How to get started into boating?

[JBREWER]

I've been interested in owning a boat for a few years now, my wife was hoping this would just be a phase I would go through but I am still really excited to to get into this new hobby. To find out more about it, I completed a 2 day level 2 power-boating course which I loved and it's made me more determined than ever to get ready for the 2021 season. I've saved up £17,000 which I'm hoping will cover the cost of a new boat + equipment, as well as 1 years mooring, insurance , servicing etc. The £17,000 for me is a huge amount of money, but I know in the boating world it's a drop in the ocean (excuse the pun!). It would be handy to know with my overall budget how much of it should go towards the boat compared to all the other costs.

I'm looking for a boat that's suitable for water-skiing, but also sea-worthy enough so that in time I can go out mackerel fishing (nothing at all too serious, it'll just be a bit of casual fishing with some friends, rods and beers), and perhaps trips to Lundy island. I like the look of bow-riders but I know most of these aren't suitable to go in the sea. I don't need a cabin or anything, but wouldn't be fussed if the boat had one. If anyone has any suggestions on what boat to get I'd be very grateful.

I'm based near Bude, Cornwall, most harbours & marina's seem to be an hour away, which is fine (Padstow, Plymouth, Exmoor, Illfracombe & Bideford). Does anyone have any suggestions of what harbor would be good for a complete beginner? I'd like somewhere that I can water-ski and where mooring is available (otherwise I'd have to change my car and probably upgrade my driving license which would eat a big dent into my budget). I know Padstow and Plymouth have a waiting list, which I can't join yet as I don't have a boat, does anyone know roughly how long it takes to on the waiting lists, or are there docks fairly near me without a waiting list?

I'm well aware I'll have to do some courses on water-skiing and I don't plan on going offshore for at least a year or so until I'm more confident and I'll be doing the intermediate course before venturing out, but I'm hopefully buying a boat that I'll have for years and years, so it's something I think I need to consider when looking to buy one.

Sorry for the long message, I'm really excited to get started, but it all seems a bit overwhelming with the amount there is to learn and sort out. Any advice will be gratefully received.

 

[Jamie Dundee]

Long term it would probably be cheaper to buy a trailer boat and keep it at/near home. Moorings are expensive, plus lifts in/out, anti fouling etc and a trailer gives you a choice of sailing/fishing grounds. Given your requirements a RIB is a good option, especially as it sounds like your better half is unlikely to be joining you.

 

[Hot Property]

One of the best 19 ft boats is the Fletcher 19 Sports Cruiser.

The outboard version can be towed by a Mondeo or similar so no 4 wd required.

I had one and regret having sold it!

Little cuddy for throwing kit in. Loo, essential if your wife comes with you!!!

Rare as hen's teeth but they do come up for sale. budget probably 8 to 10 k.

Mooring fees will eat into your budget but you could perhaps have a seasonal mooring so you don't have to launch and recover each time.

This was my boat before I bought her..... She now has a 150 Mercury so shifts!!!

 

[superheat6k]

I have never sailed the Bristol Channel, but I expect it has fast tides and sometimes rough waters I would avoid a bow rider. Great in the Mediterranean, but less attractive in UK waters.

Trailer boating is OK for the first few launches, then your assistant who may be less keen than you will be far less keen on all the faff launching and recovery involves.

For me I think boating is just a phase that will soon pass, after all I only first went on a boat in 1978 !

Whatever you do buy think about how easy it will be sell on, so as Nick says something like a Fletcher. Most newbies will want something grander within short order.

 

[gordmac]

What about a sib? Depending on your car it could fit in the boot deflated.
Perhaps step one would be to cost local moorings, I am led to believe Southerners pay a lot for them. If it is on a mooring you will need a tender of some sort to get out to it. A pontoon or dry stack would avoid this at more cost.

