Boating Advice

[jamesyquick]

Hello All ,

Firstly I am very new to boating. I would like a small inflatable nothing massive but I want to know what I need for what I want to do. I want to travel from Gosport/Portsmouth to Hayling Island. I want to know what sort of outboard (HP and shaft length) I would need , what size boat I would need. Where could I anchor/dock it during the day. Will I have any restrictions ? I have search the internet for hours and still need these questions answered. Thank You in advance.

 

[richardabeattie]

Nobody replied - perhaps it would help if you told us a bit more. For example how many people would be on board? Small inflatables need small outboards. You won't need a long shaft version.

 

[Tranona]

Hello All ,

Firstly I am very new to boating. I would like a small inflatable nothing massive but I want to know what I need for what I want to do. I want to travel from Gosport/Portsmouth to Hayling Island. I want to know what sort of outboard (HP and shaft length) I would need , what size boat I would need. Where could I anchor/dock it during the day. Will I have any restrictions ? I have search the internet for hours and still need these questions answered. Thank You in advance.

Welcome to the forum. You will find your first posts take a while to appear because they have to be passed by the mods.

Almost impossible to answer your question - if you are asking such a basic question perhaps you have too little understanding of what is involved.

The passage you envisage is fairly open water and a small inflatable is simply not a suitable boat. If you do want an inflatable then you are better off considering a RIB of a size and power that can cope with open water. There are pure inflatables that would do it, but they are very specialised boats and not as popular as RIBS.

It is quite possible to operate a RIB from a road trailer and launch it from one of the many launching sites around Gosport and Portsmouth. It is possible to keep such a boat in a marina but it is a very expensive proposition.

Would suggest your first step is to get tuition on using a small powerboat or RIB so that you can understand what is involved before thinking about buying a boat. Look on the RYA site and you will find a lot of information on getting afloat and the sort of training courses you can do to get you to the level of being able to use your boat safely. None of this is compulsory - you can just buy any boat and go - but if you have not got a clue best to find out from experts.

 

[doug748]

Things like this are usually available cheap because they are a bit big for yacht tenders and are pretty unfashionable. It would be safe to use, as described in most sensible conditions. You would also need a launching trolley and safety gear and , maybe, a road trailer:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/inflatabl...ng_Goods_Sailing_Boats_ET&hash=item3a975fdb0d

Look for something about 10 foot with bottom boards and an inflatable keel. A 2.5 hp engine is fine unless you want to plane (go fast) more power is great till you have to lug the thing out of the car.

If your budget is large the sky is the limit, you could spend thousands, but you will lose lots if you decide it is not for you.

You can stop at any marina as long as you are discreet and don't obstruct anyone. The trick is always to be using the facilities in some form, stopping for fuel, shopping, lunch etc. Marina operators are understandably peed off if folk are using their stuff merely to walk the dog.

As for keeping the boat shoreside, you need to sort out a Yacht Club with suitable shore side facilities, most will be sympathetic and will welcome you.

 

[onesea]

OK Things to think about...

What is your goal in owning a boat?

Can you tow? does it have to be inflatable for a reason?

How many people?

Where are you going to keep it when not in use on a drive /storage? in the water?

Is inflatable so you can keep it in the garage?

Anchoring is possible in various places once you start learning about navigating you can find the information. NO pint giving advice as it depends on what you get what you need to know to some extent!