Just Bought My First Boat.

[LittleRedFisherman]

Until you know how well it runs, and you are comfortable with it, go up river, not down. This way if something goes wrong the current will bring you back. Some of the best advice I was ever given.

Golden words of wisdom here, I learned the hard way more than once, even to this day I still do this a lot.. I started out with a 1963 sears and roebuck v bottom my grandfather ordered out of a catalog, and a 64 18ph Johnson (that I used in the mid 90's) It had me paddling more than once..lol, but I was happy as a lark when I was on the water with it.

You'll love having a boat, it opens up a lot of water, and you'll have an easier time making fishing buddies to....

[marcusearlt]

Some basic things to consider:

1) ALWAYS us non-ethanol gas!

2) keep clutter, attachments, accessories, etc to a minimum

3) keep a spare drain plug in the boat

4) remove trash, etc after every use when you trailer/store the boat

5) make sure the spare trailer tire is sound

6) if stored outdoors, jack the trailer tongue up enough to ensure drainage

7) install a good bilge pump

8) have a good paddle handy

9) run the gas out of the carb on every outing, especially if the boat will sit for long periods of time

10) don't go overkill on an anchor if you use one

You are a boat owner now, welcome to the dark side!

[Quillback]

Does it have oar mounts? Sure beats paddling, especially if you are by yourself.

[Jason R.]

Some basic things to consider:

1) ALWAYS us non-ethanol gas!

2) keep clutter, attachments, accessories, etc to a minimum

3) keep a spare drain plug in the boat

4) remove trash, etc after every use when you trailer/store the boat

5) make sure the spare trailer tire is sound

6) if stored outdoors, jack the trailer tongue up enough to ensure drainage

7) install a good bilge pump

8) have a good paddle handy

9) run the gas out of the carb on every outing, especially if the boat will sit for long periods of time

10) don't go overkill on an anchor if you use one

You are a boat owner now, welcome to the dark side!

These are really good points.

Does it have oar mounts? Sure beats paddling, especially if you are by yourself.

I am considering some but I don't want to clutter the boat up. I am considering a trolling motor first. Just a small bow mount to help control drifts. The thing with oars is that I couldn't use them and fish at the same time and none of my buddies are competent enough to row. I did some research and found out my boat is a 1979 Shawnee with a 1988 Yamaha 9.9 and the original trailer. Thanks for all the advice fellas.