Qualifications for boat use on lakes

[Stu675]

Hi
Very new to boating, in fact haven't quite got my 1st boat yet...
The lakes closest to me (Grendon lakes in Northants) according to the website blurb require proof of an SBDA qualification? This is a one day £250 course which still requires a yearly membership and seems a little extreme for the use of a 2.6 mtr inflatable with a 5hp outboard?
Do most boating/leisure lakes require this qualification and or insurance?

Second question..
Can anyone recommend any decent boating lakes in the Northants area for the above boat for general leisure boating??

Thanks

[bmb779]

Loch Lomond just require a £6 boat registration,and pfd check then your good to go with SIB £15 a day or £55 per year slipway charges for trailered boats.

[Landlockedpirate]

Unfortunately there are very few private boat lakes left in the UK for powerboats. Pretty much all of the ones that are left will need insurance and some form of qualification, both of these things are a good idea anyway.

For free use and no qualifications needed you will probably have to go to the sea.

I'm guessing you live pretty much in the middle of the country so other options include the Norfolk Broads, River Thames and Cumbrian Lake District, you dont need qualifications to use these areas but there are modest fees for the Broads and Thames.

[Stu675]

That sounds great but its looking increasingly different and more complex than that down here in Northants, (10 days notice for a river Nene permit, proof of qualifications+insurance etc) seems very excessive for a quick trip down the river..
Sorry to be ignorant but what is the pfd check you mention??

[bmb779]

your not allowed on the water witout personal flotation devices for each person aboard.

[SIBer]

As above you ought to know what you are doing. I am way over qualified for my 3m SIB - Always safety first

[rigi36]

Originally Posted by bmb779

your not allowed on the water witout personal flotation devices for each person aboard.

why would you not have a PFD for every person on board?

[Harrys Game]

"Very new to boating, in fact haven't quite got my 1st boat yet." The mans learning he has come for answers not questions. Regards Jim

[barrie]

Hi l also have a question ,
If l want to use a 270 Sport inflatable with a 5 hp Motor in England Inland Lakes, rivers, will my german sportboat licence ( sail, Motor, up to 15 mtrs) be ok l also have a competent Crew from the RYA but this is for sailing.
Thanks Barrie

[Landlockedpirate]

Originally Posted by barrie

Hi l also have a question ,
If l want to use a 270 Sport inflatable with a 5 hp Motor in England Inland Lakes, rivers, will my german sportboat licence ( sail, Motor, up to 15 mtrs) be ok l also have a competent Crew from the RYA but this is for sailing.
Thanks Barrie

There is no legal requirement for any qualifications to use a powerboat in the UK on public bodies of water (I.e. most rivers, canals, lochs and lakes). You might need a qualification to use a private lake, but there are very few of these.