Momac
Well-Known Member
I don't like the through the windscreen access to the bow on the american style boats.
New to boating looking for advice
- Thread starter Nevillehaide
- Start date
I don't like the through the windscreen access to the bow on the american style boats.
Skylark
Well-Known Member
I’ve just looked at the RYA website and found that a Helmsman course is a 2-day “skill”, part of the Motor Cruising scheme.
Some posters are suggesting courses within the Powerboat scheme. Our forum friend Seawake/Kawasaki runs the Powerboat scheme courses, not sure if he does Motor Cruising, though.
It would probably be wise for the OP to browse the RYA website, to take a look at both the Powerboat and the Motor Cruising schemes to see which one best suits his needs.
Once decided, the RYA search engine will show where courses are available.
Then, of course, there’s the Shorebased scheme. The first two courses are Essential Navigation & Seamanship and Day Skipper.
There are plenty of Recognised Training Centres within Greater Manchester for the Shorebased courses. RYA search engine will reveal all!
As to berthing a boat, as already stated many Manchester sailors have an affinity for North Wales. Lovely waters. It really depends upon what you and your family want from a boat. The Clyde, again already mentioned, has some stunning scenery but is a long way from Manchester if, for example, you planned to use the boat every weekend.
Hope this is of some help.
Welcome to the world of boating!
Some posters are suggesting courses within the Powerboat scheme. Our forum friend Seawake/Kawasaki runs the Powerboat scheme courses, not sure if he does Motor Cruising, though.
It would probably be wise for the OP to browse the RYA website, to take a look at both the Powerboat and the Motor Cruising schemes to see which one best suits his needs.
Once decided, the RYA search engine will show where courses are available.
Then, of course, there’s the Shorebased scheme. The first two courses are Essential Navigation & Seamanship and Day Skipper.
There are plenty of Recognised Training Centres within Greater Manchester for the Shorebased courses. RYA search engine will reveal all!
As to berthing a boat, as already stated many Manchester sailors have an affinity for North Wales. Lovely waters. It really depends upon what you and your family want from a boat. The Clyde, again already mentioned, has some stunning scenery but is a long way from Manchester if, for example, you planned to use the boat every weekend.
Hope this is of some help.
Welcome to the world of boating!
Nevillehaide
Member
Got married on windermere love it but coastal cruising is my goal. Did you have any training prior to getting out on Windermere.
Nevillehaide
Member
Thanks for the response.
Scoured the RYA site and powerboat courses are more available geographically. Not sure if these are more suited to ribs and small boats. What has everyone else done in terms of courses / training before operating 28ft + motor cruisers.
Mike k
Well-Known Member
I am berthed in Liverpool a short hop from Manchester and did all my training at safewater marine on the Wirral http://safewater.co.uk/ I also attended a nav course at Hoylake sailing club last year http://hss.ac.uk/. The marina also offer training. Worth checking if they do the one you want. Happy to discuss Liverpool if you need any info just pm me
Mike k
Well-Known Member
I replied on the PBO forum Neville. Am berthed in Liverpool 7.5m motorboat.
BruceK
Well-Known Member
Kwackers is your man as said. Do you plan to moor in Conwy?
Mike k
Well-Known Member
Furthermore when I started I couldn't get insurance unless I held Powerboat Level 2 qualification. Which doesn't really help with handling your own boat because my course was on a rib but ticks a box ad you learn some useful theory stuff.I did Day skipper on line first , then PB2 ( which also allowed me to have an ICC if I joined the RYA) , First aid,VHF ( a legal requirement if you have a vhf radio) then last year a Radar course.
Mike k
Well-Known Member
yes send a pm to Kawasaki -good guy and a knowledgeable trainer.
Momac
Well-Known Member
I did have the Helmsman certificate and had hired narrowboats in advance of buying my first boat but not sure whether that helped with insuring the first boat.
Nevillehaide
Member
Thanks very much Mike, will definately check them out Liverpool would be really handy from here didn't realise you could do training in liverpool. What boat do you have ? How far have you've been in it ? Any good clubs you can reccomend joining ?
Nevillehaide
Member
Thanks Martyn where did you do your Helmsman cert ?
Nevillehaide
Member
Conwy would be lovely and the first place I have tried to find training for Helmsman cert. Everything seems to be the PB courses though. North Wales is currently up there for mooring.
Thanks
Nevillehaide
Member
BruceK
Well-Known Member
I really wouldn't get hung up over helmsman just now. PB2 and VHF for starters and some own boat tuition. Then we do a fair amount of cruising in company where you would be welcome to join. That will familiarise you with the area in a relatively safe / supported environment.
I do hope your kids are the same ages as mine. Boy 11 girl 9. Some of the remote beaches and coves we let them run wild and having playmates keep them occupied and us relaxed.
Nevillehaide
Member
Bruce
I get the idea that's the route most have taken. Im a little naive to what's required to operate safely the type of craft i would like. Im assuming PB modules are equally as recognised for larger boats as the Helmsman and day skipper courses.
Have a 9 year old girl also and an 18 month boy/ wrecking ball. Tagging along would be amazing thank you and I will most definately take you up on that once on the water.
I take it your moored at conwy.
Mike k
Well-Known Member
Of the North West English marinas I went for Liverpool as the handiest and with the biggest window for sailing well motorboating- i.e 2 hours either side of HT. I looked at all of them. I have sailed to Conwy and stayed over there in the marina ,which was damn shallow ,its about 45nm from liverpool but I don't think I would use my boat as much if it was moored there because of the distance and time to get there. I agree lots of better sailing over there but with Liverpool, its about an hour and when you just want to go check on her, that's far enough. Mines a 7.5 m Quicksilver Weekender 5 berths, 250hp inboard 4 blade prop- I use her for fishing and cruising but also gives the family a 'flat' in Liverpool for many of the gigs, concerts and events that take place there- so a double whammy!! As Liverpool was once the worlds greatest sea port there are several clubs to join. I am not one for clubs really they tend to be for sail boats/racing etc
BruceK
Well-Known Member
Yes. I'm in Conwy. My honest take is get the PB2 and VHF. They are basic but give you a good foundation. Get your boat and get own boat tuition on close quarter handling. Then take easy small ventures out or preferable in company. Get the local knowlege. There is no real course substitute for that, certainly not around Anglesey. Once you have a smattering of experience the advanced courses will be far more beneficial and meaningful. Its not like you will be doing any major passage or night work in your first season. There's too much local to keep you occupied for a long time first 
Mike k
Well-Known Member
Consider the distance Neville, many boats, mine included don't get used enough , add on significant driving time from Manchester to Conwy or even Lake district and it could well be that extra edge that restricts your usage and enjoyment. I agree with Bruce PB2 and VHF are crucial training modules but add in first aid and do the day skipper on line from home. After being a silly prat and nearly pranging my boat, I got tuition on my own boat doing pontoon bashing/close quarter stuff - defo recommended.
Nevillehaide
Member
Yes. I'm in Conwy. My honest take is get the PB2 and VHF. They are basic but give you a good foundation. Get your boat and get own boat tuition on close quarter handling. Then take easy small ventures out or preferable in company. Get the local knowlege. There is no real course substitute for that, certainly not around Anglesey. Once you have a smattering of experience the advanced courses will be far more beneficial and meaningful. Its not like you will be doing any major passage or night work in your first season. There's too much local to keep you occupied for a long time first
I'll look more into the PB2 and VHF training, very excited at the prospect of getting out on the water with family & friends this summer so need to get a move on with the training..