Drift boat......

We just acquired an "89" vintage aluminum drift boat. JUST what we needed! We also have in the stable one pram, three canoes, and a Whaler. We are certainly getting ready for the next GREAT flood.
Yesterday we took this aluminum chip to a local pond for some "stick it in the water", "take it out of the water", "tie it down", and "load it up with all the dogs, the cat, the lunch and the GF" first time experiences.
Some lessons were learned!
The first was "untrailering". Of course we loosened the ropes and straps, shoved her back, and heaved her off the trailer. Our only concern was if we were deep enough to clear the transom. WALLA! No noise....we cleared! Yahoo!!!
THEN....OOPS! Oh well, we'll just pull her up the ramp by hand to drain the water.......that came over the transom......NOT. Oh well, we'll just put her back on the trailer part way to drain the water.
Lesson learned.....slow the entry. ;-)
Next lesson....be sure the snap is flat when it comes over the roller. Old, rotund Eyetalians absolutely CANNOT acquire enough speed to dodge a flying snap.....double OW!
Final lesson was.....do not close PU door on thumb when getting it to load boat! This lesson was even more special as it was the SECOND time we were taught it in two seasons. You know, it REALLY is a tough job being Eyetalian. ;-)
Nuff schooling for one day. We got home safely, somehow, and thoroughly enjoyed our day, lessons and all.
Next we'll try tossing a string at smallies in the river, dodging the dogs and cat underfoot, and seeing where the current takes us...... :shock:
.....lee s.