Boating with kid. 2.5 year old.

[ChrisV]

Some of you know we just had a addition to the family.

Well theres not much I can do to help the wife so I'm stuck majority of the time watching my 2 year old. She mentioned if I wanted to go to the lake I can. Only if I bring my 2year old.

Would this be a bad decision? I need to get the boat anyways so I can fit it on the new trailer. So might as well go out for a day and bring the boat back. Launching and retrieving the boat would be the tricky part. Any tips? I know theres gotta be Dads out there that would do this. LMK!

 

[hallett21]

My dad did it with me all the time.

Get to the ramp early and try to make sure the trailer is on the far left or far right side. Get all of your dock lines and fenders ready before the boat gets wet.

Kid stays in the truck with you until you have the boat floating (still attached to the trailer). Grab kid and set him in the boat. You unhook and head to the slip to tie off.

Then grab kid and head back to the truck.

Same steps in reverse when you pull out.

I’m sure if you just posted when and where you were launching someone here would be more than happy to give you a hand.

Edit: and I can’t stress this enough. You are moving at your pace. No matter what pressure you feel by other boats, no matter what some jackass says you just run your operation.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Some of you know we just had a addition to the family.

Well theres not much I can do to help the wife so I'm stuck majority of the time watching my 2 year old. She mentioned if I wanted to go to the lake I can. Only if I bring my 2year old.

Would this be a bad decision? I need to get the boat anyways so I can fit it on the new trailer. So might as well go out for a day and bring the boat back. Launching and retrieving the boat would be the tricky part. Any tips? I know theres gotta be Dads out there that would do this. LMK!

Launch - leave kid in car seat, truck and AC on. Dock boat, back to truck, park and bring kid with you back to boat.

I’d take the kid with you when you retrieve. Pop kid in car seat, AC on. A small damp towel will help keep them cool for the parking lot walk and in the hot truck when you retrieve.

Have fenders and dock lines ready to go to save time. You can do it!

In another couple years you can probably leave the kid in the boat, they will like it.

 

[dirtslinger2]

I did this for years with my 2 kids, starting around when my daughter was 1.5, and my son 5.
I launch at Park Moabi, so it was fairly easy to launch the boat by myself with the kids in the truck, put the boat on the beach, and then walk them down after I parked.
Then I'd do the opposite to retrieve the boat.

We had a fairly large boating group back then, so once I was on the water or the beach, the other Moms pretty much took the baby from me, and my son hung with the guys and other kids.

 

[JFMFG]

Some of you know we just had a addition to the family.

Well theres not much I can do to help the wife so I'm stuck majority of the time watching my 2 year old. She mentioned if I wanted to go to the lake I can. Only if I bring my 2year old.

Would this be a bad decision? I need to get the boat anyways so I can fit it on the new trailer. So might as well go out for a day and bring the boat back. Launching and retrieving the boat would be the tricky part. Any tips? I know theres gotta be Dads out there that would do this. LMK! View attachment 1253340 View attachment 1253346

I would take him no problem. Bring some sand toys etc Bimini top. Take him with you to launch take him with you to retrieve the in n out of the truck will suck. My 2 year old rolls everywhere with me.

 

[ChrisV]

My dad did it with me all the time.

Get to the ramp early and try to make sure the trailer is on the far left or far right side. Get all of your dock lines and fenders ready before the boat gets wet.

Kid stays in the truck with you until you have the boat floating (still attached to the trailer). Grab kid and set him in the boat. You unhook and head to the slip to tie off.

Then grab kid and head back to the truck.

Same steps in reverse when you pull out.

I’m sure if you just posted when and where you were launching someone here would be more than happy to give you a hand.

Edit: and I can’t stress this enough. You are moving at your pace. No matter what pressure you feel by other boats, no matter what some jackass says you just run your operation.

This is the same idea I have in my head. I didn't want to leave him in the truck with the windows up. In case parking brake or P selector fails. Truck rolls into the water. Worst case right there.

 

[rivergames]

Drop the kid off at RD's to babysit and go Party!

