I've been searching for my first boat for a few weeks now (something in the 24'-26' range, midcabin cruiser). My family has always had boats, but I've never owned one. None of my friends own one either, so I'm missing some very basic knowledge that would be useful.

As I've been looking, I have been writing down basic questions on a notepad, and now I'm bringing them here.

I hope you folks don't mind answering a few stupid newbie questions...

1) Does operating a boat automatically recharge the battery?

2) How do you tow a boat / get towed if you lose power at sea? Who would you call to help tow you in?

3) Must you call US/Canada customs if you're at risk of crossing the water border, even if you don't intend to land/disembark in Canada?
(I'm in Buffalo)

4) What do I do if I get caught in bad weather?

5) What do I do if I bottom out?

6) Can you anchor in fast moving water? When CAN'T you anchor?

7) Do I need to take a course to get licensed in New York?

8) How do you boat at night? Do boats come with headlights?

9) What are the typical controls at the helm, and how do you work them properly?

10) Does the fridge work at sea?

11) Why do many drives have two propellers on the shaft?

12) The last time I was at a marina, I saw a powerboat spitting water out of a small hole in the hull. What was that?

13) Is there a water heater for faucets and the shower?

14) Am I allowed to drink a beer while piloting the boat (not get drunk obviously). If I'm spotted drinking a beer while at the helm by the authorities, am I in trouble?

15) What are trim tabs?

16) What is a bilge / bilge pump?

17) What knots do I need to know?

18) Where does the water from the sinks and the shower go?

19) Do boats have normal household ac outlets?

20) I've heard it's a good idea to pack spare fuses. How would i know if I had a bad fuse, and how would i know which fuse to replace?

okay, I'm going to stop at twenty. Thanks so much to anyone who is generous enough to help a novice out...

Jonathan
Buffalo, NY

1) yes
2) you can ask/request a tow from another boat (depending on your boat size and the size of the assisting boat or you could contact Sea Tow or some other local company in your area
3) ?
4) best plan is to try and avoid bad weather altogether. if I get stuck, I try to make it back home (usually can see the storm clouds coming) or to an island with shelter.
5) i would stop the boat and check the outdrive
6) you can, but depending on your anchor, good luck getting it set
7) depends on where you are going to boat - but it is a VERY good idea no matter where you will boat
8) No headlights. Some have docking lights that are only used for docking boat. Some boats have a spot light, but it should be used sparingly, as its use hampers your night vision. takes time for your eyes to readjust to the darkness.
9) That is an open ended question, not sure where to begin. See answer 7.
10) Depends on boat, others will have more info on this
11) Its called a duo prop set up. Helps with getting on plane and control of boat
12) Probably a bilge pump running. Taking water out of your boat. Most are automatic
13) Depends on boat
14) Depends upon who you ask. Most would say its not a good idea.
15) Trim tabes help get some boats on plane and also help with stability when on plane.
16) See answer to 12
17) you need to have someone show you a few basic knots. nothing complicated.
18) Depends on boat but usually into holding tank
19) Depends on boat
20) You will know you have a bad fuse when something stops working (lights, radio, ect). Usually the boat has a fuse chart, which tells you where each fuse is located.

Bottom line, take a generalized boating course. It will help alot...

Understand that this is a hard to control model for a new skipper. Lots of windage that the breeze takes and moves the boat in ways that frustrate.

See this thread:

alot of information

Ask away my friend as answering newbie makes us feel superior.

You might enjoy taking a boating safety course. Many basics will be covered with of course an emphasis on safety. Perhaps even provide answers to questions that you don't know to ask.

As with everything, the answers to your questions depend on specific circumstances or configurations. For example question 1) Does operating a boat automatically recharge the battery? - In power boats equipped with a single battery, the answer is yes, but many boats in the size you mention have two or more batteries. Some with an A/B switch, some with Starting and House battery configurations. All batteries will not necessarily be charged when running depending upon the configuration.

Many of your questions are also intuitive or can be addressed with a little common sense - for example the second part of question 6) When CAN'T you anchor? - When the water is too deep for the length of rode you have on board, when bottom conditions prevent the anchor from holding, when there is not enough room at the anchorage for the amount of scope that is needed, or when there are already too many boats at the desired anchorage to name a few.

On question 12) the water coming out of the thru hull could have been water used to cool an inboard engine. You will see similar streams coming directly out of inboards and i/o's. If the engine's running and that stream stops watch out for an overheating condition.

14) Drinking while boating - This depends on the waters that you boat on. Some inland lakes have open container laws in my home state Illinois. When I cross the boarder into Wisconsin, it's permissable to drink and pilot a private boat as long as one does not become intoxicated.

