New Grady White Owner

[Brob2437]

This is my first post...

In the midst of purchasing my first boat, a 2014 Freecom 205. Grew up going out for flounder on Cape Cod with my uncle and cousins. Can't wait to get back at it!

The boat will be docked in Dana Point, CA. Being so new to this, any advice for a beginner would be much appreciated!

Rob

 

[seasick]

This is my first post...

In the midst of purchasing my first boat, a 2014 Freecom 205. Grew up going out for flounder on Cape Cod with my uncle and cousins. Can't wait to get back at it!

The boat will be docked in Dana Point, CA. Being so new to this, any advice for a beginner would be much appreciated!

Rob

Without a doubt, take a Boater Safety Education Course.
When you first go out in your new boat, take along a friend who is experienced with boating and the waters you will be boating in.
Become familiar with your safety gear and make sure your guests know where things are.

Go slow! Especially when leaving and docking.
Respect others, respect the weather and have a ball.

 

[Parthery]

Welcome to the group....205 is a great boat.

Don't be afraid to ask us questions - and also be sure to post pics up once you get it.

 

[VeroWing]

Rob[/quote]
Without a doubt, take a Boater Safety Education Course.
When you first go out in your new boat, take along a friend who is experienced with boating and the waters you will be boating in.
Become familiar with your safety gear and make sure your guests know where things are.

Go slow! Especially when leaving and docking.
Respect others, respect the weather and have a ball.[/quote]

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I'll second this advice and add a couple more. Join a towing group such as BoatUS/Seatow. Get local charts of area you plan to boat in. Stay close to home until you are confident on piloting, docking, etc on your boat. When/if venturing offshore, be sure to tell someone on land where and when you are heading, and time you plan to return (float plan). Be sure you have good communications in case you have any problems, and a PLB or Epirb is always a good idea if you plan in heading offshore. Check the weather and tides before heading out. You will not want to be on open water greater than 3ft, or winds more than 15mphish in a 20ftr. Not that the boat can't handle it, it just will not be enjoyable for anyone.

Good luck and hope you enjoy your new boat.

 

[hbsoldier3]

This is my first post...

In the midst of purchasing my first boat, a 2014 Freecom 205. Grew up going out for flounder on Cape Cod with my uncle and cousins. Can't wait to get back at it!

The boat will be docked in Dana Point, CA. Being so new to this, any advice for a beginner would be much appreciated!

Rob

Rob,

This is my second post, I just picked up a 2005 208. I lived in OC for 54 years,now in the IE. Others have suggested a Boater Safety Course. Here is a link to the one I am taking. It is Lake Elsinore.
http://wow.uscgaux.info/pe_class_flyer. ... urse=12838

 

[against the wind]

hi... my fellow GW owners said it all !!! I will add a few more thing... practice docking i was horrible especially on windy days.. get a nice tool kit metric and standard.. and always respect the weather !! even if you have to cancell your trip the last minute safety is AWAYS FIRST. good luck with ur new boat, enjoy it

 

[fathergoose]

I echo the replies regarding the safety courses. I bought the same boat last year and I can tell you that you couldn't have made a better choice for your first boat. As one of the others said practice docking and become confident in your abilities. I run mine single handed most of the time and the only time that I have trouble docking is in windy conditions or if I have to put it in a tight fit. You'll get comfortable with fairly quick. Also respect the weather. The boat will handle rough water but it's still only a 20' boat.

Good luck and enjoy the boat!