Absolute Total Noob to the world of Motor Boats

[bignik]

First of all let me say hi , and I hope being new to the site I have posted in the correct section.

Where do I start LOL , well at the tender age of 38 I have finally decided I would like a boat, Kids now growing up , both wife and I work extrmely hard at our occupations and well I guess need a release mechanism. Both enjoying a day or two away from the house as often as we can I feel this could be a great opportunity that the whole family can enjoy. Having discussed with my wife and of course the nod of approval we have agreed its a possible good idea.

Anyway ... as with anything new , it can be a little scarey , how does one start , what boat should one buy , how much should one spend , courtesy , friendship etc etc , everythingin general that goes with such a hobby pastime..

I am hoping you wise members of the forum can help me as I gather research , info , answer any questions I may have as they appear etc etc and hopefully in the process I can proceed with my goal of finally owning a boat and fulfilling the dream etc etc ...

Of recent I have had a few private flying lessons LOL , with the dream of possibly sitting my private pilots licence , I think in reality the boat option is more realistic and one all the family can benefit and at same time be as much fun .. I have always had a fondness of water /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif .. my wife says its poss mid life crisis LOL , I say no its time to inject a little fun back into family life LOL ...

well , my first post was more of an introduction. I ope I havent come across as weird , I just need a little help with something that in general I know very little about .

I shall work on my first series of questions .. hopefully I dont bore you guys all to tears and become a pain.

 

[sealine]

Hi and wecome.
you will find this forum very helpful, once you have made up your mind, boating can be fun but very additive. what do you have in mind sail or power, size is the biggest facture, and what your looking for cabin wise.
good luck with your hunting.
john

 

[petem]

I guess by the title of youe message you're looking for a MOBO /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Anyway, here's some question that might help us help you........

1) Do you want to go fast or slow?
2) Can you see yourself based in a marina or trailer boating?
3) Do you wish to sleep on the boat?
4) Are you mechanically minded?
5) Are you very rich, just a little bit or a pov (like me /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif)?
6) Where do you live?

Pete

 

[bignik]

Thanks guys , 2 very postive responses , I can see this is the forum where I can settle. so I start with what I have made my mind up on so far.

Mobo ( Motorboat Yes / soory Computer orientated person here , obviously not PC Motherboard)

Fast Or Slow / well Im not too concerned actually , slow pace suits me , but at same time fast has its moments and uses , but in reality kids , relaxed , scenery ... etc kinda frame of mind and obviously being new safety.

Trailer boating initially , Marina possibly later once settled and in the know a little more etc etc

Sleep on boat , oh yes has the added bit of excitment to it , kinda adventure for the kids etc etc ... initially I reckon more day trips , my wife already has asked if overnight where will she wash her hair LOL but its all new she will learn Im sure to improvise.

Mechanically minded , yes very ... to the level engine out of car , clutch , brakes etc etc ... cars being one of my loves when younger ... rebuilds with a manual .. but certainly not scared to rip things apart and rebuild etc etc

Rich , LOL , oh yes I wish I was .. I guess Im your ave typical Joe Soap , Managerial level , money could be there at a later date when I fall for it head line and sinker ... initially I guess the poverty angle is best whilst its new ... but it would have to be safe ... I wouldnt take any chances or cut back financially ... safety would be my main concern.

Where do I live .............. eh in a 4 bedroom semi /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif .....

just outside Glasgow Scotland .

 

[Moose]

Forget what everybody tells you, the boat for you is,,,,,mine /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bignik]

lmao , I knew this was in the waiting ..... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[ccscott49]

Have a chat with Alistair, on this forum, send him a PM (Personal Message) he lives in your area, and boats on Loch Lomond, used to have a trailer type boat, I think, but I'm sure he will soon spread his wings. By the way, welcome!

