Boating Basics

[Iant253]

Hi. I'm probably aware that my terminology is going to be wrong in this thread so please be kind as I am very new to this.

I've just completed by ICC under 10m and chomping at the bit to get started with the whole boating experience on motor boats, but there are some real fundamental things that we didn't cover on the course, nor on the PB level 2.
I have a place in the south of Spain and would love to hire a boat for the day and travel up the coast and see some of the places that I've only ever been to by car, but how do I do this?
If I'm tootling up the coast and think it would be nice to have a spot of lunch at somewhere impromptu, do I just pull into the harbour un announced and moor up and go to the harbour office? Is it best to give them a ring first? Are there minimum stays as I'm only thinking of a few hours for a spot of lunch. Do harbours have an area designated for short stays like me?

I so don't want to get it wrong or in trouble but I'm thinking there is a world of etiquette that I should be following.

Any advice would be brill
Thank you
Ian

 

[RJJ]

Hi. I'm probably aware that my terminology is going to be wrong in this thread so please be kind as I am very new to this.

I've just completed by ICC under 10m and chomping at the bit to get started with the whole boating experience on motor boats, but there are some real fundamental things that we didn't cover on the course, nor on the PB level 2.
I have a place in the south of Spain and would love to hire a boat for the day and travel up the coast and see some of the places that I've only ever been to by car, but how do I do this?
If I'm tootling up the coast and think it would be nice to have a spot of lunch at somewhere impromptu, do I just pull into the harbour un announced and moor up and go to the harbour office? Is it best to give them a ring first? Are there minimum stays as I'm only thinking of a few hours for a spot of lunch. Do harbours have an area designated for short stays like me?

I so don't want to get it wrong or in trouble but I'm thinking there is a world of etiquette that I should be following.

Any advice would be brill
Thank you
Ian

Etiquette varies massively by geography and season. Even within a region, there will be places you just pitch up and places where you have to book.

In small Greek harbours you just arrive and it's usually free. In popular spots in the Solent your wallet is lightened when you book, weeks in advance, and if weather is contrary and you stay home.... that's tough.

Anchoring is much more likely to be both informal and free, a skill well worth practising for those reasons alone. And it massively broadens the options and experiences you can have.

Short stays are often available and cheaper than overnight.

Best to ask local boatowners/the charter company for their tips.

Next best is an up-to-date pilot book, almanac or app such as Navily.

 

[Iant253]

Etiquette varies massively by geography and season. Even within a region, there will be places you just pitch up and places where you have to book.

In small Greek harbours you just arrive and it's usually free. In popular spots in the Solent your wallet is lightened when you book, weeks in advance, and if weather is contrary and you stay home.... that's tough.

Anchoring is much more likely to be both informal and free, a skill well worth practising for those reasons alone. And it massively broadens the options and experiences you can have.

Short stays are often available and cheaper than overnight.

Best to ask local boatowners/the charter company for their tips.

Next best is an up-to-date pilot book, almanac or app such as Navily.

Thank you for that. I will check out the app also. Much appreciated

 

[KompetentKrew]

Under 10m? How big is your boat?