Motor boating

[woohoo]

I'm on holiday, lots of boats and nice weather. So.......

I want to get into boating - I don't know anything about em but want to get into them. Anyone into boating and how did you start? Suggestions for first steps?

No jokes about motor boating please, unless they are funny and relevant.

[anonymouse]

Start here

RYA Training | Courses & Training | RYA

Did my powerboat level 1 & 2 on a reservoir in Manchester. Shouldn't be allowed a boat without some sort of training. Oh, don't forget to attach the KS to you. BBC News - Cornwall speedboat crash victim 'doted on family'

Depends what floats your boat, fast, slow, narrow, cruising...

[woohoo]

RYA Training | Courses & Training | RYA

Did my powerboat level 1 & 2 on a reservoir in Manchester. Shouldn't be allowed a boat without some sort of training. Oh, don't forget to attach the KS to you. BBC News - Cornwall speedboat crash victim 'doted on family'

Depends what floats your boat, fast, slow, narrow, cruising...

Thanks, I'm based in Manchester. Did you have boat before doing the powerboat level 1 & 2? What boat did you go for?

I guess I'm looking for a cruiser that I can sleep in and do a bit of exploring (hope that doesn't sound too naïve). I'm just looking at forums now and people suggesting a cuddy as a first boat? From what I understand they don't have a full cabin.

[anonymouse]

Brother in law had a powerboat (think it was 15-20ft with a 40hp Mercury outboard) just for days out in the North West with the kids. We got trained on a two day course both together
Powerboating | Debdale Outdoor Centre | Manchester City Council

Teaches you the basics about boat handling, safety, etc, not just about power boats. Good fun.

Sounds like you want a cabin cruiser (£2800), or narrow boat (£65,000)

Norman 23 cabin / canal cruiser boat OFFERS | Little Hulton | Gumtree
Boats for sale Manchester UK, used boats, new boat sales, free photo ads - Apollo Duck

[Acme Thunderer]

I'm Power Boat 1, 2 and Safety Boat qualified, all taught by my sailing club. These courses are mainly aimed at RIB driving, but PB2 gives you an understanding of rules of the road.

If you are wanting something bigger - motor cruiser etc you may want to look at the 2 day RYA helmsman course.

Helmsman | Motor Cruising | Courses | Learning | Courses & Training | RYA - find a training centre near you and give it a go.

[Gittins Gal]

I've always had pipe dreams about having a boat.

These flights of fancy, however, are always snuffed out by that great aphorism which goes:

"The day I bought that boat was the second best day of my life. The best was the day I sold it"

[tractor]

...

I went to Gibraltar and did a couple of courses RYA Tidal up to Day Skipper.

Don't go and buy a power boat without at least trying the sails. For me, it is far more fun and satisfying.

Trafalgar Sailing

[KentPhilip]

By "motor boat" you haven't said what size of boat you are interested in.
But on the smaller size I'd say you cannot go wrong with the following Yam inflatable:



I have one, with a 15hp outboard motor, which I bought second hand for around £2000 8 years ago.
They are awesome little things, with the chief advantage being that you can deflate them and fold them up into the back of an average car.
Which gives you a lot of flexibility regarding location - you can literally turn up at a place with water anywhere, assemble the boat (takes 30 minutes) and off you go. No need for a launch ramp because the component parts individually are light enough to pick up and carry.

With this boat I've crossed the solent to the isle of wight several times, the kennet & Avon Canal through Reading town centre, and the Thames through central London waving at the tourists

The only downside is you are likely to get damp, if not wet. But that's only a problem if you're a pussy, right?

Edit: Forgot to say that the top speed is 18mph. Which is ample

[woohoo]

Thanks all for the excellent advice and in general to.

[DimPrawn]

The two happiest days of your life.

The day you buy your boat.







The day you sell your boat.

HTH BIDI