Taking up Boating
Discussion
After some advice please.
I am thinking of moving to somewhere near the coast, probably Dorset. I am also thinking of buying a small motor boat so that I can go fishing/pottering up and down the coast.
What would be the best way of getting training ( complete beginner) so that I am not a danger to myself and others? I see there are a lot of RYA courses but I am not sure where to start. I am thinking practical skills rather than classroom stuff.
Are all sailing schools reputable? How does one know a good one.
Any advice? experiences would be appreciated.
I am thinking of moving to somewhere near the coast, probably Dorset. I am also thinking of buying a small motor boat so that I can go fishing/pottering up and down the coast.
What would be the best way of getting training ( complete beginner) so that I am not a danger to myself and others? I see there are a lot of RYA courses but I am not sure where to start. I am thinking practical skills rather than classroom stuff.
Are all sailing schools reputable? How does one know a good one.
Any advice? experiences would be appreciated.
XCP said:
Moulder said:
Based on my experience I would go with RYA Powerboat 2.
Some classroom but also lots of practical experience and covers enough for basic powered boat use and understanding.
Could I do that as a complete novice or is there a more basic level first?Some classroom but also lots of practical experience and covers enough for basic powered boat use and understanding.
XCP said:
Moulder said:
Complete novice is fine.
Thanks. All I've got to do is buy a house and a boat now.
PB2 is a great starting point. The key is to recognise that you'll learn ten times more each time you go out. Tides and winds around Britain are really rather quirky and nowadays you also have to contend with a rather large array of idiots that you have to be the responsible one to spot, predict and avoid.
If I had to give one bit of advice it would be to spend far more time than you need to practicing mooring. It's easy bring a boat in once you've practiced it enough and have developed that natural understanding of tides and winds but it's what most people find daunting and many people spend years being not very good because they've never spent a day doing it again and again.
If I had to give one bit of advice it would be to spend far more time than you need to practicing mooring. It's easy bring a boat in once you've practiced it enough and have developed that natural understanding of tides and winds but it's what most people find daunting and many people spend years being not very good because they've never spent a day doing it again and again.
XCP said:
Moulder said:
Complete novice is fine.
Thanks. All I've got to do is buy a house and a boat now.
Another vote for RYA powerboat course.
Research the pros/cons of inboard v. outboard v. outdrive. if you haven't already decided what you want. Is the potential boat likely to be kept at home on a trailer, marina or swinging mooring as that will likely affect the type/size/weight of suitable boats.
Outboard/outdrives tend to be more easily manouevred by less-experienced 'drivers'. Arguably easier to service, as well.
If you haven't considered it, when you eventually do get afloat, it's a good idea to make sure that at least one other person in the 'crew' is able to control the boat should the need ever arise.
Research the pros/cons of inboard v. outboard v. outdrive. if you haven't already decided what you want. Is the potential boat likely to be kept at home on a trailer, marina or swinging mooring as that will likely affect the type/size/weight of suitable boats.
Outboard/outdrives tend to be more easily manouevred by less-experienced 'drivers'. Arguably easier to service, as well.
If you haven't considered it, when you eventually do get afloat, it's a good idea to make sure that at least one other person in the 'crew' is able to control the boat should the need ever arise.
Welcome to Dorset.
I am in a similar position so may as well tell while I'm here not that anyone cares
The main problem with a trailered boat if you can't enjoy the treats of the fermentation process whilst at sea due to the drive home. Therefore, a seasonal mooring is best IMHO, typically March - September, on either a swinging mooring, jetty, or a rack, in order there from cheap to not cheap. That way you can winterise/repair over the winter and then the summer months are a mere taxi/cycle/bus/train to the launch.
Which type of boat are you looking for?
If it's the power type, I would recommend to seek out or convert any inboard engine to non raw water cooled, otherwise they don't last long, and you may need B+E towing licence if you're going for something relatively big, and associated suitable towing vehicle. You can of course full time rack the boat so no trailer is required. Salterns Marina or Cobbs Quay are some of the larger mariners I've used. Swanage is very nice also..
I am in a similar position so may as well tell while I'm here not that anyone cares
The main problem with a trailered boat if you can't enjoy the treats of the fermentation process whilst at sea due to the drive home. Therefore, a seasonal mooring is best IMHO, typically March - September, on either a swinging mooring, jetty, or a rack, in order there from cheap to not cheap. That way you can winterise/repair over the winter and then the summer months are a mere taxi/cycle/bus/train to the launch.
Which type of boat are you looking for?
If it's the power type, I would recommend to seek out or convert any inboard engine to non raw water cooled, otherwise they don't last long, and you may need B+E towing licence if you're going for something relatively big, and associated suitable towing vehicle. You can of course full time rack the boat so no trailer is required. Salterns Marina or Cobbs Quay are some of the larger mariners I've used. Swanage is very nice also..
How small and how much "pottering". I bought a 16ft something or other with 5hp outboard and it was the perfect calm day or inland fishing/beer drinking boat. For that you wouldn't bother with an RYA course, 5hp doesn't do much damage. Wear a lifejacket. Stay within mobile phone range. Keep a flare on board if you want.
XCP said:
I haven't got any firm ideas about where we shall be living at the moment, let alone what type of boat I shall be interested in . Once some sort of normality returns I anticipate lots of research and recce trips will be needed!
Sort your priorities out man! Jokes aside, other than a recent stint in London I've lived in the Bournemouth area for 20 years and am happy to answer any queries on the stabbyness of potential areas you may be considering.
Back on topic, I'd recommend a 2000's era Sea Ray 240 Overnighter / Sundeck, dependant on anticipated use, with a bimini cover and as new as budget allows.
Edited by Pistonsquirter on Thursday 18th March 02:46
Condi said:
How small and how much "pottering". I bought a 16ft something or other with 5hp outboard and it was the perfect calm day or inland fishing/beer drinking boat. For that you wouldn't bother with an RYA course, 5hp doesn't do much damage. Wear a lifejacket. Stay within mobile phone range. Keep a flare on board if you want.
I would still do an RYA course whatever boat you own - it teaches you so much more than just how to drive the boat... driving the boat badly might do a bit of financial damage, getting the weather / tides etc wrong can lead to far more serious situations - boating is more about understanding the sea than anything elseakirk said:
Condi said:
How small and how much "pottering". I bought a 16ft something or other with 5hp outboard and it was the perfect calm day or inland fishing/beer drinking boat. For that you wouldn't bother with an RYA course, 5hp doesn't do much damage. Wear a lifejacket. Stay within mobile phone range. Keep a flare on board if you want.
I would still do an RYA course whatever boat you own - it teaches you so much more than just how to drive the boat... driving the boat badly might do a bit of financial damage, getting the weather / tides etc wrong can lead to far more serious situations - boating is more about understanding the sea than anything elseI have been pottering around boats all my life, and I did the course mainly to keep my wife company. I did learn a few tricks, it reminded me of a couple of bad habits and it was a fun couple of days. My wife learnt loads, and it also gives you a certificate if ever you want to hire more than a putput.
I would also do the vhf course and get a radio for anything coastal.
Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff