Help a dumb bu__

[rcb7761]

Folks.
Finally got the Giles 20ssh to the lake. Pre started the Y80 on the trailer, just to warm up a little. Backed the boat in the water and floated off the trailer. Managed to get in without tipping over and now here's the where the lack of experience takes over. Well, I made my longer starter rope for starting by yourself, but found out that freeboard is not as high i would like. I now know what the bottom of the boat looks like and how the gear case shines as it faces the sun and found out how to dry out a y80 motor.
I'm an old man with limited mobility in that darn narrow cockpit. How can I start the motor without taking a swim. Thought about putting the boat on the trailer backwards and move the transom to the end of the runners and this would hold the boat until I could start the motor. Needless to say I'm a newbie used to running my 20' bullet. Any idea besides getting a friend to help???
signed "Dumb butt" Rodney

[burl11]

A Roper Friend is the Best

If you don't have a roper/helper, you might make a small stand. You may have to experiment with the depth of the stand so that the prop will have enough thrust to send you off the cart smoothly.

Or you could use the backend of a boat cart, that you will kind of want or need anyway down the road

Still, a roper helper is the best, plus it's best to have someone else there in case help is needed for unforeseen events.

[Bill Huson]

Like Tom said - you need help. Water sports of any kind require a buddy system, and for race boats a chase boat to retrieve you if you dump it in the middle of Lake Charlie Foxtrot.

[bill van steenwyk]

A word to the wise

I can't stress how important it is NOT TO TEST ALONE, especially with a rig that you are new to.

There have been many accidents over the years testing, where someone was by themselves, or had someone with them, but no patrol/safety boat for pickup-tow in purposes.

Several folks have almost drowned and ended up mentally impaired because their face was in the water and they were not breathing good air while waiting for someone to get a boat cranked and to them for recovery.

I know how you must want to run the rig that is new to you, but to avoid a tragedy, DON'T TEST ALONE OR WITHOUT A SAFETY/PICKUP BOAT. If you have that in place, starting the motor will work out for you as you will have the pickup driver there to support the back of the boat while you crank it.

Boat stands with the support lumber running lengthwise are easily made, either with sloping toward the front supports, or I have seen one made that "rocked" over and lowered itself almost a foot when pulled over by a pipe lever by a pit person. The type that rocks over looks very similar to a 55 gal barrel stand with the curved supports on front that allow it to be tipped from an upright to horizonal postion.

Good Luck and STAY SAFE. DON'T TEST ALONE

[mr.b51]

Never Never without any support or help

[M721son]

There is going to be a race In Wilson Nc on the 20-21 August That you could come up to and probably get any questions answered and meet some of the area racers. I'm located in Warner Robins we could possibly hook up sometime in the future and help out. Are you planning to compete with this boat, or use it for pleasure? I'll send you a PM so you can call
Jerry Oberlin

[johnsonm50]

Im sure some do, but most racers don't rope their own boat, best to be suited up at the controls ready to drive. A pal willing to walk in the water then jump in a dependable chase boat capable of assisting are definitely the way to go if at all possible. Good Luck. Sure, maybe embarrassing, uncomfortable even a few bruises, dont be discouraged & when going don't underestimate the power & speed of the 80 ease into it & enjoy the ride>>>>>>>>>>! PS there's plenty freeboard 'on air'

[rcb7761]

Thanks to all

This is exactly why at 65 would love to join this sport. Great people with experience, friendly and sound advice. I will take ya'lls advice and get a ropper/buddy with a chase boat. I learned my lesson. Now I will start building a boat cart. As far as racing, yes but will run the river until i can handlle the boat. I can't make Wilson, but will bring my boat to Jessup in October with hopes that one or more of ya'll will drive and help with setup. Tom C. has been coaching me via the phone on setup and do's and don'ts.
Jerry, would love to get to together one Sat or Sun and let you drive it and maybe give me a lesson or two and thanks for the offer with Wilson. I work at Ft Gordon.
Thanks folks for great advice and yes you've hit home with the safety issues.
Rodney

[bill van steenwyk]

You are ahead of the game right now

Welcome to the sport, whether you end up racing competitively with your rig, as either an owner or driver yourself, or just "lake racing" for fun.

You will find lots of help on this site, and another called Boat Racing Facts. If you have been interested in the sport for sometime (you mentioned your age)
BRF is a treasure of history of the sport.

I know we are all glad to give advice when we can, and especially grateful and willing to help in the future, when someone such as yourself takes it in the spirit it was intended.

There are many boat racers in the SE United States area, and hopefully you will be able to attend some races, learn more, and decide if you want to participate yourself. Don't let your age stop you. The driver who has won the 175 CC Hydro National Championship (85 MPH lay down hydro class) two years running in the recent PRO Category is originally from the Atlanta area. Ralph Donald, now living in Florida, won this championship against some tough competition and he is coming up on his 81st birthday, so you are never too old to enjoy the sport, either as a driver or participating as an equipment owner.

Welcome again, and don't hesitate to ask questions on this site. That is how you stay healthy, keep your equipment running well, and enjoy the sport to its fullest. And I certainly don't think someone who asks questions to keep unpleasant things from happening again is a "dumb butt".

[M721son]

Rodney be glad to set sometime up to help get you on the water plan on running Jesup we'll help get you going and what you may not have We'll come up with I plan to put some new drivers on the water so you can jump in with them. Let me be the first to Welcome you to the Boat racing Family
Jerry

[rcb7761]

Thanks again for the support!!!

Bill, I appreciate and agree with your post. Thank you again.

Jerry, will friday in Jessup be the best day to meet or were you thinking of somewhere sooner on a weekend?

[GarE-12]

Wet motor

Don't know if you have, but make sure you dry start the motor a few more times so it won't rust before you get to run it on the water again.

[Tom Cronk]

Help

Rodney
I will be at Wilson Friday AM.
Tom

[rcb7761]

Rodney
I will be at Wilson Friday AM.
Tom

Tom,
Can't make Wilson. but can make Jessup. again thanks for all your advice and help. LU works great, fine job!!!
Rodney

[rcb7761]

Don't know if you have, but make sure you dry start the motor a few more times so it won't rust before you get to run it on the water again.

Did exactly as you recommend. Dry started on boat ramp after dumping and cleared internal water. Got her fired up and let her get warm. Then backed the trailer and boat back in the water and ran about half throttle for about 5 min. Then brought her home and removed the rope starter pully and let her dry out over night, no signs of water anywhere even pulled spark plugs and well lubed block. Thanks again for the heads up advice,
rodney