Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Jewelz on June 30, 2014, 11:19:19 AM
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Hey all... so my family and I just got ourselves a new boat, its a 2014 16.5 ft Legend Xcalibur with a 90hp Optimax and a bow mounted trolling motor. Since this is my first boat and have only ever been a passenger in other boats, I only have a slight knowledge of how to operate it. I do have my boat license so that's not an issue. My question is, where is a good place to learn how to operate a boat (ie, Launch it, load it, dock it, drive it)? I want to get some time in before I decide to take my family out on it tubing/fishing. Advice is greatly appreciated, so have at'er!
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Sorry, forgot to mention that I live in Tsawwassen so somewhere within a 1.5hr drive would be best. Thanks!
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Very smart.
Practice backing up in an empty parking lot before heading to the launch.
When you head out the first time, bring another person with you, who knows in advance that this is a 'working out the kinks' trip. Always good to have an extra set of hands and eyes with you as you hitch up, launch, and start to familiarize yourself with the boat. Trim, tilt, electronics, get used to the steering and handling and the throttle response. Get used to using the reverse of the motor smoothly. Good boat control is CRUCIAL for the safety and enjoyment of your boat.
Practice approaching and departing a dock a few times, ideally in differing wind conditions. Learn how to tie up to a dock properly and using the bumpers at the correct height to protect your boat.
Be prepared to scuff up that painted aluminum a bit. Don't sweat it. Ask yourself if you are going to be okay with beaching the boat.
I would go somewhere mid-week if possible to get used to launching and queueing up. Perhaps a lake with a nice launch to get you started and get used to it. Don't drink.
There is no substitute for patience and practice.
HAVE FUN!
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Thanks for the reply Damien.
I would only assume that backing up the boat would be the same as backing up a trailer. I have experience in that field as I have a 10x6 ft trailer that I use to haul stuff in. So im confident in that area (assuming its the same). But all the others that you speak of, I'm kinda foreign to.
So where would one suggest to learn this stuff?
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Perhaps Alouette Lake, mid week.
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Alouette eh... I been reading about it and most say that if the wind picks up it can be quite challenging. If it's okay for a beginner in these conditions then I will give it a try. How is Cultas?
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Alouette is fine, I was in it with a 12 ft inflatable boat and trolling motor, your boat will be just fine. I prefer Alouette over Cultus.
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You should have no issues at Alouette Lake. I take my 16ft inflatable to that lake all the time.
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I was gonna say alouette too but make sure you stay on the boat launch side of the lake. Although with your boat it should handle the waves and wind no problem. Do not go down to the bottle neck after say 11 in the morning as the wind will pick up. Get your engine broken in with some nice easy trolling on the side of the lake where the pillars are at. Enjoy the new boat!
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Alouette is a good choice . I have a 14 foot with a thirty yamy and go to the top end a back in no time . Winds always seem to pick up in the afternoonish times at any lake . I go mostly to Stave lake witch is infamous for the winds picking up and I do rather well . I go to the top end of Stave as well . If it gets to rough I will head in to the beach and chill ,swim , give my dog a good run after being in the boat for hours . Word of advise , for heaven sake don't forget the plug ::) . Even most seasoned boat runners have the odd brain fart and forget to plug it :o . Have fun , be safe . Oh , if you are going to beach it I would sudjest finding a good size log , if there are any around , something like around 4 or 5 '' round log and use it for the beach so's you don't scratch up that black bottom paint . Just sayin 8)
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You can allways make a list of things.
You would be surprised how many of us with lots of experience have done silly things like forget the plug or tie downs still on while trying to launch and wondering why boat is not coming off and the trailer is floating. :o
Allouette is a great place as any to start.
Stay away from the Fraser until it drops down to normal levels and flow.
You have the Tsawassen Jetty right there but I wouldn't go out there until you have some experience.
Enjoy the new boat. :)
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Alouette eh... I been reading about it and most say that if the wind picks up it can be quite challenging.
I'm glad others have echoed Alouette.
I'm really NOT trying to be a dick here....but if that is 'challenging', boating isn't for you.
Or here is an idea, rent a boat a Sewells a couple of times and get used to it. Then take your boat out. Do that twice, and you will have much more confidence on the water and you will laugh at how much comfort you have gained when you look back at this thread.
Then, as the EXCELLENT POINTS made by the others after me re: drain plug, tie downs, dead batteries etc. Half the time, I say to myself before, at, or just after launching, "how the F did I forget to do/bring that?".
You will get there with experience. Again, have fun and congrats on a nice boating set up!
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So I guess the consensus is Alouette Lake! Thanks guys for all your advice. I will definitely make a "list" to make sure I don't forget any of the essentials!
On that note, since this will also be the first time I go trolling/fishing on a boat of my own, and I already have the Boating Safety Kit and life jackets, what else would you guys have on this list of essentials?
