IS this an idiots idea?

[JSP]

A thread started by me with a title like that wont be much of a surprise

Right, this has been discussed before but can't find the threads at the moment.

THIS IS FOR RIVER CRUISING ONLY

Kids haven't been out with me much since the summer holidays started, mainly due to me needing another adult with me to take one of them out.
Having 7 kids, 3 of them are always wanting to come out with me. The other 4 are either too young (11 months, 2, 3) or it's just not cool (19 years old). Trying to choose which one comes out with me is hard to do.
I need peace of mind when on the boat with them so to enable me to take all 3 (6, 11, 12 year olds) of them out on my own (only on a river, NOT on the Sea) I've thought about having a string from me connected to all of them. That way if they decided to move from the Jockey seat behind me I will feel the tug, if they go over board I will feel the tug plus the slip not will undo.

Idiot idea or not?

[chewy]

Just clip them all to the boat.
If one does go for a swim it'll probably be the first and last time they do.

My kid brother 15 takes his SIB out with his mate ok.

[JSP]

Originally Posted by chewy

Just clip them all to the boat.
If one does go for a swim it'll probably be the first and last time they do.

My kid brother 15 takes his SIB out with his mate ok.

Thought about that but something just don't feel right about fixing them to the boat. Plus with them connected to me I'll know when the little gits mess about.
Big difference between 12 and 15 mate. Bad years

[Polwart]

After a successful experiment on Loch Ness, I will take my 5 yr old out on my own in good conditions - but I don't have jockies so he sits beside me.

How would you feel with one at a time?

Would you feel comfortable with them in the "driving seat" and you perched beside them on the tubes (say controlling the throttle). Of with the youngest - with you behind them.

I think if they can prove themselves one at a time then its time to start looking at 2/3 at a time?

Just my thoughts.

[PeterM]

JSP - I feel for you ! ( and thats just the 7 kids) .

I have 2 & have been taking them out since young - about 4/5 ish.

I decided to do mini lessons with each in turn to ensure they are confident & can be trusted to at least know not to lark about unless given the OK by me ( ie when stopped at anchor etc) . So read them the riot act up front , then get each of them to have to show they can be trusted - ie if they muck around they wont be allowed to go again etc - that is a very good way of getting them to behave - but given that you will be sensible & in calm water at slow speed in a river I'd be very nervous of attaching them to anything except a kill cord .

I made my kids fall in ( again at anchor) so that they are confident about the lifejackets & floating - also gives them some idea of what it may feel like if it happens for real.

I'd be more looking to make sure they have lots of easy stuff to hold on to & teach them to NEVER let go of the boat - always have the one hand at least holding on .

Either that or re -re-re - rig the boat so they all sit in front of you !

[JSP]

Thanks for the replies lads. They have all been out one by one with me but with another adult on board.

As far as my 6 year old lad goes, I know I can put him on with me and trust him to behave. As for the older girls, they would get board and start messing even before the ropes off the pontoon.
They would all be sat behind me on the two seater Jockey with me stood up.
This is just a leisure cruise. With me mainly staying just quick enough to be on the plane.

To tell ya the truth, the RIBs' my bolt hole, my escape from the mad bunch and I'd rather just go out by myself but when they are sat there looking at you saying "Can I come?" what can you do?

[chewy]

Just take the 6 year old lad mate. Easy!

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Send them out to work at a boot camp, then buy a bigger boat!!

[HUMBER P4VWL]

[QUOTE=Blackroady;310054] JSP - I feel for you ! ( and thats just the 7 kids) .

I feel for your missus!! Try protection!! 7!

[JSP]

Originally Posted by chewy

Just take the 6 year old lad mate. Easy!

He's a good lad is Frank. Lade back with a grand sense of humour.