Many of the remaining questions are covered in the multitude of topics here in the various forums. Find some time and read the back posts. I think you'll find them interesting, often even entertaining, and they will help you gain much of the knowledge you seek.

A lot of those questions can be answered by taking a boating safety course.

http://www.boatus.com/

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/default.htm?WT.mc_id=400009

http://www.boatus.com/foundation/BoatUSFoundationPrograms.htm#

www.cgaux.org/

http://nws.cgaux.org/visitors/pe_visitor/index.html

www.usps.org/

http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/public_ed.htm

Specific requirements in N.Y:

http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/boating/edu_boat.asp

May I add that if it is a "No Anchorage Zone" on the chart, you cannot anchor there.

10) most are. Do not leave it on as it will drain the battery when the engine is off unless you are plugged into shore power with one of those yellow cords.

You need to not use head lights on the water as it reflects off the water and actually decreases visibility. You need to know how to read and use navigation lights on your boat, other boats and the shore. Some boats have docking lights, not head lights and I'm not sure how useful they are for the reason given above. That said, I've never had or used them.

EDIT: Red lights on your helm gages are best as the eyes work best with red lights as they don't need to adjust too much from looking at the helm and looking out to sea to navigate. Something to consider when chosing your boat if you plan to navigate at night.

Thank you all so much for the helpful replies. I just went to Amazon and bought that Chapman book, and I do certainly intend to take a safety course.

Thanks again. Thanks especially to Deepv for all those links.

If you are worried about the Falls, get local input.

I am the self appointed safety officer. And Capn Morgan, whale away on me. I've got a thick skin today!

You got some great answers.

A quick answer about knots: You reaaly only need to know 3 knots, a bowline, a half hitch, and a cleat hitch.

WTH Arrogance at it's finest!

Self appointed huh...sounds like you and all your friends came to a unanimous decision.

Just to show that there are many different configurations for a boat, here are some alternate answers.

1. maybe. If you have two batteries, it is often dependant on the position of the 1-both-2 switch, or if your boat has a combiner setup, or perhaps a battery isolator. No worries though, if your boat does not have a combiner, its a under $100 project - and would make an ideal first project.

2. Boat USA has a great deal for Tow Boat US on the Great Lakes. Something like $35 for a season will pay for up to $2,000 worth of towing charges. I signed up for it as it was pretty cheap.

3. The rules have changed since 9/11. Used to be that when you went to Canada, you simply checked in with customs. Its more complicated now, and I cannot remember what, so its best to check with the USCG both US and Canadian before making the trip.

4. On the great lakes, its not if, but when. Take a Power Squadron safety course. Many times, the teacher will provide local knowledge of the area, which can be invaluable.

9. Helm electronics - my favorite topic. But don't listen to me as I'll lead you astray. You'll be spending money for things you never knew you didn't need.

10. Most refrigerators are AC/DC powered.

12. the water discharge, in addition to the other responses, could also be the air conditioner. Cruisers typically use water cooled AC units. For sure, if the boat is stitting at the dock with no one on board, and the stream of water is coming out for several minutes, its a sure bet its the AC. It could also be from a generator as those are water cooled too. And finally, someone could be washing the dishes or taking a shower, as the sink and shower sump normally discharge out the thru-hull. That answers question 18, however, some boats have a "grey water" tank for sink and shower. About the only thing for sure that doesn't get discharged, at least on the great lakes is the holding tank - the one that goes to the head. Its also called a "black water" tank.

13. Often cruisers have water heaters. They typically are AC powered, but also the engine cooling usually runs through the heater as well so that you can have at least warm, if not hot water when you are away from AC power.

14. never, never, never. Passengers may drink but not the boat operator - at least while operating the boat. The Coast Guard will probably arrest you if you do, inebriated or not. If you have a few when you are anchored, that is a different story - provided you are not under the influence when you take the helm.

One distinction that must be made is that usually the local Sheriff or DNR has law enforcement jurisdiction in the inland waters, but on the great lakes, they are federally controlled waters - meaning the USCG has primary jurisdiction. And, that means you have to know two sets of laws and even safety regulations. One for inland lakes and one for the great lakes.

For example, you need an approved signaling device such as flares on the great lakes but not on inland lakes. But in Michigan for instance, you need a crappy bell in inland lakes for boats over 26ft, but its not needed on the great lakes. Another good reason to take a safety course.

19. If the boat has shorepower, you will typically have 30, 50, 60, or 100 Amp service at the dock, depending on the size of the boat. If you have a generator, then you'll have AC power away from the dock.

20. There are so many different setups this cannot be answered. Take inventory of the fuses on the boat when you buy it. Then buy spare fuses of the type and size you need.