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

This is the same idea I have in my head. I didn't want to leave him in the truck with the windows up. In case parking brake or P selector fails. Truck rolls into the water. Worst case right there.

Yes. The likelyhood of both your transmission and your parking brake failing, or your empty 22’ boat trailer pulling your truck in the water at any ramp in Havasu is probably nonexistent though.

At the 2 riskiest points you’ll be with your son in the truck, or 5 feet away with the boat on the trailer.

I’d worry more about idiots hitting your boat while tied to the dock unattended with your kid in it.

 

[TPC]

One of Maynards Elementary school teachers told us on school whale watching trips the boating family kids are the kids that don’t get sea sick.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Shoes for the little guy. Not flip flops, they fall off. Make sure he realizes everything he touches is going to be very hot.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Oh.. bring an extra pair of sunglasses for them if you haven’t got a set already

 

[stephenkatsea]

Assume your wife may read your post. Perhaps rewording that "stuck with watching him" statement could be beneficial. Women can be a bit touchy about that kind of thing. . . .No, I misspoke. Women ARE touchy about that kind of thing. Special times, for sure, for you and your son. Do it right and they'll be lifelong memories. Although, doing it wrong could lead to the same thing. . .

 

[JFMFG]

Shoes for the little guy. Not flip flops, they fall off. Make sure he realizes everything he touches is going to be very hot.

The kids rainbows have a back strap now so they stay on my little one pretty good.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Shoes for the little guy. Not flip flops, they fall off. Make sure he realizes everything he touches is going to be very hot.

That is/was my main worry when retrieving in the afternoon with a sub 3 year old, leaving in him in a hot boat for 10 minutes. At 3 or so they pretty much know to stay in the shade.

My son stuck his fingers in the mid cabin fan only once and learned not to do that again

 

[Todd Mohr]

I did it with my daughter at the same age, she loved it and I got some lake time. Walking to and from the parking lot, holding hands and talking, man it goes by fast. Enjoy all that you can!

 

[2Driver]

My dad did it with me all the time.

Get to the ramp early and try to make sure the trailer is on the far left or far right side. Get all of your dock lines and fenders ready before the boat gets wet.

Kid stays in the truck with you until you have the boat floating (still attached to the trailer). Grab kid and set him in the boat. You unhook and head to the slip to tie off.

Then grab kid and head back to the truck.

Same steps in reverse when you pull out.

I’m sure if you just posted when and where you were launching someone here would be more than happy to give you a hand.

Edit: and I can’t stress this enough. You are moving at your pace. No matter what pressure you feel by other boats, no matter what some jackass says you just run your operation.

That’s what I’d do. People warned us about the terrible 2’s, but 2-3 were some of the funnest times and best memories, especially boating.

Id say it’s all doable if everything goes right, but if something goes wrong then it could be an issue because you have an issue that must be attended to and him at the same time.
It could be something serious like taking on water, a fire or him getting real sick or something simple like a bunk floating off when you put the trailer in. All of a sudden it becomes a more complex situation.

 

[stephenkatsea]

For me, I really liked the 2-3 yr ages. I was gone so damn much, I know it was tough on my wife. At that age, they sometimes want to question just about everything. Fun times for Dad. Some amazing conversations. For Mom, not so much . . .

 

[ChrisV]

Assume your wife may read your post. Perhaps rewording that "stuck with watching him" statement could be beneficial. Women can be a bit touchy about that kind of thing. . . .No, I misspoke. Women ARE touchy about that kind of thing. Special times, for sure, for you and your son. Do it right and they'll be lifelong memories. Although, doing it wrong could lead to the same thing. . .

I totally agree what you’re saying. I said it wrong. She knows I’m going crazy inside cause I can’t work. Therefore I’m watching him. It’s been super fun watching him but the business side is failing. Adulting is hitting hard.

 

[C_J_J_C]

My dad did it with my brother and I and I did it with both my kids. Only absolute rule is the life jacket goes on in the car and stays on until boat is back on the trailer.... no exceptions.

Launching / retrieving is a PITA but he just goes with you. Back the boat in, both of you get in the boat and tie it to the ramp, and both go park the truck.

