New boater - advice please

[labboater]

Afternoon everyone,

I am looking to buy a motor boat for use such as skiing, day trips etc. I have never owned a boat before apart from a kayak. Just looking for some advice on courses I should do and knowledge I should gain before I go ahead. I don't want to become an RNLI statistic so any advice would be welcome. I live in the NW.

Many thanks

[antlouhay]

Welcome, Quite an easy one to answer for you.
courses to take are.......
RYA powerboat level 2
and VHF marine radio course.

I'm sure many on here will follow with lots of good advice as regards to equipment and knowledge
Enjoy the new boating chapter of your life!

[Overfinch]

Would agree with the above regarding courses. As you are from the NW I would be tempted to get some practice on Loch Lomond with a new boat as it takes away the need to worry about tides and you are guaranteed flat water at least until you gain a little experience. I learnt boat handling on Windermere before the restrictions, I found it an excellent training ground.
Boating is mostly common sense a little skill and the rest comes with experience.
If you are trailer boating scout potential launch sites before turning up with the boat think about practicalities ie, where can I get fuel, is there a trailer park, is slip suitable for boat size and weight, is my tow vehicle up to task, do I need a tender to access moorings etc.... Etc....
There is lots to think about but it is a fantastic hobby and a great way to spend time with family and friends.

[Ianfs]

Welcome to the forum.

+2 excellent advice.

Do you have a budget in mind?

[shibbs]

A warm welcome. As already said, i would also recommend trying to do the RYA Level2 locally to where you plan to do your boating if possible, local knowledge is invaluable and a lot can be gained from local instructors.

What sort of boat are you looking for? Will you tow and launch or keep it berthed?

[ChrisH]

Plus 1 for powerboat level 2. And I would try to do it somewhere with challenging tides or winds. You will learn lots that way about how a boat behaves in difficult conditions. Good luck and have fun.

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[betty boop]

welcome and how about buying my maxum 1800mx? on sale now with a full 'ready to boat' package

[labboater]

Really appreciate all these replies and given me lots to think about. One post was about vehicle and this is something I am going to need. I currently have an Audi that isn't fit for purpose and am looking at a Mitsubushi L200 or similar. In all likelihood I'll be launching off beaches and slipways.

[betty boop]

Really appreciate all these replies and given me lots to think about. One post was about vehicle and this is something I am going to need. I currently have an Audi that isn't fit for purpose and am looking at a Mitsubushi L200 or similar. In all likelihood I'll be launching off beaches and slipways.

thats a beast of a motor what are you going to pull off the beach Titanic? any first time boat should be within reach of a family car at 2T. Caravan club currently recommend no towing over somehting like 1.3 T 80% of the car weight which I find stupid but there you go - L200 takes 3.5 T if your asking advise on cars n boat courses thats over kill by far.

[labboater]

Thanks and yes you're right it is maybe ......................i'm familiar with towing etc as I have a caravan and I am looking at it for that too possibly. If I don't then the new Kia Sportage 2L AWD is a probability. It has just over 2 tonnes of capacity. Whats a decent sized boat and trailer 1500KG? Would rather have too much