Small Boat Questions.

Well the parents have finally started seriously thinking of getting The family(me) a Small boat so i have several questions.

1: how much would it cost(about) to run a small boat like a warrior 165 or Orkney 520 per year? with reasonable use and a 40hp 4 stroke on the back?

2: for going around galway bay/inshore waters, would a 16 foot boat be the right size? and would 40hp be enough? what boats would you recommend for a beginner?

3:what qualifications would i need? what courses(navigation etc..) would you recommend doing? i am doing a short range vhf course now.

I know i am asking alot of questions but i know the parents wouldn't get anything unless they knew roughly how much it would cost them a year.

Thanks, Alex.

For the purpose of estimating cost you could average it out at approx 1 litre per nautical mile travelled. How far you travel is up to yourself. We often have a days fishing in 10 miles, we can travel up to 75 miles in a day. I would estimate that reasonable use could be 50-100 hours running. At nice clipping in a 165 say 25knts that’s 2500 miles which would approximate out to €2800 or €1400 at 50hrs. The manufacturers would recommend changing the oil each season at least so that will cost a few bob. Thereafter you will have the usual expense of fixing a bit here replacing a bit there and towing too and from. Chances are there’ll be some safety gear to be bought as well, not to mention a new set of rods and tackle!

A boat in the 165 class would be perfect. There are cheaper alternatives to a warrior, though the warrior has the best finish and best resale value. A 520 will run on a smaller engine but the performance wouldn’t be as good as a 165 style boat that has a well designed vee hull. The cheapest alternative is to keep the boat at home rather than mooring (its probably safer too). A 165 style boat will be towable by a family car.

You need no qualifications to drive a boat in Ireland. It would be advisable to do a powerboat handling course. The powerboat course should cover navigation basics. Use of GPS and sounders will depend on the make/model. After that it’s a bit like serving your time, best to get out with experienced small boat people to see what it’s all about.

I would recommend doing the power boat level 2 course. It covers alot and is very hands on...well worth the money..(try joining the Civil defence....I got my course paid through them plus my VHF radio course)....you will also get alot of boat use if you get on the baot crew...I love it!)

Cost like everything varies....as Jim said new rods and tackle is good...look in the buy and sell ans Apollo duck.ie...better to buy a boat that is being used for fishing presently as it will have most of the gear you will need already and be properly set up for fishing. I did this and got a good deal plus someone who I can turn to for advise with the boat and how to fish from it. You will shorten youre learning curves from someone who can point you in the right direction of using their old boat. Every boat will have quirks and it will save alot of time if someone has discovered them already. I will be taking my 15ft Trident fast fisher up to Galway alot this summer so you can have a spin in her to find what suits you if you like.

You can also check other boat sites as people are more than happy to help and are frequently selling their old boats.

Shout if you want any more info.

I will be taking my 15ft Trident fast fisher up to Galway alot this summer so you can have a spin in her to find what suits you if you like.

Wat a legend 8) 8)

I will do the powerboat course. thanks for all the info.