Sailing a sports boat from the Isle of Wight to Northern Ireland.

[Fire99]

I took my 50footer up the Crinan canal last year. I can't say either way if this is normal practice but the staff operated the locks for us, for the entire trip up to Crinan. No extra charge. I think they were being careful and helpful due to me being a bit of a lump.
They were a very helpful team.

 

[ChromeDome]

Have to agree to doing a proper shakedown before taking on the main trip.

The direct route looks like 465 nm but as you have to stop a number of times, it will be more. You may not be able to keep a planing speed, as the hull is designed for, which will affect MPG and the ride in waves.

Route planning, with plan B options for each leg and being prepared to stop for weather improvement would be key to me. Also keep an eye on other traffic to potentially follow.

Not having an auto pilot is like missing one crew, but it can be done, especially when the crew takes turns. Everything security wise should be double checked - also VHF as mobil coverage can't be granted. Navigational gear (electronics, charts + backup) should be up to date.

Creature comfort and supplies (plenty) should be considered also. And then, as others have mentioned, spare parts. She presumably is on sterndrives and I'd focus on their service history, preferably changing lube (to see if the drained oil looks ok and free from water).

 

[oldgit]

A sensible outcome.
Enjoy your future adventures.
Unknown boat.
Inexperienced skipper and crew.
What could possibly go wrong.

 

[Chris5140]

Yeah exactly.

As Dirty Harry once said… “A man’s gotta know his limitations”’

I’ll learn the new boat, get a bit more experience and go adventuring when we are all safe and reasy.

Thanks again everyone

 

[Fire99]

Yeah exactly.

As Dirty Harry once said… “A man’s gotta know his limitations”’

I’ll learn the new boat, get a bit more experience and go adventuring when we are all safe and reasy.

Thanks again everyone

Good way of looking at it. I find with boating, everything is great until something goes wrong then it gets pretty miserable pretty quickly if you're not prepared for it. No point risking freaking yourself out on your maiden voyage and maybe even putting you off going to sea after..
There's no rush, in my opinion.