Anyone gives you shit seeing your solo making memories for your son it is the perfect time to teach him the middle finger.

 

[gqchris]

Oh brother, this one hits close to home. As you know. And I am in the midst of Terrible Twos with my daughter.

I really think that we should plan some trips together when its cooler and let all of our kids have some company together and we can put our resources together and tag team the Dad duties! I got to add you to our group text that myself, @pronstar and @Duramax started. Its a RDP Dad Support group.

Id be down to launch my deck boat, its quiet, safe and roomy. Ill watch all the kids, and then we can launch hotrods. Kinda a mothership if ya will for the kids and supplies, because remember you gottta pack like a damn Expedition!

 

[ChrisV]

.

Launching / retrieving is a PITA but he just goes with you. Back the boat in, both of you get in the boat and tie it to the ramp, and both go park the truck.

Anyone gives you shit seeing your solo making memories for your son it is the perfect time to teach him the middle finger.

Kid always have life jacket on near the water. Im very good with that. As for people giving me shit. Doubt that would happen cause havasu springs is very chill and I would be going on a weekday.

 

[Todd Mohr]

Yesterday at Canyon Lake, they grow up fast. Great day with the girls

 

[TCHB]

We did it all the time. Now the girls like hanging out at the pool with the kids. It is a lot easier.

 

[TCHB]

Yesterday at Canyon Lake, they grow up fast. Great day with the girls

Last place you want that group is the channel.

 

[Todd Mohr]

Last place you want that group is the channel.

16 going on 25, they love the channel. I might have to start bringing the guns on the boat.......

 

[ChrisV]

16 going on 25, they love the channel. I might have to start bringing the guns on the boat.......

You have 6 daughters?

 

[lakemadness]

Our daughter was born in April. We were boating that June. That was 11 years ago. Having a kid was not going to change our plans and what we wanted to do. Boating and many activities are a little more tame now, but we're doing it.

 

[MR HARLEY]

Yup, I'd do it in a heartbeat and have.

Early morning launch is best launch time when its only you the kids and the birds chirping.

Set your dock lines and bumpers out ahead of time prior to launch in the staging area.

I launched at the Marina and picked the slot all the way left so I'm hugging the dock on the left side.

Once my boat is floating I walk it back with both lines and tie off.

Back in the truck with my 2 kids, drop the truck off and walking back to our boat.

Easy peasy..

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Last place you want that group is the channel.

What are we worried about? Middle aged women with pasties, loud music and water cannons?

25 years ago they were filming porn out there..

 

[Todd Mohr]

You have 6 daughters?

Just 1, they travel in packs. Always gotta bring friends.

 

[HBCraig]

Yes sir. I did that with my kids since they were infants. They grew up on the lake

 

[Nosocks]

Not a kid but I go with my dog on my own.

Procedure is:

1. Pull up to the ramp prep area
2. Put fenders and dock lines in place
3. Back down the ramp
4. Stop just before the water, tie dock line to tie down hooks in bed of truck, drop the tailgate so I can easily step into the bow. This keeps it from floating away. Use this time to disconnect the winch and safety chain.
5. Put boat in water until it's floating
6. Aggressively apply parking brake
7. Roll down drivers window so I can get in if there's an emergency or dog hits the lock button on the passenger door (this has happened to me)
8. Park boat in temporary parking, leaving the dog in the back seat of the truck
9. Get back in truck to park it
10. Grab dog and walk back to the boat

 

[stephenkatsea]

Suggestion - Try to video these special times with your little ones. Especially those amazing conversations with a 2-3 yr old. I didn’t. You have no idea how much I regret that now.

 

[RichL]

This is the same idea I have in my head. I didn't want to leave him in the truck with the windows up. In case parking brake or P selector fails. Truck rolls into the water. Worst case right there.

Make up a wood parking block. Drill and attach a short cord/lanyard and tie off to the rear bumper.. When you're ready to pull the truck up drag the block behind and pick it up when you're off the ramp.

 

[LazyLavey]

 

[ChrisV]

I definitely enjoy going with him. No doubt.

