BassmanIU
Well-known member
Finally got the new boat in the water today. Brother-in-law and I left out of Booker T around 11:30 am. Fished the main channel for 3 hours. Managed 4 fish (2 keeper) on a shad rap fishing riprap.
Chick 2-24-07
- Thread starter BassmanIU
- Start date
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YEAH ....CMON BASS MAN .... AS EXCITED AS YOU WERE TO GET IT IN THE WATER....I FIGURED ON AT LEAST A FEW PARAGRAPHS ....
YOU WERE`NT DISAPPOINTED WITH YOU NEW RIDE WERE YOU.....????
DID RANGER ROB TELL YOU IT WOULD RUN 90MPH.....???
SHAME ON YOU RR emoPoke
YOU WERE`NT DISAPPOINTED WITH YOU NEW RIDE WERE YOU.....????
DID RANGER ROB TELL YOU IT WOULD RUN 90MPH.....???
SHAME ON YOU RR emoPoke
fisherpal2k
Well-known member
Come on bassman....got to give us the low down... Can't take a new ride to the lake and not give up the goods on the first ride.. </p>
I know RR didn't tell you it would go 90 but I do know that it will run good. Hope ya'll had a good day and had fun. Sounds like it anyway. Thanks for the report and let us know what you think of the new ride..
</p>
I know RR didn't tell you it would go 90 but I do know that it will run good. Hope ya'll had a good day and had fun. Sounds like it anyway. Thanks for the report and let us know what you think of the new ride..
BassmanIU
Well-known member
Well...you want a thesis huh? OK..here goes. We made two trips to the lake yesterday and here's why.
Round#1
Pulled into the Chick Dam Ramp around 8:30am. Got the boat ready to back down the ramp and I hopped in. Pulled down the ramp and it took a few minutes to get the hang of starting the big motor. It fired up and I backed it off the trailer and was kind of motoring around waiting on my brother-in-law to park the truck. Let me tell you...I thought I was the coolest guy in the world. That's when it happened. I felt my foot get wet. I looked down to see water POURING through the drain in the floor. I freaked! Luckily I looked down and saw "bilge pump" and flipped it on. So I go motoring over to the dock thinking I'm gonna sink my new boat and die taboot. That's when the motor cuts off. Mind you, there were 3 other boats putting in and motoring to the dock. I was a tad nervous to say the least. Luckily, I had gone to walmart 2 hours prior to buy a paddle and some rope. Finally got over the dock and jumped out and tied the boat. My brother-in-law said by the look on my face out in the water, he knew something was wrong. Got on the dock and called RangerRob. Here's the conversation.
Rob: This is Rob
Corey: (talking loudly) Rob, I just put the boat in and she started taking on water...is this normal?
Rob: Did you put the plug in?
Corey: Yes! Both of them!
Rob: What do you mean by both of them.
Corey: I plugged both holes in the transom where the motor attaches to the boat.
Rob: Those won't do anything. That is where I was storing the drain plugs.
Corey: #%@$, where is the hole?
Rob: Prop level, under the boat.
Corey: @^$%&#*$*#&@^@!%!&#*$^@%@&#^@&
Rob: Don't worry, that Ranger won't sink. Put it on the trailer and run the bilge until it drains.
So, we got the trailer back down the ramp. I jockeyed the boat with the rope to get it close to the trailer. That's when the wind picked up. The boat was twisting all over the place. I knew it was do or die time. I jumped in the water and guided the boat into the trailer so we could winch it up. Man, I know why I don't see many skiiers this time of year! I also know what George Costanza means when he says "shrinkage" emoLaugh . Anyway, we got the boat back on the trailer and pulled into the parking lot. I let the bilge run until every drop was out of the boat. I told my brother-in-law that he had permission to call me Captain Dumb@$$ until the day I die. I had never looked underneath the boat for the plughole. I guess you learn from your mistakes...and I will NEVER make that one again. So, we went back to my house so I could change my clothes. It was on then, I wasn't going to go through all that and not get to fish. So, the lake won round #1. But it was revenge time. We headed back...
Round#2
Decided to put in at 11:00 AM at Booker T because of the windy conditions at the Dam Ramp. Booker T was perfect because nobody was there. Double and triple checked the placement of the drain plug
and backed the trailer down. The boat fired up on the first turn and I back it down. Picked Tripp up at the dock and idled out a ways. We both looked at each other and then I slammed the throttle down. Mind you, he had never been in a bass boat. I've fished tournaments all through college but had never driven one. After we planed out, we giggled like little schoolgirls. It was the greatest feeling. I slowed it down to about half speed and we just rode for awhile. We finally stopped into a cove and fished for a little. My electronics weren't working and didn't know why, I didn't care, I could figure that out later. I was fishing in my new boat and having a blast. The boat actually ran faster than I was expecting. Especially with a couple of big guys and 2 tanks of gas. I caught the first fish in my new boat. A large bream with the float n fly method. We then ran up into Harrison Bay to look around. I think I enjoyed the riding more than the fishing. We ended up catching 4 bass on a shad rap along the rocky banks. After all the excitement of the day, we decided we won round#2 and it was time to leave. We got to the dock and I motored back out to wait for the trailer. I shut the motor off and started tidying up the boat. I went back to start the motor and it wouldn't even turn over. The battery was dead . Luckily the motor was mostly raised. So I cruised in with the trolling motor and got it up the trailer enough to winch it in. Not too bad. Once we got the boat out, I was messing around and got the electronics to work...maybe they had to dry out from round #1 emoAngel
All in all, it was an interesting day. I can say that I learned a LOT from my first two experiences. I'm dying to get back out there now that I have a grasp of everything. It was great just pulling a cord and having the trolling motor plop in the water. Just the little things about the boat amaze me. The water got pretty rough towards the end and the boat handled it very well. I could not be happier with my purchase. I have always loved the older model (85-90) bass boats that have the chrome railings around them. I'm glad I found one. Well, there's the story and I'm sticking to it. Fat Albert, I really should have sold tickets to this event emoCool
Thanks to everyone that chimed in with advice the past two weeks. Hope to see everyone on the water!
