Some help from someone local to christchurch

[Tribute]

Hi all, Im new to this forum but have found lots of interesting stuff on here so far I have recently bought a speedboat 15 foot fibreglass Marina boat with a Johnson 35. I have just fitted a new ignition and the engine has just been serviced before I bought it. I have yet to run or even try it! I was wondering if there is anyone in the Tuckton/cristchurch area that is knowlegeable on boats and could help me out. I have very little motor boat experience and am looking for someone that could possibly give me a little bit of tuition on the water in my boat. The other problem I have is I only live 30 second walk from slipway but I dont have a towbar... So if someone local with experience is around who is willing to teach me a little bit it would be appreciated. I have lots of sailing experience so not a novice to the water but think a few pointers here and there would be of use. Also means you can have a play on the water
Thanks

 

[rafiki_]

Happy to help, but too far from me. Sorry.

If you can sail dinghies, you should be OK in a mobo. I graduated the same way, but also hired cruisers a couple of times on the Norfolk Broads, which was a reasonable grounding, in very safe waters.

Have you read any of the RYA handbooks? You will find lots of useful advice on mobo handling, do's and don'ts.

Anyway, good luck, and enjoy the boat.

 

[Tribute]

Thanks for the reply, havent read any of the articles on mobo's but I will soon.
Atb
Fosters

 

[rafiki_]

Try the RYA website, check for which book meets the needs, then buy it from Amazon, about half price.

 

[Sneds]

Steer before gear, ie remember as soon as you engage gear the boat will move - direction depending on which way the engine is pointing!

 

[Tribute]

A usefull yet obvious one lol I figured that one though

 

[Wiggo]

Always fit bung before launching. Obvious, I know, but it still happened to me on the Mudeford slipway once...

 

[Freebee]

I can't offer you any help but I can offer advice, I used to keep a mobo at tuckton for many years, the river at Christchurch is subject to moving sand bars and many shallows as you motor down to Mudeford. It is a very good idea to go with a local or at least follow a local down river the first time note where the channel markers as it is all to easy to touch bottom and damage your prop.

 

[Tribute]

I can't offer you any help but I can offer advice, I used to keep a mobo at tuckton for many years, the river at Christchurch is subject to moving sand bars and many shallows as you motor down to Mudeford. It is a very good idea to go with a local or at least follow a local down river the first time note where the channel markers as it is all to easy to touch bottom and damage your prop.

Brilliant cheers for that one, will do that. One of the reasons a local hand would be appreciated as pointers like that are very usefull! I refuse to take it out until I have someone to lend a hand and show me the ropes sort of thing

 

[realslimshady]

My first time out in a boat of any kind was from Christchurch slipway-a 16ft Dateline Bikini with 35hp outboard, wife, 3 kids and I on board! We had a wonderful time in the sunshine, the only problem being when we got to the beaches by Hengistbury head the fact we didn't have an anchor meant securing the boat so we could stay on the beach was a challenge...
Common sense is the main factor involved-don't go at low tide or if it's blowing, take a pair of oars and a mobile phone...you're only in Christchurch harbour-worst case scenario, you can drift/walk to the shore!
But if you're determined to take someone with you, I can bring the wife and kids this weekend....

 

[Tribute]

Cheers for that, not around this weekend, maybe next weekend. Thanks

 

[Freebee]

re reading your post, you have not started or run the engine yourself , if its at all possible I would run the engine in tank or dustbin of water or with flush muffs fitted, just to make sure there are no problems starting or running before you get out on the river, its a fairly small craft I would motor up stream for while, then if there are any issues you have plenty of places to stop and moor.

 

[Tribute]

Good plan there, I plan to run it in a bin or with muffs so i dont have the dissapointment of taking it down to the water and it doesnt work. I will upload some pictures when I get back. One other question, where can I get some covering material for the seats? They are a little bit grimy but they may clean up ok. Will have a try! Cheers