Hello - moving out of London!

747sp · 18 August 2016, 18:17

I'm moving back to the countryside after over 20 years in London, have a youngish family and thinking of buying a boat - so Hello. i have lots of questions and am spending time searching on here as to boats and outboard combos, trailers etc. Here we go!!

Bern Hanreck · 19 August 2016, 10:15

Greetings 747sp ! Being based in Greater London , I don't know whether to say cheerio or Welcome to RIBnet

Where are you heading for , and what sort of Rib did you have in mind ? There have been plenty of discussions on here about youngsters and Ribbing . My youngest Grandchildren have just cut their teeth ( aged 5 and 3 ) with some gentle introductions to picnics on the rib .

Try the search function but feel free to ask away ........

747sp · 19 August 2016, 10:30

I'm moving out to Kent, but have family up in Suffolk near Aldeburgh so my plan is to get something I can trail up there for the summer, and use initially on the Alde maybe nipping round to the Deben until I'm used to driving it. Is the RYA stage 2 course a good idea??

I have my eye on an Atlantic 21 or 75 if the right one comes up.

Bern Hanreck · 19 August 2016, 13:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by 747sp

Is the RYA stage 2 course a good idea??

Definitely ( IMO ) . If you do not have a " nautical " family background , I would suggest that a two day PB2 course is almost essential . Apart from the basic safety aspect , you should learn a bit about launch & recovery ( possibly towing ) , boat handling , maintenance etc etc . You probably ought to consider getting a VHF licence as well , as this is also ( essential ) safety kit if you have a young family . You might want to consider passing the winter evenings doing a day skipper course .

It might be beneficial if you could do the PB2 course in the area you plan to cruise ? Perhaps some of the locals on here could advise ?

Try and get out on as many ribs as you can before you buy . A wider choice may make it easier to find the ideal rib for you . Good Luck . Bern

ShinyShoe · 19 August 2016, 18:23

With the exception of a few well hardened types who grew up on a boat all their life virtually everyone says they learned something useful on PB2. Plenty would say it's not enough, but experience is what you need and that doesn't come in a weekend!

VHF certificate I think the jury is a bit more 'out' over. Some people feel it's good, others say they learned nothing and felt they were teaching the instructor. Course has changed recently so part on-line. Playing on the simulator is I think useful.

I find some of the antenna stuff dull, so provided you can find someone good who can make it relevant to your uses it probably is better like that than reading a book

willk · 19 August 2016, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

VHF certificate I think the jury is a bit more 'out' over.

"Over and Out", surely?

Nos4r2 · 19 August 2016, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

"Over and Out", surely?

Do I have to out-pedant you, or are we fishing?

Tim M · 20 August 2016, 09:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

With the exception of a few well hardened types who grew up on a boat all their life virtually everyone says they learned something useful on PB2. Plenty would say it's not enough, but experience is what you need and that doesn't come in a weekend!

VHF certificate I think the jury is a bit more 'out' over. Some people feel it's good, others say they learned nothing and felt they were teaching the instructor. Course has changed recently so part on-line. Playing on the simulator is I think useful.

I find some of the antenna stuff dull, so provided you can find someone good who can make it relevant to your uses it probably is better like that than reading a book

Good or not, its worth remembering that it is a legal requirement to have this piece of paper if you are using a VHF radio onboard.

Poly · 20 August 2016, 09:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

...its worth remembering that it is a legal requirement to have this piece of paper if you are using a VHF radio onboard.

...if you are transmitting other than in an emergency.

Nos4r2 · 20 August 2016, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

...if you are transmitting other than in an emergency.

Yes, exactly.

Nobody's ever going to berate you for having the gear and using it in an emergency.
The one thing it does make a little awkward though is calling the coastguard for a radio check, which you really do need to do. After all, they'll be the ones responding to any emergency call you make.
It's a good idea to make sure they can hear you, rather than your mate in the next boat.