Essential newbie question

[plk987]

Right...getting into this boating stuff now. Bank account disappearing fast, just bought life jackets for the goldfish ( or possibly hamster..I'm losing count now), new dsc radio, oil covered engine bits i'm told are essential as spares!!...but I still need to resolve the most sensitive of issues....the captains headgear.

Do I go for the blue peaked cap with standard issue anchor motif (albeit worn at a jaunty angle for that 'I'm not just a skipper, I am a human being' effect), or do I go for the baseball cap (worn straight forward). Should I be going for an air of authority or should I be going for the 'one of the lads' looks. I could also explore the fake fishermans woolie beenie look...but I can't smoke rollups.

At home I feel that the dog has the edge in status, but with the right headgear I may even be able to order the 2 year old around on the boat. Suggestions appreciated.

 

[mobione]

I would have thought it depends a bit on the sort of boat you have. Is it a gentlemans motor-launch? or a old barge? or a 50ft luxury motor yacht?

Also whats your hair like? do you have any? - Baldies tend to go for the baseball cap look.

Whatever it is you choose it must have that worn in look. A shiney new hat would look very naff /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[duncan]

agree - need to know your boat, boat name and cruising grounds to assist you in this vexing question.

You are absolutley right that this is an important issue

 

[hlb]

 

[trev]

This is not a subject easily dispensed with on a forum like this. There are too many variables to consider. It is absolutely essential to get this right.

 

[plk987]

no I don't think that's quite the look.....hlb. As to boat well it's a bijou (read v small & v cheap) fishing boat that has been variously describled as 'c**p' and 'rough as a bears a***'

The more I think on, the traditional skippers hat may have to go, I don't have enough facial hair. I would, however, like the intrepid fearless sea captain look....everyone tells me there's sea monsters out here

 

[omega2]

Definately a balaclava job for the winter, and a baseball cap on top of it in summer, balaclava can be worn full face or rolled depending on company your in.

 

[mjf]

It all depends if you want a displacment hat, semi displacement cap or planing bonnet!

 

[plk987]

Good point...but which one is the best? I will mostly be doing inshore work with the odd trip to france in good whether. Which type of hat is best suited to inshore v offshore....and does sea state and weather condition matter? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[mjf]

You really need to have one that allows you to look excellent at about 8/12 knots when saving fuel, enjoying the ocean and making PG Tips; then still stays on when you choose to go faster - prehaps by turning it around.

You will obviously need a Hat Stand for the occassions when you decide to 'dry out' clearly you will have to take it off then - in case people laugh at you..........

 

[mobione]

May be one of these? I particularly like the 'doggies captain hat' on the 3rd line down

http://images.google.com/images?q=captains%20hat&hl=en&lr=&sa=N&tab=wi /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[hlb]

And for the ladies!

 

[DIW]

The trouble with boating is there is so much to learn !
The type of boating apparell and head gear has to be considered very carefully, not so much for their wind and weather properties but more for the impression of yourself that you are attempting to promote to fellow boaters.
From experience I have found that the latest trends and fashions available from the leading and very expensive 'major' manufacturers tend to arouse feelings of jealousy and envy when worn in the Club House or Harbour side Pub, not withstanding general p---taking . A newbie is well advised to wear non-descript jeans and sweater and quietly observe what is de rigeur for that particular marina ,harbour, mooring or season.
The correct Headgear is a much more complicated issue. Baseball caps , favoured by Baldies as identified in a previous post , have a most unfortunate connection with Muggers , Rappers and popular music Entertainers . A 'full face' Balaclava with eye slits is most useful in that it conceals your identity and blushes when attempting to berth in the most awkard spot in a strange Marina.
A Traditional Blue peaked Cap complete with White or Gold Anchor motiff can achieve either an air of authority for the wearer or unfortunately if sported with a 'full set' an appearance not unlike Captain Birds Eye.
Ski style hats should be avoided at all costs as most peeps look complete plonkers
when wearing them.Hope this has been useful. TIC.