New to boating, first night at marina

Rgory said:
We secured a slip at the Mckinkey Marina for July 14-16 to watch the Milwaukee air show. The whole boating experience is new to us as we have only had our 215 express cruiser for 11 months. I have a few questions below, and I am also open to any tips or tricks from the veterans:

1. The boat is not bottom painted and is always trailered. The previous owner beached the boat quite a bit, as such there is a spot on the keel that the gel coat is worn. Do I need to worry about growth or blisters on the hull during this short weekend in the water?

2. I am planning on waxing the hull over the fourth so I am hoping that will lessen the effects of staying in the water

3. I don't want to be "that guy" at the marina. We are quiet people, any tips on how to fit in?

4. I know we have a smaller boat, I am hoping we are not laughed off the dock with the larger cruisers surrounding us.

Thank you in advance,

Ryan
Click to expand...

For number 4. See picture. Yes. I am the 260 DA with Two 42 ACs to my port. Talk about size envy. Lol
d679cc73c477dc37b84c5840f569af60.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Thanks everyone for the encouragement. We had a great day at the sand bar along the Mississippi today. We usually head to the end of the bar where it is not as
congested so I don't have to fight the current and beach next to two boats. Well as luck would have it that end was full and I had to head back to the North End to take a spot as another boater left. I came in slow and let both of the surrounding boats know I was a little new at this and they were both more than helpful, it changed the mood of the situation and made it a really enjoyable day. Both of the surrounding boats were right there and were ready to help. They also shared their tips and tricks about boating and being out on the river.

Dave, I will be sure to keep an eye out for you and ESCAPE. Depending on what the lake looks like we may explore the river a bit and have a low key weekend.
 
I wouldn't worry so much about fitting in as I think you will find most boaters in WI are pretty friendly and helpful when it comes to transients, or new boaters in general. As Dave said, definitely explore the river as there are a lot of fun restaurants and bars down it. Unlike Chicago, Milwaukee actually wants their boaters to enjoy the river and not feel the need to charge an arm and a leg to do it. The whole basin outside of McKinley before the break-wall is usually no-wake for the air and water show, so don't be that guy who decides to fly through there on plain. I would say try to get out on the lake for the show early to claim a decent spot. Most importantly, just try to enjoy the experience.
 
Milw Air Show Blue Angels

just talked with CG MKE and boat viewing is not allowed NORTH OF MCKINLEY MARINA.

Inside the breakwater is idle till 6pm.


should be OK outside the North Gap and anywhere SOUTH outside the breakwater.

disclaimer: just my opinion's
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the heads up. Right now the wave forecast seems decent. Do you think viewing while docked at M Kinkey will be decent?
 
i think so. I want to just stay in the slip too. You will know when you're in, should be good. Less stress. DT
 
Well we made it back after a great weekend. We saw Dave on Escape right across from us when we pulled in on Friday afternoon which was great. The Marina itself was very clean and had great ammenities. After we docked and got everything situated we setup the canvas enclosure for the first time. It was quite an adventure as we figured out which piece went where and the best method to get it all to fit. Being content that we got the boat into the slip without incident we decided to take the truck over to Rock Bottom Brewery and check out the river scene. After returning we sat out on the dock taking it all in before retiring for the evening. Although it may have been a bit cramped sleeping aboard with 2 large dogs and 2 adults it was very satisfying waking up Saturday morning on our boat, we did it! We left the dock around 9 am for what we thought would be a quick lake cruise. We ended up cruising the lake a bit while it was dead flat and then we headed down the river. We stopped for a quick bite at Waterbufallo for lunch and then headed back to watch the airshow. By this time the lake had kicked up a bit and we found it much more enjoyable to sit inside the outer harbor and watch the show. The Blue Angels were flying directly overhead and it was a perfect spot so the Mrs. enjoyed that the most. We made it back to the dock around 4 and the winds made docking a bit sporty. I was thankful to have help waiting on our second attempt which went much better. After being on the boat all day we decided to explore the city on foot for a bit. After brief thunderstorm Saturday night, Sunday turned out to be a cold dreary day. We started packing things up and got ready to depart. It was very windy and we got blown into our slip neighbor. After we got the boat secured, I went and checked in with him and was relieved there was no damage, although I am left with a constant reminder of my poor driving skills via a decent scratch from his swim ladder.

All in all it was a great weekend and we made lots of great memories. We experienced and learned some new things. We can't wait for our next adventure, I appreciate everyone's encouragement and kind words.
 
Nice to meet you Ryan, sorry we didn't meet the large doggy's. We pulled out Sat night as the weather was turning and I was charred. Our dock was a bit loud all night, but we still had fun. Blue Angels were awesome and also put on a great practice Friday afternoon.
 
I remember the first night aboard our 26' boat with 1 large doggie. My wife and I looked at each other in the morning and said at the same time, "We're gonna need a bigger boat." Bought a 340 Sundancer 2 weeks later....and a 2nd large dog.
 
NorCal Boater, that is too funny. It was an adventure and we survived so I guess that is all that matters.

Dave I am sorry our paths didn't cross on Saturday I would have liked to her more about your boat it looked very clean.
 
NorCal Boater said:
I remember the first night aboard our 26' boat with 1 large doggie. My wife and I looked at each other in the morning and said at the same time, "We're gonna need a bigger boat." Bought a 340 Sundancer 2 weeks later....and a 2nd large dog.
Click to expand...

:smt043

I've trying to get my wife two say that for 10 years!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,248
Messages
1,429,269
Members
61,128
Latest member
greenworld
Back
Top