new in the water

Hi family my name is Hector I just bought a 34 footer chb double double cabin it is the first time for me owning a boat I'm looking forward to learn the ropes with the help of all you guys my boat it is in pretty good shape 2000 hours in the engine and the teak in the decks been replaced no leaks in the windows the fuel tanks are Originals but they are in good condition I think like I said I don't know much about this but I'm willing to learn and I'm going to learn it is no turning back now I'm hoping to go to Florida in the next month or so through the icw and hopefully I will get it buddy boat to show me the ropes down that's it for now God bless Hector

Welcome and congrats on the new boat! Post some pictures when you can. Since this is your first boat, what's keeping you up at night? Or, what do you have to know, if anything, to untie the lines and take her out the first time?

Welcome aboard. Since this is your first boat, I suggest you take a boating class if you haven’t already had one. Good luck.

Welcome aboard! I was scared to death to take my first big boat out! It was actually easier than my previous 24 footer. Classes for a first time cruiser? A must!

Well for the first answer

What's keeping me up at night I think everything it is my first time and I'm doing it alone but I'm looking forward to it some classes I took one course of boating and safety course I'm yes I am very nervous because it is it if 34 footer I need seems so big compared with a 18 ft Cobia center console I'm going to be taking a trip down to the icw in the next month or so and hopefully I will find a body boat if not I'm going a lot of attention to my Navionics in my tablet haha I'm learning thank you guys

Welcome Hector.

Congratulations on the new boat and the new adventure. Ask lots of questions. If you can get an extra pair of hands and eyes for your trip, it would be helpful. However, just remember that we all have made just about every mistake possible, sometimes multiple times. Enjoy the boat, have insurance, wear a PFD, and try not to hit anything expensive.

Congratulations and good for you...I think you will enjoy the adventure!

Welcome Hector.

I hope you are able to send some updates to the forum when you make your trip down to Florida. It should be a great adventure

Welcome Hector! We like pictures!!

Hi Hector and Welcome. As stated:

1. Get into a boating safety class
2. Take the USCG navigation class
3. Insurance
4. ****When approaching the dock go as fast as you want to hit it!******
5. Get lots of practice operating your boat and electronics and treat other boaters the way you want to be treated
6. Ask lots of questions on TF
7. Read a lot on ICW, lots of shallow spots I have read.
8. Post lots and lots of pictures of your boat and adventures. Some of us regard this as boat porn,
9. Be careful around RT!
10. Always have a good supply of adult drinks while at anchor or tied up at the dock, just in case a TFer shows up.
11. Always, ALWAYS have Klondike bars available for Crusty Chief and ASD (me)!
12. Most of all HAVE FUN

Don't be in a hurry to dock. Until you get practiced, plan you dockings, avoid times of high winds or currents. In 50+ years of maneuvering marine craft, I rarely go above engine idle. Too much throttle gets you in trouble fast. Get a book on boat handling to match your propulsion - single or twin.

Greetings,
Welcome aboard.

What RTF said. Welcome aboard.

Ask around your marina, or others, I think it would be a good idea to hire an experienced boater (captain) for a day or two to go out with you and get you well acquainted with handling your boat and some of the other basics of power boating. Enjoy your boat and the trip to Florida it is a good one!

Good luck with your new boat...

Suprised the boaters who believe newbies should go slow in boating progression or advise much more training and experience havent jumped in yet.

I will toss out that if the boat is in NY, travelling south in the next month or so can be challenging, May is a better month for heading South.

A buddy boat would be a great idea and read all you can!