Newbie!!

[Guest]

Ahoy all

I've been reading a lot of the present and previous mails from this site and searching extensivley on the net for information on beginners boating. I have found lots of useful info regarding larger boats but not much help in buying smaller boats.
So, I am on my knees and begging for any ideas where I can find help on the below:

I want to buy a small motor boat for weekend dips in rivers, lakes and possibly the occasional seaside paddle. The boat has to be small enough to take home regularly either in the boot of a Ford Focus (inflatable?) or on a trailer pulled by my Focus.
I have seen some nice boats on Ebay for around £300 - £500 (I wouldn't want to pay any more). Things like a fibreglass tender/Zodiac tender inflatable/14ft 2 berth motor cruiser...

Does this all sound a bit far fetched or do you think I'm on the right lines?

Your help with any info would be HUGELY appreciated.

P.S I haven't even started looking into insurance etc yet...

Many many thanks

Briano


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[hlb]

Welcome. But not to sure how to answer this. There are loads of little boats and inflatables for sale. You just have to decide whether it's going in the boot or on a trailer.. I'd find a cheap inflatable first and say a five to ten hp motor. Depends on the size of dinghy of course. From this you will know what you really want. Oh. Get one with an inflatable floor.

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[Wiggo]

Give us a clue - where are you based? What rivers/lakes are you thinking of? 14ft cruisers on most inland waterways could be awkward with BSS rubbish, and inflatables on the sea wouldn't be that smart, unless you've got a nice big harbour/estuary to play in.

Anything for £300 including a motor may well be mechanically 'challenging', so be prepared for some fun.

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[aztec]

hi, many of us are into just the sort of boating that you're interested in. myself for two reasons. the first being budget, the second being 'cos i'm too tight to pay loads of money!

i'll pm more details... it's the little flashing envelope thing, just click it to retieve the message.

regards. steve.

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[tripleace]

If you go for inflatable type then try and get a rib style or at least an inflatable with an inflatable keel. This will make rowing easier.

Check age of inflatables as they do not last forever. Sun light can effect them (age them)



<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boating-ads.co.uk> Boating Website</A>

 

[Renegade_Master]

£300-500 steady on old boy

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A>

 

[hlb]

Errm. I missed the 300 quid bit. Pewrhaps try the model shop!!

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[jimi]

Alternative

.. is to spend the money on a week's sail training course!

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[Guest]

Many thanks for all your advice. I feel it's a little more realistic now!! I realise some boats of this price range may require some work, I think I'll try and steer clear of those for the minute.
Now some questions and answers: I plan to use the boat on places like the Humber, Severn, Norfolk Broads - also river Tamar and maybe canals etc. I would definitely get used to boating before going to sea - plus my missus needs a little more confidence to venture that far out at the moment!! So maybe just Rivers/Canals - I can see why you may think a larger boat would be more difficult in those situations although what does 'BSS rubbish' mean?

So at the moment I think I'm looking at inflatable with inflatable bottom and a 5 - 10 hp motor. Or, a small cabin boat with a slightly more powerful motor.

What's the general opinion of say a 14ft cabin boat on a canal/river - too big/difficult to turn?? Also would my car be okay handling this kind of size?

Finally, sorry to keep bothering you with more and more questions!!! (This is the best source of info I've found so far!) Would I require insurance/licence or any other kind of cost related paperwork for this size of boat?

Cheers

Briano


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[longjohnsilver]

Have a look at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F20479>http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F20479</A>

But please don't forget the essential safety items you will need such as an anchor, oars, lifejackets etc.

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[Guest]

Excellent, thanks Longjohnsilver! Also thanks to Aztec for sending me your mail - I may well be in touch soon!!

Briano

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[hlb]

Youve never worn a life jacket in your life. I've seen you coming back from the pub half p*st......./forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[longjohnsilver]

I think I wore one once, must have been completely p####d!

And yours are just a decoration hanging from your bedroom door nob

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[hlb]

Ah well I thought some one would be impressed by that. Pity it was you!! There just there to relay my profesionalism to the visitors.

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[LeytonC]

Welcome to the cheap seats

Boat Safety Scheme, British waterways makes u jump thru hoops and drill holes in water proof bulk heads etc. Cos they think it makes your boat safer.

If you are going for some river use you will need a licence and to get that you need a BSS certificate and insurance.

Hope that helps (a bit anyway LOL)



<hr width=100% size=1>Thanks

Leyton
(EXTAR Solutions - Software that works for you)

 

[BarryH]

Re: Welcome to the cheap seats

The BSS is open to interpritation on "open" outboard powered boats. I've got a little one I use on the thames now and then. Never needed BSS on that and was always granted a licence.
Think they term open as less than 2/3 decked in. Although they've probably changed that now, as they've changed everything else! That and there'll probably not be the gas systems and leecy bits and such like.

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[byron]

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>

the second being 'cos i'm too tight to pay loads of money!

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You ain't tight when it comes to your drinking budget. Cut that in half and you'd own a Broom 44.


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[byron]

Re: Welcome to the cheap seats

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>

I've got a little one

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See Barry, don't you feel better for admitting that? No longer do you have to keep it a deep dark secret. Hold your head up high, it's not your fault God was running short when he reached you.

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[aztec]

that's no good to me. it's too long to turn round at the quay, and the bows are too far away.... i'd see two of 'em!

but, i would be able to have an extensive selection of wines and spirts on board......only that's been covered by someone near Oxford!!

but cheers for that anyway (good to see you back) /forums/images/icons/wink.gif (sorry)


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[BarryH]

Re: Welcome to the cheap seats

Bugger! The secrets out. My excuse is that I fell in the water and it was cold. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

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