Formula Boats - and sizes

[bradders]

Hello all. Hoping that someone will be able to help me.

I've been running an old Four Winns H200 here in Corfu for the last three summers - bought second hand from a local yard.

I've decided to upgrade for next summer to something larger and more luxurious, and have been told that the local dealer can supply Formula boats at a reasonable price.

As I already have and like the bow rider style, I've been considering another bow rider, or the crossover bow rider that Formula make. The crossover however starts at 330 - 10.06m.

As I understand it, my Powerboat Level II allows me to run up to 10m - so what certification do I need to be able to make the jump up to 10.06m?

Hope someone can help.

[Fishtigua]

I think it's time for you to do your Coastal Skipper exam. You'll find it interesting and make your boating safer and more fun too.

[mph1977]

as fishtigua says - the larger boats you are looking at Coastal Skipper (power) and the power equivalent to Yachtmaster for larger powerboats

[jep]

I'm all for learning how to handle larger vessels, however I thought the length limit was only for commercial work. That means there is nothing stopping you from buying a bigger boat and running it for personal use, but if you were hiring yourself out/hiring a larger boat, then you'd need further certificates?

[The Moose]

Formula boats aren't bad. My family bought a 350SS new in 08. Fun boat. Bow rider was a little more nervous on the water but still a good boat. Hit 62mph which was fun to do.

Not particularly well designed/laid out from a practical perspective (one engine wouldn't start on New Year's Eve when we were meant to go to see some fireworks - turned out to be a fking fuse in the most bizarre place within the engine bay - why not just put it with the rest of them...or at least document the fact there's a fuse tucked away in an unexpected place!). To be honest a lot of manufacturers seem to be like that.

Would consider another.

[bradders]

Thanks to all for your replies. I think I will work my way up to Coastal Skipper on my return. A good idea that, having read up.

The Moose - what engine configuration were you running in the 350, if you don't mind me asking. One of the many decisions I now have to look at.

I've also been looking at the Four Winns H310 as an alternative, so if anyone has experience of that, feel free to offer your thoughts.

[Fishtigua]

I'm a Mercruiser and Mercury dealer if you need any advice. Feel free to contact me.

I was also a Volvo Penta dealer for many years too.

[julians]

You dont need any new 'certification' just because the boat is bigger, I think for personal use you're fine with what you have up to something like 70 foot. technically I dont think you need any form of qualification if the boat is Uk registered. Whether you can get insurance without some form of certificate is debateable though.

[IforB]

RYA qualifications are nice to have, they are certainly not legal requirements to drive boats for pleasure.

Having said that, it's a good idea if you are going to be venturing further afield with a bigger boat.

[The Moose]

bradders said:

The Moose - what engine configuration were you running in the 350, if you don't mind me asking. One of the many decisions I now have to look at.

From memory a pair of Mercruiser 496 HO engines. Something like 850hp?

Nice pair and she ran well.