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Boating license questions?

What is involved in owning a boat? License, Training, charges?

  • What is involved in owning a boat please? I don't know anything about boating, I want to buy a boat with a cabin for sleeping four people inside it, prefer to buy one no longer than 21ft on a proper secure trailer, I never done any boating in my life so for the same reason I have no idea what is involved, I need to find out if I need to have a special training or a license for it, what charges involved for keeping the boat in my own drive, taking it out to the sea or river once in a while and towing it back to my house? I would be grateful if anyone would give me some useful advice on these matters, thank you for your kind help and look forward to getting some answers to my questions.

  • Answer:

    In the UK, there are very few requirements for boat ownership. Legally you need no licence or qualifications of any kind. You can just go out and buy it and away you go! Open sea does not require a license - rivers do as they are under the care of the National Rivers Authority, and Inland Waterways Authority. HOWEVER.... practically, you will need insurance, as this will be required by wherever you decide to launch your boat (this is because you will generally need the use of a slipway - and whoever owns that will want to see some insurance) - getting insurance without some level of expertise or experience will be difficult - insurance companies will impose high premiums if they will cover you at all!! As to the trailing, provided your car insurance covers you for towing, you will be fine (again assuming your licence covers you). There is no 'MOT' on road trailers - but it will need to be roadworthy and in good condition, if you are involved in an accident and it is found to be unsafe then you're in big trouble. It all boils down to this..you would be well advised to consider carefully the implications of taking a boat onto the water if you have absolutely NO IDEA of what you are doing - consider starting smaller and learning - ther are many courses and organisations that will be willing to teach, both theory and practical. Find a local club - boaters are very friendly and would love the opportunity to enrol another into the wonderful world of 'messing about in boats'. You will find them willing to show you the rudiments of handling and enjoying your own boat. As to the legalities - these will depend where you are operating, ask the authorities. Hope this helps - but whatever you decide, I hope you will not be put off. It really is a great hobby!

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If you are living in the UK, I would advise contacting the Royal Yachting Club (R.Y.A.) and asking for a list of qualified instructors doing the "Helmsman's Certificate". Choose one near you and spend a day learning all there is to know about operating and handling a boat. If you intend to use it on the Canals, you will need a Waterways Licence from British Waterways - this is an annual charge, based upon the length of your boat, and you will receive a couple of window stickers much like the ones on your car (to be displayed one on each side). If you intend to use all Inland Waterways, you can buy a "Gold Licence" which will enable you to use rivers, like the Thames without purchasing a two-week permit from a Thames lock-keeper. Every 4 years you are required to have your boat checked over (rather like a car MOT) for a Boat Safety Certificate - there are registered Inspectors. Before agreeing to buy a boat make sure that it has an up-to-date Certificate and if it is second-hand, you would be advised to have a Surveyor look it over - if he finds something which needs doing it will give you some bargaining power with the seller. You are required to have Insurance - we insure our boat through Collidge & Partners who are reliable and friendly. You will also need to inform your car insurance people if you are intending to tow. Make sure that your car is suitable for the weight of the trailer and the boat. My boat is 30' long with an aluminium hull (she weighs 3.5 tons on the trailer) and is towed by a very large 4 x 4. It would be wise to check with your local Planning Department if there is any reason why you can't keep your boat on your drive. My boat is moored in a Marina (on the Trent & Mersey canal) and I reckon that the total running costs are in the region of £1,700 p.a. (mooring, licences, insurance, engine servicing, fuel, etc.)

Veronica Alicia

OK, I want to ease you into boating. Find a boat club in your area. You will pay a flat fee and have access to a number of boats throughout the summer. You will get a feel for the different types. You can see what a 21 ft. cabin cruiser looks and sleeps like. And you won't have to deal with all the trailer and storage issues your first year. If you hate it you walk away with no skin off your butt. License: none if you are more than 18 years of age. Second, find a friend who will take you out and break you in on boating. It is a great activity but inexperienced captains can get in a lot of trouble. E.g. the NFL players on the Gulf. Best of luck. Have fun

trunorth

Lots of good answers already - just one thing to add - 21 ft is too small to be comfortable for 4 people.

Greywolf

Hi, there is good advice on here already. The only thing I can add is get yourself along to a marina in the area you intend boating and talk to the boat owners there. Boaters are some of the most friendly people out there and they will gladly give you advice and probably ask you out to try their boat. They will discuss all issues like licence fee (same as car tax) boat test every 4 years, insurance and all safety issues and slipping fees. Good luck and happy boating.

navi

I had a 20ft walkaround boat with a 1996 yamaha 150hp outboard. I had no qualifications what so ever i used to go out when ever i felt like it. I was only 14. Now im 15. That was in barbados though........Not like this miserable stupid country you call england.

dave

Its almost like a car , You don't have to have a license for a boat. but you do have to get the registration and insurance. You will have to put your registration numbers on the boat , so they are visible. make sure you have all the safety equipment that is required. ( flares , life vest , first aid kit , etc.) As far as towing , the only cost there would be again , is the registration for the trailer. Check you laws in your town. Some places you can keep your boat at home , some you can't. If you keep it at the marine where you are going to put the boat in the water at. They charge a monthly fee. That will vary. Good Luck

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