What license and paper do I need to use an index 4 SIB with a 12v outboard motor on t

[Caroline]

Hi, I am new here. Can I ask if anyone can help me with this question?

I have an inflatable boat (index excursion inflatable boat 4/5, length is 315 cm/10.3 feet). I also bought the index watersport's 12V transom mount trolling outboard motor, which has a max power of 420W (0.5 horsepower). It can be deflated and folded, and I can take it home.

What license and paper do I need to pay for using it on the Thames River for family pleasure?

Thanks

[Fenlander]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Have a look through this link and see what applies to you.

https://www.gov.uk/government/public...-december-2024

[Caroline]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Have a look through this link and see what applies to you.

https://www.gov.uk/government/public...-december-2024

Thank you for replying.

I have read it, but I am confused.

So, my SIB with motor qualified as a Powered boat, and needs to pay the minimum chargeable area of 5 square metres?

So I just need to call them to pay?

thanks

[Croolis]

In the article, it also says to multiply the cost by 0.75 when you have an electric motor (discount for being green).

I doubt that boat comes to more than 5 square metres but probably worth getting the dimensions and doing the math to check.

I have little knowledge of the flow of the Thames beyond eyeballing it but I would not be using an engine of that power in the lower parts. Take advice about where to launch it. There are many sailing and rowing clubs on the upper Thames who could advise you, and internet resources.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Caroline

Thank you for replying.

I have read it, but I am confused.

So, my SIB with motor qualified as a Powered boat, and needs to pay the minimum chargeable area of 5 square metres?

So I just need to call them to pay?

thanks

Reading the link that Fenlander has posted, I'd agree that you have to pay :-

5m x 24.14 x (.75) = £80.25

and I thought registering for Windermere or Anglesey was expensive!

[scrambler]

May be worth your while to ask the question on this forum:

https://forums.ybw.com/forums/the-thames-forum.66/

[Croolis]

Tidal all the way up to Teddington. Never knew that.

[paulbrown22]

Originally Posted by Caroline

Hi, I am new here. Can I ask if anyone can help me with this question?

I have an inflatable boat (index excursion inflatable boat 4/5, length is 315 cm/10.3 feet). I also bought the index watersport's 12V transom mount trolling outboard motor, which has a max power of 420W (0.5 horsepower). It can be deflated and folded, and I can take it home.

What license and paper do I need to pay for using it on the Thames River for family pleasure?

Thanks

Which part of the Thames is the key question - the Thames is a very long river with different rules between the tidal and non-tidal sections!

[Fenlander]

With that craft I’m hoping non-tidal.

The other option is a daily/weekly visitor permit. We do this for the couple of times a year we use our local river. Mind you our full year vs day licence is massive. For our 3.8m with outboard over 4hp it’s £376.46 a year! Yet a daily licence is £11.35 or £23.52 a week so the short term option is a no-brainer.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by paulbrown22

Which part of the Thames is the key question - the Thames is a very long river with different rules between the tidal and non-tidal sections!

Yup, once you get below Hammersmith it can get lairy in certain conditions. Best stay above Teddington lock imho. The PLA can be “efficient”

[mhill]

Please don't use such a craft below Teddington, the power of tide especially between Battersea & Greenwich is very deceptive. Above Teddington you will need to contact the EA as mentioned, you should be fine to potter around as long as there are no RED or YELLOW boards or flags flown.

[Caroline]

Really appreciate you all.

The inflatable boat: ‎315 x 165 x 43 cm

5.19 m2

I will call tomorrow to buy.

(Environment Agency

Boat Registration

PO Box 544

Rotherham

S60 1BY

03708 506 506* (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)

boatreg@environment-agency.gov.uk

www.gov.uk/register-a-boat)

I would like to start my explore in the River Thames – non-tidal.

Can I ask if anyone knows where else such as a lake I can use this boat with the small motor?

Many many thanks

[Croolis]

Lakes and reservoirs typically won't allow powered craft. You might find exceptions for electric engine ones, but even relatively big bodies of water like Rutland don't allow powerboats. So rivers and canals are more of a thing. The issue you'll have is range and power with that electric engine. I bought an electric engine when I started this stuff with the intention of doing river/canal stuff and ended up buying a 2.5hp petrol engiine (I'm putting it up for sale actually, nudge nudge ) so I could run all day, but it's a damn sight noisier. I never did buy the battery for the electric so I don't actually know about performance of it.

But on lakes, then really it's more the Lake District or Scottish lochs. Don't know if anyone else has other suggestions.