Own Boat Training Preparation
We train people both on our boats and their own. Whilst we teach the RYA courses, we have a large focus on bespoke training. We enjoy working on an individual level with people to ensure they get the best from their time on the water. Own boat training may be the right solution for some and in this blog we will look at topics to think about before booking. The blog is by no means comprehensive, no doubt in time we’ll add to it. However, it hopefully will raise ideas in your mind. It is focussed on people using boats within our local area of Poole, Dorset. Whilst you may book training at end time of boat ownership, it is often just the beginning of your journey. This is an exciting time, buying a boat but a few thoughts below:
Own boat training or using a ‘school’ boat:
A question we are asked regularly but one that has no set answer. The benefits of completing training on a ‘school’ boat before moving onto your own boat training may include a perceived increased availability due to more instructors working on ‘school’ boats, the ability to slot onto a course as an individual, the confidence that it is a training boat and not your own precious new purchase, and the wear and tear being on someone else’s boat.
Let us address each of those and compare to own boat training. Availability for ‘school boat’ may well be better than ‘own boat’ at larger schools as they can bring in freelance instructors to work on a standard ‘school’ boat. At our centre almost all courses are taught by Sarah or Dom, our Chief Instructor and Principal so this doesn’t affect us significantly, we work across our boats and own boats.
The ability to slot onto a course as an individual cannot be disputed, but we would urge you to consider whether you will in fact be on the water alone in future. If this is a family boat, do consider a bespoke course for your group whether everyone takes the full qualification or instead looks to learn crew skills alongside you. Training with family aids communication for the future and we can bespoke suggestions for your family dynamic.
Damage to your precious new boat, there is of course a possibility that a boat may get damaged, in just the same way a school boat might, BUT we should always be aiming not to damage any boat. As a training centre we put a large investment in our craft and as such respect them in the same way we would expect respect for someone’s own boat. We provide plenty of fenders and every manoeuvre is dynamically assessed by an experienced instructor to ensure it remains entirely manageable. It is your own insurance that covers damage expect in specific circumstances. Please bear in mind that if any damage were to occur we would have to complete an incident report so that acts as an extra incentive alongside basic respect!
Extra benefits of own boat training:
In addition, the benefit of training on your own boat includes the fact we can talk through controls, help you to assess your particular berth or launch facility, work with you to suggest the best approach to manoeuvres with respect to that boat and the boat will handle differently to a school boat if it is a different design. Most training centres use RIBs for training but if you have a hard sided boat, whilst the principles are the same, the handling may feel quite different. A hard sided boat is often more significantly affected by the wind.
Own Boat Training – questions for the training centre:
It is sensible to query who your instructor will be in terms of not just qualifications but whether they have experience of the style of boat and engines you have and the precise location it is kept. Clarify what is included within the training – it is a price per person or per course. What hours are you anticipating and what preparation do you need to have done in advance? Do you need to have a fully kitted out boat or are the centre able to provide extras? What happens in inclement weather? Do you have a plan if the boat breaks down? What is covered within the course and are there any specifics you need covering in more detail on an individual basis? Don’t overly worry, there is an answer to everything, but do at least consider options.
At Dorset Marine Training, we only use instructors who are personally known to us. We then allocate jobs accordingly. Whilst Sarah and Dom do most of the training, occasionally we do use other instructors who have specific skill sets. This is discussed with you in advance. We both have wide experience across a range of boats and are not only advanced instructors but commercial skippers too. We always want to provide you with the very best options. Whilst courses are planned around a 9am -5pm plan, we have complete flexibility to adapt subject to tide and weather. Often we have groups that need specific timings. We often work evenings and yes we do work both weekends and weekdays!
We provide a list of equipment in advance and then anything you don’t have on the list we bring with us at no extra charge. The weather can be challenging but we want you to get the most from your training and enjoy your time on the water. At Dorset Marine Training, if it is unsuitable we will simply postpone and rearrange.
If a boat is new to you, ‘gremlins’ can occur on first outings. We expect the boat to have had recent servicing, but should the unexpected arise we have a ‘black book’ of contacts who can often provide out of hours solutions. If training is significantly affected then we may need to move onto our boat or postpone training either of which may incur an additional cost. Generally though we are able to be flexible with timings and adjourn to the training room for a bit of theory and shuffle topics. We are as considerate as possible in finding solutions.
We would anticipate that you have had a handover on the boat from the supplier in advance of the course. In order to complete the syllabus within the allotted time you should have awareness of the operation of the boat. Ideally it will fully fuelled and you should know where isolators, sea cocks, bilge pumps etc are located. If this has not happened we are certainly able to help. However, you may find we need to schedule extra time to complete the training.
Questions for your broker/seller:
Surveys and sea trails: Depending on the boat, these are both worth considering. If you do go ahead then ask around about survey options. With sea trials, who are you taking with you on this trip? It may be worth considering taking an engineer with you. Who is permitted to go on the sea trial? Is there a cost? Who is driving and what will it cover in terms of distance, speeds etc. The value of the boat may well be a factor. In advance of an offer, check the boat over yourself. Not only how she handles at sea but also servicing records, whether covers fit, lids and hinges etc. Check what equipment is included in the sale and if none factor this into purchase costs.
What will be covered at the handover? We would suggest ensuring you have a detailed session explaining sea cocks, bilges alarms, isolators, bungs, start up procedures, alarms, covers etc. The complexity of the boat will determine how long a session this needs to be. For some boats it will be a straight forward process.
The RYA has several articles on boat buying: Tips for Buying a Boat and Boat Buying Made Easy. These are worth a read prior to purchase. It is an exciting time buying a new boat, but do think practically too!
Things to think about:
- Insurance: make sure your boat is covered immediately. Are there any restrictions on qualifications required to be held before using the boat?
- Harbour Dues: ensure you have accounted for harbour dues if relevant to your area
- Where do you plan to keep the boat? How do the time scales match for a new berth and the date of sale
Ahead of bespoke training:
- Check insurance: some companies wish to be informed of training but are welcoming of it
- Check the boat is serviced, fuelled, equipped
- Think about whether there are any launch limitations, do you need to book it, is it tide dependent?
- Do your marina charge fees for outside trainers coming on site/parking fees etc
- What are your plans in the event of breakdown? Have you considered SeaStart or similar?
Safety Kit:
This is not a comprehensive list but a few ideas to help you assess what is already on board a boat you are considering purchasing. We can provide these for your course, please do not run out and buy new ahead of training, let us chat about what is most appropriate for your individual situation. Not all of these will be appropriate to all boats!
- fenders & lines, inlcuding towline and throw line
- anchor
- lifejackets, maybe waterproofs
- first aid and fire extinguishers (fire blanket if cooking facilities)
- horseshoe buoys/lifering
- throw line
- TPA – thermal protective aid/blanket
- boat hook
- charts/navigational aids maybe including electronic
- VHF radio
- basic tool kit
- paddles
- radar reflector
- potentially flares
- spare killcord
- compass
- bailer
- safety knife
Now you’ve had time to think it through & completed your checks it is time to get excited about using the boat again!
Ready to book? Contact Dorset Marine Training