Life on the high seas
Discussion
I'm thinking of getting a boat, found a good one for a shave under my max £5k budget that looks perfect for what I want it for - fishing, cruising, dumping the occasional body etc etc. My trouble is that I'm not entirely sure about the ins and outs of what I need to be legal/safe on the water.
Does anyone have much experience in this field? If so, any advice on the below would be greatly appreciated.
- Is it compulsory to have insurance?
- Is there such a thing as boat tax in the same way that we have road tax?
- The one I've found is a ~15ft speedboat with a 200hp V6 (
), would it be better to store at a mooring or on the trailer on my drive? If mooring is reccomended, any ideas on average cost?
- Would a boat like the above be capable of a hoon over to France occasionally to stock up with a few crates of cheap plonk?
Also, any more hints and tips on good boating practice would be really appreciated as this is my first foray into the world of aquatic mobility outside of the local baths!
Mods - I know this isn't car related, please remove/rehome if it shouldn't be here.
Does anyone have much experience in this field? If so, any advice on the below would be greatly appreciated.
- Is it compulsory to have insurance?
- Is there such a thing as boat tax in the same way that we have road tax?
- The one I've found is a ~15ft speedboat with a 200hp V6 (
), would it be better to store at a mooring or on the trailer on my drive? If mooring is reccomended, any ideas on average cost?- Would a boat like the above be capable of a hoon over to France occasionally to stock up with a few crates of cheap plonk?
Also, any more hints and tips on good boating practice would be really appreciated as this is my first foray into the world of aquatic mobility outside of the local baths!
Mods - I know this isn't car related, please remove/rehome if it shouldn't be here.
Jonboy_t said:
I'm thinking of getting a boat, found a good one for a shave under my max £5k budget that looks perfect for what I want it for - fishing, cruising, dumping the occasional body etc etc. My trouble is that I'm not entirely sure about the ins and outs of what I need to be legal/safe on the water.
Does anyone have much experience in this field? If so, any advice on the below would be greatly appreciated.
- Is it compulsory to have insurance?
- Is there such a thing as boat tax in the same way that we have road tax?
- The one I've found is a ~15ft speedboat with a 200hp V6 (), would it be better to store at a mooring or on the trailer on my drive? If mooring is reccomended, any ideas on average cost?
- Would a boat like the above be capable of a hoon over to France occasionally to stock up with a few crates of cheap plonk?
Also, any more hints and tips on good boating practice would be really appreciated as this is my first foray into the world of aquatic mobility outside of the local baths!
Mods - I know this isn't car related, please remove/rehome if it shouldn't be here.
Expect this to be on Boats Planes and Trains v soon Does anyone have much experience in this field? If so, any advice on the below would be greatly appreciated.
- Is it compulsory to have insurance?
- Is there such a thing as boat tax in the same way that we have road tax?
- The one I've found is a ~15ft speedboat with a 200hp V6 (
), would it be better to store at a mooring or on the trailer on my drive? If mooring is reccomended, any ideas on average cost?- Would a boat like the above be capable of a hoon over to France occasionally to stock up with a few crates of cheap plonk?
Also, any more hints and tips on good boating practice would be really appreciated as this is my first foray into the world of aquatic mobility outside of the local baths!
Mods - I know this isn't car related, please remove/rehome if it shouldn't be here.
In answer to your questions, insurance isnt compulsory but I'd seriously consider it with the amount of trouble an inexperienced person could get in.
No boat tax... yet.
200hp in a 15 ft speedboat, lol thats a tad too much me thinks especially if you've no experience of handling a boat.
15ft over to France, rather you than me... dont even think about it.
Mooring costs are around £250 per metre per year so yours (5m) around £1250. Makes for easy access to water but will need a lift out annually and a place to store the trailer.
I would take France on in that no worries, make sure to use the Garmin, flares, plenty of fuel, alternative means of propulsion (a 5hp outboard) and check the weather reports properly.
Take an ICC test to improve your handling skills and as others said, insurance not required but advised and most marinas will insist on it.
