Hello from Essex

[Jimbolio]

Hey guys, just a polite “hello” from Essex.
I’ve come here to try and learn my way & work through any red tape!
[emoji41]

[Fenlander]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Red tape of posting here or boating?

[Jimbolio]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Hello and welcome to the forum. Red tape of posting here or boating?

Boating [emoji12]

[Brian]

Well, as no-one else has answered your question, I will have a little go.

First of all, WELCOME to the forum.

You have asked an interesting question. In theory you dont NEED anything at all. You can buy a FO, 100ft, million HP powerboat, and roar of 1000miles offshore without any red tape at all!

However I dont recommend it!

So, in my list of (pretty necessary) recommendations is to do some RYA Powerboat courses, Levels 1 and 2 would be adequate. Simultaneously (or at a similar time) do a radio course, to teach you how to use a VHF and then buy a license. The course is one day long and NOBODY has ever failed it. The license, to make it legal to use the VHF (except in an emergency, or with the skippers permission) is also very cheap (I forget how much) and will last a lifetime-no need to renew either of them.
Also, desirable, but by now means legally essential, is to fill out a CG66 form for the coastguard and, if you wish, register your boat with the Small Ships Register-though not if you are buying a SIB.

Thats about it for the "necessary" red tape bit, the rest is lots and lots of reading and practice, and you can even take more RYA courses if you wish.

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by Brian

Well, as no-one else has answered your question, I will have a little go.

First of all, WELCOME to the forum.

You have asked an interesting question. In theory you dont NEED anything at all. You can buy a FO, 100ft, million HP powerboat, and roar of 1000miles offshore without any red tape at all!

However I dont recommend it!

So, in my list of (pretty necessary) recommendations is to do some RYA Powerboat courses, Levels 1 and 2 would be adequate. Simultaneously (or at a similar time) do a radio course, to teach you how to use a VHF and then buy a license. The course is one day long and NOBODY has ever failed it. The license, to make it legal to use the VHF (except in an emergency, or with the skippers permission) is also very cheap (I forget how much) and will last a lifetime-no need to renew either of them.
Also, desirable, but by now means legally essential, is to fill out a CG66 form for the coastguard and, if you wish, register your boat with the Small Ships Register-though not if you are buying a SIB.

Thats about it for the "necessary" red tape bit, the rest is lots and lots of reading and practice, and you can even take more RYA courses if you wish.

Clutching at straws as assuming this fellow isn't in the market for something massive, but the above is correct only up to 24m.

[Jimbolio]

Cheers fellas,

I’m doing a bunch of research on small inflatables and outboard to carry myself, 2 small chiddlers, the wife and a picnic basket.

Don’t have space for a solid boat/trailer, so need something that deflates, bags up & goes in the back of my caddy van.

Zodiac/boatworld/Avon style...

Probably stick to lakes(?) and camping for the moment, maybe go for a day trip giggle on the sea once the confidence is up in the future.

[Jimbolio]

PS. I’m also total novice [emoji51]

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by Jimbolio

Cheers fellas,

I’m doing a bunch of research on small inflatables and outboard to carry myself, 2 small chiddlers, the wife and a picnic basket.

Don’t have space for a solid boat/trailer, so need something that deflates, bags up & goes in the back of my caddy van.

Zodiac/boatworld/Avon style...

Probably stick to lakes(?) and camping for the moment, maybe go for a day trip giggle on the sea once the confidence is up in the future.

Without wishing to hijack your thread too much.....I've got this for sale which might tick your boxes. Could deliver it to Essex too if you were keen at heading through on my way to Hampshire next week:

http://www.rib.net/forum/f21/avon-ty...0-a-82067.html

[Fenlander]

>>>In theory you dont NEED anything at all.

All good advice but I would point out the reality to the OP so he has no confusion between what is law and what we'd advise on here.

The truth is Jimbolio if you launch from a slipway or beach into the sea where that launch place isn't privately or local authority controlled there is no red tape... you don't need anything. Not that I'd advise it but just so you know.

Some controlled launch sites have their own requirements such as insurance, proof of training or a basic safety kit level.... but others just take your money.

Some lakes and most rivers have rules and the need for permits, insurance etc... you need to investigate whichever you are considering.

If you have no contacts with experience who can boat buddy with you on the first few trips then for going to sea the training Brian mentions is desirable. As is the VHF for sea.

Worth getting insurance at the outset as it will be about £50 and covers the boat, its kit and millions in liability to others.

Of course to top up your understanding there is experience here in all areas of boating and no question is too daft if the answer sets you on the right track.

Have you read through the "Which Sib" thread that's a sticky in the Inflatable section. Lots to think about there re choice. Is your budget for new kit or a good deal on a used outfit.

[Jimbolio]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

>>>In theory you dont NEED anything at all.

All good advice but I would point out the reality to the OP so he has no confusion between what is law and what we'd advise on here.

The truth is Jimbolio if you launch from a slipway or beach into the sea where that launch place isn't privately or local authority controlled there is no red tape... you don't need anything. Not that I'd advise it but just so you know.

Some controlled launch sites have their own requirements such as insurance, proof of training or a basic safety kit level.... but others just take your money.

Some lakes and most rivers have rules and the need for permits, insurance etc... you need to investigate whichever you are considering.

If you have no contacts with experience who can boat buddy with you on the first few trips then for going to sea the training Brian mentions is desirable. As is the VHF for sea.