 

[timgriffin]

Trailer boating is a fun way to get started, you can also explore a load of new places around the coast. Some you might consider are the Finnmaster , Aquador, Karnic , Bayliner
to name a few. I think your best bet would be to see if any showrooms in your area are having any demo day's if not Southampton boat show is in 11 weeks or the London boat show in Jan. Best thing to do is not rush into it, maybe do a course first with the wife and see how you get on lots of good schools in your area check out www.rya.org.uk for a list of RYA schools near to you depending on size of boat then a two day Powerboat level 2 course would be a good place to start
have fun and happy hunting.
Regards Tim
www.griffmarineservices.co.uk
www.classicboatmuseum.org

 

[gjgm]

Lots of fun to be had, and hopefully through thoughts gathered on thios forum, lots of potential pitfalls to avoid! Guess many people new to boating have their own personal mental picture of what its all about. Two thoughts- it certainly isnt quite like that, and are make sure that ALL members of the family have the same picture as you -especially to start with. Put the wife off in the first month, and you ve had it !!
Sleeping on board... hmm well maybe; But have a real hard think about that one. Amount of space once you ve got all the clobber on board a smaller boat, eating , cooking,washing up-sunshine, rain etc. Bed and breakfast might be more full of creature comforts, and then you dont need most of your boat given over to sleep.
Also, get trained first. It will give you all a chance to try out boating. Maybe you training day will be nice warm and sunny. Maybe it will be cold windy and drizzle. Fraid thats what its like, training or not ! Just make sure all the family realises its not like in the brochures! Two reasons for training. One is safety. You are responsible for your wife and kids in an enviroment that can change rapidly, and unlike a car, getting out isnt an option. But you will also get far ,far more pleasure from the beginning by having some confidence that you know what you are doing. Things still go a bit awry; its alot less scary if you have some knowledge about what to do.
Sorry if this seems a bit of a downer; not meant to be. But lots of boats go back onto the market for resale, because people went in with rose tinted glasses, and disagreements are then bound to follow!!
But, great enjoyment to be had, especially if the sun actually shines! Good luck.

 

[powerskipper]

Theres quite a few Scottish voice on here, alistairr is your best bet, he must have asked every question there is at some time, /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
Make a list of what you want to do with the boat, then look for a boat that can for fill those wishes, well at least half anyway, most peeps change their first boat in a year or 2, once they have found out what they like doing.
your looking at a 20 something size boat if you want to trailer it, anything bigger and you need a monster car to pull it.
Go have have a look at your local boat yards, but don't buy the first boat you see!!!!
then ask loads of question on here, you will get a wide variety of answers but adds to the fun.
Do get some training, its hard learning yourself from scratch and can put peeps off for good,
You all could try doing a course with a local school, this will give you an idea of what you want from a boat. then go looking .
boating fun. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Divemaster1]

[ QUOTE ]
Theres quite a few Scottish voice on here..............You all could try doing a course with a local school, this will give you an idea of what you want from a boat. then go looking.

[/ QUOTE ]
Welcome to the forum ... this being a Norwegian voice, but living in Scotland .... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Great relaxing and wonderful experiences to be had.... Listen to the voices in here:

1) Get family "in line" and ensure you all have same thoughts about boating... or that you agree about the differences.
2) Take a course, or at least some instruction ... perhaps with a Co. that charters out MOBO's ... a few of them in your area I believe.
3) alistairr is a good, local bet for information and have gone through the mill with his first boat, now sold and traded up in size.
4) Search this forum for information .... loads of advise in the "archives" here and loads of both subjective and objective responses.
5) Don't be afraid to ask what appears to be "silly" questions in here...

Within the next couple of weeks (23 July), we aim to head towards the West Coast of Scotland, through the Caledonian Canal, in our boat (not trailerable), and if we pull in to Largs, or anywhere near where you stay, you are of course free to come onboard and ask all the questions you can think of, whilst having a look around ........

 

[Clyder]

Nik,your story sounds TOO familiar, Im getting a sense of dejavu here /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I started off just like you about 7 years ago. Bought a 14ft runabout first, lasted about a season, bought a 19ft cuddy cabin Bayliner, caught the bug seriously...now I'm on boat number 5 and lovin it!!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I trail my current boat to Loch Lomond, its like a mini-sea with the added bonus of no tides.....Theres a great atmosphere on the loch with a good social scene. You'll hear stories of "Windermere esqe" speed limits etc. THIS IS NOT a problem, any responsible skipper reduces speed at these points anyway. If youre interested in a look see go to Luss pier and take a speed boat trip around "The Islands" @ £5 a go its worth a pop.

As far as purchasing a boat I would recommend the guys at PROSSER MARINE. They have and will continue to supply me with all my boats. They have craft for all budgets and are a friendly bunch. In August they are holding a BOAT SHOW at Devere Cameron House on LL, and in October a USED BOAT SHOW at Largs marina.