Finally, open boats get blooming cold even on a sunny day once you get a bit of spray on you.
I would take France on in that no worries, make sure to use the Garmin, flares, plenty of fuel, alternative means of propulsion (a 5hp outboard) and check the weather reports properly.
Take an ICC test to improve your handling skills and as others said, insurance not required but advised and most marinas will insist on it.
Finally, open boats get blooming cold even on a sunny day once you get a bit of spray on you.
cheers for the advice guys, really appreciated.
The boat may be bigger than 15ft, there's no note of how big it is in the advert so I'm just going by comparing it to a car that's in the background of the picture!!! To be honest, I would agree with teh statement about it being too big for a first timer, I have stared looking at other ones (cabin-cruisers too) now that have a little less power with the idea of upgrading potentially in future, guess I just got carried away with the idea of getting one as fast as humanly possible!
France would probably be a no-goer for me anyway, was just interested in if it would be possible!
The boat may be bigger than 15ft, there's no note of how big it is in the advert so I'm just going by comparing it to a car that's in the background of the picture!!! To be honest, I would agree with teh statement about it being too big for a first timer, I have stared looking at other ones (cabin-cruisers too) now that have a little less power with the idea of upgrading potentially in future, guess I just got carried away with the idea of getting one as fast as humanly possible!
France would probably be a no-goer for me anyway, was just interested in if it would be possible!
Christ, if I see another thread along the lines of "I have just bought/seen a boat I want to buy, what the f
k do I do with it, I dont have a clue", Im gonna fking chop my cats head off.
I understand you may be new to boats but come on. What do you expect to learn after reading a few well informed posts.
There must be a dozen threads along the same lines, be safe, get training, learn to read the weather, tides etc. You need a RYA level 2 at least. If you have no experience of the sea I would recommend going even further.
Sorry to be abrubt but there seems to be a weekly thread on this!
k do I do with it, I dont have a clue", Im gonna fking chop my cats head off.I understand you may be new to boats but come on. What do you expect to learn after reading a few well informed posts.
There must be a dozen threads along the same lines, be safe, get training, learn to read the weather, tides etc. You need a RYA level 2 at least. If you have no experience of the sea I would recommend going even further.
Sorry to be abrubt but there seems to be a weekly thread on this!
Ritchie335is said:
Christ, if I see another thread along the lines of "I have just bought/seen a boat I want to buy, what the fk do I do with it, I dont have a clue", Im gonna fking chop my cats head off.
I understand you may be new to boats but come on. What do you expect to learn after reading a few well informed posts.
There must be a dozen threads along the same lines, be safe, get training, learn to read the weather, tides etc. You need a RYA level 2 at least. If you have no experience of the sea I would recommend going even further.
Sorry to be abrubt but there seems to be a weekly thread on this!
+1 k do I do with it, I dont have a clue", Im gonna fking chop my cats head off.I understand you may be new to boats but come on. What do you expect to learn after reading a few well informed posts.
There must be a dozen threads along the same lines, be safe, get training, learn to read the weather, tides etc. You need a RYA level 2 at least. If you have no experience of the sea I would recommend going even further.
Sorry to be abrubt but there seems to be a weekly thread on this!
get qualified and get some experience before you appear on "helicopter heroes" in the coming months...
Perhaps a little OTT, but spot on.
Always amazes me that anyone can buy a boat & just launch it on the sea with no idea of what they are doing. The sea is no place for such people, it will kill you any chance it gets.
Find yourself a local RYA Powerboat course & get some idea of boat handling before buying the boat. You will then have a much better idea of what's involved & what's needed
Always amazes me that anyone can buy a boat & just launch it on the sea with no idea of what they are doing. The sea is no place for such people, it will kill you any chance it gets.
Find yourself a local RYA Powerboat course & get some idea of boat handling before buying the boat. You will then have a much better idea of what's involved & what's needed
Edited by paintman on Saturday 2nd October 21:03
paintman said:
Always amazes me that anyone can buy a boat & just launch it on the sea with no idea of what they are doing. The sea is no place for such people, it will kill you any chance it gets.
