Newbie with query re motor boating on UK lakes

S

stjon

New Member
Joined
7 Mar 2013
Messages
10
Location
Wigan UK
Visit site
Hi all! My son and I are keen course fishermen (when wifey allows!) so when the chance of a 'bargain' boat + trailer + motor popped up, we couldn't resist. The motor turned out to be less of a bargain (an old old Yamaha P200 that I couldn't get parts for) so I now have a 1965 Johnson 18hp which I've refurbed completely. The boat is a simple 14' fibreglass one with a little cuddy and a cathedral hull (I think that's the term?) - tatty but seems watertight! It came with life preservers and anchor, and I've bought a fire extinguisher.

We are at the stage of wanting to do a test float and we want to try the motor for real. I don't want to spend any more money until the boat has been 'proved' so as yet we haven't got a Safety Certificate or insurance. Can anyone suggest anywhere in NW England (we are in Wigan near Manchester) where they might be relaxed enough to let us use their slipway for a test run?

I have also investigated Windermere and it appears we could use the public slipway at Ferry Nab if we simply turn up and pay the registration and slipway fees?

Please be gentle with your replies - I suspect some experienced boaters might think we will be a danger to ourselves and others! If we do actually get the boat on the water I will be checking, reading and planning before we go anywhere.

Thanks in advance.

Steve
 
I think the wardens on Windermere will expect to see insurance before issuing a registration. Why not slip it somewhere coastal but sheltered. What about somewhere on the Mersey?

You probably should have insurance anyway, but you know that don't you :D
 
What about Lower Heswall on the Wirral. You'll need to plan around high tide but it looks like you could drive straight down Banks road and into the oggin if you so wish.
 
Pardon my cynicism. Although I give you 10 out of 10 in what you are trying to do. But to me going to sea with a 1965 Outboard would only happen if I had another one next to it. And 2 years after your outboard was made I was out at sea with my Johnson and it packed up (off the Great Orme) fortunately I had another one beside it. Anyway if I was you I would get Insurance and go to Windermere for your first trip There are slipways closer to you than Windermere. Like Morecambe. They have a Fishing Club and apparently there is no charge for the slipways. And the RNLI have an Inshore Boat there.
 
Google for water ski clubs or wake board clubs in your area. Some may let you test on their lake early in the morning when its not being used for their own activities. I know of three in the Thames Valley which offer this (which is no good to you, of course). However as they are usually commercial organisations nowadays they will charge you. However for me the cost of fuel to the coast makes the charge for a local dip seem ok.

Martin
 
Many thanks all for the replies. Re insurance, I think I have to agree that it's probably sensible to get it now. Having said that, I checked with the Windermere wardens and they just replied to say I would have to pay an annual fee to use the lake and a slipway fee - nothing else was mentioned.

Re going to sea, I was hoping to avoid anything with currents (or waves!) until I had thoroughly tested the motor and boat, and like Jim@sea says, I would want a backup motor to get me back to shore in an emergency.

I will check out local waters Martin - just thinking about Southport Leisure lakes, where I've seen jet skis in the past...
 
go onto craftinsure.com you can arrange insurance & pay monthly if you cancel within a month (make sure you tick the monthly option) then no more to pay it will probably cost you around £15 for a months insurance then you can go where you want
best of luck

we all started somewhere!
 
Will check that out Ken and yes Mlines there will be pics! The guy at Frodsham was really helpful and said it should be no prob to do a test launch, so watch this space...
 
Even on a canal or inland lake I would have a baler (cut down 4pint milk bottle will do) at least one (preferably 2) paddles (and broomsticks with a bit of ply will do) plus a rope & anchor (any heavy weight, say 5kg plus). These 3 items might save you a great deal of hassle in the event of an unexpected leak and/or difficulty in starting the O/B. At sea, add a proper anchor with a short length of chain & a vhf radio.
 
Hi Searush - I feel quite posh! I have a (manual) bilge pump, 2 proper paddles, fire extinguisher, life preservers and an anchor! We are almost there - bet the durned motor refuses to start on the water!
 
stjon said:
Hi Searush - I feel quite posh! I have a (manual) bilge pump, 2 proper paddles, fire extinguisher, life preservers and an anchor! We are almost there - bet the durned motor refuses to start on the water!
Click to expand...

Excellent, but add a large baler, it is far quicker than a bilge pump, especially in the hands of a frightened crew member & can be used in addition to the pump. Believe me, you'll never clear a swamped boat with a pump, but you may with a bucket or large baler. I know this as I have sailed swamped/ capsized dinghies back to shore a few times after baling them out.
 
Now that's great advice from someone with practical experience - I can see what you are saying Searush. Will get one organised asap. Great news - it floats! Many thanks to Charlie and friends at the Wigan Sailing Club who helped us launch and recover the boat this morning. I've now discovered lots of bits I need to sort - quick release clamp for the end of the winch cable, waders, a boat hook etc etc!

We noticed that there is a drain hole beneath the transom where the motor sits which has no plug and we were not sure if it needs one? The hole goes through to the 'deck' (the part where you can sit/stand) and I'd assumed it was left plugless to allow rainwaer to drain away? Any advice?

Also can anyone suggest a model /type/makerIMGP1195.jpg for the boat based on the picture attached? It has a cathedral hull and is a dory type (I think). No idea of age.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top