'08 AR210 newbie near St. Augustine, Florida

[Grover70]

Greetings! Thank you for providing this forum. I am sure I will be using it.
Last night, I stirred in my bed for about an hour....nervous that I had made the right decision. You see, this is my first boat. I have been through the CG Boat Safety Course and I joined the CG Auxiliary about a year and a half ago. I wanted to develop good habits. I walked into both of my local marinas and asked the harbormaster, what is the proper etiquette? How should I fuel up here, where do I dock, etc. I want to be a good boater.
I am nervous about launching the boat and properly cleaning it up afterwards. Nervous about maintenance, nervous about safety (7 year old daughter), and afraid this boat will eat up my wallet. Nervous about the time I will have to spend to maintain this beautiful boat!
Please, if you have experience, tell me how it has worked out for you. I bought a great boat (147 hours on the engines) and I want to keep it that way. My fear is my own mistakes in maintaining the boat. Can I wash out the salt water from the engines for 5 minutes each at the dockside and not upset other boaters? 10-15 minutes each is a long time for two engines. Simple questions like that had me stirring....and I bought this boat to relax!
Thanks and be safe.

 

[Scottintexas]

Glad to have you on board, you've done a lot more than most people who just buy it and go put it in the water!

Be sure to check the FAQ section for lot's of great info,

 

[Grover70]

Thank you Scott. I will look in the FAQs.

 

[itsdgm]

Welcome and congrats on the new boat. Sounds like you're headed in the right direction for being a great boater. Being aware of how your actions on and off the water affect others is what most are lacking. That being said, get ready to discover how unaware most boaters are. So keep your head on a swivel and be ready to compensate for others actions.

As far as flushing etiquette, I don't have any flushing at the ramp experience. But from a maintenance standpoint, make sure to start the engines, then the flow of water. Then stop the water before shutting off the engines. Never allow flushing water to enter the engine without the engine running. It can destroy the engine.

Again, welcome. Now go have fun with your new boat.

 

[Scottintexas]

the biggest thing is if you've never boated before the first trip out should be on a calm, uncrowded weekday to give you plenty of space and time without many more intentions than practicing docking, loading/unloading and slow speed control.

 

[robert cabrerea]

Welcome aboard!!!
you seem like you are on your way to lots of fun in our beautiful waterways. Just take your time and when on the ramp stage away from the drop zone until you are completely ready to drop her in. Start a check list and follow it. And I wouldnt worry about other boaters being bothered by noise during flush out they understand. They fake a lake as well.

I am out on the ICW as much as I can and St Augustine is our families favorite spot.
Hope to see you out there we are the sx190 calledHappy Hour

 

[Grover70]

Welcome and congrats on the new boat. Sounds like you're headed in the right direction for being a great boater. Being aware of how your actions on and off the water affect others is what most are lacking. That being said, get ready to discover how unaware most boaters are. So keep your head on a swivel and be ready to compensate for others actions.

As far as flushing etiquette, I don't have any flushing at the ramp experience. But from a maintenance standpoint, make sure to start the engines, then the flow of water. Then stop the water before shutting off the engines. Never allow flushing water to enter the engine without the engine running. It can destroy the engine.

Again, welcome. Now go have fun with your new boat.

Thank you. I plan on it!

 

[Grover70]

Welcome aboard!!!
you seem like you are on your way to lots of fun in our beautiful waterways. Just take your time and when on the ramp stage away from the drop zone until you are completely ready to drop her in. Start a check list and follow it. And I wouldnt worry about other boaters being bothered by noise during flush out they understand. They fake a lake as well.

I am out on the ICW as much as I can and St Augustine is our families favorite spot.
Hope to see you out there we are the sx190 calledHappy Hour

I will look for you. Our plan is to head towards the area around Matanzas Inlet sometime when it warms up and anchor in the shallow and enjoy that swim deck. I'll be naming our boat "Simone."

 

[ToddW850]

Congrats on the boat purchase! You will absolutely love it. There is a learning curve. But you will master it and never think twice. Like said above, I'd go out on a calm uncrowded day my first time out.