First ever boat

[kazarami]

I have bought my first ever boat . It is a 1989 Shetland Kestral. It has a 70hp Evinrude out board with a back outboard 4hp. I am going to Sea & Shore in Dundee to check the compression in the motor. The first time I use this I shall be going to a loch instead of sea just to try and get used to this.The throttle handle is taped together can I buy one of these to replace this and how much should I pay for this. Any information on using my first boat would be really helpful. i.e. Ship to shore radio,sat nab how many batteries do i need, a small cooker and how do I buy one of the wee flags for £13.00.

[Barnyno5]

Hi Kamikaze. oops sorry; I mean Kazarami, the answers to all you seek are all over the internet. I would suggest however that you first address the issue of launching the boat as it can be just as dangerous and sometimes more-so than cruising along.

The fact that your throttle handle is taped together should be a warning that it may not function as intended and so I would suggest you use the 4 HP engine till you find your way around the boat and its capabilities.

But the best thing to do would be to get some insurance; not only for your own peace of mind, but also; for others on the water.

All joking aside, be careful and don't take risks, As far as going to sea; I would hope you ensure you have all the appropriate safety equipment on board

Regards and good luck!

[admin]

hello and welcome

If you have a look in USEFUL PRINTABLE GUIDES there is a wealth of information about the sort of equipment you need to boat safely.

If you would like a burgee - have a look on the JOIN US page and follow the instructions

Sue

[kazarami]

Thanks Barneyno5. When I go to sea I am going to make sure I have everything I need i.e.: ship to shore , lifebelts, flares, sat nav & I am going to lochs to make sure I can drive the boat. I not sure about launching boats as I have never done this before but I can maybe get some tips from utube. When I am launching & landing i shall use my 4 hp outboard.
Thanks for your advice

[Coddy]

Good luck with your new boat

I personally would suggest you attend a couple of RYA courses

Fist would be Power Boat Level 2, this will help you in everything "boatie" how to moor, Man Overboard, Navigation and how to handle the boat.

Second course would be for VHF radio, this provides you the the legal allowance to operate the radio and how to use it correctly. There is a £30 licence fee to pay which lasts a lifetime.

I would also suggest you have the boat checked over by the RNLI, they provide a free safety check and they give loads of advice as well. This is not a tick box test but it could help you should you ever be involved in an emergency situation.

Dave

[NelsonAdmiral]

Regarding the engine- try running it on land using some "muffs" to feed water into the cooling system _ don't try running without. When its running check the control. Also take a look at the engine. If the control should break on the water its a good idea to know how to operate the throttle directly. That way you could jack it part open to run you home.

The ship to shore radio should only be used on the coast - not inland waters. A common all garden CB or two-way high street radio would suffice inland.

[daveinglasgow]

Hi

I do hope you did not pay for a compression test! I am guessing that the engine will need a service though along with our back up engine ( you need to start this to check it every time you go out as a back up engine that does not work can cost you your life) so i would get this done.

Coddy also made the comment about the RNLI and I 100% agree asthey re by far the best people to speak to re safety and they will even check your life jackets free of charge.

Have fun

Dave