My first boat

[eggwhite93]

@soundshark I would not say it is easier to put on. It is a bit lighter so maybe it is a bit easier to deal with because it is a bit lighter.

@ToddW850 i had dealer through it into the deal on the boat purchase.

 

[eggwhite93]

Out on Crab Island in Destin Fl today.

 

[ToddW850]

Nice @eggwhite93 . We'll be out there tomorrow.

And there's Billy Bowlegs next week, if you're familiar with that. That's a bit too much for me to take my kids around though.

 

[eggwhite93]

Yeah, I have never been on the water for Billy Bowlegs but have been to The Landing in FWB for the party and take my daughter to the parade. I have heard it gets a bit crazy on the water so I think I will keep my family away from there.

 

[ToddW850]

Same here. Cool thing is Crab Island will be less crowded during Billy Bowlegs, because so many boats are over at the spot out from the Landing. Last year we cruised by all the craziness just to see, but kept on going to Spectre Island. Anchored up and had an island to ourselves. It was cool.

 

[eggwhite93]

This was our first time in the bay and to tell you the truth, We like Lake Jackson up in Florala better. It was pretty choppy on our trip from Eglin to Crab Island (1:30-2:00) and the family was not too happy with that. Once we got the CI it was fine. Plus I really don't see us running the tubes in that kind of water. It was much calmer on the way back.

Is there a place (website) that I can go to, to see what the water conditions are in the bay?

 

[Helipilot11]

I was out on crab island today but didn't see your boat. If I would of known we could of met up. We store our boat in the Eglin dry storage and love it.

 

[ToddW850]

This was our first time in the bay and to tell you the truth, We like Lake Jackson up in Florala better. It was pretty choppy on our trip from Eglin to Crab Island (1:30-2:00) and the family was not too happy with that. Once we got the CI it was fine. Plus I really don't see us running the tubes in that kind of water. It was much calmer on the way back.

Is there a place (website) that I can go to, to see what the water conditions are in the bay?

Yeah man I hear you. Only thing I know of is to check wind conditions on Weather Bug or Weather Channel apps. Winds were out of the south today. Waves are tougher head on and easier going their direction. But you were coming down at about the choppiest time too. Pretty typical for this time of year when it warms up. But the mornings and evenings can be like glass out there.

As far as tubing, there are a couple bayous we go to and they're closer to Eglin. They are Poquito Bayou in Shalimar and Rocky Bayou in Niceville. Rocky Bayou is bigger but both are very smooth. I can screen shot a map for you if needed. Just let me know.

 

[eggwhite93]

@ToddW850 Thanks for the advice. Is it pretty much the same story down near Spector Island?

 

[ToddW850]

Unfortunately, no. Spectre Island is in the Sound (Intercostal Waterway). It's a group of about 7 or so islands just southeast of the Hulburt Field runway. However, the water is smooth enough you could tube around the islands. Be careful of other boat wakes and the current. Also, there are some spots on the south side of the islands that are pretty shallow.

 

[eggwhite93]

I would not tube down there because of the heavy traffic. I was asking about the condition of the water. Sorry I was not more specific. Thanks for all your guidance so far.

 

[ToddW850]

I would not tube down there because of the heavy traffic. I was asking about the condition of the water. Sorry I was not more specific. Thanks for all your guidance so far.

Ah gotcha. No worries. Quality of water is about the same as the bay. Not Crab Island.

Also, if you get something like the SeaTow app, it will give you tide info. High Tide is the prime for the water clarity at Crab Island. High Tide is the clear gulf water moving in over the Island. Low tide is the darker bay water moving out.

 

[eggwhite93]

@ToddW850 Thanks for the info!

We went to Lake Jackson today. It is about the same distance from my house to the Eglin launch or to the lake. The family likes the lake better and I like the less clean up that comes with fresh water boating. My 5 year old daughter loves the new Gator.

 

[CFD3Captain]

Your cover is the Deluxe Premium I believe, it's a little different than mine which is just Deluxe I think....Anyhow, how do you access the cleats? Do those black covers zip open or what? Thanks and great looking pics! We got on the water for about 6 hours today

 

[eggwhite93]

@CFD3Captain Yes, the cleats are accessible through those hard(ish) black pocket looking areas with zippers. There is also one for the fuel filler port.

 

[Irvs]

Eggwhite, i haven't gotten my boat yet and am already looking at the thrust vectors. Are these the ones?

https://jetboatpilot.com/index.php?id_product=7&controller=product

Btw, I'm at eglin too

 

[eggwhite93]

Yes, that's them. I would say, don't buy them before you drive the boat. I have been out severel times now and I am getting more comfortable with the boat. Now I don't think I am going to buy them at all.