Is an R7 to big for a first boat?

[Khash]

In the process of buying a used R7 and am just a touch intimidated and the boats not even here yet. Lol..... I’ve spent a lot of time of the lake and have driven many other peoples boats and have rented pontoons. Bought my first seadoo a Rxtx a couple years ago and now jumped into an R7. Mainly docking is what I’m slightly intimidated by but it’s prob just natural and a good thing. lol... I just plan on getting out there and practicing on a slow day. I can drive anything with a motor pretty well. Opinions are appreciated!! Even if it’s not what I want to hear. Lol

[bruceb58]

The problem most people have with bigger boats is that they actually don't have a big enough vehicle to tow it.

As far as docking...you just need to do everything slower with a bigger vs smaller boat since you just have more mass and can do more damage.

If you want that size boat...buy it.

[Khash]

I have 2019 Ford Raptor. As far as I’ll ever go with it I think I’ll be fine. It’s just going to be for a local lake here in Arkansas( Beaver Lake). I think it’s a good size for this lake. I pretty much did already buy it. Î planed on something in the 25ft range but It was everything I wanted besides maybe 100 more hours than I planned but as well maintained as it is; I figured the trade off was worth it?

[bruceb58]

Problem with a Ford Raptor is it has horrible payload. An R7 is likely going to be close to 700# or more tongue weight and that is with not much in it. What does the door sticker say for payload on your Raptor?

[AsLan7]

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Hey khash...welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

Here’s some tried and true advice.
The first thing we do is a (another) complete inspection of the boat and trailer after it’s newly acquired. We change fluids, change impeller, and verify all switches, batteries and electrical parts are operating correctly. Then we start it up on muffs. Better to find out now if there are any issues rather than on the water.

Make sure you have all required safety items like life jackets, a throwable PFD, first aid kit, tool kit, flares, registration....etc.
Do some driveway boating getting to know switch locations, operations, and read your manual.

Go to the boat ramp on a non-busy day and develop a routine if you will be launching each time. Make sure you do a verbal communication (with you or whoever is with you) about the drain plug being inserted before launching.
There is a good thread on this forum about launching etiquette & checklists. It’s listed here.

Once on the water get to know this R7 with slow maneuvers including docking practice on a lone buoy with nothing around. Approach the buoy at an imaginary 30 degree angle slowly going in and out of gear. Just before your bow touches the buoy, shift into reverse, turn the wheel all the way to the side on which you’re docking and bring the boat parallel. Practice makes perfect. With such a large boat and a single engine you will be a weather vane when the wind kicks up so always be aware of the wind direction.

Probably not what you want to hear right out of the gate but it will pay dividends in the short and long run. Remember you are the Captain of this vessel and responsible for the safety of all on board. They trust you know what you’re doing and that you’ve prepared yourself and this R7 for safe operation. Coming to this Cobalt forum for advice is a great start. There’s a lot of wisdom here. My wife and I both took a USCG approved boating course. It’s another option to consider.

Be sure to post pics when you can.

Hope this helps and again welcome aboard mate!

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[Krob1114]

Welcome and good luck!
One piece of advise I first read here, don't approach the dock (or what ever) at any speed faster than you want to hit it.
I've never captained a 27 footer, but it sure was a change going from 19' to 25'. Be careful....too nice a boat to damage.
Post some pics and info on the new member thread.

[tgrace98]

No way id tow an r7 with a raptor. I’d want a 3/4 ton.

Personally I wouldn’t be worried about the size of the boat but more the value. Do you really want to learn on a 6 figure boat? My first boat was an old junker crownline that I learned on.

[dustinm]

First thing on to do list: buy a gopro. Film your launch, dockings, and preferably loadings. The money you make off of these will pay for the next boat.

[rabiddawg]

Is it too big? Hard to say. I have quite a bit of experience from tiller to out board to direct drive to stern drive.

Direct drive was always the easiest to me and going from that to this 262 has been intimidating. It’s just so much bigger and heavier and influenced by wind and current.

I think it will be a challenge for you like it was and still is for me. Not impossible

Bottom line. If it fits your pocket book and you want it buy it. You can learn the rest.

And pics or ignore list

[20mm]

My first boat is the 282 I bought last year. Kind of a beast with a single engine so it is a handful with any wind / current. If I learned anything the most valuable piece of advice is take it slow - as someone mentioned not any faster than you would want to hit the dock. Don't be afraid to back out and start again - everyone watching who has driven a boat has been in the same spot. Also have taken mine out to some remote areas and practiced pulling up on buoys. Touching them with the very tip of the boat, pulling up next to them on either side to see how the wind and current effect your boat and also backing in - which I need more practice with this year. Also the on-line safety courses are a must - even better is the in person instruction available through some water patrols / coast guard. It took me a full season to feel comfortable enough to dock anywhere besides our slip, ie at a crowded restaurant around other boats. At the beginning of the season I'm going to go down during a weekday and practice some more after getting to boat ready for the season. Good luck and congrats on your new boat!

[lespaulrob]

in addition to what A7 said above, I'd also purchase at least four 8" fenders to keep it all padded up as you come into the dock. That's my plan anyway for the R6! lol!

[FLCErik]

I have a 2020 Raptor and pull my R7 with it. I had to install Timbren bumpers for the rear.
https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspen ... 150RB.html

With the stock set up the rear bottoms out on the spacers as it does with the Timbren system but at least your truck stays fairly level. The Raptor is not the best for towing the R7 but it is ok for short distances. I tow mine from Reno to Tahoe in the spring and back to Reno in the fall. The Timbren system does not change the way the truck rides in normal conditions.

[bruceb58]

I have a 2020 Raptor and pull my R7 with it. I had to install Timbren bumpers for the rear.
https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspen ... 150RB.html

With the stock set up the rear bottoms out on the spacers as it does with the Timbren system but at least your truck stays fairly level. The Raptor is not the best for towing the R7 but it is ok for short distances. I tow mine from Reno to Tahoe in the spring and back to Reno in the fall. The Timbren system does not change the way the truck rides in normal conditions.

Out of curiosity, what does the the yellow payload sticker inside your door jamb say and what is your tongue weight? Unfortunately, add ons don't change the payload. At least you aren't travelling far.

Where in Tahoe are you? We are in Tahoe Keys.

[Big Block Power]

Dustin I already subscribed!
Obviously you can afford it and afford to hit stuff. Get a good gel repair guy you will need it.
I know People that have purchased a 30ft boat for their first one. Crazy yep but they did it. One is my buddy. We left the slip to practice docking in the marina and that scared the crap out of me. His is much older with twins and now thruster but the shifter was so stiff it sucked to get in and out of gear. He had dock partners drive his boat to gas up. He never left his slip after that. This year he plans to.
Glad yours is new.

Also
Tell everyone in your boat to keep their arms and hands and legs in the boat at all times and don't touch anything at the dock till you are stopped. Gel coat is easier to fix then a broken arm!

You will hit forward instead of reverse more than once just a FYI! Be careful and go slow! Neutral is your best friend. Get a long hook that your dock hand can reach a dock with. Because most of the time you won't get close enough. The oh crap pole is your buddy! My son loves it.

[bruceb58]

The Coast Guard Auxiliary has a good online set of tutorials that would be worth reading.

It explains docking, anchoring, navigation and most importantly....rules of the road. When I was 12 years old, my dad and I took an in person course. Was time well spent.