Good evening all,
First let me say the boat is not new, but new to me and I was just looking for some advice on owning a bigger boat. This site has been a tremendous help and I’ve learned a lot about fishing so I figured this was the best place to come for owning a boat advice. My father has offerred me his boat (i just have to go and get it)It’s a Parker and I believe it’s around a 1990 model about 23’ walkaround cuddy cabin. I guess i’m just looking for advice on a boater course, the best insurance(suggestions)and any other tips to help me get my feet wet (so to speak) in owning a big boat.
Thanks in advance,
Dave
Find an experienced boater friend who knows the local waters and get him to show you the basics. Strickland Marine has the best insurance around for boats…great customer service too!
Go to www.boatus.com for boating course info. Also suggest a towing membership, its the best $149 you will ever spend in boating.
Captain Steve Little
TowBoat US Charleston
Psalm 107:23-32
www.towboatcharleston.com
SCDNR has an online boating course. I thought it was pretty good.
http://www.boat-ed.com/sc/sc_internet.htm
Long Enuff
Dave - Same situation for me this year. I have only owned jon boats in the past and bought a 21ft walkaround this year. I second the towboat US membership…best thing I purchased just for piece of mind alone. Especially with kids and family on the boat. I actually had a membership even with my jon boat. My wife and I also took the boating course through SCDNR. It was very helpful and also gave us a dicount on our insurance(we use Progressive).
I actually found the boat easier to handle than my jon boat. The only place that got tricky was beaching the boat at the island when the wind or current was strong. I just try to stay in the channel or follow up bigger boat whenever possible…ha ha. When out of the channel I just creap around (unless I really know the area) and watch the depth. My sea hunt drafts 16 inches of water. I did have a really challenging year with fishing. Most of my spots were up in bulls bay and I can’t get to my old spots with my new boat so I have been working on new go to spots this year. Still a good time because I can now fish the jetties and some other areas I couldn’t before with the jon boat. I hope this helps.
Good luck and safe boating!
Ryan
Good afternoon All,
Thanks for the information and advice. Sounds like the tow membership is a good investment. Hopefully, some of my new boating friends won’t mind us tagging along as I get my feet wet, (not literally i hope)with this bigger boat.
Thanks again, I knew this was the right place to ask.
Dave