New to this

[Sharpi59]

my name is Chris i live in Mersey side im considering getting some king of powered boat and looking for any info in relation to experience needed to do this safely i have never done anything like this on my own before and have no idea what permissions are necessary or what would be a sensible way to enter in to using a modest powered rib or where to go would appreciate anything by way of Guidance many thanks

[Sibfisher]

Sharpi59
Cant give you a lot of help as I based in Spain with paperwork there you need there, as for what to look for I have a Elling KB350 matched with a 9.8 4 stroke that I am very happy with.
Have a look on the Boatworld site as they have a large range of boats & motors to choose from.
Also youtube for some advice what direction to go in.

[harrison]

Hi Chris, welcome to the forum.

Lots of advice available on here but could probably do with a few pointers first to get any relevant help.

Any thoughts on what size boat, sib or rib? and motor sizes you’re considering, plus an idea where you fancy using it…river, estuary, sea etc. How many usually aboard. Also is it to pack away and transport in your car or trailer it.

Generally very little ‘red tape’ to use on the sea/estuaries….min. third party insurance recommended. Usually required to pay launch/harbour fees etc. to use public slipways whilst beach launching can be free. For most if not all rivers you’ll need a licence.

The RYA run very good powerboat courses which I personally would recommend doing. Well worth doing the Powerboat level two certificate if a complete novice and considering anything like a moderately powerful rib. Not cheap and seem a bit over the top for a tiny sib but still a great introduction to safe motor boating in general.

A handheld vhf radio would be high on my list of essentials whilst out at sea. A (free) license is required for the radio and technically an operators certificate to legally use it for non emergency chat. Unfortunately this requires you to complete a short course and exam which bears a cost. You can still make emergency calls without said certificate though.

Thankfully we have very little red tape to get out on the water over here compared to many countries, but still good to arm yourself with the knowledge and kit to keep safe.

[Sibfisher]

Very good Advice given by Harrison
He has helped me in the past many times, your lucky in the UK with very little red tape, I am based in Spain and it's lots of red tape and paperwork to go with it.