 

[CLB]

I'm looking for a boat that's suitable for water-skiing, but also sea-worthy enough so that in time I can go out mackerel fishing (nothing at all too serious, it'll just be a bit of casual fishing with some friends, rods and beers), and perhaps trips to Lundy island. I like the look of bow-riders but I know most of these aren't suitable to go in the sea. I don't need a cabin or anything, but wouldn't be fussed if the boat had one. If anyone has any suggestions on what boat to get I'd be very grateful.

A 6m RIB on a trailer, so it can be kept at home or at least dry stacked, with something in the region of 115-150hp on the back would meet all your requirements

 

[jakew009]

I've been interested in owning a boat for a few years now, my wife was hoping this would just be a phase I would go through but I am still really excited to to get into this new hobby. To find out more about it, I completed a 2 day level 2 power-boating course which I loved and it's made me more determined than ever to get ready for the 2021 season. I've saved up £17,000 which I'm hoping will cover the cost of a new boat + equipment, as well as 1 years mooring, insurance , servicing etc. The £17,000 for me is a huge amount of money, but I know in the boating world it's a drop in the ocean (excuse the pun!). It would be handy to know with my overall budget how much of it should go towards the boat compared to all the other costs.

I'm looking for a boat that's suitable for water-skiing, but also sea-worthy enough so that in time I can go out mackerel fishing (nothing at all too serious, it'll just be a bit of casual fishing with some friends, rods and beers), and perhaps trips to Lundy island. I like the look of bow-riders but I know most of these aren't suitable to go in the sea. I don't need a cabin or anything, but wouldn't be fussed if the boat had one. If anyone has any suggestions on what boat to get I'd be very grateful.

I'm based near Bude, Cornwall, most harbours & marina's seem to be an hour away, which is fine (Padstow, Plymouth, Exmoor, Illfracombe & Bideford). Does anyone have any suggestions of what harbor would be good for a complete beginner? I'd like somewhere that I can water-ski and where mooring is available (otherwise I'd have to change my car and probably upgrade my driving license which would eat a big dent into my budget). I know Padstow and Plymouth have a waiting list, which I can't join yet as I don't have a boat, does anyone know roughly how long it takes to on the waiting lists, or are there docks fairly near me without a waiting list?

I'm well aware I'll have to do some courses on water-skiing and I don't plan on going offshore for at least a year or so until I'm more confident and I'll be doing the intermediate course before venturing out, but I'm hopefully buying a boat that I'll have for years and years, so it's something I think I need to consider when looking to buy one.

Sorry for the long message, I'm really excited to get started, but it all seems a bit overwhelming with the amount there is to learn and sort out. Any advice will be gratefully received.

You have a lot to figure out

Drop me a PM, I have a 7.5m rib which I take out of Appledore. I'd be happy to take you out for a few hours, convey what little knowledge I have and give you some pointers locally.
The power boat courses are somewhat useful, but don't teach you a lot of real life stuff imo. It's pretty daunting the first time you turn up at Appledore slip with a few hundred people stood on the quay watching and you wondering how you are going to get the boat into the water and out again...

If you are looking at the North Devon coast it is not boat friendly in any way compared to the south coast. Massive tides, massively exposed and practically no facilities what so ever.

Plymouth is totally different and much more leisure boat friendly.

In terms of boats, as the previous poster said, I'd think a 5m ish rib would be your best bet kept on a trailer. The trailer keeps the costs way lower in exchange for a massive increase in hassle. You should be able to find something for 10k ish if you are happy to do some DIY on it.

If you stayed under about 5m you could keep it on a cheap unbraked trailer and tow it without a B+E on your license which might be worth considering. You could actually tow a much bigger rib on your current license up to a MAM of 3500kg all up (car & trailer) with a braked trailer but that will depend on what tow car you have.

 

[JBREWER]

Thanks for all the help guys!

I would really prefer to have the boat moored up somewhere, it seems like a lot of extra hassle doing all the checks before tailoring, launching, recovering, flushing the engine out etc every time I want to go out, I can see myself not using it as much when compared to already having it moored up, but yes I can see how this will cost more in the long term. Does anyone know anywhere with mooring availability in Devon or North Cornwall?