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T P, or worse case scenario , fresh water fishing synopsis ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Another useful tip is when you are trailering your boat don't forget to trailer trim your leg , trim up is not enough to get the leg off the pavement .The end of the earth grinding sound and abrupt stop are good indications you messed up . Always double check your straps in and out , there isn't many places to secure your straps on the road after the launch at allouette . You don't want your brand new boat skidding down the hill back into the water . Having someone in the boat that can drive is a bonus , the parking lot is a good 15 minute round trip , the dock can get a bit crowded . Otherwise have your bumpers and rope ready and knot tying skills are always an asset . Happy and safe boating and yes Allouette is probably your best bet locally .
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get your boat completely ready to launch before you actually approach the launch. I see too many times unprepared people bring their boat to the launch only to sit on the ramp for too long getting the straps off, organizing their boat etc. when people are waiting behind them.
have a spare prop with you and get sufficient in replacing it. tool kit, medical kit. enough fuel. spare spark plugs aint a bad idea either.
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Okay... I see there are 3 categories going; Launch Checklist, Load Checklist and a Bring aboard Checklist. This is awesome guys, keep it coming! I'm gonna start making the list now! Thanks y'all.
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There are 3 things that you should ALWAYS carry on your boat:
Good knife
Marine air horn - and have it always handy!
Fish bonker ;D
BTW, a FREE courtesy check will be a good learning opportunity for you and your family. Your local Power Squadron should be able to help you with that.
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You will want to make up a little tool kit and just leave it in the boat.
Prop nut wrench,spare plug,spare spark plug,spare prop.nut and cotter pin.
Vise grips pliars,adj wrench,multi bit driver etc.
Don't forget the duc tape,electrical tape and a few zap straps.
Toilet paper and Advil as well as a small first aid kit.
Eventually you will want an anchor of some kind but that depends on where you are going.
If you need any quality rope,check out my add on the buy sell pages.
If on a trailer then you will want a spare tire and a spare bearing set at minimum for one side.
Bearing buddys are a good way to keep the hubs greased.
Grease your trailer jack assembly as they like to get sticky.
If a new trailer you should be good for a while depending how many miles and if in salt etc.
Once they get some use on them they need a little more attention but nothing you cant do yourself or view on you tube to learn.
An old piece of carpet is good for beaching as well as a piece of pvc pipe cut in half lengthwise.
This will give you two pieces of half pipe and you can drag your boat just about anywhere on this stuff.
I used to drag my 16 ft Lund right onto the beach when doing overnighters on the Fraser.
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since you are in tsawwassen i would go to the launch beside captains cove marina. from your place it cant be more than 20 min away. in that area there is a couple of nice coves that shield you from the real flow. if you look at google maps you will see what i am talking about. get the tides app for your phone because that launch isnt the best during low tides.
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Great tips by all!
I just took my trailered boat on the water for the first time since last year and STILL made a couple blunders.
Got jammed up in the Wendy's drive through. It is a weird angle, and we got jackknifed and generally bunged up. Had to unhitch, get the traffic to back out and I pushed the boat backwards out of the drivethrough. I have brought my boat through dozens of drive throughs over the years, but this one...it just wasnt happening. The manager came out and said it happens all the time.
It was scorching hot, I was flustered as was the guy with me at the time. In our haste, we didnt make sure the tongue was seated on the ball properly, just as we are leaving the parking lot, sure enough the ball popped up and the tounge was dragging. Safety chain was there so it was fine, but a hell of a racket was made and we felt like tools....again.
Then we lost a sleeping bag on the Port Mann. Insufficient cargo management, generally packed in haste to get to our campsite and on the water ASAP. Not safe.
Drain plug rubber was a bit rotted, so it wouldn't seat properly. So we were bilge pumping and sponging a little more than we would like.
Oh, one more thing. I forgot about the side kill switch on my outboard. So 10 minutes on the launch checking 'everything' and yanking on the pull start 30 times before remembering the switch. Starts on the first pull , as usual, after flipping the switch. Felt like a knob, on a busy launch with alot of people looking at me.
Moral of my story. Plan ahead properly, slow down. Triple check.
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get your boat completely ready to launch before you actually approach the launch.
Don't do one of these ;D ;D ;D :'(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_wjWD60YRg
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Great tips by all!
I just took my trailered boat on the water for the first time since last year and STILL made a couple blunders.
Got jammed up in the Wendy's drive through. It is a weird angle, and we got jackknifed and generally bunged up. Had to unhitch, get the traffic to back out and I pushed the boat backwards out of the drivethrough. I have brought my boat through dozens of drive throughs over the years, but this one...it just wasnt happening. The manager came out and said it happens all the time.
It was scorching hot, I was flustered as was the guy with me at the time. In our haste, we didnt make sure the tongue was seated on the ball properly, just as we are leaving the parking lot, sure enough the ball popped up and the tounge was dragging. Safety chain was there so it was fine, but a hell of a racket was made and we felt like tools....again.
