Looking for intensive Twin Screw boat handling...

[mph]

I’m looking to get some hands on experience driving a twin engine shaft drive vessel.

I am starting a new job soon in the Far East and from time to time will need to move some big power boats. I have a lot of experience with sail boats (Commercial YM Ocean, STCW95 & 80K miles) but relatively little on twin screw power boats and nothing in the past 3 years.

I start the new job on 1st April so it doesn’t leave much time to squeeze in some experience!

I’ve done some phoning around the usual suspects in the central south coast (I am based in Poole) without a whole lot of success…
So far, the best offer seems to be Mendez Marine who can offer a whole day’s intensive boat handling on their Storebro Biscay…for £500! Yikes!!

Can anyone suggest any other options? Cheaper would be nice as well as this is coming out of my pocket and funds are tight!

As time is really short, I’d also look at an informal arrangement (obviously covering all costs!) with a boat owner.

 

[henryf]

I'm not sure there are going to be many owners happy to let you spend a day practicing close quarters manoeuvring on their pride and joy for less than the £500 quoted which presumably includes insurance, fuel and someone's wages for the day.

I didn't think that sounded too bad. A single gelcoat scuff is going to come in at a couple of hundred pounds and a private owner might moan that its not perfect even then so you could be opening yourself up to a load of aggro if you're not careful.

Henry

 

[Thepipdoc]

For £500 you ought to take Medez's arm off.
Not only is it good value but if your getting Jon Mendez you are getting a top notch instructor.

 

[carlton]

I'm sure Julie (Powerskipper) works for MM too. £500 for a full day is prob'ly as good as it gets.

 

[mph]

Thanks guys for those replies.
It's a bit reassuring to hear that £500 is about right for that type of intensive training, I’ll probably call Jon to book it tmw.

 

[epervier]

Another vote for £500, sounds cheap to me, diesel at over £1.00 a litre, even my little cruiser burns 6 gallons a hour x 6 hour play about = 162 litres,plus insurance, 'snot going to happen for 500 squids.

 

[powerskipper]

mm

How was it.

 

[mph]

How was it.

Hi Julie,
The training day with Steve from Mendez Marine was great! In about 8 hours out on the water, we covered everything I wanted to work on.
Steve is a great guy and able to explain all evolutions clearly.

I think I saw you in the car park at the end?

 

[powerskipper]

hi

Hi Julie,
The training day with Steve from Mendez Marine was great! In about 8 hours out on the water, we covered everything I wanted to work on.
Steve is a great guy and able to explain all evolutions clearly.

I think I saw you in the car park at the end?

Yup was me, did not know what you would think if a mad woman said forumit. I have done it and they did not know what I was talking about.