Total novice needs advice

[purplewitch]

Hi to all, I have just purchased my first boat, nothing earth shattering but I like it, Its an Adventure m 400 with a 25HP outborad. My parents had boats when I was a child, but unfortunatly I cant ask them for advice without the help of a medium. I have never used an outborad befor, is there anything I should know? I am booked into a level 2 powerboat course in june, I think that it should help a bit. What licences do you need? and where do you get them from? I would realy appreciate any advice you have to offer.
This site is great.
Cheers

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[itsonlymoney]

Hello Kay and welcome to the forum.
I think you are sensible to book a powerboat course, most of your questions I feel will be answered during the training sessions. Until then watch and learn.
Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt ! ! !

 

[purplewitch]

Thanks Ian. I hope it will.
Cheers


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[AJW]

I believe the Adventure m-400 is an inflatable? In that case can I commend to you the rib.net forum for likeminded enthusiasts for blow up boats! (There are "SIB" Small Inflatable Boat folk on there as well as RIB.) http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk is a useful resource.) Depending upon where you plan to use a handheld VHF maybe a good idea - this requires boat and operator licence.

Main thing is have fun & that once hooked on boating poverty awaits! (But of course as a student you'll already be familiar with that! :-0) )

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[jhr]

No license needed for the boat, although if you buy a VHF radio, you'll need a license to possess the radio and another to operate it!

As Ian says, you are wise to do Powerboat Level 2 which, if you succeed, will qualify you for an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) which is tanatmount to receiving a driving license. As with a car, it's the experience that you then build up over the next 10 or 20 years that will make you a truly experienced and competent boat handler, but PB2 will give you more confidence and some short cuts on the path to wisdom/forums/images/icons/smile.gif .

In the meantime, watch others, learn from their (and your) mistakes and keep reading this forum - quite the best boating resource in the known universe.

PS The only outboard that I have is a 2hp Mariner for my dinghy, so I'm not an expert. The handling characteristics of outboards differ from other means of propulsion but I don't think there are any particularly arcane mysteries that you need to master in order to use one.

PPS I'd strongly recommend that you get insurance if you don't already have it. Not so much to buy yourself another boat if you lose this one, rather to make sure that you are covered if you cause damage to another boat (we've all done it some time or other).

<hr width=100% size=1>Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho

 

[purplewitch]

Cheers, I have ordered a vhf and will get insurance, thanks for the links I will go and vistit.
Thanks for the advice. Poverty is already here, student and boating a bad idear.


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[purplewitch]

Thanks, Insurance is next on the list. how do you go about getting the licences for the vhf, I have ordered one but it has not arrived yet?.
Cheers

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[jhr]

Read all about VHF licenses <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing_numbering/radiocomms/licensing_proc_manuals/maritime?a=87101>here</A>. To get an operator's license, you wil need to do a one day course at an RYA approved centre - most cost something between £80 and £100. More expense! But just the beginning, as others have said. /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho

 

[Dave_Snelson]

Welcome aboard Kay. I learned to water ski on a boat very similar to this, and with a 25HP Mercury outboard. That was 30 years ago, and I still do my boating in the same place - Porthmadog, North Wales. Boats such as these are particularly suited to shallow sandy areas and estuaries or inshore waters as they require little depth to float and zoom along - and as it only weighs 75kg (without motor) it should zoom along nicely! Ensure that you have the outboard professionaly serviced for peace of mind and reliablity. Ensure that you carry a paddle or something to get you to shore should the engine conk out. Ensure that you have adequate insurance (try Marine Safe on 01843 603345) I am confident that you will enjoy PB2, its an excellent grounding for motor-boating. I am equally confident that you will enjoy this boat. Have fun.

Click here for a link to the importers website <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.saneaco.co.uk/Index.html>http://www.saneaco.co.uk/Index.html</A>

<hr width=100% size=1>Madoc Yacht Club
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk>http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk</A>

 

[purplewitch]

yep more cash.
Cheers

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[purplewitch]

Thank you, I got the package from saneaco ltd at the weekend, He is a great chap to deal with. Porthmadog is a nice place to be, we whent there last year. thanks for the phone number for the insurance, I am looking at prices as we speak.
Thanks for your advice it is all welcome.
Cheers

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[wooslehunter]

Hi & welcome,

Spotted your post since it made the YBW homepage.

Insurance companies will ask about your experience so you may get a better deal if you have the RYA PB2.

More expense - sorry. This may sound obvious but make sure you have some flares & lifejackets. You can get a flare pack from the local swindery.

You do need a boat license & a personal license to operate a marine VHF radio. BUT, if you're going to get one then get it before you take the boat out even if you haven't got the paperwork. If you need to use it in anger for an emergency, no-one's going to complain.

Good luck & enjoy,

Dave

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[purplewitch]

Cheers Dave. flares are the thing i forgot. I knew there was something. I have been amazed at the responce from the help message I posted. It has been fab, you are all great and ace.
thanks.

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