Corey
Round#1
Pulled into the Chick Dam Ramp around 8:30am. Got the boat ready to back down the ramp and I hopped in. Pulled down the ramp and it took a few minutes to get the hang of starting the big motor. It fired up and I backed it off the trailer and was kind of motoring around waiting on my brother-in-law to park the truck. Let me tell you...I thought I was the coolest guy in the world. That's when it happened. I felt my foot get wet. I looked down to see water POURING through the drain in the floor. I freaked! Luckily I looked down and saw "bilge pump" and flipped it on. So I go motoring over to the dock thinking I'm gonna sink my new boat and die taboot. That's when the motor cuts off. Mind you, there were 3 other boats putting in and motoring to the dock. I was a tad nervous to say the least. Luckily, I had gone to walmart 2 hours prior to buy a paddle and some rope. Finally got over the dock and jumped out and tied the boat. My brother-in-law said by the look on my face out in the water, he knew something was wrong. Got on the dock and called RangerRob. Here's the conversation.
Rob: This is Rob
Corey: (talking loudly) Rob, I just put the boat in and she started taking on water...is this normal?
Rob: Did you put the plug in?
Corey: Yes! Both of them!
Rob: What do you mean by both of them.
Corey: I plugged both holes in the transom where the motor attaches to the boat.
Rob: Those won't do anything. That is where I was storing the drain plugs.
Corey: #%@$, where is the hole?
Rob: Prop level, under the boat.
Corey: @^$%&#*$*#&@^@!%!&#*$^@%@&#^@&
Rob: Don't worry, that Ranger won't sink. Put it on the trailer and run the bilge until it drains.
So, we got the trailer back down the ramp. I jockeyed the boat with the rope to get it close to the trailer. That's when the wind picked up. The boat was twisting all over the place. I knew it was do or die time. I jumped in the water and guided the boat into the trailer so we could winch it up. Man, I know why I don't see many skiiers this time of year! I also know what George Costanza means when he says "shrinkage" emoLaugh . Anyway, we got the boat back on the trailer and pulled into the parking lot. I let the bilge run until every drop was out of the boat. I told my brother-in-law that he had permission to call me Captain Dumb@$$ until the day I die. I had never looked underneath the boat for the plughole. I guess you learn from your mistakes...and I will NEVER make that one again. So, we went back to my house so I could change my clothes. It was on then, I wasn't going to go through all that and not get to fish. So, the lake won round #1. But it was revenge time. We headed back...
Round#2
Decided to put in at 11:00 AM at Booker T because of the windy conditions at the Dam Ramp. Booker T was perfect because nobody was there. Double and triple checked the placement of the drain plug
and backed the trailer down. The boat fired up on the first turn and I back it down. Picked Tripp up at the dock and idled out a ways. We both looked at each other and then I slammed the throttle down. Mind you, he had never been in a bass boat. I've fished tournaments all through college but had never driven one. After we planed out, we giggled like little schoolgirls. It was the greatest feeling. I slowed it down to about half speed and we just rode for awhile. We finally stopped into a cove and fished for a little. My electronics weren't working and didn't know why, I didn't care, I could figure that out later. I was fishing in my new boat and having a blast. The boat actually ran faster than I was expecting. Especially with a couple of big guys and 2 tanks of gas. I caught the first fish in my new boat. A large bream with the float n fly method. We then ran up into Harrison Bay to look around. I think I enjoyed the riding more than the fishing. We ended up catching 4 bass on a shad rap along the rocky banks. After all the excitement of the day, we decided we won round#2 and it was time to leave. We got to the dock and I motored back out to wait for the trailer. I shut the motor off and started tidying up the boat. I went back to start the motor and it wouldn't even turn over. The battery was dead . Luckily the motor was mostly raised. So I cruised in with the trolling motor and got it up the trailer enough to winch it in. Not too bad. Once we got the boat out, I was messing around and got the electronics to work...maybe they had to dry out from round #1 emoAngel All in all, it was an interesting day. I can say that I learned a LOT from my first two experiences. I'm dying to get back out there now that I have a grasp of everything. It was great just pulling a cord and having the trolling motor plop in the water. Just the little things about the boat amaze me. The water got pretty rough towards the end and the boat handled it very well. I could not be happier with my purchase. I have always loved the older model (85-90) bass boats that have the chrome railings around them. I'm glad I found one. Well, there's the story and I'm sticking to it. Fat Albert, I really should have sold tickets to this event emoCool
Thanks to everyone that chimed in with advice the past two weeks. Hope to see everyone on the water!