Then we lost a sleeping bag on the Port Mann. Insufficient cargo management, generally packed in haste to get to our campsite and on the water ASAP. Not safe.
Drain plug rubber was a bit rotted, so it wouldn't seat properly. So we were bilge pumping and sponging a little more than we would like.
Oh, one more thing. I forgot about the side kill switch on my outboard. So 10 minutes on the launch checking 'everything' and yanking on the pull start 30 times before remembering the switch. Starts on the first pull , as usual, after flipping the switch. Felt like a knob, on a busy launch with alot of people looking at me.
Moral of my story. Plan ahead properly, slow down. Triple check.
Too funny.
Would loved to be at Tims to watch that. ;D
Did the switch thing more than once too.
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Personally think you should go to McDonald Beach Boat Launch next to the airport.
If you can get away during the week days it is not busy & lots of close parking.
Launch on the south side of dock as pavement goes far into the water. Other side is much shorter & on lower tides tires will end up in mud.
Also check the tide table on web & launch on high tide days. A must & also river ( N Fraser ) will be 100x calmer & safer.
When launching do the steps exactly the same each time. Start from the bow & work your way to the stern. ( thus lastly back straps off & plug in )
In fact as a new boater do everything & have a paper with a list & read it to double check.
When backing go slow & position your hand at the very bottom of the steering wheel.
Turn the wheel the direction you want the trailer to go.
After getting the trailer in the water, stick in P. & set the parking brake. I even put a small wood block under the front tire.
Normally leave my vehicle engine running. Push the boat off & if there's room pull your boat down the dock & tie it up. This way as you go park your vehicle, there is room for others to launch or take their boat out.
On the N Fraser this time of year the river flow should be ok.
Suggest you boat for .5 to a mile east up river & practise.
Go slow first to check the river for floating logs or dead heads. Do not boat too close to shore.
Stay mainly near the middle but of close stay to the right of approaching boats.
If the river looks free of logs or debris then open up the throttle more.( breaking in engine? Do the recommended procedures )
Also have 2 sets of sun glasses.
One light & other very dark.
Lots of glare on the water & when the sun sets it can be near blinding. Skier ( snow ) googles worked great. Could see well going near full throttle on the Fraser to & back from Sandheads.
Oh ya a piss bottle comes in handy.
When you find areas you like to boat you will get more comfortable but always use that extra caution when going in new areas.
Low wind days & high tide is the very best.
After you become a pro possibly ya will like to find a nice quiet spot in protected water & just throw out your anchor & just enjoy the day.
My dad & I had 1-2 beers max in 4-8 hrs plus coffee ,food, & many tales & lively games of crib.
Lots of fun & fuel bill $10.
Drink lots of water because being in a boat on a sunny day you can get dehydrated.
Lastly 99% of boaters are safe & great folks BUT their are total jerks who operate their boat un safely. Any boat approaching you from the back or front keep your eyes on them.
Had boats near hit us or overtake us within 5 yards & they had some big wake.
If some big tug going full throttle or pleasure boat goes past possibly you can slow up & turn your bow into their wake.
At the launch we have seen drunk boaters who could hardly stand.
Other times some get out of their boat &'in full view of kids & females take a long piss at the dock !!!!
But that's the 1% that do the above.
Have fun & always keep your eyes peeled to the front mostly.
Just never know of some floating near submerged branch or log ahead !!!
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Id leave the River until you are more experienced.
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I was gonna do all my practicing to the lakes and then move on to the river. I was thinking of taking a course on boating essentials when I plan on venturing out in to the salt. However, Wellington Park in my neck of the woods seems to have a nice launch with dock and water in that part of the river seems really tame. I might try my luck there.
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I was gonna do all my practicing to the lakes and then move on to the river. I was thinking of taking a course on boating essentials when I plan on venturing out in to the salt. However, Wellington Park in my neck of the woods seems to have a nice launch with dock and water in that part of the river seems really tame. I might try my luck there.
On high tide & low winds this is a good area for ya to learn.
Take your boat out before tide change as there will much more current going out to sea.
Make sure you have a depth finder to learn where the sand bars are.
Just go slow & check the depths & map out the area in your mind.
For instance after you launch from the park just around the corner going to the single lane bridge there is a sand bar to your port side. ( port is your left side "PORT has 4 letters as does LEFT"
Starboard is then of coarse to one's "right". )
As ya get braver & more experienced if you boat in this general area do keep an eye out for dead heads or debris.
There sometimes are a few in the area.
Go slow & check the body of water & then in return you can up the throttle.
Happy boating!
But firstlight makes a good point that lakes are safer to learn on.
Whatever ya do in the future if you boat in the Fraser or Straight of Georgia I'd only head out on high tide days & come in before tide change.
We have many stories of being in very crazy water conditions because of not following the above sentence guidelines. Standing waves or huge white capped wind generated waves.