Getting Into Boating

[goblin]

Hello, looking for recommendations on how to get into the boating world, ideally a powerboat. The biggest issue is the fact I am only 16 and my family are'nt into the boating.
Whats the best way to start? ie. boats, location etc

 

[Solitaire]

First things first, go and do the Powerboat Level 2 course and this will not only give you an idea of how to drive a small powerboat but also you will gain lots of advice by asking questions! Tell you old man you want to do a course first and then try and "persuade" him that you are going about it in the right way so get his help. You will not be able to hire a boat at your age so it's going to be difficult to get any practice in. You don't say where you are based so difficult to advise you on where to go, but if you do the RYA Level 2 course make sure it is for the coastal certificate. If you want any more help send me a PM and I'll try my best. Out of interest I have a 16 year old lad doing a Level 2 course with this weekend. His Dad has paid!

 

[Major Catastrophe]

You've got two problems, you can't drive so you can't have trail boat and you are probably not earning megabucks to be able to afford a berth and a boat.

You have two options,

First buy or acquire a 'project' that has at the very least a working engine. Spend the winter working on it and then emerging in the spring like some wondrous butterfly, with your 'new
shiny boat. It is at this moment you will suddenly acquire new friends who have access to a car to tow the beast.

But, up until you find the project, I would hang around in seedy leisure boating bars, offering to sponge a motor boat down in return for a cabbie. Meet people and become known in the correct circles and things will start to unfold.

But, before you embark in your own boat, learn something about how to drive/park/not drown in a boat, so ask your parents for a power boat 2 course instead of new jeans and a couple of CD's for Christmas.

 

[itsonlymoney]

Your location may be helpfull ?

 

[polyanna]

I agree with the posts above. Get the training, get involved in the boat community, maybe get a little project going. (Not sure about the seedy bars though! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif). I'm sure you will get good advice on this forum.
I for one think its great to see a youngster with an interest in doing something worthwhile. Just wish I could get my partners 16 year old lad to put his PSP down long enough to take an interst in life, let alone his mothers and mine favourite pastime.

Good Luck

 

[gjgm]

16 year old, dad paying...
is this is a specialist market that your are cornering!

 

[Solitaire]

[ QUOTE ]
16 year old, dad paying...
is this is a specialist market that your are cornering!

[/ QUOTE ]


/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif


Hadn't thought of it that way - but then there are those that come searching /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[gjgm]

unusual question.. actually, I think I'd suggest give the power a miss. There is a world of boating that doesnt require an motor, most of which for someone your age is maybe more involving. Dinghy sailing is usually extremely friendly,much more club orientated, a "crew" is often needed, you get out on the water, learn about winds and tides and getting wet. I suspect a very large number on here started boating in exactly this way, and had some starting point of experience when one had the "luxury" of a throttle.
Main thing really, is to be out on the water in good company. Truth be told, I wonder how many really care quite how !!
There isnt the fraternity in power to help you out, as far as I can see, but there is in sailing. You can always try to train for the sailing club safety boat at some point as a stepping stone.

 

[goblin]

thanks for the replys. my dad is more keen on me getting a kayak/canoe may be best going down that route?

 

[Captain Coochie]

Tell your dad you can't take girls back to a blinkin kayak/canoe . He'll be so proud of his boy that he will rush out and buy you a little 18footer to get you started /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

[ QUOTE ]
Tell your dad you can't take girls back to a blinkin kayak/canoe . He'll be so proud of his boy that he will rush out and buy you a little 18footer to get you started /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Spoken like a true reprobate, or was it a confession? I have speculated on my son's pulling power when his contemporaries bait line is "want to watch me go past on my moped" and he comes out with something about a weekend on the Thames on Daddy's cruiser.