I'm based in Lanarkshire and find Loch Lomond as good as it gets. Under an hour from dock to door (even crossing the Kingston Bridge!!!) cant be bad, no anti fouling required.... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif.

If you need any further info or would like a chat pm me

regards

Clyde

 

[Alistairr]

Blimey, its great to be popular!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Hi Nick, and Welcome.

Thanks for contacting me.
I've replied to you PM, you should have a flashing flag thing beside your user options.

Cheers

Ali.

 

[Alistairr]

Hi Clyde,

I had heard about Prossers show on LL in August, but didn't know the date, do you know it?

Do you ever get as far north as Ardlui?

Cheers

Ali.

 

[bignik]

Thanks Guys you've all been very helpful with some good advice much appreciated.

Clyder, we are on each others doorsteps. I may take you up on your offer and drop you a PM in a day or two as my questions begin to accrue ...

Loch Lomond , yes very nice without a doubt , and my initial thoughts is more than likely a very good place for me to start, it was only on Saturday whilst lying on the beach in the Isle of Inchcailleach munching into a sarnie , sun beating down , kids thoroughly enjoying themselves the penny dropped. All that was missing really was the boat lmao .. ( yes I know taking previous posts into consideration the sun doesnt always shine ) , but it was just the good feel factor , relaxed , the family together having a great time and away from the hussle and bussle of normal day life.

I would of course love the hobby to develop into more widespread adventures and cruising but as a child has to crawl before he can walk , I guess inland cruising on Lock Lomond for example would be a good place to start until the experience and confidence starts to build.

I was at Prossers yesterday having a look , kinda felt like a fish outta of water , I think the chap I spoke to must have been scratching his head when I left , David his name was , I believe he was the Sales Director. They have some nice boats ... ooh and expensive too ... some of them did get me a little dreamy ... anyway explaning total noobness to him with a coy smile , he showed me a Used Bayliner 1952 Cuddy .... as a possible starter boat, that kinda looked interesting , but I informed him it was a look and see scenario for me , information gathering ... etc etc .

Another thought that has crossed my path , I see from research co ownership etc etc , all via companys etc etc ... is it a thing in Boating Circles private co ownership ? Would it not be a fair assessment that not every week / weekend one goes out on their boat ... are they exisiting partnerships with people for example where they share ... one week on one week off or whatever ... and share costs , maintanence etc etc .

Am I maybe being niave /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif , or is it nope shes my baby and no one touches her LOL * this I can certainly understand in particular to loving it so much etc etc *

I was thinking maybe if something could be organised or agreed with a current boat owner as a starter , to get myself involved initially being new if this would be a possibility... or am I just barking mad ?

 

[powerskipper]

hrumph /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[hlb]

Go for a cuddy type rather than bow rider. Much safer on the sea and at least you can hide things inside. Beware that boats are very expencive to run, like maybe 1 mile a gallon. Serviceing and repair prices are extortionate.

Also concider a bigger older diesel boat on a mooring on L Lomond. Will cost much less to run and there would be room to sleep on it, saving on B&B.

 

[gjgm]

one more thought re-training, and others may disagree... i d get some training on the sea, rather than the lake. Not sure the analogy works, but always thought of it as being a bit like learning to drive an automatic car, and then coming across one thats manual ! May as well start out the hard way....

 

[bignik]

[ QUOTE ]
Go for a cuddy type rather than bow rider. Much safer on the sea and at least you can hide things inside. Beware that boats are very expencive to run, like maybe 1 mile a gallon. Serviceing and repair prices are extortionate.

Also concider a bigger older diesel boat on a mooring on L Lomond. Will cost much less to run and there would be room to sleep on it, saving on B&B.

[/ QUOTE ]

Could anyone give an indication as to what ? for eg on the boat Ive been looking at which is the Bayliner 1952 Cuddy ? just an estimate ... surely at 1 mile to gallon were talking a very big boat ?

edit sorry 3.0 litre !

 

[Alistairr]

Totally agree, We did our training on the Clyde, so as we got the Tidal endorsment.

Nic,

Boats are very expencive to run and maintain, Our first cuddy, was using about 12-15gallons per hour, our last cuddy, a more modern engine was using 4-8GPH.
New boat i think will be about 10GPH.

Its a bit like throwing money away, Get diesel if you can, but they come at a premium.

Cheers
Ali.