Notice the hand wave.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I’ve boated solo with MaK many times…it adds some time but she’s usually well behaved and knows the rules now (she is 3). Having the slip makes a big difference…might be worth you renting one for the weekend. It makes it sooooo much easier with kids

 

[Sleek-Jet]

I launched and recovered a couple of times by myself. It was easy, just more work and time. The suggestions above are right on. You might add starting the boat on the trailer just in case, it would suck to get it off, the truck parked and the kid loaded only to find out the damn thing won't start. The last time I went by myself was to Saguaro Lake outside of Phoenix, talk about pressure to be quick. Most everyone seemed to understand that I was solo, so I got a little bit of grace... I think.

I loved doing things like this with my kids when they were that age. Great memories for sure. They were down for anything as long as it was with Daddy. 2-3 year olds are ready for some rough and tumble, it is definitely "dads" time to shine. I think you'll do fine with a little planning.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

And ice cream is acceptable for lunch and dinner.

 

[ChrisV]

I launched and recovered a couple of times by myself. It was easy, just more work and time. The suggestions above are right on. You might add starting the boat on the trailer just in case, it would suck to get it off, the truck parked and the kid loaded only to find out the damn thing won't start. The last time I went by myself was to Saguaro Lake outside of Phoenix, talk about pressure to be quick. Most everyone seemed to understand that I was solo, so I got a little bit of grace... I think.

I loved doing things like this with my kids when they were that age. Great memories for sure. They were down for anything as long as it was with Daddy. 2-3 year olds are ready for some rough and tumble, it is definitely "dads" time to shine. I think you'll do fine with a little planning.

I’ve always launched solo. Wife always sat in the boat watching the kid. Definitely got a lot of response from everyone. Thank you very much!

As for starting the engines on the trailer. That’s normal. I have very temperamental 2 stroke engines. So I let it idle for 2-3mins before moving it off the trailer.

 

[Bails]

it's doable, I wouldn't have wanted to subject my kid to 8 hours of driving for a work trip where I might launch the boat one time for a trailer swap.

My 8 year old is turning into a good deck hand.

 

[lbhsbz]

Find a new wife that’ll watch the kid while you handle the not fun part of boating.

 

[ChrisV]

it's doable, I wouldn't have wanted to subject my kid to 8 hours of driving for a work trip where I might launch the boat one time for a trailer swap.

My 8 year old is turning into a good deck hand.

Find a new wife that’ll watch the kid while you handle the not fun part of boating.

This is more of an excuse to use my boat. Reguardless I need to bring the boat back to Cali for the trailer.

 

[jetboatperformance]

Jet Boat Performance "life blood" Shop foreman, Machinist and all around Best Kid loved the boats early on

 

[TCHB]

16 going on 25, they love the channel. I might have to start bringing the guns on the boat.......

Teach them to golf.

 

[Havasu blue label]

Some of you know we just had a addition to the family.

Well theres not much I can do to help the wife so I'm stuck majority of the time watching my 2 year old. She mentioned if I wanted to go to the lake I can. Only if I bring my 2year old.

Would this be a bad decision? I need to get the boat anyways so I can fit it on the new trailer. So might as well go out for a day and bring the boat back. Launching and retrieving the boat would be the tricky part. Any tips? I know theres gotta be Dads out there that would do this. LMK! View attachment 1253340 View attachment 1253346

To hot

 

[outboard_256]

This is the same idea I have in my head. I didn't want to leave him in the truck with the windows up. In case parking brake or P selector fails. Truck rolls into the water. Worst case right there.

Turn the steering wheel to one side or use wheel chocks. I always used wheel chocks but either way works. Truck rolling into the water when you are not into it shouldn't be a concern.

 

[TCHB]

If I had to do it again I would have rode our bikes to the beach and put up an umbrella. Dinner at Dukes!

 

[Shane54]

Drop the kid off at RD's to babysit and go Party!

Is the list for babysitting on the back of the trailer sign up list?

 

[MR HARLEY]

I dont remember how old my daughter was in picture, but this was the last time we went out together, just the two of us.

She makes a great 1st mate!