North West newbie

[CS75]

Hi all first time post - completely new to boating.

After many day charters on family holidays all over the world over the years with boats and skipper I had the rose tinted dream of getting licenced up and looking for a 6-8m sports boat, being able to jump in the car on weekends and potter up and down the NW coast as we saw fit.

Came crashing down to earth when I popped over to Preston Marina and spoke to Sue (great lady and really thankful of the time she took to chat) quickly realising this dream wouldn't be an easy reality and being based in Manchester means the South Coast is a serious trek for short trips.

Having read a few threads I am starting to get the impression that maybe having a Med based boat could possibly be a more realistic and family friendly option.

I have around 50-75k (could possibly be stretched if needed) and have a family of 5 kids being 21, 18 and 14 and am looking for a boat to learn to drive in and also give the option of short family trips of to make use of the boat maybe 4-5 times a year. If anyone has any thoughts, tips or ideas I would massively appreciate any feedback.

KR

Colin

 

[Davy_S]

If you are based in Manchester you could consider the option of mooring in Whitehaven, this would give you the IOM, Scotland, Lancs, Welsh coast, either by trailer or by sea to suit.

 

[Martxer]

North wales isn’t a bad run from Manchester. We are near Manchester and have a boat on the south coast but it has to be a long weekend to make it worth while.

 

[dunedin]

Lots of people from Manchester keep boats on the Clyde. Massively nicer drive North, prettier with fewer traffic delays, than heading to South coast. And great sheltered waters to explore.

 

[harvey38]

We're on the Cheshire/Staffordshire border and have our boat moored in Ramsgate.

 

[Seastoke]

CONWY IS YOUR go to for mancs , but you have to think do u want to sleep on her u deffo need a toilet , do you camp

 

[Egret]

You'll have to tell us why Preston wouldn't work for you, and if not there, why not one of the other options for access to water on the West Coast. Are you looking for coastal or river/canals/the lakes or all - Coastal offshore will need a different type of boat to a quick wizz around the bay - Are you looking to have boat on trailer at/near home, so you can travel around, a boat park near water, or a marina? By budget assuming power boat - or maybe an inflatable power boat on a box trailer and campervan - as 6-8m trailable sailing 'sportsboat' with small cabin could be a lot less cost. Children of those ages won't want to be with you much - just an occasional trip. Ask what they would like - children often lead decisions.

Sailing might be an option to consider as there are several sailing clubs in the Liverpool/Wirral/North Wales area - see Clubs on Yachts and Yachting. Once you belong to one, you can usually go to others from time to time when they are open for showers, facilities etc. Some are keen to welcome 'kindred club' visitors for food and drinks in the evening. Have a trundle around the coast including N Wales (Google maps first?) and see what you can find, see who welcomes you.

Training to start with could be an RYA Powerboat 1&2, or RYA sailing 1 & 2. Coastal Skipper, ICC and similar to follow. Clubs can help with some of these, particularly for children, or point you in the right direction.

Maybe you will conclude mediterranean is best option if air port is close. Here in Essex/Suffolk we don't appreciate how many options we have within half an hour or an hour drive.