New to boating looking for advice

Nevillehaide

Nevillehaide

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10 Feb 2018
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Greater Manchester
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Hi

After many years of putting off I'm finally hoping to get some training and purchase a motor cruiser this year.

Can anyone reccomend a training centre offering a Helmsmans course closest to Manchester UK.

Any reccomendations for a good first cruiser looking for something spacious 2 adults and 2 children could spend weekends on.

Advice on Marinas and motor cruiser specific clubs would also be usefull.

Many thanks in advance
 
Welcome to the forums :)

You'll no doubt get some useful advice here, but most of the motorboat folks who could advise on that type of boat are over in the motorboat forum next door.

Most of us here are into sailing boats - but there might be someone local to Manchester who can suggest schools and moorings.

Pete
 
Most Mancunians I know seem to end up somewhere in North Wales. Pwhelli, Conwy etc.

Anyway, here's the RYA page for finding a training centre. I'm not entirely sure how up to date it is and it lists places that won't do many courses, but it's a start. Most schools have their own websites too.
 
Yes, welcome! In addition to Pete's advice about posting your question on the Motor Boat Forum, can I suggest that it would be good to indicate your likely budget for the boat?
 
Hi

Looking to spend between 50 - 60K on a 2000 onwards for my first boat as ill likely damage something untill I get some experience.

I have struggled to find anything closer than south England on the RYA site for the Helmsman course. Conway would be perfect for me geographically.
 
Nevillehaide said:
Hi

After many years of putting off I'm finally hoping to get some training and purchase a motor cruiser this year.

Can anyone reccomend a training centre offering a Helmsmans course closest to Manchester UK.

Any reccomendations for a good first cruiser looking for something spacious 2 adults and 2 children could spend weekends on.

Advice on Marinas and motor cruiser specific clubs would also be usefull.

Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

seawake training based in cony wales about 80 miles from manc if you want the guys number pm me or he is on here called kawasaki
 
Nevillehaide said:
Hi

After many years of putting off I'm finally hoping to get some training and purchase a motor cruiser this year.

Can anyone reccomend a training centre offering a Helmsmans course closest to Manchester UK.

Any reccomendations for a good first cruiser looking for something spacious 2 adults and 2 children could spend weekends on.

Advice on Marinas and motor cruiser specific clubs would also be usefull.

Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Budget?
 
Budget (both for the purchase and running costs - usually around 10% p/a of the boats price when new)? Age? DIY-capable (basic maintenance, some spannering)? Any ”must haves”? Have you operated/rented a boat before? IF the anser to the last Questrom is no I’d give it a stab before purchasing at least to get a senare of what works for you and not.
 
They do the full set of RYA Powerboating courses at Largs in Scotland.

http://www.nationalcentrecumbrae.org.uk/courses/powerboating

It may seem a long way, but you can see what we think of it by the fact that we live near Manchester and keep our sailing yacht at Largs. It is an easy drive once you get past Preston. Big advantage of Largs compared to North Wales area, the tidal range is small and there is 24 hr access to nearly all locations and there are many different types of destinations within a short travelling distance.
 
MeaCulpa said:
Budget (both for the purchase and running costs - usually around 10% p/a of the boats price when new)? Age? DIY-capable (basic maintenance, some spannering)? Any ”must haves”? Have you operated/rented a boat before? IF the anser to the last Questrom is no I’d give it a stab before purchasing at least to get a senare of what works for you and not.
Click to expand...
Hi

Thanks for your comments.

Was initially hoping for something 2000 onwards and in fairly good condition up to around 50k as a first boat. I'm fairly handy electrically and have a couple of mechanic pals so not shy of DIY. Want something me the wife and 2 kids could sleep on over a weekend comfortably so cabin space is important.

Took small motor boats out abroad and chartered for day trips but assume a complete novice.

Figured the Helmsmans course would be a good starting point but looking for any valuable expeariance I can get to learn boat handling and navigation.
 
Martin&Rene said:
They do the full set of RYA Powerboating courses at Largs in Scotland.

http://www.nationalcentrecumbrae.org.uk/courses/powerboating

It may seem a long way, but you can see what we think of it by the fact that we live near Manchester and keep our sailing yacht at Largs. It is an easy drive once you get past Preston. Big advantage of Largs compared to North Wales area, the tidal range is small and there is 24 hr access to nearly all locations and there are many different types of destinations within a short travelling distance.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the advice will definately check them out. Scotland is beautiful and like you say it's a great drive once your past Preston/Lancaster.

Many thanks
 
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