Boating is refreshingly free of official interference, and hopefully it will stay that way.FFS, there was me thinking that asking for a little bit of friendly advice might help? Well fk me, if I haven't landed myself in a world of perfect people. You were new to stuff once, remember learning to drive, I'm sure you NEVER asked for guidance from anyone?
Everyone needs to start somewhere, I don't generally come on the Boats, Planes and Trains part of PH, I don't have a Boat, Plane or Train funnily enough, I thought this might be patently clear from the way I asked for advice with it being my first time.
Mods - please delete this thread, it's clearly pointless.
k me, if I haven't landed myself in a world of perfect people. You were new to stuff once, remember learning to drive, I'm sure you NEVER asked for guidance from anyone?Everyone needs to start somewhere, I don't generally come on the Boats, Planes and Trains part of PH, I don't have a Boat, Plane or Train funnily enough, I thought this might be patently clear from the way I asked for advice with it being my first time.
Mods - please delete this thread, it's clearly pointless.
paintman said:
Perhaps a little OTT, but spot on.
Always amazes me that anyone can buy a boat & just launch it on the sea with no idea of what they are doing. The sea is no place for such people, it will kill you any chance it gets.
Find yourself a local RYA Powerboat course & get some idea of boat handling before buying the boat. You will then have a much better idea of what's involved & what's needed
Thank you for some genuine advice, I will get in contact and sort some training out, sounds like it would help me.Always amazes me that anyone can buy a boat & just launch it on the sea with no idea of what they are doing. The sea is no place for such people, it will kill you any chance it gets.
Find yourself a local RYA Powerboat course & get some idea of boat handling before buying the boat. You will then have a much better idea of what's involved & what's needed
Edited by paintman on Saturday 2nd October 21:03
Jonboy_t said:
FFS, there was me thinking that asking for a little bit of friendly advice might help? Well fk me, if I haven't landed myself in a world of perfect people. You were new to stuff once, remember learning to drive, I'm sure you NEVER asked for guidance from anyone?
Everyone needs to start somewhere, I don't generally come on the Boats, Planes and Trains part of PH, I don't have a Boat, Plane or Train funnily enough, I thought this might be patently clear from the way I asked for advice with it being my first time.
Mods - please delete this thread, it's clearly pointless.
k me, if I haven't landed myself in a world of perfect people. You were new to stuff once, remember learning to drive, I'm sure you NEVER asked for guidance from anyone?Everyone needs to start somewhere, I don't generally come on the Boats, Planes and Trains part of PH, I don't have a Boat, Plane or Train funnily enough, I thought this might be patently clear from the way I asked for advice with it being my first time.
Mods - please delete this thread, it's clearly pointless.
Welcome to PH, my friend. Relax, it's all part of the fun!Chill out Ritchie, the search function's on here is fooked most days, and I wouldn't expect anyone to trawl BP&T for relevant threads.
Hi Jon,
Welcome! Good luck with the new buy!
As said above the wonderful thing about boating is that its almost the last bit of freedom we can enjoy!! (for now....) I also see you live in the same area as myself so a ideal location for boating!
Marina costs (depending on where you want to keep the boat) can be expensive but ease of getting on the water may out way the cost for some people, if you have the secure space at home to keep the boat great assuming you have a vehicle suitable for towing it, there are loads of places around to launch the boat (public slipways) can be hassle if they're busy!!
I would recommend getting the RYA level 2, it doesn’t cost allot and it will give you more confidence and I suggest booking the OH in as well or suggesting it to whoever will be with you most of the time when out (If you were out with someone and you feel in, would the other person know what to do?) Also some countries like France you have to have that as a minimum to be allowed to use your boat there (inland water for sure).
Do get insurance as well even if you keep it on a trailer, make sure you have under water damage cover as well, again I don’t know exact numbers but it wont break the bank I’m sure.
There are lots of experienced boaters on PH and yes even though this question gets asked allot im glad that it does as it means people are taking getting afloat seriously (And the search is still fked!! )
Dunk.
Welcome! Good luck with the new buy!