Thanks for the ideas of different boats as well. I'm not too keen on Rib's or Sibs to be honest, but the sport cruiser looks perfect. I'm always checking the sale sites to see what's available, can't wait till the lockdown restrictions ease so I can actually view some! It's all very exciting thanks for all the advice!!!

 

[JBREWER]

You have a lot to figure out

Drop me a PM, I have a 7.5m rib which I take out of Appledore. I'd be happy to take you out for a few hours, convey what little knowledge I have and give you some pointers locally.
The power boat courses are somewhat useful, but don't teach you a lot of real life stuff imo. It's pretty daunting the first time you turn up at Appledore slip with a few hundred people stood on the quay watching and you wondering how you are going to get the boat into the water and out again...

If you are looking at the North Devon coast it is not boat friendly in any way compared to the south coast. Massive tides, massively exposed and practically no facilities what so ever.

Plymouth is totally different and much more leisure boat friendly.

In terms of boats, as the previous poster said, I'd think a 5m ish rib would be your best bet kept on a trailer. The trailer keeps the costs way lower in exchange for a massive increase in hassle. You should be able to find something for 10k ish if you are happy to do some DIY on it.

If you stayed under about 5m you could keep it on a cheap unbraked trailer and tow it without a B+E on your license which might be worth considering. You could actually tow a much bigger rib on your current license up to a MAM of 3500kg all up (car & trailer) with a braked trailer but that will depend on what tow car you have.

Hi Jake!

Sorry I couldn't send a private message, for some reason every time I tried I kept getting an error message, so I've had to send this publicly.

Thank you so much for offering to take me out on your rib in Appledore, that is really kind of you and would be really helpful. I can imagine it must be very daunting launching a boat with an audience for the first time.

Thanks also for the advice in what to look for, I don't mind doing a bit of DIY, but the problem is I wouldn't really know what I'm doing as I'm not that practical or mechanically minded, but I'm sure youtube could help me lol. Whatever happens it should be a laugh! Thanks again!

 

[chillee]

Could also look at some center console boats. Although they usually have an open bow, the cockpits are self draining so very safe from that perspective. Suggest to look at Ranieri and Quicksilver.

 

[simonfraser]

Thanks for all the help guys!

I would really prefer to have the boat moored up somewhere, it seems like a lot of extra hassle doing all the checks before tailoring, launching, recovering, flushing the engine out etc every time I want to go out, I can see myself not using it as much when compared to already having it moored up, but yes I can see how this will cost more in the long term. Does anyone know anywhere with mooring availability in Devon or North Cornwall?

Thanks for the ideas of different boats as well. I'm not too keen on Rib's or Sibs to be honest, but the sport cruiser looks perfect. I'm always checking the sale sites to see what's available, can't wait till the lockdown restrictions ease so I can actually view some! It's all very exciting thanks for all the advice!!!

boats are fun but hassle too, be prepared for that

if you don't flush the engine out and don't wash it down the salt water will create all sorts of extra hassle

have you considered a sports cruiser on a park and ride scheme ?
that way you have trailer guys helping you in and out of the water and its stored on land, easier to flush / rinse it and the maintenance is simpler or pay some one

 

[jon and michie]

One of the best 19 ft boats is the Fletcher 19 Sports Cruiser.

The outboard version can be towed by a Mondeo or similar so no 4 wd required.

I had one and regret having sold it!

Little cuddy for throwing kit in. Loo, essential if your wife comes with you!!!

Rare as hen's teeth but they do come up for sale. budget probably 8 to 10 k.

Mooring fees will eat into your budget but you could perhaps have a seasonal mooring so you don't have to launch and recover each time.

This was my boat before I bought her..... She now has a 150 Mercury so shifts!!!

Can vouch for the Fletcher - A friend of mine has had his for a few years now

Jon