Boat

[ceyko]

Question: Drinking and operating a boat is illegal, I got that from boaters education. What I can't find is if there is any distinction on "operating". I know this is a technicality and all that, but what I'd like to know is if it's me and another person. If we anchor for the night and are sleeping on the boat, can I get drunk? Or does there always have to be at least one legal operator sober?

[krazy kris]

Question: Drinking and operating a boat is illegal, I got that from boaters education. What I can't find is if there is any distinction on "operating". I know this is a technicality and all that, but what I'd like to know is if it's me and another person. If we anchor for the night and are sleeping on the boat, can I get drunk? Or does there always have to be at least one legal operator sober?

I think that lake patrol could come up with something. For example if an emergency would occur someone would have to drive.

[mardyn]

If you get caught being drunk on the water, whether you're the operator or passenger, there are many different scenarios that could play out... and none of of 'em are good.

Most of the Game Wardens and Lake Patrols have portable breathalyzers now... and they're not afraid to use 'em. To me, it's just not worth the risk.

Drink if you must, but act responsibly if you do.

mardyn

[cde21]

Question: Drinking and operating a boat is illegal, I got that from boaters education. What I can't find is if there is any distinction on "operating". I know this is a technicality and all that, but what I'd like to know is if it's me and another person. If we anchor for the night and are sleeping on the boat, can I get drunk? Or does there always have to be at least one legal operator sober?

I've gotten checked by a game warden twice in the last year and had a beer next to me both times. From personal experience as long as I'm not acting like a jackass neither do they. Not saying you wont get in trouble, or a BUI that's just my experience. Now if it's July 4th on Lewisville or something that's probably a different story.

[cde21]

Drink if you must, but act responsibly if you do.

mardyn

this ^

[shumpertdavid]

I've been fortunate enough to have only encountered lake patrol 1 time (last summer) for as long as I've owned my boat (8 or 9 years now I think) on texoma. They were very polite and courteous, we had just launched and were coming up to speed headed to do some boarding, I hadn't opened my beer yet so there was no issue. I would agree with all the previous statements of being responsible about it, and avoiding heavy drinking on major holiday weekends. I've watched lake patrol pull over boat after boat on holiday weekends. Also YOU MUST HAVE an appropriate sized life vest for every person on board. They will ticket you on that one for sure.

[ceyko]

Yeah, I have no intentions of drinking unless there is designated person to operate the boat - during the day/when we're moving. But I like to camp and figured I could just lay out in a sleeping bag and snooze until morning. Prior to that, a few beers and some food would be nice.

[shumpertdavid]

Maintain it, maintain it, maintain it! Boats last a long if you take care of them. Basic stuff like washing/drying after lake runs, COVERING IT, and properly winterizing will save your wallet big time. My dad has 2 different boats that he has owned since new...he takes care of them and they still look great despite their 25+ years of age. The gm 4.3l v6 is a great gas saver for an inboard...and it lasts forever! I've owned 3 boats and 2 jet skis, and never had a problem. The woes come from neglect, 90% of the time.

Very true statements through out here. Interior is always a neglect point for people it seems, it's best to wipe it down after being out, let the interior dry good and keep it covered or inside. The sun will kill the vinyl, fade the carpet, and break the thread down causing the seats to come apart. A good marine grade upholstery job will cost more than most older boats are worth.

[Mysticcobrakilla]

I don't drink on my boat, mainly because of where I go. Lake arlington doesn't allow alcohol at all and the BRA you simply don't fuck with.

[silverranger]

? how hard would it be to build a swim platform? I wanted a boat with one and this one doesn't have one. Anyone ever done it or want to help out?

[shumpertdavid]

? how hard would it be to build a swim platform? I wanted a boat with one and this one doesn't have one. Anyone ever done it or want to help out?

I've considered this on mine, but with it being an in\out the hump in the center would make it kind of pointless. It'd be nice to have a better way to strap the board on when in the boat other than it laying across my engine cover. The beginners seem to find it easier to strap in out of the water.

[ceyko]

I wanted to thank y'all for the various tips and advice. Some of y'all even provided some great deals on some used boats, but my tow vehicle is not all that great so I I stuck with a smaller aluminum boat.

Today I'm picking it up, it's a 2012 Lowe FM 165 which was posted earlier. I'll be taking it to Lake Lewisville early Sat morning with the kids and a buddy.

It's not a baller boat, but from I could tell it's about percentages. I lose the same percentage on this boat in 3-4 years if we don't use it (thinking we will though) as I would a bigger bad ass boat - just paying less so the actual amount lost is less. Plus, it seems like a good beginner boat. If after 6-7 years, we use it a lot. May save the pennies and see about upgrading.

Boater ed is done. I'd recommend referring anyone you know who is new - to go do that. It's free and covers a LOT of what you all mentioned too. Then a lot of little things (i.e. Don't laugh, but I knew port vs starboard -but did not know what stern, bow, bilge, gunwale and so forth were). Little boring, but worth the time for a new person. (From what I hear, a lot of people could use it who are currently boating)

Assuming my Honda Pilot does not get stuck in the boat ramps, should just be a matter of getting out there and doing it now.

Again though, learned a lot from y'all in this thread and helped me determine a lot of different things. Thank you!

[silverranger]

I wanted to thank y'all for the various tips and advice. Some of y'all even provided some great deals on some used boats, but my tow vehicle is not all that great so I I stuck with a smaller aluminum boat.

Today I'm picking it up, it's a 2012 Lowe FM 165 which was posted earlier. I'll be taking it to Lake Lewisville early Sat morning with the kids and a buddy.

It's not a baller boat, but from I could tell it's about percentages. I lose the same percentage on this boat in 3-4 years if we don't use it (thinking we will though) as I would a bigger bad ass boat - just paying less so the actual amount lost is less. Plus, it seems like a good beginner boat. If after 6-7 years, we use it a lot. May save the pennies and see about upgrading.

Boater ed is done. I'd recommend referring anyone you know who is new - to go do that. It's free and covers a LOT of what you all mentioned too. Then a lot of little things (i.e. Don't laugh, but I new port vs starboard -but did not know what stern, bow, bilge, gunwale and so forth were). Little boring, but worth the time for a new person. (From what I hear, a lot of people could use it who are currently boating)

Assuming my Honda Pilot does not get stuck in the boat ramps, should just be a matter of getting out there and doing it now.

Again though, learned a lot from y'all in this thread and helped me determine a lot of different things. Thank you!

Heck ya, congrats on the new boat, we will be setting up a Lake gtg this summer. hope you can make it out.

[ceyko]

Heck ya, congrats on the new boat, we will be setting up a Lake gtg this summer. hope you can make it out.

I'll keep an eye out for it, that's for sure!

[ceyko]

Yeah, so dug the first trip out. Question, what boat ladder would be recommended for a boat like this one? I saw some transom mount ones ranging from 100-200 dollars - but I'd rather stow whatever I'm using and also have it be mounted on the sides (gunwales).

It was windy as heck Saturday, but still fun. Forgot all about sunscreen though.

Edit: Just for a visual, this is just about how high it sits...



Thought a rope ladder type may work, but would probably be hell for most people to use. Just don't have direct experience with the others and the various forums are iffy too on what to use.