Corey
BassmanIU
Well-known member
Here are some picks of round #2
stump jumper
Well-known member
Great story man! Glad you got it all figured out and were able to get out there and catch some fish! I think we have all had "the absent plug experience." Look forward to seeing you on the water! emoThumbsup
fisherpal2k
Well-known member
Not laughing at you but laughing with you! Theres not a one out here that has been around for long that hasn't done the same thing and it really makes you feel stupid! </p>
But trust me. That is one of the best lessons ever learned and even tho you got wet. That will be the first thing you check from now on! </p>
Great report and just to be friendly and let you in on a couple a more of those "freak" things..</p>
1. The kill switch will get you sooner or later.</p>
2. Over confidence will get to you at one time or another. Someday you will be riding down the lake and decide to go wide open and all of a sudden from out of nowhere will be a wave from hadies that will cause the pucker factor to quadruple.. </p>
3. Tie downs at one time or another will get you. </p>
Just a few reminders that it don't matter how long you do it something will slip your mind.</p>
You like the many others out here will create your own little check list that you will go over mentally time and time again at launch and retrieval. Once you have it down pat. You will always do it and even if you have a partner go back and check it out. </p>
No offence to anyone, but I have a routine that I do, no matter who is with me. That way if anything happens there is no one to blame but yourself. Happy boating and Thanks for the report!!!! Glad you like the ride and hope you enjoy it for many years to come!</p>
Nopw get out there and have fun!!!
fisherpal2k
Well-known member
By the way.. Great pics!</p>
Hey FA, hows that for a smile and knowing these guys was having fun!!!
</p>
Hey FA, hows that for a smile and knowing these guys was having fun!!!
rsimms
Well-known member
That #1 pic is one you need to hang onto. emoThumbsup on the Virgin Voyage! As others have stated... you WILL learn by your mistakes. Just remember to be safe.
Fat Albert
Well-known member
<font color="#6600ff">Dadgummit, I told ya I needed to be there and have tickets to the event. We could have made some good money... cause I know what happens when you are excited and it's the first time.... I speak from experience... but we will not go into that at this time...adhere to Fisherpal's advice.... get a check list. do the same thing each time, do it the same way each time.. then it becomes such a habit and you will have less problems....</font></p>
<font color="#6600ff">Loved your report. Hint to the wise... don't unhook boat from trailer till you get down to the water....trust me... does that sound familar to anyone???? I will let your mind wonder about that...FA</font></p>
<font color="#6600ff">Loved your report. Hint to the wise... don't unhook boat from trailer till you get down to the water....trust me... does that sound familar to anyone???? I will let your mind wonder about that...FA</font></p>
FA. Sounds real familiar and can be extremely funny. I found out I could reel in a 17.5 bass boat with a baitcasting reel spooled with 20lb. test spider wire. You really have to be patient and don't try to horse it in.
I've also witnessed several folks who started out the day taking a little swim before getting serious about the boating plans.
emoLaugh emoLaugh emoLaugh Thanks for the reminder. I got a smile or two out of this posting and I think every boat owner has shared similar experiences.
I've also witnessed several folks who started out the day taking a little swim before getting serious about the boating plans.
emoLaugh emoLaugh emoLaugh Thanks for the reminder. I got a smile or two out of this posting and I think every boat owner has shared similar experiences.
Roba22
Well-known member
Your luck may have been a little better if you had chosen a better team colors to ware out... LOL emoPoke All boat owners have been there done that! and some of us never learn! emoScratch I had the chance to take a ride and fish in that boat with Rob and I liked it allot too. and trust me I wanted it. Just wasn't my time so it was ment for you.. enjoy it!..
BassmanIU
Well-known member
Yeah, it's really a great boat. When I'm done with it, I'll give you a really good deal on the drainplug...hehe. Lord knows I don't use it! emoBang
Jack
Well-known member
Great Report/Post!! I hurt myself laughing!!!
emoThumbsup emoToast emoThumbsup
emoThumbsup emoToast emoThumbsup
that`s a great report there Bassman....I just knew there had to be more to it than that first 2-line report....
Don`t feel bad ...i don`t know anybody that`s had a boat that hasn`t forgot the plug at least once ..including myself...
That first picture is the smile of a new boat owner !!
Have fun !!!
Don`t feel bad ...i don`t know anybody that`s had a boat that hasn`t forgot the plug at least once ..including myself...
That first picture is the smile of a new boat owner !!
Have fun !!!
Triton4Bass
Well-known member
Nice story! That shirt was probably what caused it all, Go Vols! emoLaugh I guarantee that you'll never forget the plug again. Congrats on boating a few fish, ya'll did better than we did. emoThumbsup
