beginner

[smigs]

Hi, I am a recently retired bobby, 50 yrs old and am looking for advice on getting started into motorboating. I am in Manchester and need to know the best courses, books, dvd,clubs or any learning opportunities, practical or theory. If all goes to plan I am relocating to Mallorca in 2 yrs and plan to purcase a dayboat around 40'. Your expert advice would be appreciated. Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[gjgm]

well, there are probably as many opinions as there are boats on this. Id suggest you take a short practical course to see if you like boating at all. Place to start on that and all other theory and practical courses is the RYA. They publish plenty of books for you to study.
I'd also suggest you do some serious investigating into costs and into berth availability. You can spend an aweful lot of money on this hobby.

 

[ValleyForge]

Wow, a 40' day boat in the sun. Fantastic, might be worth messing about in something a tad smaller first though (images of Cigarettes, baywatch babes etc. wafting through the mind ...) just to get a hang of the basics.
Book a powerboat course, plenty about, daughter (Manchester Uni) did hers a bit back at Bangor I think.

 

[Neddie_Seagoon]

I can recommend Craig Allwood, an RYA Power instructor who runs courses in Fleetwood & Preston - see web page . I've done 3 courses with him (raggie not power) and been happy.

40' is a lot of boat to handle - as others have said you probably want to try something smaller first /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

IMO with today technology a 40 feet boat is easier to handle then a 20 feeter

bow thruster, IPS etc

just my 2 cents /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Rooster]

PM sent.

R

 

[Sneds]

Hi Happy retirement.

I would sugest an RYA powerboat level 2, cost around £200.
Join the RYA and you'll get your ICC thrown in as well. You will need this for Spain.
Day skipper theory is also very informative.
Try reading "Pass your ICC" available from most chandlers or a decent bookshop like Waterstones.
A 40 footer will cost an arm and leg to moor and fuel, thats one big boat.
Good luck and enjoy.
Send us a postcard!

 

[Solitaire]

Given the size of boat you are looking to, the Powerboat scheme is inappropriate for your needs. The Level 2 course would only result you in getting an ICC (International Certificate of Competence)on vessels up to 10 meters. I would suggest you start with the RYA Helmsman course over 2 days which teaches you the basics of handling larger boats. The go for the Day Skipper shore based course which is an intensive course of 40 hours study covering navigation, rules of the road, weather and other aspects required. After that do the Day Skipper practical course which is a 4 day water based course including a night navigation exercise. Successful completion then entitles you to the ICC for power driven vessels up to 24 meters. This will meet the requirements of using a 40 ft boat in Spain.

The shore based DS course can be done in a number of ways - an intensive course over 5 days, spead over 3 weeekends, adult ed colleges or via correspondence course. The choice is yours!

If I can be of anyfurther help let me know. You can also visit the RYA web site for more details.

Good luck anyway.

 

[DavidJ]

Hi
Welcome to the forum and retirement (me too). You probably want to keep costs controlled so concider the cost and size of moorings when considering boat size. In the Med I've found mooring sizes and costs to be grouped ie 12m and 15m with the 15m being significantly more than the 12, so maybe look for a 37 or 38 ft boat (loads of good makes around). There are other advantages like at 12m the electricity is 'free' (well, included anyway) and above than its on a meter, so if you go for air conditioning (strongly recommended) you stay cool at no extra cost.

We got to 37ft in three size hops and without doubt the 37 is easier to handle than anything I've had before so going straight there is a great plan

You are probably aware of the property price potential crash in Spain (and probably the Balerics too) so track the market and maybe pick up a bargain.

best of luck

 

[mont]

Hi and welcome,
I'd be recommending the practical day skipper course (inc ICC) with Clive at Suncoast in Port Duquesa in Spain. English owner.
Regular on here - do a quick web check for details.
Did mine there and seems to tick lots of your boxes as they use 37ft plus boats.