Just bought a boat, now What?!

[Condi]

Foolishly, or sensibly, I've just become the proud owner of a small 15ft 'seasafe' boat with small 5hp engine. Research suggests that they are pretty robust 1980s boats suitable for rivers and calm seas - sounds perfect for messing around in summer.

Now I've bought the thing, what happens next if I want to simply potter around the Avon and Thames, with an occasional fishing trip to the coast? I presumably need insurance, and then what? I've got experience driving boats so not worried there, but the legal and regulatory side is all new to me. A radio would be useful I guess when off shore, and a big ensign to scare away the French...

[Simpo Two]

Offshore and inshore are two different ballparks. Offshore is not my department but you'll need radio, flares, sou-westers, life insurance policies and anti-drowning kits for when you get run over by a supertanker. Inshore (ie rivers) is a bit easier:

Licence from the appropriate authority; Thames is the EA: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/river-th... Avon is Canal & River Trust: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways...

Boat safety certificate 'BSS': https://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/

And finally insurance, eg from www.craftinsure.co.uk

[TurboHatchback]

I don't know about inland boating regulations but for coastal/offshore boating there isn't much that you legally require. If you want to use a VHF radio you must get a VHF license, that's about it legally. Most harbours and moorings stipulate that you must have 3rd party liability insurance but it isn't legally required for use on open water, though obviously advisable. Likewise with safety devices (lifejackets etc), there is no legal requirement to carry or use them but it would be foolish not to. There is also no requirement to hold any qualification, again it's recommended but not required.

I've also just bought a boat so I've been looking into all this. It amuses me how little regulation there is compared to every other form of transport, any idiot can go buy a massive boat, get hammered and set off into the blue wilderness with no qualifications, experience, safety equipment or anything. I've been sorting out all my safety kit, I'll be doing my powerboat level 2 course next week and VHF course fairly soon but all for safety not legal requirements.

[Condi]

This is encouraging, thank you. Insurance is only 50 quid so that's reasonable enough. The bss thing seems to be a pain in the arse but needs must. Seems some places don't need it but the avon do, anyway not a big issue. Looking around, aside from the initial cost of the boat, everything else seems quite expensive!! Trying to buy some remote controls for the engine isn't a cheap job in itself.

[crofty1984]

Your best bet is to take a large pile of money and set for to it. It'll work out cheaper in the long run!

[w1bbles]

You don't need a BSS unless the authority in charge of the inland waterway you're going to be on requires one.

[Simpo Two]

w1bbles said:

You don't need a BSS unless the authority in charge of the inland waterway you're going to be on requires one.

It's a relatively new regulation, no doubt inspired by our former friends in Brussels. One reason I got a boat is to get AWAY from rules and regulations; once you have a licence, insurance and speed cameras you may as well stay at home. I was having a quiet picnic lunch moored up a small river once; an EA patrol boat came past and took a photo of me. I complained and got a reply 'They can do that'. But they can't keep the bloody river free of weed for £450/year.

[steve-5snwi]

I'd be putting it in the water and making sure the river doesn't come in. Are you towing it with a car or leaving it in ?

[Condi]

crofty1984 said:

Your best bet is to take a large pile of money and set for to it. It'll work out cheaper in the long run!

We'll have non of that negativity here!! I'm well aware it'll cost some money but for 500 quid i doubt it'll be too torturous.

[R8Steve]

Condi said:

crofty1984 said:

Your best bet is to take a large pile of money and set for to it. It'll work out cheaper in the long run!

We'll have non of that negativity here!! I'm well aware it'll cost some money but for 500 quid i doubt it'll be too torturous.

Someone will be along soon to tell us if it floats, flies or fornicates rent it. Most likely someone that has no experience of any of the three.

[Athlon]

Have a read of this : RNLI safety guide

Then have fun!

[Condi]

So, picked the boat up yesterday and for what i paid it's fantastic! Not going to be the fastest thing out there but will be great in the sunshine. Comes with everything you need to get going and the trailer is sound too. Going to test it out tomorrow now it's all insured and ready to go. No bss needed as it's open and only has an outboard. Very excited!!

[Slushbox]

Small trailer boats are a lot of fun, We 'did' all the rivers in the south in a 16 footer; Thames up to the source, Arun, Medway, various dank canals, etc.

Small outboards tend to gum up the carbs with storage. If you've finished with the engine for a couple of weeks, leave the engine running (in the water) and pull off the fuel hose. Carb will empty then stall the engine, which then starts on the second pull next time.