HELP a newbie please!!

Hi Lads, Im a long time fisherman (shore), but looking at buying a boat (complete virgin) can you answer a few questions.Would i be better buying a cheap & cheerful boat here or uk & towing home??? what is the mooring situation in Dublin/ Wicklow eg Dun Laoighre/Bray??? and is there a basic seamanship or trainging course for a complete novice??

Thanks,,
Johnnyf

The general consensus is that you get a better deal in the UK (mainland), and the savings more than offset the cost of the ferry.

It's very worthwhile doing the ISA Powerboat level 2 course - two days of basic seamanship and handling - did mine at the Irish Youth Sailing crowd at Dun Loaghaire a couple of years ago. Not the least because you usually get a discount on your boat insurance.

Look at
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/
http://www.apolloduck.ie/

but also don't forget Buy and Sell, particularly for the cheaper end of the market.

Moorings can be difficult or expensive. Your best bet is to find someone who no longer needs their old one and can pass it on....

The general consensus is that you get a better deal in the UK (mainland), and the savings more than offset the cost of the ferry.

It's very worthwhile doing the ISA Powerboat level 2 course - two days of basic seamanship and handling - did mine at the Irish Youth Sailing crowd at Dun Loaghaire a couple of years ago. Not the least because you usually get a discount on your boat insurance.

Look at
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/
http://www.apolloduck.ie/

but also don't forget Buy and Sell, particularly for the cheaper end of the market.

Moorings can be difficult or expensive. Your best bet is to find someone who no longer needs their old one and can pass it on....

Hi JohnnyF

You should also check out http://www.bim.ie who run excellent short courses on key topics like VHF radio, and safety at sea / rescue. Yachting clubs also run longer courses like the yachtmaster course and whilst it is quite an investment in terms of time, its a superb course that covers everything!

FWIW

Thanks lads,
learning a lot, what to look for when buying a boat etc, but any advice you can give would be appreciated.Will deff do some sort of course re:power boats,weather protocol etc.

JohnnyF

Johnny,
You do realise you are picking the worst time of the year to buy a boat!The good weather will keep demand and prices up.

You would really want to decide on the type of boat you want. A 16 footer with a 10HP engine doing about 10 Knots or a 17.5 footer with a 60hp engine doing about thirty knots? The difference in every respect is huge!

Without knowing what you have in mind it is difficult to point you in a particular direction. As the lads have said there are plenty or courses to do, crucial if you go the "fast fisher" route.

I have no idea of the mooring situation in Dublin (me being from the Republic of Cork, the home of Hurling :lol: ) I'm sure Luke Scully will fill you in on that score.

Jim

Moorings are like gold dust and very difficult to come by. Forget The Harbours like Dun Laoighaire and Howth thewaiting list is longer than you life span. Malahide, Poolbeg and Bray are better bet but would still be like pulling teeth unless you are willing to fork out for marina bills which would probably cost more than your boat! think about going for a roller coaster trailer and launching and reteiveing your boat. This is the best route. if this is not possible then you will have to look at other less accesable places like Skerries or Rush.

Thanks for the help lads, looks like a good trailer is the order of the day.Have you any recomendations of good marks, around Wexford, bnot too far out mind!

What would you recommend as a good all round course in order to take a small boat out to sea. I'd imagine safety is paramount but what about learning about radio, tides etc. Kieran mentions the yachtmaster course. Would this be something to consider even to take out a small 2 berth?

Thanks,
Paul