Youngest passenger?

SimonCh · 16 January 2021, 07:10

Hey folks,

Just curious as to what age you first took your kids out on your boats? Would you head out with the wife with a 1 year old on her lap for example. 2years? 3... so on... Obviously it's dependent on location, conditions etc... but i'm just wondering where everyone draws the line!

Si

beamishken · 16 January 2021, 08:40

We have 5 kids from 2 yo to 24 yo & all have been in boats since being only weeks old I think our daughter was about a month old on her first trip (she was in a carry cot in a cruiser) but I have pictures of the boys in ribs & dinghys at about 3 months old ringoes about a year -18 months. Never too young & they all still love boats. The two year old sits on the jockey seat with me or mum facing us cuddles in & goes to sleep, does it every time. We did some 30-40 mile trips this summer and the 4yo wants to sit with the driver & the 2yo sits with the passenger.
Just pick your weather and dont scare them

Waterman · 16 January 2021, 08:56

Same as above, Our 2 year old loves it too...... fast asleep as soon as we’re up on the plane [emoji1303]
Only advice I could offer, other than the normal safety precautions when boating, is whoever has the toddler, that’s their only job..... don’t expect them to crew at the same time...

paulbrown22 · 16 January 2021, 09:30

Clearly 2020 wasn't the best year for boating, so our son who was born in July hasn't had many opportunities for getting afloat yet! He was out on our sailing yacht by 3-4 months, but given all the restrictions and him keeping us busy, my RIB has been out the water since July, so he hasn't had a chance to go on that yet!

Slightly different having him on the sailing yacht with cabins, central heating, big spaces for him to crawl/roll around in, etc., where we could go out for most of the day, and he could play/sleep/feed pretty much like home. On the RIB, I'd be starting with very short trips in very benign conditions and working up as he grows.

treerat · 16 January 2021, 10:41

Spent many happy hours with the kids in the car seat or on a box/ wives arms.

On the 'best' of weather days. Out in the rough stuff once they could sit up and hold on, held in to too mind.

Pikey Dave · 16 January 2021, 10:59

Our daughter’s first trip on the RIB was the Sound of Mull from Oban to Tobermory & back. She was not quite 1 year old. She had her first birthday on Skye & took her first steps there.
Crewsaver used to do a baby life jacket that went from about 6 months to 2 years.

lakelandterrier · 16 January 2021, 14:42

Never too young

...but do think about the logistics, conditions, and safety.
Young children will get tired / bored long before you do, so trips may well be shorter than you'd ideally like. You want the ensure they enjoy, not endure it!

SimonCh · 17 January 2021, 09:48

thanks as always guys. You've succeeded in helping convince my wife that it's ok to take the little one on a boat!

I'll order a baby life jacket for the little one. She will be 8 months by the time we go away with the boat. It will be on a loch anyway so nice and calm... Providing Ms Sturgeon allows us to leave the house!

Si

gtflash · 18 January 2021, 10:06

I remember my 3yr old sitting on a potty in the middle of the Solent. She was shy someone would see, unfortunately it turned into a number two and eventually a fully laden red funnel cruised past too.

Pick your weather, life jacket before they get to the boat or marina. Small journeys etc. Fish and chips at the other side. The second daughter is 4 and I find she’s only got about 1hr of boating in her and then she becomes difficult.

treerat · 18 January 2021, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtflash

The second daughter is 4 and I find she’s only got about 1hr of boating in her and then she becomes difficult.

I gave mine small camera's - really keeps the focus and allowed for concentration on activity rather then just sit there.

Still works now but moved onto action camera's.

food, ice creams, drinks - all our trips have a destination with a reason to get there that will fill their minds of joy too.............

SimonCh · 18 January 2021, 10:59

Thanks everyone!

I find my 4 year old is fine, but after about 45mins, he's out for the count. Says he feels fine, and seems to enjoy it but it just takes it right out of him.

My 7 year old is already an old sea-dog, she speaks to her crew when she's at the helm "everyone happy? Everyone holding on?" "remember guys, one hand for you, one hand for the boat".... i've no idea where she gets it from.

Time will tell how the 6 month old will enjoy it, it will be short trips across the loch for her anyway but i'm looking forward to having her on board.

Thanks as always for all your responses!

Si