Byliner Capri - 1st boat advice

[subra]

Hi guys,

Warning - newbie questions to follow.

I have just bought a used byliner capri, very good price and a perfect boat for my to cut my teeth on.

Interior needs a full retrim which 2 of the girls at work will be doing at some point in the next couple of weeks (we are a clothing factory)

I intend to use the boat for a bit of fun along the coast where we live and on the river tyne into Newcastle.

I did a powerboat level 2 course at a local marina but bar that have no boat experience or knowledge hence the following very basic questions.

I understand I will need a basic ship to shore radio - any guidance on a reasonably budget model?

Same question but for a depth gauge sonar type device - simply to aid with not running aground etc.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a outboard servicing specialist in the newcastle area? Obviously i have googled but thought someone may know a mechanic who is less work shy than the ones I have called already.

Thanks

 

[petem]

Hi guys,

Warning - newbie questions to follow.

I have just bought a used byliner capri, very good price and a perfect boat for my to cut my teeth on.

Interior needs a full retrim which 2 of the girls at work will be doing at some point in the next couple of weeks (we are a clothing factory)

I intend to use the boat for a bit of fun along the coast where we live and on the river tyne into Newcastle.

I did a powerboat level 2 course at a local marina but bar that have no boat experience or knowledge hence the following very basic questions.

I understand I will need a basic ship to shore radio - any guidance on a reasonably budget model?

Same question but for a depth gauge sonar type device - simply to aid with not running aground etc.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a outboard servicing specialist in the newcastle area? Obviously i have googled but thought someone may know a mechanic who is less work shy than the ones I have called already.

Thanks

Hi, and welcome to the forum. Regarding a VHF, you will need to go on a course at your local RYA centre to get a certificate to use it. I have an ICOM-M25 as backup, which should be fine for what you need (unless others think you need a permanent radio).

Pete

 

[BruceK]

Icom IC-M323

https://www.force4.co.uk/icom-ic-m3...MIxa7aqbzz2AIVo7XtCh21WAALEAkYAiABEgKXFfD_BwE

NASA Clipper depth sounder if you are not going the chartplotter fishfinder route

https://www.marinesuperstore.com/marine-instruments/depth-instruments/nasa-clipper-depth-sounder

Out of interest, bow rider or cuddy model?

 

[BruceK]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. Regarding a VHF, you will need to go on a course at your local RYA centre to get a certificate to use it. I have an ICOM-M25 as backup, which should be fine for what you need (unless others think you need a permanent radio).

Pete

The handheld transmit at 6 or less W while the fixed operate up to 25W. Handhelds are fine if you are not going to rely on transmissions more than 3 mile

 

[CLB]

The handheld transmit at 6 or less W while the fixed operate up to 25W. Handhelds are fine if you are not going to rely on transmissions more than 3 mile

Second that. Get a Standard Horizon fixed set. Entry level model can be had for about £100, which is not much more than you will pay for a handheld, although you will need a separate ariel etc. Standard are, IMO, as good as Icom but for less cash.

Rather than a depth sounder, get an entry level plotter that does depth as well. Will help not run aground much better than depth sounder alone.

Look at Garmin EchoMap range.

 

[subra]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. Regarding a VHF, you will need to go on a course at your local RYA centre to get a certificate to use it. I have an ICOM-M25 as backup, which should be fine for what you need (unless others think you need a permanent radio).

Pete

Thanks Pete I have just emailed my local RYA centre to get a date for obtaining that certificate - I didn't know i needed one so I appreciate the heads up.

 

[subra]

Icom IC-M323

https://www.force4.co.uk/icom-ic-m3...MIxa7aqbzz2AIVo7XtCh21WAALEAkYAiABEgKXFfD_BwE

NASA Clipper depth sounder if you are not going the chartplotter fishfinder route

https://www.marinesuperstore.com/marine-instruments/depth-instruments/nasa-clipper-depth-sounder

Out of interest, bow rider or cuddy model?

Thanks bruce, Its a bow rider model, hoping too use it for wake boarding :encouragement:

 

[BruceK]

Thanks bruce, Its a bowlder model, hoping too use it for wake boarding :encouragement:

:encouragement: Dont stuff the bow in then

 

[vodzurk]

For the radio course, the RYA offer the VHF SRC one online (via most boaty training places)... that suited me better than classroom. Then you just pay for the exam in person.

It's worth being confident in the radio, and I personally feel safer knowing it's DSC for the emergency button (including the free MMSI registration with Ofcom). Part of my "welcome aboard" for our guests is "if anything goes majorly wrong, hold this button for 5 seconds and help will come".

I also now like having a waterproof/floating VHF clipped onto me. Paid a bit more for that being DSC. My worry being, if I end up outta the boat... how much confidence do I have in the passengers being able to get me back in? If I ever get thrown out, I'll be straight on that distress button! (Bristol Channel can be very unforgiving).

You'll probably start to like having backups.

For navigation, we use Navionics. Summat like £30 on Android store. Waterproof tablet + suction clamp, job done. Bonus is that I can also keep it installed on my phone as a backup. I think the app also supports some bluetooth sonar too (our boat came with a fishfinder, so not bought the navionics depth finder).

Welcome to boating life! Now your race commences to have her and your abilities ready to really make use in summer! Me+Wife started this time last year, and it's been a slow slog learning it all, but totally worth it! Good luck!