Powerboat Level 2 courses

[Step1]

Hi. Looking to do this initial course before or as soon as I find a boat this year with the missus and make a weekend of it. Can anyone recommend any decent schools in Southampton/Hamble area as likely will be where we will keep the boat. Also are we better doing it beforehand or wait until we get it and then get tutoring on our own boat? Or both? Thanks in advance.

 

[Blue Sunray]

Hi. Looking to do this initial course before or as soon as I find a boat this year with the missus and make a weekend of it. Can anyone recommend any decent schools in Southampton/Hamble area as likely will be where we will keep the boat. Also are we better doing it beforehand or wait until we get it and then get tutoring on our own boat? Or both? Thanks in advance.

Recently did a course on our own boat (based in Soton) though Mendez Marine, was very pleased with the with the course and the instructor. It was a great advantage (IMHO) doing it on our own boat.

 

[Montemar]

Welcome to boating.
Power boat level 2 is a good place to start. It is a RYA course so the course content should be consistent from school to school. If you are new to boating then some work in the classroom followed by some hands on will be useful. Have your missus do it with you - it is a good, controlled introduction that will help with confidence.
I have no knowledge of your area but there must be many that will suit.

 

[Robin B]

Great course to do, well worth it.

 

[CLOUD9]

I asked the same question a few weeks ago about getting my ICC done in Southampton. There were recommendations for Mendez marine, David at 5 Star, and Stormforce. All in the Southampton area. I went with David at 5 Star Marine and would be happy to recommend. I think its good to do it on your own boat if possible.
Good luck finding a boat.

 

[Paul&Ness]

David at 5 Star Marine would be my recommendation. Nice guy and knows his stuff, also covers more than the syllabus requires.

 

[russ]

We also did our course with David on our own boat and my radio course which I would advise you to do if going coastal.
Have you a boat yet?

 

[Step1]

Great thanks guys. Will look up David at 5-star and Mendez marine. No boat yet, but wearing down my phone batteries looking! Off to LBS tomorrow for a mooch around, although will be buying used. Thanks again for your input.

 

[lisilou]

Ditto for Mendez Marine or 5-Star. We've used both and you won't go wrong with either. Personally, I'd wait and go for own boat tuition. Nothing more helpful than getting to know your own boat.
L

 

[russ]

Great thanks guys. Will look up David at 5-star and Mendez marine. No boat yet, but wearing down my phone batteries looking! Off to LBS tomorrow for a mooch around, although will be buying used. Thanks again for your input.

Which type of boat are you after?

 

[Step1]

Sportscruiser around 34-39ft. So looking for Targa 34/38, Portofino 35 possibly Sealine SC35 or Prestige 38S. Preference is the T38 but need to go and look at some examples of the others. We have a 12ft dinghy at the moment, so it's a little bit of a step up!

 

[Andy Bav]

12ft dinghy to a 38 ft twin engine is quite a jump. Powerboat 2 will help - and likely be a minimum insurance requirement - but I am not sure it will cover everything you will need to handle 2 engines etc unless you do it on your own boat - in which case they will likely tailor it around your boat. Would it be worth also spending a weekend with a Skipper aboard to familiarise yourselves with the boat and systems etc after doing the PB2. For us it was all about confidence - nothing beats the feeling of slipping your lines on your own (as a couple) knowing you have confidence to handle most if not all situations.

It took us 2 years to go from an 18 ft bowrider through a 24 ft cuddy to our 39 ft sports cruiser and we learnt more about the boat in one day with Tim Griffin aboard than doing our PB2. That said, the PB 2 gave us a good general knowledge foundation from which to build our experience.

Good luck with whatever and whoever you decide to go with but as I mention check your insurance requirement. From memory for ours its a qualified (rya) Skipper and and "experienced crew" being defined as Rya qualified or with at least a years experience on a similar vessel.

 

[STEVEDUNSTABLE]

Great thanks guys. Will look up David at 5-star and Mendez marine. No boat yet, but wearing down my phone batteries looking! Off to LBS tomorrow for a mooch around, although will be buying used. Thanks again for your input.

Hi Step1...... this might be a bit tolate now but just to let you know 5 star marine is at excel all week on stand F016 if that helps.....

 

[Step1]

Thanks Steve. Wish I'd looked at my phone about 3 hours ago! Just walked in my front door and went looking for 5 star and Mendez when there today. Never mind will call them if/when I get sorted. Thanks

 

[Solitaire]

Sportscruiser around 34-39ft. So looking for Targa 34/38, Portofino 35 possibly Sealine SC35 or Prestige 38S. Preference is the T38 but need to go and look at some examples of the others. We have a 12ft dinghy at the moment, so it's a little bit of a step up!

Hi, just seen your post and sorry you could not find me at LIBS. I am on stand F016 sharing with Commodore Yachting.
Based on the information regarding the boat your looking at the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is not really right for you. The PB2 course is for sports boat and ribs, you should really be considering the Motor Cruising scheme. Happy to chat through the options - give me a ring on 07778 646518.

 

[Step1]

Hi, just seen your post and sorry you could not find me at LIBS. I am on stand F016 sharing with Commodore Yachting.
Based on the information regarding the boat your looking at the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is not really right for you. The PB2 course is for sports boat and ribs, you should really be considering the Motor Cruising scheme. Happy to chat through the options - give me a ring on 07778 646518.

Thanks Solitaire. Will do.