Powerboat training - is it worth it?

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Polwart

A few hundred quid spent on training will still be a good investment though. Especially if you go somewhere that runs small classes (or even one-on-one) training that can adapt to your existing knowledge.

He already has quite a bit of experience of the sea - a lot more than you get doing a powerboat level 2 for example.

A vhf course is essential to get a licence but that's about it unless you really need to - experience is far better than any bit of paper............

[SeaSkills]

Originally Posted by codprawn

experience is far better than any bit of paper............

Well, it is if it's good experience, otherwise it just reinforces and embeds poor technique and bad habits.

Not much in the way of "proper" instruction

IMHO (and I guess nobody will be very surprised that this is my opinion!) a small investment in terms of "proper" instruction would be a sound addition to the other answers to his original question ...

What I need, is a rundown on what I require (apart from the craft itself) to go out on the sea

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by codprawn

He already has quite a bit of experience of the sea - a lot more than you get doing a powerboat level 2 for example.

A vhf course is essential to get a licence but that's about it unless you really need to - experience is far better than any bit of paper............

I think if you read my original post you will see I didn't suggest he specifically go and get a PB2 or indeed that he should be "qualified" or "certificated" at all - but rather get some training.

I had quite a lot of boating experience including, cruising large dinghies and some small power boating (some of which had even been "instructed/supervised") before buying my current boat. However I had never used power trim tried to "navigate" at 20+ knots. If you are used to sailing toppers and canoes - some practice at low speed maneuvers is probably also wise and will save money in repairs. On top of which learning how to safely launch and recover would be useful for someone starting to use a much larger boat than they have owned before.

I did a one-to-one PB2 some of it in my own boat and learned a lot. Realistically one day of uncertificated own boat training would have been almost as good but would not have given me experience in different sized ribs, and would have cost the same. I would certainly want anyone coming to pick me up after I fell our a canoe - or even just to give me & canoe a lift home to be trained too.

If I remember correctly - you also claimed to be very experienced at sea, did a PB2 course and came back with a very positive report.

[K&S]

IMO most people's learinging starts after doing their level 2 but the learning is built on 'best practice' so should be good learning.
To go out whith no training there will be many 'learn by discovery' moments wich can be more expensive than the cost of a level 2 pb course.


The type of water & possible rescue situations you might find at the Bitches i would suggest the more training the better ...

[JSP]

I've got experience with other types of craft but I was new to plaining hulls, outboard engines and how they handle. I'd only ever used a small tender with a mercury 2.2hp start and go. I've found it a totally new learning curve, one I didn't expect. Never had to think about trimming the engine and things like that. I plan to take some training this year. I've worked things out for myself but would rather go off tried and tested methods.
It's made boating a whole lot more fun though.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by codprawn

He already has quite a bit of experience of the sea - a lot more than you get doing a powerboat level 2 for example.

A vhf course is essential to get a licence but that's about it unless you really need to - experience is far better than any bit of paper............

I disagree, how does canoeing prepare you for handling a Powerboat? Of course training is important if just to understand the basics of how to safely handle a powerboat of any kind.

[Mollers]

Would use of a Lilo prepare you for canoeing?

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Chris

I disagree, how does canoeing prepare you for handling a Powerboat? Of course training is important if just to understand the basics of how to safely handle a powerboat of any kind.

He mentioned also having done quite a bit of sailing.

Alright a bit different to a powerboat but there isn't much to it. Just getting out there and driving a boat is all it takes.

Yes my PB2 course was great in getting my hands on a RIB but I didn't really learn anything to be honest as I have been involved with the sea since I was a nipper.

The best thing about my course was the fact the instructor was a bit of a nutter and let us play in some nice big waves.

I ended up getting a safety boat certificate as he could see I was a bit beyond the PB2 level.

I think some of the more advanced courses are worth doing - I would like to do my Yachtmaster but the PB2 course is VERY basic and if anyone has any boating experience it's not really worth it.

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by codprawn

the PB2 course is VERY basic and if anyone has any boating experience it's not really worth it.

You're obviously entitled to your opinion, but I would disagree with you. For most people starting out with RIBs or other powerboats then a level 2 course would be an excellent investment. Good basic skills mean that you're likely to get much more from your boat, and have a more enjoyable time doing it.

Experience is all very well, but why learn the hard way?

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by codprawn

He mentioned also having done quite a bit of sailing.

in toppers - so we are not looking at long distance passage making, difficult launches etc

Alright a bit different to a powerboat but there isn't much to it. Just getting out there and driving a boat is all it takes.

and if you can ride a bike then driving a car is not that different, and come to think of it riding a bike is a bit like walking so almost anyone can drive...

Yes my PB2 course was great in getting my hands on a RIB but I didn't really learn anything to be honest as my ego is too big.

I fixed your typing for you...

I ended up getting a safety boat certificate as he could see I was a bit beyond the PB2 level.

presumably you completed all of the syllabus and assessment for the safety boat course then.

the PB2 course is VERY basic and if anyone has any boating experience it's not really worth it.

how do you know if you did a Safety boat course instead? Or perhaps you had a crap instructor if he was only talking basics with you... ...my instructors spent a bit of time getting to know my background and experience and then asking questions to assess my knowledge before focusing on areas of weakness or stuff that I hadn't wouldn't have learnt elsewhere. If the PB2 course only covers basics then my instructors obviously felt - he's paid for 2 days training lets go beyond that...