Absolute Beginner

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jimsimpson

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25 Aug 2005
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Almeria Spain
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I am in my mid 50's and am considering taking up motor boating. We retired to southern Spain last year and feel that it would be a great hobby for us. I would like to fish and learn to water ski. I know absolutely nothing about motor boating so am buying books etc to learn. My intention is, hopefully, to be in a position to buy a 6 metre power boat which would suit the above pastimes by mid next summer, allowing time to learn.
What advice can anyone give me eg best time to buy, how to learn about boating in the med, what do I need to legally comply and any hints and tips would be gratefully received.
 
Take lots of sea trials till you are sure you can handle the boat, try and launch and go out on your own? maybe hire/charter?

Tom

ps You are the best person to know what you need and if you are going to get fed up with it or love it?
 
There are plenty of RYA approved centres going out of Gibraltar. Maybe they offer the power boating courses (its levels 1 & 2 I think). Failing that, they definitely offer competent crew which, although on sailing yachts, will still introduce you to life on a boat and you never know, you might find you enjoy that more anyway.
 
Echo other replies - experience is the key. Much better to crew for a variety of third parties, so that you can learn on the job and to experience different types of boat - rather like acting as a car delivery driver - you soon find ones you like or ones than you dont.
Most skippers welcome new crew, and once you are more confident of your own abilities you can start looking for a boat. Dont rush it, enjoy....
 
I went through the same process in the Med less than 12 months ago, but for a sail boat.... Maybe this will help.
- Buying a boat goes down as the equivalent of choosing a wife.... do it carefully or you will regret it for a long time and it will get very expensive.
- Don't rush into buying, it is far easier to buy than to sell so if you get it wrong and want to change for a biger/smaller/ faster boat you could have to wait over a year to sell.
- If you are tight with your money (and I am) don't go for the common popular models as these are in demand by everyone. Less common boats are harder to sell and so you can pick up a bargain.
- Boats are on the whole cheaper in the Med, so one that you would love to buy in the UK will usually be chaper in the Med.
- No tides in the Med, so understand how you will moor, lift out, antifoul etc. as these costs can be significant.
- Do not buy a Spainish registered boat unless you cannot avoid it. Safety compliance is more strict on spanish registered boats including requirements for periodic inspections and more safety equipment.
- Buying a spanish registered boat will incure tax (find out more)
- Any EEC boat can lay indefinitely in Spanish waters but must comply with the legislation of the country of registration.
- Make sure that you are comfortable that VAT has been paid on the boat in one of the EEC countries. A certificate of proof is ideal.
- I agree with other replies, get out on the water, get training, get qualified. (it is essential) Take time to know what boat you want and how you will use and maintain it.
- Finally, (and others may not agree) find a good reliable broker and buy through him. He will put you straight on all the regulations, and can put you in contact with insurers, mechanics, surveyers, electricians, boatyards etc. and his costs are borne by the seller.
I guarantee that the day the boat is yours, you will be as happy as the day you married..... and the honeymoon period starts.
Have fun....
 
If in Spain you would need a "Patron de embarcaciones básica" license or the RYA equivalent, up to 7 meters motorboat, also upgradable to sailing boats. Basically the "Guardia Civil" don't bother too much with foreign registered boats, but if your's is carrying a Spanish flag, you'll probably be asked for the boat and your documents ocassionally. Also, it'll be hard to insure the boat with other than the compulsory civil responsibility insurance if you don't have a license. You also should have a fishing license if you want to fish and not run into a situation where you can get a fine. I know a lot of people out ther don't comply with this in Spain, but just for the low cost of both licenses, it's worthwhile since you'll be paying quite a lot more in a single fine.
 
search thru MBC forum,as youre not the first to ask! At 6metres, you should be aware that youre looking at dayboating in good weather. Its no fun at all in waves of much height at all. No rpoblem with that, but just be aware how it might limit what you can do. Every extra ft, will help alot though. Then you have to wonder rib,or grp, inboard or outboard. If you want to ski, get enough power. Being dragged behind a boat and unable to get out of the water will exhaust you in 30 seconds.Incidentally, get these fat parabolic skis for beginners-my wife got up first time !! Read about skiboat driving on the net (british ski federation, or something), or you re heading for an accident. Financially, allow money for training and safety equipment. Being aware of the dangers is 90pct of avoiding them, but mainly, you will enjoy yourself a hell of alot more not worrying!!
Id actually disagree with another post- buy a popular brand. its popular because its a good boat, and vice-versa. Lastly, theres lots of boats for sale; no need to be generous with your offer.
Have huge fun !
 
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