How to learn to drive a boat??

[KSbassfish]

I'm planning on buying a boat someday in the next couple of years. In the mean time I would like to learn about how to drive one and how to maintain it properly.

Any suggestions on how to do this?

[R.D.]

that is by far the Smartest post I have seen on here......and not trying to be a S/A


there are too many people anymore who have the "I can do that" mentallity.....and dont take the time to learn what to expect from what there getting into. Just within the last year or so had a Younger Guy kill himslef after buying a Cobra Bass Baot with a 225 on it.......he was going faster than should have & lost control.....wasnt wearing PFD let alone did not have the Kill switch lanyard attatched to him......the boat ran him over & was killed as well as his partner with him


I applaud you for this


NOW to answer your question;

A lot will depend on the type of Boat you buy. If its Deep V.....they pretty stable & easy to drive.

BEst thing I can tell you at this point is jsut go uot with someone who has same or similar boat you plan on purchasing and just have a good time I was LUCKY anough to have my grandfather teach me a lot about Boats, Driving them as well as Maintenence & Repair.

ALSO.....I would HIghly recommend taking a Boaters Safty Class.....it is VERY informational & you can learn a lot from a Coast Guard Instructor

[Jiggernaut]

Join a local bass club and fish as a non boater. Most of the boaters are usually really good about letting the non boaters learn to drive, run the TM, and get used to the ins and outs of safe operation and fishing pleasure. I always like to make sure young non boaters that are with me have an idea what's going in terms of boat operation in case something happens to me and they need to run the boat to get back safely.

[sclark]

Travis

#1. Boaters safety course
#2. spend time on the water and learn from your fishing partners
#3. learn to read the water and anticipate how the boat will move.
#4. Practice, Practice. Practice

Then once you get your boat, don't be in hurry. Take your time and learn how your boat reacts to steering inputs, waves (from all angles). Learn how stable it is in rough water or how it's gets squirrelly at on plane.

Hope this helps

[Hydrilla Gorilla]

Travis,

I recommend you talk to guys in the club (LBC) have boaters show the ropes when you're pre-fishing with them at tournaments. Practice is a great time to discuss various things about not only fishing, but boating as wll. Since we're partnered at Truman in June, I will be glad to show you how I operate my boat and let you drive it while we're there.

[Hydrilla Gorilla]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jiggernaut &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I always like to make sure young non boaters that are with me have an idea what's going in terms of boat operation in case something happens to me and they need to run the boat to get back safely.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Great advice

[caseysmith14]

I think reading/reacting to waves and water conditions is huge, countless times on long runs you have to adjust trim, speed, and boat angles. I'd take Bob up on his offer and run his boat as far up into Tebo Creek as you can

[R.D.]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by caseysmith14 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">run his boat as far up into Tebo Creek as you can </TD></TR></TABLE>


I dont think Bob like doing that

[Hydrilla Gorilla]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by caseysmith14 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I'd take Bob up on his offer and run his boat as far up into Tebo Creek as you can </TD></TR></TABLE>

Normally I would say it's been there so many times it can find it's own way, but that lake fluctuates so much that Tebo can be a tough one. Buddy of mine tore the motor off the boat and flipped it right up between the seats up tebo and he's made that run for nearly 30 years

[KSbassfish]

Good advice! I really like the boat saftey class idea.

Thanks fellas.

Maybe Jiggernaut will let me drive his boat to that state record smallmouth spot!!

[R.D.]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by huntfish101KS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Maybe Jiggernaut will let me drive his boat to that state record smallmouth spot!! </TD></TR></TABLE>


if Jason can Find it again

[Jiggernaut]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by huntfish101KS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Good advice! I really like the boat saftey class idea.

Thanks fellas.

Maybe Jiggernaut will let me drive his boat to that state record smallmouth spot!! </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes! Please take right me right to that spot and I'll let you net it for me.

[R.D.]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...............Harsh

[War Eagle1]

and after you get all this down, barrow Ryan's boat

[TimS]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jiggernaut &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Yes! Please take right me right to that spot and I'll let you net it for me. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Not many obstacles in the area, should be a good place to learn how to operate a boat.

[hooks2bset]

Just get in and drive it like you stole it.... if you stole it then just drive it accordingly