As said above the wonderful thing about boating is that its almost the last bit of freedom we can enjoy!! (for now....) I also see you live in the same area as myself so a ideal location for boating!Marina costs (depending on where you want to keep the boat) can be expensive but ease of getting on the water may out way the cost for some people, if you have the secure space at home to keep the boat great assuming you have a vehicle suitable for towing it, there are loads of places around to launch the boat (public slipways) can be hassle if they're busy!!
I would recommend getting the RYA level 2, it doesn’t cost allot and it will give you more confidence and I suggest booking the OH in as well or suggesting it to whoever will be with you most of the time when out (If you were out with someone and you feel in, would the other person know what to do?) Also some countries like France you have to have that as a minimum to be allowed to use your boat there (inland water for sure).
Do get insurance as well even if you keep it on a trailer, make sure you have under water damage cover as well, again I don’t know exact numbers but it wont break the bank I’m sure.
There are lots of experienced boaters on PH and yes even though this question gets asked allot im glad that it does as it means people are taking getting afloat seriously (And the search is still f
ked!! )Dunk.
Edited by Dunk1982 on Sunday 3rd October 07:35
Hi Jonny,
Just seen your other thread too, dare I mention I have a boat and used to own a VX220?!?! I also used to own an Astra convertible too, spooky.
My dad still has a VX220 Turbo, Courtney stage 3. I can drive it ok, I'm just over 6', maybe the extra 4" really causes you problems.
I work for BHG Marine in Lymington, we sell RIB's and sportsboats and things. Might be worth a pop into us and having a look round at what we have and what you think would suit you (even if you can't afford any of the boats we have here, gauging the size will help). I have a RIB, 6m Avon, which is ideal for the Solent IMO. 15' is quite small but fun for Poole harbour and sheltered waters. You'll find the low sides and bow will cause you problems in a swell in those little speedboats. They're built for speed, not choppy conditions.
We do the RYA Level 2 Powerboating course. It's a really good course and worth doing, even if you decided you don't want a boat. I found it good fun and really interesting. Get in touch if you want any more info.
Just seen your other thread too, dare I mention I have a boat and used to own a VX220?!?! I also used to own an Astra convertible too, spooky.
My dad still has a VX220 Turbo, Courtney stage 3. I can drive it ok, I'm just over 6', maybe the extra 4" really causes you problems.
I work for BHG Marine in Lymington, we sell RIB's and sportsboats and things. Might be worth a pop into us and having a look round at what we have and what you think would suit you (even if you can't afford any of the boats we have here, gauging the size will help). I have a RIB, 6m Avon, which is ideal for the Solent IMO. 15' is quite small but fun for Poole harbour and sheltered waters. You'll find the low sides and bow will cause you problems in a swell in those little speedboats. They're built for speed, not choppy conditions.
We do the RYA Level 2 Powerboating course. It's a really good course and worth doing, even if you decided you don't want a boat. I found it good fun and really interesting. Get in touch if you want any more info.
Edited by danyeates on Sunday 3rd October 11:48
I would find someone to take you out a few times until you get the hang of handling the boat. Plenty of people will volunteer.
Safety is the big issue, make sure you carry flares and always wear a lifejacket. To me the lifejacket should be treated like a seat belt, it should be compulsory.
Having spent all my life at sea I have a great respect for it, dont ever trust weather forecasts too much, conditions can change very quickly and in that sizje of boat you always need to have a contingency in place.
Enjoy the boat.
Safety is the big issue, make sure you carry flares and always wear a lifejacket. To me the lifejacket should be treated like a seat belt, it should be compulsory.
Having spent all my life at sea I have a great respect for it, dont ever trust weather forecasts too much, conditions can change very quickly and in that sizje of boat you always need to have a contingency in place.
Enjoy the boat.
