new to boating

[topgun]

Hello everyone, I just bought my first boat it's a 86 diplomat with a 181 4cyl. and a alpha one stern drive. The boat is a heavy metallic brown and gold. When I saw this boat on my way home from work a few weeks ago I decided to stop and take a look. It was faded but in really good shape. I told the guy that I did not know anything about boats and the only one I have ever been on is the staten island ferry. So placing myself at his mercy he started to tell me about the boat. I may not know anything about boats but I do know about the condition of things as I am a auto body tech and a decent mechanic. The boat looked good to me and I knew with some compound and some wax it would look awsome. The guy offered to take me for a ride and some lessons to the nearby lake with it and I agreed. We met that following Sunday at Beltzville lake. He showed me how to unload it from the trailer and start it up and how to drive it. After we passed the no wake zone he kicked it in the butt and man this little boat is really fast. To me anyways, Remember this is a whole new experiance for me. So i drove it for awhile and I admit I still need some practice but I had such a blast. He then show me how to trailer the boat aand secure for transport and we were done. No need to mention that I was sold the moment he hit throttle for the first time. I was still shaking when he gave me the wheel. And so now she is mine and I must say that I have found a hobby that I will enjoy for the rest of my life. I am really thankful to Brian Hannis for his honesty and patience and my new boat. I got her home I polished the heck out of her and it looks bada$$ in the sun sort of like that old 60s and 70s disco pimpmobile look with the brown and gold flake. Gawdy but lovin' it I will post some pics as soon as I can. One last thing. I seem to think that my good luck also extenzs to it being a Checkmate as I get the impresion that these are awsome quality boats. And one last thing , I payed 1,800.00 for it with the trailer. What do you all think? Did this new guy do good/.......................Rich

 

[Gimme Fuel]

Welcome to the Board and boating. I hope you enjoy your new Checkmate. And remember........

 

[Vandalizer]

Congrats and . I'd say you got a pretty good deal. Make sure the engine is cooling properly soon so you don't accidentally blow up your new toy.
When you get a chance post some pictures and let us know how fast she is!

 

[topgun]

Thanks. Yeah she cooles properly and the guy show me how to run it with a waterthingy that attaches to the water intakes in the lower unit. Told me to NEVER! start it without it out of water not even for a second or I will be replacing the impeller in the housing. Can you believe I did not know any of this stuff a couple of weeks ago. As for speed, The guy who sold it to me had it go to 40 mph on the speedo when he took me for a ride in it...................Rich

 

[175checkmate]

Welcome to the board and congrats on the new boat. I have to say, well done to the seller. If every seller took the time to do this there would be allot less accidents in the world with new boaters.

 

[topgun]

Thanks Guy's. I will post pics of boat as soon as I can figure out how. She is looking really good and I am anxious to show her off. Just ordered a new ladder today from aquarius. and that will be it for the outside. the interior is next but that will wait till the spring as the old int. is quite servicable for now and not in bad shape. I'm just fanatical.............................Rich

 

[justincase]

sounds like a good deal!

 

[Ascj]

sounds go to me.

 

[topgun]

I think I figured out how to post pics. so here ya go.............................Rich

 

[topgun]

And another.

 

[topgun]

and one more.

 

[justincase]

Very nice! i likes it!

 

[Jetmate]

I like it, looks great!!! Have fun enjoy the summer...