I live in Alaska and launch directly into an icy fjord. Even my 12’ tinny has a small electric motor in addition to the 15hp two stroke from the 80s. Along with a good pair of oars. It’s imperative to have multiple methods to move!
1 week ago
| 5
There is a 10 min.time limit to the launch ramp and wharf at the marina here.There are spots you can move off to if problems arise but you must clear the launch wharf in 10 min. CHEERS from HERE!
1 week ago
| 5
I start my boat at the house, before pulling to the river. I also dont need it to start to clear the ramp. The current takes me down stream as soon as I clear the trailer. But I have floated a good ways down stream before I got it started an could go get my driver. If it ever did fail to start, I have the trolling motor to get back with. I try to have my trailer on the ramp for less than a minute, even though I am usually the only one there. Start it at home, set everything up in the parking lot an get everyone but the driver in, shove off as soon as the boat clears the trailer, come back for the driver.
1 week ago
| 4
That's why I just maintain my Ole evinrude starts right up everytime. Smokes a lot after sitting a bit but clears right up and is ready to idle out as soon as it cranks and is ready to fly after about 5 minutes of idling
1 week ago | 1
That's why i always fire off my Evinrude in the parking lot before it's in the water. If it's fine to be difficult that day it's better there than tired to the dock.
1 week ago | 2
I haven't owned a boat without efi since 2000 for that reason (well other than my high mountain alum boat.. but that has an electric trolling motor) Game changer for my boating over the last 25 years. Drop it in and turn-key instant start every time, just like starting your car!
1 week ago
| 1
If heading out, you start 2 strokes in the parking lot first, not once you’re in the water. If you’re coming back in and it don’t start in a couple minutes, move out of the way till you figure out what you’re going to do. 2 strokes are great, not much to do to keep them running strong for cheap, but people get lazy with doing basic and easy 2 stroke maintenance. I had a 87 Johnson 90 with 1,900 hours, sold my boat to my friend and he put another 1,000 hours on that motor and he just swapped it out recently for a 4 stroke because he wanted better fuel efficiency running to the island. That motor still was running strong and started every turn of the key; basic maintenance.
1 week ago (edited) | 1
While annoying I am sympathetic to this issue. The guys that kill me are the kayakers taking up the whole ramp loading all their gear. We had 2 dudes on a single “lane” ramp holding up the ramp for well over an hour just loading their kayaks up. They were packing enough stuff to go to the moon. I said something twice to them during the hour about taking forever and asked them to move out fo the way. I think my son was 1 at the time screaming and crying. I eventually had to get out and just make out 1 lane ramp into 2 from them taking so long. Then they were mad I was rushing them because “it’s a public boat ramp.” 2 or 3 years ago now and I’m still annoyed. Bad boat ramp etiquette is in poor taste and we all get the consequences unfortunately.
1 week ago
| 2
I see people struggle for 20 minutes all the time with perfectly running boats. I always wonder if there's some point where I should volunteer to help?
1 week ago
| 3
Don’t run your outboard motor out of the water!!! Your water pump impeller is made of rubber or similar material and uses water to keep it lubricated and cool! Running it dry will burn up your water pump!!!!
1 week ago | 0
That is definitely frustrating.I want to see a video of your new dingy.With the outboard cheers stay safe
1 week ago | 0
I understand that frustration for sure but in reality, the blame should be on the boater for not verifying the condition of their motor before getting to the ramp. Any internal combustion engine is only as good as the person maintaining it. 😄
1 week ago
| 0
Wayne The Boat Guy
Our boat ramp is a single "lane" meaning that when we are returning to the ramp and someone is launching, we wait in the creek until they are done. The other day we watched people struggle for 20 minutes to get their old 2 stroke to stay running long enough to get their boat out of the way. They finally gave up and tied off to the side so we could get our boat out. Electric outboards may not be perfect, but I do not miss those days at all!
1 week ago | [YT] | 48