new gambler owner

[jollyroger]

I just became a new Gambler owner. Everybody says how fast they are but I bought it for the 8.5 ft. casting deck, the 225EFI, the tandem axle trailer, and the way it looks. The person I bought it from said I will have to learn how to drive it. I have had bass boats before(1989 Astro 18FS with a 150 Merc Blackmax) what's the differences? I want to be safe! The Gambler I bought is a 2001 Intimidator(20ft) a 225EFI Merc. it has trim tabs, 6" hydralic jack plate, I think a 26" prop. Do I really need to learn how to operate a bass boat all over again?

[Ben Harris]

In a word, yes. YOu will need to re-learn some concepts you may have once had. Your new boat is a far cry from those you have had in the past. It can be made to do a lot of things very well, but you as a drive need to take it easy and let the learning process come to you. Nothing works as good as seat time.

[CRIMSONGAMBLER]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ben Harris &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In a word, yes. YOu will need to re-learn some concepts you may have once had. Your new boat is a far cry from those you have had in the past. It can be made to do a lot of things very well, but you as a drive need to take it easy and let the learning process come to you. Nothing works as good as seat time.</TD></TR></TABLE>

+1, Welcome to the g-boat family.Your going to love it.

[wolfman051]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jollyroger &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just became a new Gambler owner. Everybody says how fast they are but I bought it for the 8.5 ft. casting deck, the 225EFI, the tandem axle trailer, and the way it looks. The person I bought it from said I will have to learn how to drive it. I have had bass boats before(1989 Astro 18FS with a 150 Merc Blackmax) what's the differences? I want to be safe! The Gambler I bought is a 2001 Intimidator(20ft) a 225EFI Merc. it has trim tabs, 6" hydralic jack plate, I think a 26" prop. Do I really need to learn how to operate a bass boat all over again?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I thought the same, do i really need to learn to drive all over again? I'll quote what another Gambler owner told me and it's very true.."It's like going from a volkswagon to a corvette" not only is the speed different but the ride as well. Ive had mine now going on about 5 months. I'm still learning. Take your time and enjoy the ride. The more seat time you put in it, the more you'll get out of it

[phil*va]

Short answer is NO...you dont have to relearn how to drive boat.


If all you wan to do is get on plane, cruise the lake at 50mph etc, you are ok with all you have learned so far.

The difference is when you open it up, and trim it out, or when you try to run rough water.
Thats when the high performance aspect of the hull comes into play and you need to pay close attention until you do learn the ins and outs.

I haved never learned the high performance aspects of the boat because I am happy to just that. I am happy at 50-55 mph, and Ive only got a 225 on my 22 footer anyway.

There ARE some really kool things to do with the tabs though.
Learning to get on plane in 1 boat length, running at 15-20 mph with the boat staying level, and coming OFF plane without the nose pointing skyhigh are just a few.

Just take it easy and alway run it at your own comfort level...would be my best advice.

[jollyroger]

Thanks, that's my plan, a little at a time. Like I told the original owner I've never caught a fish going 70mph. But it sure is pretty. I'll try to download some pictures.