Age and RYA advice please

[Nathan k]

hi my names Nathan and i'm 15

i really want to go powerboating but my age is really holding me back right now.

my parents are worried i would crash into something and cost them alot of money, so third party insurance is a must. however, getting insurance for me is turning out to be impossible and any advice on this would really be apreciated.

i am also taking RYA level 2 in 2 weeks so any advice on that would be great aswell

thankyou for your time

Nathan


*edit* sorry forgot to add, i can't seem to find anyone to come in the boat with me, my dad has back problems and my mum is far too scared. so unless i can find someone it's a problem of being able to go out on my own without voiding the insurance

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Age and RYA advice please

What state do you live in? Does your state require a vessel operators license?

Maybe when you complete your RYA your parents will calm down and insurance will be easier to get.

If you ever get your Mom to go out with you, show her what a safe boater you are.

 

[Nathan k]

Re: Age and RYA advice please

Luckily i live in the uk and there is no restrictions at all, for insurance however they insist on 18.
thanks for advice jigngrub, you won't see a slower speedboat on the sea! aha

 

[southkogs]

Re: Age and RYA advice please

Okay Nathan - I think I just "unwrapped" you a bit: Bad News and Good News ...

Bad News: You're off to a bad start - You're moving a bit fast for your parents, you had a 17' footer out in heavy seas totally unprepared (saw your other thread) and damaged that boat without ponying up for the damages to the owner. Easy does it there - Most of the people on this forum would want you out on the water too, but nobody wants you to goof up your relationship with your parents or to wind up a in a news article about a tragic boating accident.

Good News: You're young, and so have plenty of time. You're taking some courses to teach you about boating & others have (myself included) started boating very young (I was able to get going at age 10).

Some suggestions: Get yourself plugged into some places where you have opportunities for experienced skippers to take you out and show you the ropes. In the states here we have the Explorer Scouts (from the Boy Scouts) and the Sea Cadets (US Navy Auxiliary) among other options - find something like that. Get on a sailing team, work part-time for a fishing guide - whatever. Get some experience with people who know what they're doing.

You might also look into a part-time job at the local marina, boat dealer or marine mechanic. You can learn a lot - get a ride on a boat here and there - put yourself in situations where inexpensive boats come along from time to time - and you might make a couple of dollars/pounds along the way.

Start out easy on the water - stay to the inland waterways. Your dad's back should be able (unless it's REALLY bad) to handle slow cruising on smaller lakes. You can gain some experience before you try tackling the ocean again ... in 5' rollers. You two might even be able to convince your mom to go once in a while, and eventually win some confidence. It's the slower path, but it's safer and better.

 

[Frozen]

Re: Age and RYA advice please

i really want to go powerboating but my age is really holding me back right now.

my parents are worried i would crash into something and cost them alot of money, so third party insurance is a must. however, getting insurance for me is turning out to be impossible and any advice on this would really be apreciated.

Based on your newest "test drive" thread your parents have a very valid worry of you crashing a boat.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Age and RYA advice please

You might also look into a part-time job at the local marina, boat dealer or marine mechanic. You can learn a lot - get a ride on a boat here and there - put yourself in situations where inexpensive boats come along from time to time - and you might make a couple of dollars/pounds along the way.

This is great advice. I worked at a campground that rented boats from the time I was 14 - 20. I learned a ton - not just about boats, but more importantly how to interact with people, how to deal with challenges, etc. Take a look around at the marina's, campgrounds, or anywhere else you can get a job working near the water. It's amazing what you will learn without realizing you're learning!

 

[Nathan k]

Re: Age and RYA advice please

Thanks alot southkogs! really helpfull advice, i have arranged to go cruising with my uncle soon and he was deployed on a small navy destroyer. Hopefully i can learn alot and my pass my course

 

[southkogs]

Re: Age and RYA advice please

Excellent! That is a far more productive path. Best wishes - you've got great waterways in Brighton, and really around the Isles altogether you've got many unique places to enjoy exploring in boats. Take your time - if you do things right, you should have plenty of time to enjoy it.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Age and RYA advice please

In the states here we have the Explorer Scouts (from the Boy Scouts) and the Sea Cadets (US Navy Auxiliary) among other options - find something like that.

Scouting worked for me. I earned the appropriate boating merit badge and worked on the staff at summer camp with responsibility for the powerboats. Later, as a 19 year old, worked as waterfront activities director for a private camp where they paid me to be around boats all summer. They hired me for a second year. Be safe!