Novice List of Do's and Don'ts?...

[ferryden]

I'm sorry to have asked a few questions already, but have have gratefully recieved all your answers. (I'm madly reading as much stuff as possible!)

To save asking lots of seperate questions as a new boat owner, can I be a bit cheeky and ask you experienced SIBbers to list your personal Top 5 DOs & DONT's?

Thanks again!
Drew

[Polwart]

ferryden,

I'd start by taking a look at Nos' Beginners' Guide

[chewy]

Always remember your kill cord and keys!
Make sure the vent is open on your fuel tank!

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by chewy

Always remember your kill cord and keys!

Ah you've done that too! Everyone says outboards are easy to hotwire until you are faced with a spagetti of wires, no manual and the possibility you short the wrong wires and break something properly!

[ferryden]

Originally Posted by Polwart

ferryden,

I'd start by taking a look at Nos' Beginners' Guide

WOW!...thanks Polwart!.... didn't find this initially...
*settles down with a nice bottle of red to read*

Cheers!
Drew

[Channel Ribs]

A powerboat course may seem like overkill for Sibbing, but well worth considering as they will cover everything you need to know and you get to spend a day or two out on the water.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by malthouse

A powerboat course may seem like overkill for Sibbing, but well worth considering as they will cover everything you need to know and you get to spend a day or two out on the water.

I agree, but when you book it ask about tiller steered boats, some centres don't use them (or don't use them as standard) and if you'll mostly be boating with a tiller then it would be good to get some instruction on that approach. The centre I did my pb2 at let me bring my own boat and use if for the last half of the second day.

[spartacus]

Do
1/ Carry a spare killcord
2/ Carry a knife
3/ Carry enough fuel
4/ Know where your going and be prepared to turn back
5/ Know your engine, trust it and invest time and money to maintain it

Don't
1/ Disrespect the sea. You'll lose
2/ Over-estimate your ability. Nothing wrong with turning for port if conditions worsen
3/ Leave the safety of the harbour if you're concerned about a repair
4/ Be pressured into making a decision - you're the skipper, you decide
5/ Forget lifejackets, hand-held VHF, flares and waterproofs

Most of this is common sense. Main thing is to have fun, meet up with other like-minded individuals and enjoy the boat.

[m chappelow]

First thing i would get for the boat is a decent anchor and line , a pair of oars or paddles and a small bucket or bailer .

[simsy]

Disrespecting the kill cord by not using one seem to course many totally avoidable serious accidents....

Don't elbow your mates, kids or wife in the head when pull starting engine, ask them to move first.

Don't leave the transom wheels down on your first outing, and think that 20hp should feel quicker that this and why am I getting wet.... maybe just me on this one....

Personally I think if my engine fails I will be in some kind of trouble at sea, and having a nice shiny one I look after as best as possible makes me safer...