Hello from Cambridge

Jeannette · 20 March 2015, 12:01

Hi everyone,
Totally new to boating - just picked our inflatable up last weekend, various bits of kit en route in the post.
It'll be a family affair: me hubs, and our 4 girls. Should just about fit!
Currently have lots of camping stuff clogging up the house as we pick up our new motorhome next weekend too, so it'll be a real baptism of fire.

Planning on heading up to Luss on Loch Lomond whilst the UK traffic is out in force over Easter weekend, then probably back down the country to either Windermere or Derwentwater, when the crowds have thinned out a little.
We were planning on Somerset/Devon, but I didn't realise how few places you could use an outboard, inland. Not too keen on the sea until I've done some RYA training.
Anyway, better get on with registering the SIB.

Poly · 20 March 2015, 20:45

There is some logic to making sure you get some training before taking on anything too challenging, just beware that the big lochs and lakes are not necessarily safer. Not trying to put you off, just bearing mind that things can still go wrong on Loch lomond and so try to work out what you will do in various circumstances.

Last Tango · 22 March 2015, 20:03

Best slip at Loch Lomond is in Balloch, Duncan Mills. Maybe have a chat with the rangers there, (good people) they'll keep you right. Don't know exactly what size your boat is but six people sounds like a lot for 3m+. Take care and enjoy.

Fenlander · 22 March 2015, 22:28

Hi Jeanette... we are not that far from you, Huntingdon area. We occasionally launch on the Ouse at Huntingdon, a little more often on the sea around Mersea Island and our most rewarding trips are holidays in Scotland... two weeks on the West coast booked this July.

Had a Honwave for a while until last year and was most impressed with the quality.... only changed on a bit of a whim. Which model/length do you have?

How old are the girls? Our two have been out with us loads and had their own Zodiac plus 10hp for a while. These days the 19yr old is more inclined to be doing other stuff with uni friends but the 17yr old still mostly joins us for a trip out.