Looking ahead. (Licences/training/berth)

[East Cardinal]

Have been asking opinions on cruising an ex commercial/ pilot boat, and looking ahead should I be able to acquire something suitable.

Budget for the boat is likely to be around £25k. So motorboating/cruising on a limited budget! I may buy a share in a friend’s RIB just to get back into boating before any solo purchase.

I understand no licence is required for UK cruising. I have a lot of sea experience but all with the RN many years ago. Does the RYA run any suitable courses to bring me up to date. I am thinking of GPS nav chartplotters and regulation etc rather than basic nav and seamanship.

Also interested in alternatives to marina berthing. Costs at marinas would be of the order £3 -5k per annum.
Are there cheaper alternatives? River berth or even canal?

EC

 

[BruceK]

What did you do in the RN? Not mocking or anything but a good mate of mine just retired from the RN and his knowledge is without question. It just didn't translate well to small boats and ended in near disaster with me having to call out the RNLI to rescue my boat (a small 23 foot cuddy at the time) that he was in the process of sinking while I watched from shore in frustration and anger. His hubris took a battering that day. If it's been a while, dont make the presumption.

 

[East Cardinal]

Navigator
Exactly why I am asking for advice on here!
North Wales would be the nearest RYA centre to me, what course would you recommend?

 

[Kawasaki]

Navigator
Exactly why I am asking for advice on here!
North Wales would be the nearest RYA centre to me, what course would you recommend?

As you have experience and are not a Total Newcomer, I suggest the Intermediate RYA power boat course would be a good refresher and it's great Fun too. Plus it will give you a taste of smaller boats than you probably had in the RN!
North Wales is a good place to Train, especially the Menai Strait , there are varied conditions in the area
Obviously I am Biased!!

 

[BruceK]

Day skipper as a refresher PB intermediate moving up to Power Boat Advanced. Note the assumed knowledge : http://www.rya.org.uk/courses-training/courses/powerboat/Pages/advanced.aspx
And then get hold of Kwackers (Kawasaki of this parish) do give you some own boat tuition as well. Do pop in, I'm in Conwy and always welcome cruising in company

 

[BruceK]

Ah, Kwackers beat me to it. He's is always first in the queue when there is a punter about. But he does come highly recommended, just hold on to your teeth and any other lose items of value.

 

[Kawasaki]

BruceK, You Do need to get up in the Morning!

 

[BruceK]

How can I when you call up to chat until morning birdsong. Just because you're an insomniac!

 

[Kawasaki]

Oh! I would just like to say Folks
Just because Young Bruce has a 'K' on the end. We ain't not related
In anyway shape or form innit

 

[Kawasaki]

How can I when you call up to chat until morning birdsong. Just because you're an insomniac!

Fwed Dwift
Stoppitt!

 

[BruceK]

Nobody claims kinship with you you old rogue. Go mither East Cardinal. Sell him a course or two. Introduce him to the fold, and do a runner with is bucks while he's still vulnerable.

 

[Seastoke]

I think they are the same person ,for one I know them both very well ,but NEVER seen them together hence the bruce k

 

[BruceK]

Ah, our problem child just chipped in. Who let you out the cellar Roy?

 

[Kawasaki]

Sorry East Cardinal
For the above 2 Drifting your Thread
Leave it with Me I shall chastise the Children on Your Behalf
'ADMIN'!

 

[BruceK]

He asked for an education and as he is a North Wales candidate his tuition has begun. No drift here

 

[Seastoke]

Mr East send me a pm and I will give you the info you need without the welch buttin in

 

[Kawasaki]

Mr East send me a pm and I will give you the info you need without the welch buttin in

Already PM'd Him Stokey git, so there!!

 

[East Cardinal]

Seastoke, pm sent.

Kawasaki, Intermediate PB course looks like it might be what I am looking for. Does it involve harbour entry/exit? Also doesn’t seem to be any course dates!