Hi...any tips/advice

[Jegero]

Hi,

New member here and new to the world of boating.

I don't own a boat but would like to, and would appreciate any advice, tips or cautions anyone may have.

I live in Pembrokeshire and really like the idea of getting a small motor boat to pootle around the haven and nearshore on calm days with the wife and two small boys.... maybe some fishing.

I don't really have any experience with boats and so I'm not entirely sure of all the extra costs involved other than the obvious things like buoyancy aids.

I'm thinking some kind of training would be wise... any recommendations?

I hope to get something small that will be stored on the driveway... I have a 1.6 Ford Focus Estate... would I be able to tow with that?

My initial thoughts are along the lines of something like this???

https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kayaks-jet-skis/dejon-14-feet-cabin-fishing-boat/1226060181

Many thanks in advance

Jeg

 

[Mr Googler]

Welcome to the forum.

I would say something like that may be a touch too small for all 4 of you. Even a few feet bigger would make a lot of difference room wise.

have you thought about a rib? Not sure what your budget is....

https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Sports-Ribs-for-sale/humber-ocean-pro/215794

Lots of advantages to a rib as a starter boat. Easy to get on and off, stable at rest, good fun at speed, bounce off of things when mooring, seaworthy etc...

Training is a must for you and your wife. Any RYA training school for powerboat level 2 and vhf licence. They can advise on safety kit you should carry.

 

[Jegero]

Thanks for the response FARSCO.

I did think about a rib for a bit... However, I'm not sure it'd fit on the drive - not with the car anyway. I also thought it'd be good to have the shelter from the sun... or rain more likely.

My budget is pretty basic... maybe a couple of K for the boat itself and then whatever extras I need. I not afraid of a (bit of a) project. - I work in the Composites industry so (some) repairs should be fairly straight forward... As long as I can identify what needs repairing in the first place.

Definitely want to do some training so thanks for the RYA tip.... I don't want to be "that guy" if I can help it!

 

[tico]

You might want to wander down to Neyland marina and see what Mike DeGraff has at Boatshed Wales there. He normally has a couple of small boats and RIBs available.
Small RIB is ideal for exploring the haven and some fishing around there.

 

[AndieMac]

My vote is for a rib, I wouldn't be too focused on shelter to start with, you will only be going out on calm days and cabin shelter on small boats is a token gesture anyway.
Number one priority is feeling and being safe, the rib will delivery this, light to tow as well. Good luck with the next stages

 

[Bigplumbs]

My vote is for a rib, I wouldn't be too focused on shelter to start with, you will only be going out on calm days and cabin shelter on small boats is a token gesture anyway.
Number one priority is feeling and being safe, the rib will delivery this, light to tow as well. Good luck with the next stages

That is excellent advice

 

[Kawasaki]

That is excellent advice

Seconded

 

[powerskipper]

Find somewhere local and see about doing a Power boat level 2, its a 2 day course and will give you an idea of what you want, both you and your wife could do it. Then you will have an idea of what is involved and what you may want to do. good luck.

 

[maverickofpoole]

The Dejon 14 wouldn't be my first choice as it is very tippy boat with a very low freeboard. My old man had one with a 20hp on the back in which I never felt safe. They are definitely not a sea boat. Try looking at Shetland boats in the 16-18' range which will be more suited to what you're looking for

 

[AndieMac]

G'day Jeg, powerboat training is essential, as has already been mentioned. A company called Seawake in North Wales does a great job, also operated by forum members, cheers

 

[Jegero]

Thanks for all the great tips people, it is much appreciated. I have seen a couple of shetlands around here, they look pretty nice. I see what you're saying about the shelter... I was thinking more along the lines of keeping the sun off us a bit... I guess a hat is just as good at that. I will look at RIBs a bit more also now. Here is potentially a dumb question... How do you launch a small motorboat on your own when there is just a ramp and no pontoon?... What would I do with the boat while I'm parking the car and trailer?... Can't really just drop anchor and swim back can I?... My wife is quite timid when driving the car, let alone driving with a trailer... let alone driving a boat!!

 

[maverickofpoole]

When you have launched the boat there is no need to take the boat offshore to drop the hook. Just make sure the boat is floating. With a boat in the 6 metre size range you only need a metre of water. Walk out a little drop the hook, make sure it's holding then deal with the car/trailer, hop back on the boat and of you go. Sounds simple because it is, do it once or twice and you will become an old hand at it.

 

[Rocksteadee]

Further to the advice of the Power Boat 2 course. I would suggest that both you and the wife do it together in a school boat.
That way all the questions can be answered. Even better if there are just the two of you as )to a degree) the course can be tailored to what you require, eg concentrate a touch more on launch and recovery.
Generally these courses are run on a RIB, so will give you an idea of e characteristics of that type of boat.

Another boat to consider is something like a Merry fisher with a small cockpit