Day Skipper Training - Worth Doing?

[vandy]

As part of our boat search, we have been thinking of getting some proper training as in the past I have just been learning via trial and error!

Having said that, I ended up doing VHF course and PB level 2 a couple of years back.

For a 34ft motor cruiser, the obvious option for me is to do Day Skipper (practical) but just wondered if people here have done the course of have different opinion on if that's the right course to start on a motorcruiser?

 

[lisilou]

Doing my practical in a couple of weeks and really looking forward to it. I'll let you know how I get on but imo, it's the natural next step. Doing the theory right now and actually, it's proving much more helpful than I thought it would tbh.
L

 

[Elessar]

As part of our boat search, we have been thinking of getting some proper training as in the past I have just been learning via trial and error!

Having said that, I ended up doing VHF course and PB level 2 a couple of years back.

For a 34ft motor cruiser, the obvious option for me is to do Day Skipper (practical) but just wondered if people here have done the course of have different opinion on if that's the right course to start on a motorcruiser?

A resounding yes. But do it in your own boat once you've got it.

 

[kashurst]

definitely worth it

 

[blueglass]

+1

 

[Jurgen]

100% YES, as Elassar said do it on your own boat if you can.
FWIW am planning on doing the theory later in the year to back up the practical side

 

[Griffin Marine]

Own boat tuition will serve you best and theory first either online or classroom have a look on the RYA website for a centre near you www.rya.org.uk
Tim

 

[henryf]

You never stop learning out on the water but day skipper is a good basis to start from. It covers all main areas and importantly will highlight any places you or your boat might struggle with so you can work on them. Don't see a pass as being the end, more a beginning.

Completing a course such as day skipper will mean your boating is so much more pleasurable because you know what you're doing, have confidence and are more in control. You will also be more relaxed.

Also consider some of the RYA module courses such as sea survival.

Henry

 

[CharlieAlpha]

Yes for all the above + The training gives you confidence and that confidence helps you relax because you know what to do and being relaxed makes being on the boat even more pleasurable. Just remember it is pleasure boating so stick within what’s pleasurable for you. I know an F6/7 is not for me even though I feel I could cope these days.

 

[z1ppy]

Yup,

I did Day skipper practical a few years ago and really enjoyed it as well as learnt a lot (not least how to cope with an overheating engine and make a turn in a very narrow river with one engine out and a strong flood tide!)

If you do it on your own boat, make 100% sure its ready for the training. there would be nothing worse than having the training lined up and the boat not starting on day 1.

 

[Solitaire]

Before you do the practical course, you will need to do the Day Skipper shore based theory course. This can either be down on line or at a training centre. There is not time on the 4 day practical course for you, or the instructor to cover the theory.

As others have said, wait until you get your own boat.

 

[gjgm]

As part of our boat search, we have been thinking of getting some proper training as in the past I have just been learning via trial and error!

Having said that, I ended up doing VHF course and PB level 2 a couple of years back.

For a 34ft motor cruiser, the obvious option for me is to do Day Skipper (practical) but just wondered if people here have done the course of have different opinion on if that's the right course to start on a motorcruiser?

I think it depends on how competent/experienced you are anyway, but if a new boat to you, and you will perhaps be going further offshore etc than before, then being educated as to dangers and risks etc cant be a bad thing.
However, if you have plenty of hours under your belt, I am not sure you will learn that much; and if you are pretty inexperienced and hopeless at boat handling, then it sounds imperative

 

[PlanB]

We were completely new to boating when we bought our 45 footer and did the DS Practial first on our own boat, so that we could actually use the boat.
We then did the Theory over several weekends the following winter, when it actually all made sense as it was in context. I think you can do enough theory during the practical to get you started, as some of the Theory course is a bit more relevant to sailing.

Before you do the practical course, you will need to do the Day Skipper shore based theory course. This can either be down on line or at a training centre. There is not time on the 4 day practical course for you, or the instructor to cover the theory.

As others have said, wait until you get your own boat.