www.iFourWinns.com

Nice looking ride. Congratulations and welcome! Have fun but be safe and make sure you understand the "rules of the road".

_________________
2006 H190 4.3L
2009 GMC Acadia
Michigan

Will do!

I am a military pilot...a lot of the "rules of the air" are very similar to the rules of the road...in terms of right of way, converging tracks, overtaking, and "is there any red port left?" (too many mess dinners)

As a military pilot you are very used to routine checklists. Everyone has their own little quirks, but I think best advise is to write them down til you get used to yours.

Launch...
Insert plug
Check fluids
Sniff for fuel leaks
Remove transom straps
Unplug trailer lights
All gear onboard (different topic)
Back in til near floating level
Blower on for few minutes
Lower drive halfway depending on ramp grade (don't hit bottom)
Crank it up
Loosen bow strap and unhook
Back in til floating off and back her up
Park trailer and go

Load
Back in til little shy of float off level
Stick the boat center on trailer
Hook bow strap and start to crank her up a little
Kill engine and raise drive unit
Finish cranking on trailer...can back trailer in little more if needed
Pull up a little and check boat alignment on trailer
Clear the ramp...remove plug
Attach stern ties
Remove junk needed from boat, secure tops window, carpet and blow away cushions
Drive home

Storing on trailer
Flush motor and drive with muffs
Wipe down seats and clean up..remove wet stuff to dry
Shut down batteries
Lower drive ...don't hit floor...about 3/4 down and center
(Keeps drive bellows in neutral position)
Release pressure stern and bow straps
Block wheels
Raise tongue to drain
When all dry in day or so I cover

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http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

Welcome Simonj and congrats on the new boat.

You can always install a trim spacer kit if your drive (or foil if you get one) hits the platform. Probably cost you $200ish.

_________________
2012 H180 ss
1976 Swiftcraft

Welcome SimonJ, and happy boating Mate. It is an addictive lifestyle.

This is my process although I've done it a few times.....

Stop at top of boat ramp, while you pull the rear straps off and insert plug, buddy removes cover. Buddy jumps in driver seat you jump in boat, check for keys, hit blower. Shout OK to buddy who reverses down slipway. Shout STOP when boat feels floaty, trim down as you start motor, walk forward and release winch strap from bow eye. Hit reverse, shout OK to buddy who parks car and trailer. Drag on wetsuit and get ski and ropes ready while you wait for buddy at jetty. Time 4-5 minutes max depending on how far away the parking is.

Throw in wife and kids and the process time and complexity increases.... a lot!

At the end of the day wash boat and equipment, hang up wetsuits and life jackets, park boat in garage. When boat and equipment is dry, pack boat ready for next trip.

Repeat as often as required

_________________
Cheers

Mark
Melbourne
Australia

Boats:
Current: 2004 FW 190
2001 Mastercraft X5
1998 Malibu Response
1999 Sea Ray 180
17 ft Scimitar Barefoot (200hp Yamaha)
16ft Scimitar Ski (Yamaha 115)
1988 Ski Nautique ( Called Ski Antique)

Getting much more comfortable with the boat....almost 20 hours on it already

A few more questions:

1) There are lots of beaches around here where people just bring their boats up onto the sand and hang out. Is there any risk to the outdrive being damaged in anyway by doing this? We obviously tilt all the way up...but the bottom of the drive touches the sand, boat is subject to the odd wave/wake. Does that put undue stress on the outdrive / transom?

2) Is there a protocol for "cooling down" the engine? Sometimes after 20-25 mins of cruising, we'll come to a stop and go for a swim (shutting off the engine). Should I be idling for a minute or two before shutting down - or any other measures to be taken?

Thanks for all the helpful replies so far

Regarding your questions:

1) Yes, there is a chance to damage your outdrive, but it is a relatively small chance on sandy/muddy bottom. Let me say it this way in that I beach my boat on sandy/muddy bottoms all the time without concern. Rocky bottom or stump filled bottom would be a much bigger concern. The biggest concern I have with the sandy/muddy bottom that I boat in is sucking sand/mud up into the cooling system and either plugging the inlets or chewing up the water pump impeller. So don't try to power on to or off of a beach when you know your outdrive is dragging. And just for clarification, you mentioned you put your outdrive all the way up. Don't operate your boat with the outdrive all the way up as that causes too much stress on your u-joints. If you need to, idle up until you know you can touch, kill your boat, raise your outdrive and walk the boat in the rest of the way. You'll get more comfortable with a little time and observance of other customary practices in your area. Talk to and observe the other boaters in your area. You'll likely be able to figure out fairly quickly which ones know what they are doing and know the area well. You'll also see some great examples of what not to do.

2) You're good to kill the motor whenever you're ready. No need for a "cool down" period.

Don't be afraid to keep the questions coming. And keep enjoying your boat!

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2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

Thanks!

I'm aware of the stresses on the joints when operating in trailer mode. I slowly enter the beach, shut off the engine, raise the tilt all the way and walk the boat into the sand. On the way out, I push the boat myself until it is deep enough to lower the outdrive half way (according to the gauge), then start the engine.

The beach is soft sand...no rocks or stumps. I've already noticed a bit of "weathering" on the bottom of the drive from being in the sand...but hey, it won't stay perfect forever. Its a tool, not a jewel!!

Might wanna get a keel guard for the bow area, especially if you do a lot of beaching. Keep your gelcoat from getting scratched all to heck.

_________________

1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

+1

_________________
Cheers

Mark
Melbourne
Australia

Boats:
Current: 2004 FW 190
2001 Mastercraft X5
1998 Malibu Response
1999 Sea Ray 180
17 ft Scimitar Barefoot (200hp Yamaha)
16ft Scimitar Ski (Yamaha 115)
1988 Ski Nautique ( Called Ski Antique)