Worth getting insurance at the outset as it will be about £50 and covers the boat, its kit and millions in liability to others.

Of course to top up your understanding there is experience here in all areas of boating and no question is too daft if the answer sets you on the right track.

Have you read through the "Which Sib" thread that's a sticky in the Inflatable section. Lots to think about there re choice. Is your budget for new kit or a good deal on a used outfit.

Excellent advice.

Sea will be a few years off I reckon.

With regards to lakes/rivers etc...
Is anyone aware of length restrictions, I’m looking around 3.5/4m at a push to fit us all in.

I’m aware that the boat will have a maximum engine capability for itself which obviously won’t be exceeded - but are there any max engine size rules from the red tape brigade?

Don’t really want to fork out on 10hp outboard (or whatever) only to find I’m only allowed 8hp...!

[Jimbolio]

Originally Posted by Tim M

Without wishing to hijack your thread too much.....I've got this for sale which might tick your boxes. Could deliver it to Essex too if you were keen at heading through on my way to Hampshire next week:



http://www.rib.net/forum/f21/avon-ty...0-a-82067.html

Tim M - thank you for the offer, it looks like a steal and pretty much meets the requirements for a seasoned veteran.
Unfortunately being a virgin, I think I’ll be looking for new rubber this time.

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by Jimbolio

Tim M - thank you for the offer, it looks like a steal and pretty much meets the requirements for a seasoned veteran.
Unfortunately being a virgin, I think I’ll be looking for new rubber this time.

No worries. A new rubber for a virgin is a sound plan!

[Fenlander]

>>> pretty much meets the requirements for a seasoned veteran.

Well thought through. This seasoned veteran has also thought through all the reasons why I could have it because a while back I'd wanted that very model for years. But we are well sorted now so I must/will resist!

[Fenlander]

>>>With regards to lakes/rivers etc...Is anyone aware of length restrictions, I’m looking around 3.5/4m at a push to fit us all in.... I’m aware that the boat will have a maximum engine capability for itself which obviously won’t be exceeded - but are there any max engine size rules from the red tape brigade?

I'm not up on lakes so Google restrictions on any you might use. However for most rivers you need a licence and in our area that licence is stupidly expensive for anything above 4hp and if bought yearly. But if you just buy day licences HP makes little difference.

I haven't ever used a chargeable slipway which charged on the basis of HP but that doesn't mean there aren't any that do. Again Google any areas where you think you might launch to be sure.

Edit: Just Googled North Wales as I had an idea in the back of my mind... they charge more to launch 40HP and above but don't think that will trouble you.

[Jimbolio]

After much research & deliberation, I'm leaning towards the Honwave T38 in the air floor flavour.

Kinda stuck with the outboard choices though...
The Parsun 20HP 4 stroke seems like a win to me, not sure if it'll be over/under kill plus it weights a whopping 51kg!

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Jimbolio

After much research & deliberation, I'm leaning towards the Honwave T38 in the air floor flavour.



Kinda stuck with the outboard choices though...

The Parsun 20HP 4 stroke seems like a win to me, not sure if it'll be over/under kill plus it weights a whopping 51kg!

Personally I’d avoid the Parsun/Hidea Chinese clones, but that’s only IMO.

[Jimbolio]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Personally I’d avoid the Parsun/Hidea Chinese clones, but that’s only IMO.

I chose the Honda as they seem to hold their money plus there will come a time when my whole family is in it and I feel (rightly or wrongly) pretty safe with the choice.

Can’t really say the same for the Parsun tbh, maybe it’d be better spent elsewhere?

I’m very open to ideas and recommendations, just bear in mind I need to get it signed off by the war office.
The first place she looks is the bottom right hand corner of the quote... Hence the Parsun.

Perhaps I need two motors?
One for river snailing and one for sea fun?

Maybe get a small used poodler engine for the initial river restrictions and step up to the big boy at a later date once the benefit/skills/confidence/isn’t this fun, have been seen?!!

[Fenlander]

OK...

The Honwave T38 has always been the go-to value SIB of that size but I must mention over the past year or two the quality control has been poor with many folks needing to return them, assuming the dealer plays ball. So if you are looking new consider you must be prepared for that hassle.

The Parsun is a bit ooh-err too.... well actually much more so. Some folks have bought them and got on OK but they are much harder to sell on used than the major brands and there is no proper nationwide dealer network for parts/warranty. They are dirt cheap at £1500 for a 20hp but I'd rather a used 20hp say 3-4 yrs old from a major maker for the same cost.

Also if you are daily setting up then the 51kg Parsun is very heavy.

[Fenlander]

If I was going to buy a Honwave T38 I'd only do so from a local dealer where they agree to unbox and inflate for inspection before you pay.

Yep there is some mileage in getting a 4-6hp used motor for now and getting some miles on the water before going for the big one.


Edit: BTW may be worth starting a thread in the inflatables section as some folk will miss the discussion here.

[Jimbolio]

Noted.

My thinking was: if the boat is sound, we can upgrade the motor as required. But the base should be right from the start, maybe more research is required..?

I’m happy to avoid the chinglish powerplant, and welcome any pushes/prods/shoves towards a replacement around the same value?
Used is fine, as I’m happy to upgrade later (this might also makes for an easier sell to the CFO[emoji12] )