motorboating for beginners, do i really need to do a course?

[symondo]

I had intended on doing the rya courses at my leisure along with the radio course needed for the spring.

However for reasons I don't wish to post, really need to get using our boat as soon as the weather is decent.

Is it normal for beginners to just 'have a go'? I've skippered a small boat with an outboard previous, so its quite a big jump to a 32ft motor boat.

I'm fully aware its safety first and would never do anything to jepoardise that. But I know the coastline can be very unforgiving.

Any beginners been able to learn on the job so to speak?

 

[lisilou]

I guess it depends on your level of confidence and how well you know your area. Personally, if you don't want to do the courses for whatever reason, I'd opt to have 1 or 2 days own boat tuition just to get the feel?
L

 

[chuzzlewit]

I've boated for 40 odd years (now on a 27' motor boat)without any instruction.

 

[guernseyman]

Judging by the number of Mayday and Pan Pan calls this summer, a lot of people are skipping the courses.

 

[PCUK]

I've boated for 40 odd years (now on a 27' motor boat)without any instruction.

Me too. Later on did Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster to hone my nav'.

 

[symondo]

Id say im pretty confident, and can turn my hand to most things

Are there books which may help boost knowledge or is it a case of practise and practical knowledge as you go?

I'm not wanting to navigate the north sea, just be able to get it off a buoy, get a trip out safely, bring is back and moor up safely, including swinging buoys and pontoons.

I know our gps plotter has instructions but seems pretty fool proof. I know I need the radio course without fail.

Just need to fast track the going out for the day potential hurdles

 

[lynall]

We did exactly what you are planning on, but as we had never been on a boat before never mind driven one, it was certainly entertaining the first time we had to moor up arse first!
Only course i have done was the vhf one, and only then because i heard the fine was quite hefty.
I think not doing courses, you sometimes feel you are missing out, but in reality ive found its common sense and a keen eye on the depth gauge and plenty on research.
Hardest bit is mooring up, pay attention to which way the wind is blowing very important.

 

[l'escargot]

How confident are you arriving and leaving a berth, can you tie your boat up properly and can you avoid colliding with other boats and stationary obstructions - in all weathers you are likely to encounter? Those are the first skills you need before getting on the water otherwise you could find things expensive.

 

[Bandit]

I came late to formal education for boating having had a boat for ten years myself and having boated with father since a bairn.

Having been largely self taught I thought I knew it all and I clearly did not.

I wished I had started much earlier at a lower level.

The RYA courses do teach you the "right way" of doing things and in a logical and practical way that builds on the various courses over the years, they do not teach you local pilotage.

the boating for beginners gives you a good grounding and shows you what to expect on courses further down the line.

You really need to discuss with an instructor if they think the boating for beginners is the right course or what used to be called Day Skipper.

 

[sarabande]

it's not about learning from books or the plotter's instructions, it's about hours behind the wheel and handling lines on the foredeck.

Plenty of people around to mentor you for a day or two. Some may be professional, and deserve paying. Some may be just highly experienced pople who would do it for travel costs and meal.


You cannot shortcut experience.

 

[blueglass]

I did my RYA shorebased yachtmaster at night school over the winter and then bought a boat and taught myself the practical skills myself the following summer. Took it all in small safe steps. Really did need that theory course background though.

 

[tonyh1]

Slow manoeuvring in tidal and windy conditions with other people's pride and joy in close proximity?.... Are you feeling lucky?

I don't care personally about an individual taking a course for their own safety but I do think that marina/harbour slow handling in tidal and windy conditions should be compulsory for anyone taking to water in a vessel capable of making a dent in another vessel.

 

[Murv]

I had intended on doing the rya courses at my leisure along with the radio course needed for the spring.

However for reasons I don't wish to post, really need to get using our boat as soon as the weather is decent.

Is it normal for beginners to just 'have a go'? I've skippered a small boat with an outboard previous, so its quite a big jump to a 32ft motor boat.

I'm fully aware its safety first and would never do anything to jepoardise that. But I know the coastline can be very unforgiving.

Any beginners been able to learn on the job so to speak?

I bought a boat a Year ago with the intention of doing just that, there are a lot of good publications out there to help you.
Very long story short, but the boat has spent most of the Year not running but the few trips I've had out, I've found intimidating.
I'm going to do some training, and get some instruction, as well as joining a club before venturing out properly again.

I don't know if I'll necessarily do the RYA courses, at the moment I'm inquiring about classroom tuition coupled with practical training from the RYA guys at the marina.

Either way, good luck!

 

[Baddox]

I expect that like me, many on here did not had any formal lessons before setting out for the first time. Was that to be recommended? Who knows?
Why not read through the rules of the road, learn how your boat, electronics and engine all work so that you can solve problems on the hoof if needed? Then pick a calm, quiet day and have a play away from other vessels or objects that you could damage. Practice close quarters manoeuvring in plenty of space to get a feel for the boat handling then head out on a run somewhere. If you are not sure of your abilities take an experienced skipper or get some informal own boat tuition at the same time. You are out to enjoy yourself after all, and not to be worried so much that it spoils the start of a great adventure.

 

[Greg2]

it's not about learning from books or the plotter's instructions, it's about hours behind the wheel and handling lines on the foredeck.

Plenty of people around to mentor you for a day or two. Some may be professional, and deserve paying. Some may be just highly experienced pople who would do it for travel costs and meal.


You cannot shortcut experience.

I completely agree. However, if you have never helmed a boat before then something like RYA powerboat level II can't hurt to provide the foundations upon which to develop experience. More likely to start doing things the right way and with increased confidence.

 

[petem]

Time doesn't have to be a factor. You can do a Day Skipper practical which includes most of the theory over a long weekend. But IMHO you do need to know the basics of boat handling, navigation, col regs, tides, etc. Also consider the insurance implications of going out wih no formal training.

 

[D3B]

Before I got into serious sea boating I did the Day Skipper theory course folllowed up with the Practical.
Not sure if these are still available (I am sure they are).
The Practical was a five day course on board doing pretty much everything you might do on your own. Including some night hours.

Recommendation?
See above........

 

[julians]

If you've got a lot of experience in the small boat in the same areas that you'll be using your bigger boat , then you'll probably be fine. The bigger boat will just take some getting used to in terms of low speed/close quarters handling.

I reckon though, that if you have to ask the question then you're not 100% sure of your abilities, so it would probably make sense to at least have someone experienced out with you for the first couple of times, even if its not formal training.

I've not had any formal training, but have been around/on boats for a long time, but even then, If I'm taking a new (to me) boat out for the first time, it takes a bit of getting used.

 

[rubberduck]

I would do PB2 if it was me, gave us no end of confidence.

 

[[2068]]

Doing something like a PBII would be ideal.
But if you don't like the idea of having to do a formal "course", then an alternative would be for a friendly instructor will come out with you for the first few times and give you some tips.

Taking a 30ft Mobo out for the first time if you are only used to smaller stuff could be scary otherwise, and it's not supposed to be scary, it's supposed to be fun

The fun bit kicks in when you are relaxed and confident enough to handle the boat in moderate conditions around the marina, and not be worrying about how on earth you're going to get the boat back into the berth.

.