I choked on my drink and almost spit pop out my nose after reading this.
I musta missed that meeting of electing BABC officers.



No need to call and you can boat in Canadian water all you want as long as you stay on your vessel(unless you have cleared custom requirements and planned on visiting Canada ahead of time). The second you touch Canada by exiting your in violation. IF you plan on going to Canada you need to call customs and get the proper paperwork and process that will clear you and your passaangers. You WILL see Customs and Border patrol boats being that your a border town. Nothing to be scared of, just need to be aware of.



Same way as you do during the day, BUT you need to understand and reconize the light configurations, read and understand charts, boating rules of the road, navigational aids and your boats navigational equipment really well because at night its a whole different game. EVERYTHING looks, seems and feels different. At night and you must be aware of your surroundings alot more.( self appointed safety officers boating course advice inserted here which I highly recomend )If you have any night blindness I wouldn't recomend any night boating. I would stick to daytime until your comfortable with everything. No head lights required. At night the less "white" light the better you will see on the water. All the ambient light will be plenty for you. Other than that its fun and I enjoy it.

[quote=deepv
I am the self appointed safety officer. And Capn Morgan, whale away on me. I've got a thick skin today! [/quote]

Waiting for Capn Morgan to start the whaling?

Like others said, many of your questions will be answered by taking a boating safety course. You are starting with a really BIG boat. I'd consider starting with something a lot smaller, like in the 20' range. Not only will your costs be dramtically lower, you can learn faster on the smaller boat and use it more because you will not be as afraid to dock it and manuver it at low speeds around the marina. If you go out by yourself the smaller boat is way easier to dock yourself. If you are really going to start with a boat that big I'd hire a captain to train you for the first few times out. Good investment!

Or a trusted; experience dock mate. Most would be happy to help you burn up your gas.

But truthfully, boaters generally belong to a friendly fraternity that are usually more than helpful at the dock. Sure there are the cliques; the Group A's and Group B's. One boater might call you an idiot, but two boaters will be there to help. Thats just the way it is.

But for the most part, you are going to get plenty of dock wisdom should you ask - or look like you need help.

Jattea,

It's nice to see someone else from Buffalo! I have my boat in Erie Basin and have been boating on the river and lake for a long time now. If you end up getting a boat and have specific questions let me know.

I can give some advice as far as hitting things, bottoming out, anchoring, and towing. Even though the lake looks really deep there are some really shallow spots that average 1-3' around the peace bridge and mouth of the river. You have to be careful to follow the proper marked channel as a number of people every weekend run into the rocks. Beyond the mouth of the river most areas are deep enough to not worry. My advice:

1- Buy an updated chart of the mouth of the river and lake. I can email you some elecronic ones if you would like which are marked with the reefs and danger spots.

2- If you insure your boat, which I assume you will, towing can be added to the policy. I pay something like $20 for $1500 worth of towing through Allstate.

3- Tow Boat US has two boats in SBH and can be reached via VHF or cell phone. Learn how to call for help on your marine radio and also have the phone number for the USCG and Tow Boat US in your cell.

4- Decide where you will be boating and look at marinas there. For example, if you are interested in spending a few days a week up on the canal, consider a dock on the river. It is roughly 15 miles from Erie Basin to the canal in Tonawanda. That means that you are looking at 15 gallons of gas each time you go. If you do this at night you also need to navigate the mouth of the river in the dark. If you keep the boat in the river you may only need to boat 1-2 miles to the canal.

5- Anchoring and drifting in the river: You can do both. If you are not under power you will drift at about 2-4 mph down the river. The river averages around 15' deep and I have never had trouble anchoring in order to fish or just hang out. There are also places to dock along the river. If you go past Grand Island the depth averages less than 5 feet and is resticted to boating. There is no reason to be that far anyway which is less that a mile or two from the falls.

6- Canada. If you anchor or get off of your boat in Canadian waters you have to clear customs. You need to do the same when you return to the US. The easiest way to do this is use a Video Phone that they have at most of the marians or to call on your cell. I haven't done this in at least 5 or 6 years now and hear that it has been a hassle since the post 9/11 regs. You can call Canadian Customs at 800-268-4334 and US at 800-927-5015 and they will answer your questions.

If you are careful, take your time to study what you are doing, and use common sense boating will be safe and enjoyable. If you have any questions that I can help you with let me know.

I would agree with this. On my boat the depth gauge was red all of the other lights were white. It took some looking but I found red lights to replace them with. I could still read the gauges when needed and my night eyes weren't hurt. It was a bit of a problem finding them though but just keep looking they are out there. I think I ended up ordering them from digikey.

+1. I swapped mine out with red LEDs...wasn't hard at all.