I bought a boat this summer, a 17ft day cabin boat with a recentish 50HP E-Tec outboard plus a nearly new 3.5 auxiliary on and a reasonable trailer, cost me around half of your budget, so it can be done. I then spent about £950 on all the other stuff - life jackets for four people, a decent waterproof, jerry can, flares, anchor, warps, some charts, an inflatable tender to get me to and from the mooring. Further expenses were as follows:
£250 - annual mooring fee for a swing mooring, plus £150 set up
£120 - annual insurance; surprisingly reasonable
£400 - service on both motors, better to be safe than sorry
£120 - boat cover so the boat doesn't fill with water when moored
£450 - service/rebuild trailer; many used trailers are pretty lethal, mine had good bearings but a worn hitch and largely missing brakes. If the boat comes with one get it sorted by someone who knows what they are at. At least I know mine is roadworthy now.
Per the advice of PH I did the RYA level 2 course, well recommended though quite intense. I've got a radio course booked for November so I can use a radio and feel more comfortable about going further out to sea and call for assistance if the worst happens.
The above should give some idea of what it can cost. In short - you can get something interesting for your money, but make sure to budget enough for safety gear (it adds up but you can use it on any future boats) and training.
£250 - annual mooring fee for a swing mooring, plus £150 set up
£120 - annual insurance; surprisingly reasonable
£400 - service on both motors, better to be safe than sorry
£120 - boat cover so the boat doesn't fill with water when moored
£450 - service/rebuild trailer; many used trailers are pretty lethal, mine had good bearings but a worn hitch and largely missing brakes. If the boat comes with one get it sorted by someone who knows what they are at. At least I know mine is roadworthy now.
Per the advice of PH I did the RYA level 2 course, well recommended though quite intense. I've got a radio course booked for November so I can use a radio and feel more comfortable about going further out to sea and call for assistance if the worst happens.
The above should give some idea of what it can cost. In short - you can get something interesting for your money, but make sure to budget enough for safety gear (it adds up but you can use it on any future boats) and training.
Edited by Biggles111 on Sunday 3rd October 12:49
danyeates said:
Hi Jonny,
Just seen your other thread too, dare I mention I have a boat and used to own a VX220?!?! I also used to own an Astra convertible too, spooky.
My dad still has a VX220 Turbo, Courtney stage 3. I can drive it ok, I'm just over 6', maybe the extra 4" really causes you problems.
I work for BHG Marine in Lymington, we sell RIB's and sportsboats and things. Might be worth a pop into us and having a look round at what we have and what you think would suit you (even if you can't afford any of the boats we have here, gauging the size will help). I have a RIB, 6m Avon, which is ideal for the Solent IMO. 15' is quite small but fun for Poole harbour and sheltered waters. You'll find the low sides and bow will cause you problems in a swell in those little speedboats. They're built for speed, not choppy conditions.
We do the RYA Level 2 Powerboating course. It's a really good course and worth doing, even if you decided you don't want a boat. I found it good fun and really interesting. Get in touch if you want any more info.
You clearly have impeccable taste my friend!!!Just seen your other thread too, dare I mention I have a boat and used to own a VX220?!?! I also used to own an Astra convertible too, spooky.
My dad still has a VX220 Turbo, Courtney stage 3. I can drive it ok, I'm just over 6', maybe the extra 4" really causes you problems.
I work for BHG Marine in Lymington, we sell RIB's and sportsboats and things. Might be worth a pop into us and having a look round at what we have and what you think would suit you (even if you can't afford any of the boats we have here, gauging the size will help). I have a RIB, 6m Avon, which is ideal for the Solent IMO. 15' is quite small but fun for Poole harbour and sheltered waters. You'll find the low sides and bow will cause you problems in a swell in those little speedboats. They're built for speed, not choppy conditions.
We do the RYA Level 2 Powerboating course. It's a really good course and worth doing, even if you decided you don't want a boat. I found it good fun and really interesting. Get in touch if you want any more info.
Edited by danyeates on Sunday 3rd October 11:48
I know your place in Lymington actually, I should be down that way over the next few weeks so I'll pop in!
Fittster said:
martinmac said:
Safety is the big issue, make sure you carry flares and always wear a lifejacket. To me the lifejacket should be treated like a seat belt, it should be compulsory.
No thank you, I'd rather be clipped on.Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff