Lake Illawarra

[Izza]

G'day guys

Been a while since I posted on here, haven't been doing much fishing due to work and home reno's BUT in happier news I have just got my boat licence and picked up a 4.1m aluminum runabout which I'm hoping to take out on the lake tomorrow weather permitting, just wondering if any of you guys have any general boating advice,advice on lake illawarra itself and any spots to try for some fish on the lake that you could impart onto a complete novice (seriously I can count the number of times I have fished from a boat on one hand haha) cheers in advance guys

tight lines

[griffox]

General newbie boatie advice (and don't laugh, everyone screws up):

Practice reversing your trailer in a vacent carpark (not at the ramp).

Make sure you have all the required safety gear before you go out (get a copy of the rules from Maritime or online).

Double check the drain bungs are in before getting near the water.

Make sure the vent in the fuel cap is open before starting the engine.

Prime the fuel line (squeeze the bulb until it's firm) before starting.

Double check the drain bungs are in before getting near the water!

Disconnect the trailer lights before reversing down the ramp (lessens blown globes).

Remember to connect them before driving home!

Make sure someone is holding the bow rope when launching.

Double check the drain bungs are in before getting near the water!!

Keep an eye on the water tell-tail when out on the water.

Do up the safety chain on the boat before driving out of the water up the ramp.

Flush your motor for 5 minutes after every run in salt water.

Hose down the trailer (frame, rollers, springs and hubs) after every dip.

Check/grease the wheel bearings (and wheel nuts) a couple of times a year (I also use bearing buddies on my hubs).

Use loads of Inox (with lanoline) on your motor (especially all around the tilt mechanism) and grease all moving parts on the trailer.

And did I mention to check the bungs?

Whew!!!

After you do it a few times it will become second nature...

Have fun and find some fish dude!

Edited October 22, 2012 by motohead

[Izza]

thanks very much motohead that's a great little check list, will remember to check the bungs, now all I have to do is find the fish lol

[Izza]

that's the boat to for anyone who's interested needs a bit of a clean up but mechanically fairly sound

[griffox]

that's the boat to for anyone who's interested needs a bit of a clean up but mechanically fairly sound

Nothing wrong with that mate!

If you're not sure of the motor service history it might be an idea to have her serviced and get the impeller changed.

Then you'll be good for a years worth of fishing.

Tight lines, motohead.

[Izza]

Nothing wrong with that mate!

If you're not sure of the motor service history it might be an idea to have her serviced and get the impeller changed.

Then you'll be good for a years worth of fishing.

Tight lines, motohead.

I was pretty lucky in that I got it off a very good mate of my dads who did me a good deal on it, he checked and changed anything that needed it before I got it.