[billfer]

My fishing world just got a little bit bigger. If you see someone at the ramp struggling to back his trailer it is probably me. Can't wait to get out and do some exploring.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Michigan Sportsman mobile app

 

[Shoeman]

There you go!

 

[CDN1]

Enjoy it friend. Nothing like heading out at sunrise with the anticipation of the days catch. Or a quick run on glass calm water back to the launch at sunset with or without a full livewell.

 

[Cpt.Chaos]

Congratulations on the new to you rig!...don’t be that guy at the launch though, take it out and practice backing in and out, launching and loading during the week when there’s a lot less people at the ramp, just in case you have any issues or problems. My wife and I took our new boat out this year for the first time when there was virtually no one there just to not have the additional stress of a busy launch, and I drive a F-450 and pull a utility trailer 5 days a week at work.

 

[billfer]

Congratulations on the new to you rig!...don’t be that guy at the launch though, take it out and practice backing in and out, launching and loading during the week when there’s a lot less people at the ramp, just in case you have any issues or problems. My wife and I took our new boat out this year for the first time when there was virtually no one there just to not have the additional stress of a busy launch, and I drive a F-450 and pull a utility trailer 5 days a week at work.

I have no interest in dealing with a busy ramp or getting in people's way. I went to Stoney Creek to practice just because I knew it would be quiet.

 

[piketroller]

An oldie but goodie. After practicing backing, the next step is find an empty ramp, back it into the water, and test all the plumbing while still on the trailer. The livewell pump plumbing shouldn’t dump water into the boat when it’s turned on or off, but cracked lines can be a nightmare out in the middle of the lake. If that checks out and the bilge is still dry, pull the plug for a few seconds, put it back in, and make sure the bilge does what it’s supposed to do.

I’ve got this thing laying around if you want to put a windscreen on the console. It’s a home made job that came off a boat with a similar console.

 

[CDN1]

You will appreciate the windsceen this fall and next spring.

 

[Paddyspub]

Enjoy and take it slow

 

[greelhappy]

My fishing world just got a little bit bigger. If you see someone at the ramp struggling to back his trailer it is probably me. Can't wait to get out and do some exploring.

View attachment 432091 View attachment 432093

Sent from my SM-N960U using Michigan Sportsman mobile app

Just a little tease here Billfer. They all look so purty when nothing is in them. I got a 18'er that I barely can get into with all my fishing crap aboard. Have a great time with your new ride and be safe.

 

[billfer]

An oldie but goodie. After practicing backing, the next step is find an empty ramp, back it into the water, and test all the plumbing while still on the trailer. The livewell pump plumbing shouldn’t dump water into the boat when it’s turned on or off, but cracked lines can be a nightmare out in the middle of the lake. If that checks out and the bilge is still dry, pull the plug for a few seconds, put it back in, and make sure the bilge does what it’s supposed to do.

I’ve got this thing laying around if you want to put a windscreen on the console. It’s a home made job that came off a boat with a similar console.

View attachment 432139

May take you up on the windshield. Live well worked as expected. Good call on testing the bilge actually pumping though.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Michigan Sportsman mobile app

 

[Scout 2]

Does your livewell drain thru the bottom of the boat toward the front? I bought one just like that only tiller steer 2 years ago and it works great for what I use it for. Same color and all. I had to put a new floor in mine but it is not a big job on that boat

 

[6667supersport]

Enjoy the new ride, will open up at lot more areas for you to fish now.

 

[billfer]

Does your livewell drain thru the bottom of the boat toward the front? I bought one just like that only tiller steer 2 years ago and it works great for what I use it for. Same color and all. I had to put a new floor in mine but it is not a big job on that boat

The floor was redone by the previous owner last season and seems to be solid. Encouraging to hear that yours has worked well for you!

 

[Slimshady]

The key to backing in boats (IMO) is to take it slow and not over-correct. The guys that I see struggling to back in trailers are usually going too fast, and constantly making too big of adjustments with the steering. Another trick is to put your hand on the bottom of your steering wheel so that you just move your hand in the direction you want the back of the trailer to go. It also helps to get the truck & trailer as straight as you can and lined up before you start backing it in. Then barely move your wheel as needed.

 

[Scout 2]

The key to backing in boats (IMO) is to take it slow and not over-correct. The guys that I see struggling to back in trailers are usually going too fast, and constantly making too big of adjustments with the steering. Another trick is to put your hand on the bottom of your steering wheel so that you just move your hand in the direction you want the back of the trailer to go. It also helps to get the truck & trailer as straight as you can and lined up before you start backing it in. Then barely move your wheel as needed.

That and most important are your mirrors. Bigger the better

 

[jumbojake]

Congrats on your new vessel dare captain! wishing ya many fash filled adventures

 

[rw1]

my son has a boat similar to yours and it did not have a windshield. we found out the how much nicer it is to have one but they were difficult to locate on this side of the river, so we had one custom made at a cost of 200.00 plus taxes. (fwiw)

 

[I'd rather be fishing]

Congratulations. It's still fun to paddle once in awhile. Probably don't need anymore advice, my 2cents, make sure you can pass a safety inspection. And when you find them fish don't be shy about posting a few pics etc.

 

[Fishndude]

Once you take that boat jiggin on the Detroit River 4 days in a row, you'll be able to back it in, in one shot, and quickly. I had a lawn service for a few years, and could back a loaded trailer into my garage, with inches to spare on the driver's side of my truck, and stop within 3 inches of the back wall every time. You just learn to do it.

 

[billfer]

Thanks everyone. A little time practicing in an empty parking lot and a couple launches and I'm competent enough at getting it in and out. Irony is I actually ended up fishing less this weekend than I would have as I ended up spending more time working on the boat.

And I'll still definitely do some paddling. I like it too much.