Buying a boat Help and advice on RYA coastal skipper course

[Very Annoyed]

Hi,

I'm getting back in to boating after about 25 years when as a lad I used to go sailing on my dads boats.

I want to buy a motor boat/fishing boat about 25-30ft Something that I can take out with a few mates fishing aboard also do some weekend costal cruising with the misses. I'm looking at some rather nice boats with up to date navigation equipment and VHF Radio. As well as needing a radio licence I'd like to do a course which will refresh both my boating and navigational skills. Where do I start? Do I need to do a RYA coastal skipper course or is that just for sailing? Can anybody point me point me in the right direction on what course to start with please? Cheers

 

[neale]

Do you want something practical for fishing that maybe only plods along slowly, or do you want something that goes fast, looks the business and may also be used for fishing? Biggest question will be; what's your budget?

I would do the day skipper theory to refresh the the theory side of things and either a powerboat level 2 or a day skipper tactical for the boat handling and practical side.

 

[Very Annoyed]

Thanks Neale,

I've got my eye on two boats Merry Fisher 805 and a Mitchell 31 To be honest I'm leaning towards the Mitchell 31 so I'll not be topping 20knots
Thanks for the advice on the day skipper theory where can I hold of this course?

 

[neale]

Mitchell 31 will make a good fishing boat. I did my theory many years ago at evening classes in a school in Rayleigh. Not sure of they still offer that these days. Back then around July/aug time the local council used to publish a booklet with all the differ evening course you could do in the borough. Used to pick up a copy in Tesco.

Probably need to try the local RYA sea school I suspect.

 

[oldgit]

Main thing would be is how far away from your home location to you intend fishing.
Just quick tale.
Friend was involved with a new build cat based at Eastbourne. When it was built the smallest engine option was choosen for reasons of cost and economy. It finally dawned that the thing was dreadfully slow and took forever to get out to the fishing and to get back again. More time was spent travelling than fishing. Number of trips out declined and the fishing group went into a spiral, the boat was finally unloaded due to lack of interest.
Sometimes the ability to get there fast outweighs stability and space.
Any engine in a Mitchell capable of getting it moving quickly is just going to LUV fuel.

 

[Very Annoyed]

Any engine in a Mitchell capable of getting it moving quickly is just going to LUV fuel.

Good point! The MF 805 properly a lighter boat - the Mitchell just feels a more solid and has a more quality feel to it. All boils down to how deep I want to reach in to my pockets for running costs I suppose?!!

 

[ChasLondon]

Sorry, late to the party with this!

As an Instructor myself, I would suggest the PB 2 course, even if you do have experience. Not only will it cement you again in your previous experience, it will also put you onto a path for boating abroad with the necessary licence you need too. It is also a good foundation to start building up to more formal qualifications too. There are several evening Day Skipper Theory courses too in and around the London area. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[oldgit]

IMHO.
If you do intend doing any practical skipper courses.
Do it somewhere where there are actual real life waves and tides .
Having minced around opposite the lawns of Bisham does not really cut the mustard when you intend drowning worms mid winter in the Black Deep.