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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think it can't be that hard to drive a boat?

198 replies

CatThiefKeith · 03/02/2016 20:00

I've never really driven a boat, but I was a sea cadet, and I've done a bit of canoeing.

And today I bought a boat. A little (ish) cabin cruiser. With money my parents have given me, on the condition I take them out in it occasionally. (It was pretty cheap in boat terms)

Dh thinks I've finally lost the plot, and that I will inevitably sink it on my first outing. Hmm

Aibu to think it can't be THAT bloody difficult, given that hundreds of thousands of people manage it perfectly well?

OP posts:
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17
nattyknitter · 03/02/2016 21:46

I did my PB2 in Spain, when bringing my rib into harbour for the final test the instructor told me - if you need to hit anything, please can it be the wall rather than the 800 thousand pound yacht in the same berth. Grin

Enjoy your boat!

Original poster
CatThiefKeith · 03/02/2016 21:50

Well that's reassuring at least! Grin

OP posts:
RakeMeHomeCountryToads · 03/02/2016 21:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
CatThiefKeith · 03/02/2016 21:52

Here she is. She's not flash, but I think she will be a whole lot of fun. Wink

To think it can't be that hard to drive a boat?
OP posts:
WhatTheActualFugg · 03/02/2016 21:53

It's not that difficult. Not at all.

I've successfully driven a 12 ton steal boat lots and lots of times with no drama what so ever. And parallel parked it! I had no training, or certificate.

You do not need to do a bloomin' boat-driving course!!

Thousands or tourists every summer are let loose on the rivers, canals and broads with only a 10 minute 'lesson'. They usually survive. Tragically they don't, but that's usually because they are drunk and/or stupid, or the boat blows up. Very sad.

You'll be fine!!

kelper · 03/02/2016 21:54

I can sort of drive aboat, but i cant moor. Which is wuite a useful thing to know apparently. Not helped by the fact thd boat dh tried to teach me in has two engines and therefore two drive legs and two accelerator handle things

RakeMeHomeCountryToads · 03/02/2016 21:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AtiaoftheJulii · 03/02/2016 21:56

Oh, I'd love a little boat like that. You'll be fine. Just don't do that one leg on the boat, one leg on the bank, doing the splits and falling in thing.

(How much did it cost?)

DiseasesOfTheSheep · 03/02/2016 21:56

Congrats Skipper. I was hoping this was going to be some daftie trying to sail in the sea with no experience. I'm a little disappointed you're not that clueless...

Original poster
CatThiefKeith · 03/02/2016 22:00

Her name is Doobey. BlushBlush

And she was up for £10k but I put in an offer of 6 and the owner accepted. I've paid the deposit (subject to survey and sea trial) and am hoping to have her ready for swashbuckling adventures and treasure hunting by March.

Rum anyone? Grin

OP posts:
RakeMeHomeCountryToads · 03/02/2016 22:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
CatThiefKeith · 03/02/2016 22:03

Yes she is. Smile

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RakeMeHomeCountryToads · 03/02/2016 22:04

This reply has been deleted

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LovelyFriend · 03/02/2016 23:10

A friend of mine lives on a non tidal river near a lock. His moored boat was badly damaged by someone passing by who crashed into him.

You do need to know what you are doing, even if it is just to manage yourself through all the others on the river who don't have a fucking clue.

NuggetofPurestGreen · 03/02/2016 23:14

Jealous! I want a boat.

Can I be your first mate??

Witchend · 03/02/2016 23:30

Well better drowned than duffers, if not duffers, won't drown.

Ds manage to steer a steam powered boat with twelve people in up and down the canal, including turning round and docking at the side to let people out at various intervals, with just the help of the owner saying "tiller a bit left etc" and a well stuck out tongue. He's 8yo.
So as long as you don't moor over coots' nests and refuse to move you'll be fine.

Neverpolishghillies · 03/02/2016 23:46

rnli.org/Pages/default.aspx make sure you set up your direct debt(everyone on the water in any shape or form has a responsibility to do so.

www.rya.org.uk/coursestraining/Pages/default.aspx You need to start your courses , you need to start with skippers.

www.rya.org.uk/shop/Pages/default.aspx lots of reading to get through. check ebay and amazon for books, but don't risk having anything out of date , information quickly becomes outdate.

HoneyDragon · 03/02/2016 23:50

I had a boat.

My children may be blue and bald but I never sank them. Grin

Catzpyjamas · 03/02/2016 23:54

Was this your cat then?

To think it can't be that hard to drive a boat?
OhforGodsake · 04/02/2016 00:02

Yes please

Jazzface1 · 04/02/2016 00:11

Probably best to get some training, and maybe learn the right terms also.
Drive a car
Fly a plane
SAIL a boat Smile

donadumaurier · 04/02/2016 00:15

Yes actually, it could go wrong. I take part in a water sport in which people driving cruisers who don't know how to do so properly has near killed me on a few occasions. Please god learn how to drive it properly, read up on river circulation rules and maximum speeds. Don't be one of the idiots I have to report for dangerous steering far too often.

donadumaurier · 04/02/2016 00:16

Steer a cruiser Jazz. Paddle a canoe. Row a rowing boat. :)

annandale · 04/02/2016 00:17

... said Captain Smith of the Titanic.

The mooring thing would be the bit that would focus my mind - the knots and so on. A boat near me was badly moored the other night and is currently half sunk and blocking the river, they've been trying to get it out but now apparently it is going to ahve to be lifted out by a large crane.

I've also been in a boat as it ran over another boat with a superb crunching sound, and was very glad I wasn't sailing it.

So I would get a bit of training, yes.

SecretWitch · 04/02/2016 00:20

Right, now I can ask the question I've been wondering for pretty much ever. Do boats come with keys? Either way congratulations on your purchase..Bon voyage and safe travails!