Just got my first boat!

[Montego Jack]

Hello,
I just purchased my first boat, a 1989 Carver 27' Montego. The guy I bought it from is a real good guy, and can drive it well, but just wasn't much of an instructor so I'm gonna have to get some lessons. Any suggestions for the South Haven, MI area?
Thanks,
Jack

[Viper]

Welcome aboard Jack, and congratulations. There's something about the first boat that one just never seems to forget. Here's hoping you make many fond memories with her.

[RGrew176]

Congrats on your first boat. Yours is a bit bigger than my first boat a 12' Fiberform with a 5 HP outboard motor. Perhaps you can find someone at your marina, if you're keeping your boat at a marina to show you the ropes.


Good luck.

[waybomb]

Welcome aboard!
Ask around at the local marinas who they use when they sell a boat.

[Viper]

I agree with the above. Ask around the marina. If someone came to me with an offer for a boat ride and a case of beer after, I'd be all over it

[Montego Jack]

Thanks for the advice. I was on my way to the Marina yesterday to ask around and blew out a tire on my truck and by the time I got the tire changed the Marina had closed. I will call today or tomorrow.

[Midnightsun]

Congrats on the new ride. As for an instructor there is only so much one can do. Practice behind the wheel is the only way to learn. Definitely another dimension to boating as there is drift, wind,current and no brakes not to mention slow reaction time. My favorite expression I use on newer and sometimes even well seasoned boaters is "never approach the dock any faster than you are prepared to hit it".

[RGrew176]

[quote=" "never approach the dock any faster than you are prepared to hit it". [/quote]

The best advice any boater can give to another boater.

[SplashyLady]

You could stop by the River Noire Yacht Club and I'm sure there are some folks around there that would be willing to help you out. The South Haven Yacht Club is almost all sailboats, so they would be of limited help. River Noire's web site is: http://www.rnyc.info/

Good luck!

[dsolo]

Welcome aboard Jack. Being a new boater you may want to take a safe boating class from the USCG Auxiliary.you may contact Daniel Groenendyk, djgroenendyk@gmail.com. Classes are free, held on Saturday for 8 hours. They can help get you connected with others. Daniel is out of Holland, Michigan.
Good luck, enjoy.