New boat update - Finally in the water

NOLV4V8 · **Posted:** Sun Jun 07, 2015 8:05 pm

Well after some over prep-work, a month of rain, a fair amount of extra cash spent, and after a $400 first fill up, we finally made it on the water this week.

I took the past week off to enjoy some time with out of town friends, and was able to spend some time learning the new boat. We kept her off our dock at Harsens Island on the St Clair River all week. While the weather was cool, it was nice to put some hours on and get some sun!

The Formula 280SS is much different to handle than my old 180. Still getting used to landing, the stern always seems to walk to the starboard side, which is something I am working to understand and compensate for.

None the less, here are some photos...

starting to really enjoy this rack storage stuff...

Floating off the dock

Baby girls first boat ride!

Friday the wife and I had the chance to run the boat alone...water was glass!

Saturday we hit the local spots, Decker's Landing on the North Channel, then back away until the next time..

Looking forward to being able to get in the water to wipe her off before going in. The GPS said water temp was a fresh 60.2 degrees.

That is all I got, finally happen that summer is off with a bang!

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Mon Jun 08, 2015 6:03 am

Beautiful boat !! Congrats.

usje141 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:22 am **Posts:** 78

Very nice looking boat and perfect for that body of water. Summer fun, here you come!!

GottWhat · **Posted:** Mon Jun 08, 2015 8:44 am

Looks awesome in the water! How did it run? Bet it sounded great with both engines humming!

We just applied for Club Island membership (mouth of Middle Channel) and we can invite boating guests to spend the day on the island. Might be fun for you guys since you are right around the corner.

rpengr · **Posted:** Mon Jun 08, 2015 9:49 am

The boat looks great. Time to update your profile picture.

NOLV4V8 wrote:

..., the stern always seems to walk to the starboard side, which is something I am working to understand and compensate for.

By this, it sounds like the boat seems to want to turn left?

It sounds like an illusion, possibly caused by factors such as:
- Different shape/size of boat or different driving position
- Steering wheel position
- Boat heavier on right side

Looking at your pictures, I'm guessing that the boat is heavier on the right side, so that when you steel to level, it is turning slightly left. Out of balance can be much more noticeable when up on a plane, then when sitting still. In the first picture below, it looks like the starboard side is lower than the port. In the second picture below (looking aft), it looks like the boat is level, but is turning slightly to port.

If the boat is out of balance, the first thing to consider is moving battery position(s).
(Last resort is get a heavier wife :lol:

)

NOLV4V8 wrote:

GottWhat · **Posted:** Mon Jun 08, 2015 10:06 am

You can also make corresponding adjustments with the trim tabs.

NOLV4V8 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 08, 2015 11:32 am

Believe it or not, the boat lists slightly to Port. The port side of the boat carries both interstate deep cycles, refrigerator, microwave, most cabinets, and a majority of the large storage space (considering relocating tools and cleaning supplies, etc to starboard side).

The boat really does move around a lot with the tabs, and with slight steering adjustment, and trim. Its interesting to get it trimmed in just right, taking some getting used to. By end of day Saturday I had her dialed in on plane perfectly. However I think my throttle cables are slightly out of adjustment as well as the sticks don't line up perfect.

Mostly I think with the slip landing is the hurdle, I can land her easy at the dock and the marina using one side of the boat, Being a heavier weight @ 7000+lbs with fuel, its just going to require a lot of practice, the dual props on each drive make it swift even at idle rpm. Just something new for me, learning how to work the twins, etc. Will all come with time, so I hope!

french829 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2015 11:31 am

Nice! Congrats!

flipflop · **Posted:** Mon Jun 15, 2015 11:31 am

Love that water on the east side of the state!

Nice boat!!!

www.iFourWinns.com

New boat update - Finally in the water

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