are wet slipping the boat. Get someone who knows to show you how to tie up your boat while mooring it. Finally, make sure you have good safety equipment. A lot of first time boaters buy cheap ropes and life jackets. this is not a place to skip.

Good Luck
 
CareyP said:
My boat has the camper top included. One of my friends told me camping on a boat is not legal in Wisconsin unless it is on international waters. Is that true?
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If so then we broke the law 23 times last summer. Also, thousands of others at every cove, bay, bend in the river, etc.

No, its not illegal.
 
Welcome aboard. The 240SD is one sweet boat!.
 
Presentation said:
If so then we broke the law 23 times last summer. Also, thousands of others at every cove, bay, bend in the river, etc.

No, its not illegal.
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though I heard the state was considering it since there were so many complaints last year when you hung your underwear out to dry on the cloths line hung between the bimini poles.
 
Congrats on the new rig!!!!!!
As chuck1 said, the 240SD is an awesome boat!!!!
 
Thanks for all of the input and the warm welcome. I can see this turning into an addiction rather quickly. Every piece of advice is essentially confirmation of what my friends have said. With the exception of a couple of ideas, and the most importantly the confidence building encouragement.
 
Welcome to the club, have a great summer boating. Trust me, you will get more and more confidence after each time out boating.
 
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