newbie with good intentions

[abraham]

Hello to everyone, I am intent on getting a boat, probably a fletcher speedboat, as there seems to be plenty about on ebay at my price range, the idea of getting a boat is to take me out about 2 miles (maximum) offshore at Blackpool to do a bit of fishing not on rough days, and also to play just offshore with ski's, can anyone tell me how stable the fletcher speedboats are in the sea when anchored,I am new to boating as you have probaly guessed, what size engine do you think is best? for 4 heavy people in the boat, the tide at Blackpool runs at 8 knotts so I have been told, has anyone of you used this type of boat at blackpool sea?I bought a quicksilver 310 dinghy with 6hp motor, only to find it was a waste of money as it filled with water with every little wave about a foot high, the swimmers got further out than I did, hope to get out in the sea this summer /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif can you tell me the minumum depth of water a fletcher speed boat needs to propell along ? and do they have a short or long motor? I know this may sound a stupid post but we all have to start somewhere, and unfortunately for you, I found you, cheers

 

[Pete7]

Before you buy anything can I suggest you spend a weekend with Dave Mallett doing the RYA level 2 cse (he is local to you) which will answer many of your questions and save him bringing you home as he is part of the RNLI as well. Very experienced instructor who uses the slip at Knott End.

http://www.powerboat-training.co.uk/schools/schools-Wavelength.htm

Pete

 

[Major Catastrophe]

Yes, good advice to do level 2 as it helps prevent all that boring rescuing stuff.

I am surprised you had trouble with your 310, unless you were using it in the surf, as I have a Quicksilver 240 and it it bobs over wash and waves. But, a Fletcher speedboat will also be at risk of swamping if used in surf, with the added novelty of it not floating once swamped.

2 miles offshore in a tiny speed boat is quite a long way, but quite doable to someone with a bit of training and the correct safety gear, even down to wearing the kill cord, as watching an out of control speedboat circling you is probably not the best pastime to be involved in.

Do a course.

 

[DAKA]

The advice is good but the cost will no doubt blow your annual fuel budget.

Find the local fishing club who will know exactly which is the most suitable boat and point you in the direction of a good one for sale too (not a fletcher speed boat for fishing ), once in a club just follow an experienced member a few times until you feel confident yourself.

You need to budget for a hand held GPS, VHF and flares , good luck /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Chris_d]

As the others have said, you need more experience before doing this, do a course. Fletchers aren't fishing boats, you need either a centre console or Peche promonade style boat . When you start looking at suitable boats concetrate on the engine and equipment fitted and note most fishing boats don't look very sexy for a reason /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rubberduck]

When we first started I followed the advice of a fishing boat owner who worked for me & frequently got into trouble as a result. We then did powerboat 2 & very rarely get into trouble, & when we do at least we know why. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Money well spent IMHO /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[DAKA]

Two different situations.

I would not ask a professional fisherman if the weather was suitable to go out , his boat is somewhat different to mine.

Abraham's is just looking to go out for a jolly off a beach,

weather forecast from TV
High tide from local news paper
Speak with another club member to take you under their wing

Too rough to launch, wait an hour

Off you go, if you break down the other boat tows you back
If he breaks down you tow him back
if you both break down , one of the other club members tow you both back.

No navigation required, dont even need to know red/green port/starboard

Just need to understand a GPS track and way point back to the slip in case the fog comes down.

I did this when I was at school in my first boat, hand held vhf, donated out of date flares and a compass...........RYA course adds nothing to this situation other than cost.

 

[awol]

[ QUOTE ]
.....RYA course adds nothing to this situation other than cost.

[/ QUOTE ]

... and, perhaps, a vague understanding of the IRPCS /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[tinkicker0]

[ QUOTE ]
RYA course adds nothing to this situation other than cost.

[/ QUOTE ]

I took the Level 2 inland and coastal before I would even launch my boat, as I was a complete newbie.

I cannot recommend this course enough.

And there is the simple matter of insurance company rules. He would need, as I would have, an experienced skipper aboard at all times for at least a year.

My level 2 inland and coastal, plus the CEVNI test entitled me to the RYA ICC inland and coastal ratings, thus neatly doing away with the extra body on board.

In my view, anyone putting to sea without any training whatsoever is a liability.
Don't mind a salty giving a newbie the benefit of his experience for a few trips, but to get on a boat for the first time, find out how to start her up and sail off to the happy fishing grounds is asking for trouble.

"whats that you say dear? a bilge blower? don't know, i'll just start and warm her up then have a look. BOOOOM!

My opinion, others have the right to differ of course.