First night on board with the kids....any tips please?

Jodles123

Jodles123

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Thinking of doing our first overnighter with the kids before it gets too cold. Just wondering if anyone has any useful tips or things we might not have thought of?
We have a 2 berth, but in fact it's quite a large one and ample space for us all to snuggle up. (Although we could put the fore peak cushions out in the cockpit for one of the adults, with the canopy up.) I was thinking of just taking a big duvet for us all. We do a lot of camping, so they are used to sleeping outdoors....but tents don't tend to rock that much! We have heads and a basin, but were thinking of heading to a local marina with nice bathroom facilities and a playpark, like Port Solent.
Just desperate not to put them off first time so I'd really appreciate any words of wisdom!
Thanks in advance.
 
Pick a warm calm day, pack things that the kids will enjoy and take them to a place that will interest and entertain them. It's oh so easy to put them off and very difficult to please them so their input is vital.
 
We started off by staying in the marina. After doing something that would tire them out we took them to a favourite spot for tea so agree with your idea for Port Solent! Whatever you do, make sure you are warm. If you are in a marina, an oil rad works a treat if you are on shore power.
Make sure you have a morning plan as I am sure you will be up early, so DS games etc are really helpful to let the parents have a lie in! Finally, find a good cafe or pre cook bacon at home and then warm in up on board for bacon sarnies!
 
Large bottle of something to guarantee your reserves of patience and good humour plus earplugs.
Absolutely clear the following day and night to recover and get some sleep.
Posted............ by one who knows Zzzzzzzz :)
 
Recently did my first overnighter with my lad, definately choose a calm day/night, it was still cold waking up in the morning but plenty of layers. Not sure what boat you have but all I had was a tube heater in the cabin for when we woke up. We also went old school and ditched the iPads and brought board games and cards. Was great fun and he can't wait to do it again. So yes I would echo the above, warmth , entertainment and food.
 
Having marina facilities definitely makes things easier with a small boat. I'd take a sleeping bag just in case an adult wants to "bail" from the snuggle and sleep under the canvas.

In terms of play parks, there are other places with natural areas that are child-friendly too: ours loves to run around the dunes, go down to the beach, explore rock pools, all within a 10-minute walk of the marina ... this magical place is "Bembridge", but don't tell anyone else :) In high summer it's difficult there as you end up rafted out alongside other boats, but shouldn't be a problem now.

This weekend would be perfect to cross to the IOW. I would be out there too, but I've been wiped out by a bug that my daughter has given me. :disgust:

.
 
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Bembridge looks fantastic - think we will definitely make that our next trip!
Just trying to decide whether to go the whole hog and pack the camping kettle, stove, crockery, etc. or just keep it really simple this time and eat out.
Then again, I do need my cup of tea in the morning...
I think I may be underestimating how cold it will be in the morning, being used to a tent rather than a boat. More blankets going on the list...
Thank you all, you're so helpful.
 
It is quite refreshing how much kids appreciate old skool boardgames and cards once in a while. I think they actually miss the social interaction with adults whilst they are playing on their iPad/DS/stations.....
 
Alpha22 said:
It is quite refreshing how much kids appreciate old skool boardgames and cards once in a while. I think they actually miss the social interaction with adults whilst they are playing on their iPad/DS/stations.....
Click to expand...

I'll second board games, Catopoly and what's in the bag are hits on Bigwow
 
Keep 'em busy during the day (running, football, swimming, rowing, digging for treasure - whatever you can) so they are knackered at bed time, hot milk with a dash of whisky & a spoon of sugar should see them well relaxed & asleep early enough for you to review the day & plan the following day's activities.

Take plenty of pics/ video, you & they will love reliving the adventure for years to come.
 
Well, we did it. Decided to take advantage of the weather and spent last night at Port Solent. Kids had an absolute ball, and so did we. Just so excited about this whole new life we've discovered - everyone we meet is so friendly.
If anything, we were far too hot in the night - I'd packed for arctic conditions, in the end we didn't even need the duvet.
Already planning the next trip, so thank you all again for the great advice! :-)
 
Jodles123 said:
Well, we did it. Decided to take advantage of the weather and spent last night at Port Solent. Kids had an absolute ball, and so did we. Just so excited about this whole new life we've discovered - everyone we meet is so friendly.
If anything, we were far too hot in the night - I'd packed for arctic conditions, in the end we didn't even need the duvet.
Already planning the next trip, so thank you all again for the great advice! :-)
Click to expand...

Great & thanks for the feedback.

Just remember, softly, softly, catchee monkey - don't try to do too much at once, take small steps so there are no nasty surprises & each new triumph leads to the next little challenge.
 
You are so right. We did head out of the harbour for a short time this afternoon, but it was really quite lumpy so went straight back in. Softly softly, as you say!
 
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