First time boat owner need to knows...

[Riggs96]

Hello from New Mexico,
Just put a deposit down on a 2017 Yamaha 212x. Going to take delivery in 2 weeks, what questions should I make sure to ask the dealer and/or check to make sure they do before we leave the dealership? What sort of break-in precautions do we need to avoid or do? I am a first time boat owner so what are the essential items/ procedures we should do to get acquainted with the new boat. It was between this or a Vortex 223, I hope we made to right decision, seems like I've lived on these sites and YouTube for weeks now. This site has been super helpful thus far, Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[MrMoose]

@Riggs96 , the break-in instructions (primarily rpm limits) should be in the owner's manual.

 

[McMark]

Once you get an hour or two on there, don't just idle around and don't hang out at one speed. Vary your speed and throttle through the break in time. I did wait a couple of hours to go full throttle but did so probably once an hour. Some brief full throttle runs are necessary to help set the rings.

 

[Julian]

Be sure to read these threads in the FAQ for new boat pickup and launch checklists:

https://jetboaters.net/faq/new-boat-and-launching-checklist.109/

 

[buckbuck]

Make sure the dealer repairs the anchor locker drain before taking delivery. Also have them file the sharp edges off the plastic divider in the center locker. Do a water test and make sure the ballast fittings don't leak. Here is a review. https://jetboaters.net/posts/203679/

 

[Eric Ballard]

Make sure you know where ALL the plugs are!

Tighten all screws and bolts and silicone seal anything that opens, but not very often.

Don't let them short change a good solid walk around and test of ALL the systems. As Julian says, use the FAQ, but check everything with the dealer and tell anyone who shows you anything on the boat that you are a first time owner. This is not the time for pride.

close walk through window when you drive it home and check the tire pressure on the tires too.

Pick up the boat when they are not busy and you have plenty of time.

 

[Coheeba]

When in and around docks don't go any faster than you are willing to hit the dock.

 

[bronze_10]

Al slow speeds You have to steer proactively with these boats... if you do steering inputs before u think u need to u will be fine.. wait tio ling anf the boat doesnt respind the way u want .. thats when people complain about the slow speed handling.. think of it like steering your car when it is sliding in the snow.. steer... counter steer.. pretty soon it is 2nd nature.!

 

[Peelz]

first time owning ANY boat? or just jet boat. if its the former I can add to this....or either really....

-first time out, pick a non busy time to practice loading/unloading/maneuvering. Do NOT go out on a holiday weekend afternoon and attempt this. you could wreck, and/or really anger some seasoned boaters LOL especially if trailering to a ramp.
-forget about MPG, you'll never be happy. measure with SMILES per gallon.
-never approach any dock, boat or other object any faster than you wanna smack into it(my fave advice Iv'e ever gotten) HA! just noticed @Coheeba said this above. excellent.
-start building yourself a checklist to follow every time. (plugs,keys,straps)
-most importantly, have fun, and you'll learn as you go.

one rule I have for myself is. I only pack One beer for myself, per hour I expect to be on the water....

 

[Coheeba]

first time owning ANY boat? or just jet boat. if its the former I can add to this....or either really....

-first time out, pick a non busy time to practice loading/unloading/maneuvering. Do NOT go out on a holiday weekend afternoon and attempt this. you could wreck, and/or really anger some seasoned boaters LOL especially if trailering to a ramp.
-forget about MPG, you'll never be happy. measure with SMILES per gallon.
-never approach any dock, boat or other object any faster than you wanna smack into it(my fave advice Iv'e ever gotten) HA! just noticed @Coheeba said this above. excellent.
-start building yourself a checklist to follow every time. (plugs,keys,straps)
-most importantly, have fun, and you'll learn as you go.

one rule I have for myself is. I only pack One beer for myself, per hour I expect to be on the water....

I only pack 1 rum and coke per hour.
1 30 oz yeti per hour that is

 

[Peelz]

I only pack 1 rum and coke per hour.
1 30 oz yeti per hour that is

live like you mean it! LOL

Those yeti cups are really handy for that! wife makes rum drinks for hers. (really good) and they last forever in there. way better than something bottled, that gets hot fast...

 

[GoVols01]

Watch as many how-to YouTube videos as you can: trailering, launching/retrieving, navigating, anchoring, etc. It amazes me how uninformed and unprepared many boaters are. My 1st boat I ever owned was a 16x69' twin engine houseboat. I watched videos and joined forums and read about boats until my eyes were about to fall out.
You need to take this stuff very seriously b/c you're the captain and you're responsible for everything. It sounds overstated, but their lives depend on your capabilities to safely navigate. "Safety 1st and fun is 2nd." You need to view your guests on your boat simply as a liability. When guests ask me what they can do to help, I tell them "Nothing. Just stay out of my way and relax." When I've depended on guests to assist with anything, accidents/damage has occurred, but thankfully no injuries. I wouldn't invite friends aboard until you're comfortable as a captain. It's one thing to effectively captain the boat, it's another thing to ensure everyone's enjoyment as well. Those topics sometimes conflict and you need to keep them in-balance at all times.

Be certain you're well insured too. Do NOT get the minimal coverage for medical. Saving a $100 a year for the cheaper coverage amount isn't worth it. If someone gets injured (VERY easy to do), you could be liable in this law suit-happy country.

Do not assume everyone aboard your boat can swim.
Take a lot of water in your cooler - you dehydrate very fast on the lake, especially if drinking alcohol too.

 

[John McLaughlin]

I recently bought my first jet boat and as was recently mentioned take your time learning the quirks of a jet engine as they are certainly different then a prop boat. First and foremost remember when you are in neutral you have no control over steering the boat, second be sure to shut the engine down when docked as they tend to move forward even in neutral. Go out on a non busy boating day and just practice controlling the boat at both high and low speeds. Also pretend you are docking the boat and then practice on a real pier. Other then that be sure to check the plugs are in and seated securely and of course the drain plug in the stern. As to trailering and tell you what not to do for instance don't leave the tie downs on when launching the boat as it will not float off the trailer no matter how hard you try. Also so the same for the short safety chain. Now don't ask me how I know this. I could just say I read this on the forum but in reality I made all of these mistakes except for the drain plug,

Safe boating and enjoy

 

[Riggs96]

Thanks for all the great tips. Taking delivery after this weekend, so I won't be tempted for the busy 4th of July traffic. Hope everyone has a happy, fun and safe 4th GOD Bless America!

 

[rsg1963]

I know I'm not adding anything here, just a 'congratz! And excellent choice on forums. Great bunch of people here. No BS like so many others.