Advice for one just starting out?

[kcorey]

Hi All,

We're just some paperwork away from having a 1/4 share of a 6.5m/150hp RIB with ribshackmarine out of Southampton (though we'll be usually be taking the boat at Cobb's Quay in Hamworthy).

Apart from a week in the south of France, my ICC level 2 hasn't seen the water. I don't think it's possible to underestimate my nautical skills here.

We're thinking about being able to venture as far west as Weymouth, or as far east as IOW. I would *definitely* describe us as the cruising type, rather than racers or anything silly. I've not done any night boating at all, so we are restricted in how far we could really go in a day.

Are there any specific hazards to watch out for in these waters? (e.g. poole harbour being an average depth of 18 inches is a good one...;^)

Best restaurants for a family of four (two kids 11&12)?

Best sights? Are there boat-only sights? When visiting IOW, is there public transport to be able to get around and see things?

Any advice on best places to buy supplies (lifejackets, charts, floats for keys, etc)?

Thanks!

-Ken

[jumpinjack]

With the Southampton boat show in 2 weeks- well worth a visit for picking up all the supplies you'll ever need- charts books, clothing, chandlery etc, and a good day out.

Enjoy the boat.

[moore288]

On IOW busses are good to get around the whole island. Yarmouth is a great place to visit with a few great fish pubs and a very nice harbour.

[cgf10]

I'd probably head to Yarmouth from Poole before giving Weymouth a go. The tidal races on the headlands down to Weymouth can produce some very big seas particularly if the weather and tides are out of favour. Lots of nice pubs in Yarmouth and although it can be busy at weekends the harbour is nice and easy to use. Cowes is also worth a visit. If you are having a "harbour day" and exploring Poole perhaps due to bad weather then Lake Yard at Hamworthy can be nice to eat at or Wareham river pub

[kcorey]

Thanks for the tips guys!

I can't wait to hit the water.

-Ken

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by kcorey

Thanks for the tips guys!

I can't wait to hit the water.

-Ken

If you do... By choice I HOPE!!.. Or with at least a Life-Jacket on!
I'm sure you'll be fine!..its mostly a case of realising (At your own Pace!) how Good RIB's realy ARE at looking after you.The area where you are should have plenty of other Traffic about too.
Stay safe! and Enjoy

[andyjcox1]

Hi Kcorey, CGf10 has some good advice. I have a ribeye based at Cobbs, so if you want to get a quick tour around the harbour let me know as I'm always looking for excuses to get out. You do need to be mindful of the tide heights in the harbour, but its mainly mud if things do get abit shallow. Do watch out for Stone island, on the right near the harbour entance as you leave (marked by cardinals).

Going East- Yarmouth is a nice trip, as is Lymington, Cowes, Newtown Creek and Alum bay etc. Going West - Swanage is easy to do, as is anchoring in Studland bay for the day.

You won't get bored of the harbour, south deep around the back of brownsea is nice (follow the brownsea ferry if nervous), go see the seals at Shipstalls point, head up to Wareham for lunch (on a rising tide).

Enjoy. Andy