owning own small boat rules and regs

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 1:26 pm

im thinking about buying a small boat, maybe a 12 or 13 ft just for me and a mate, theres one going on ebay for 600 quid with an outboard.
just wondering if there are any rules or regs fo owning a small vessel? i know about the rule that if a vessel takes more than twelve there are special things to consider but as i said ita a very small boat would probably only take two or maybe four at a push!
so any help with mooring rules or if you can store it on a drive? or launching rules or when and where? loads of things really!!
but the rules and regs would be handy to know.
cheers
phil

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:10 pm

I know for licenced fishing boats (under 10m) that the coastguard have requirements with regards to safety i.e

bilge pump
flare pack to be carried
life bouy/jackets to be carried
Vhf radio/mobile to be carried .etc etc

most items on the check list are purely safety orientated and common sense really.

the boat itself does not (i beleive) have to be surveyed but no sane man would put to sea in a small boat with cracks and leaks.

also a knowlege of boat handling/weather/tides would be handy as no fish is worth a life.

launching all depends on your local area ,i.e boat clubs harbours but you should find no difficulty with a small boat.

providing your boats is in your own drive (not on the public highway) there should be no probs there either theres been 1 boat or another in my drive for the past 15 years) and make sure your trailer is road worthy with mud guards/light board etc.

But if you are worried about the safety side of your boat get someone in the know to look her over (SOME PEOPLE WORK MIRACLES WITH EPOXY RESIN AND A DAB OF PAINT!)

I hope this is of some help and you have a cracking summer in your new ship!

Tight lines and have fun!

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:17 pm

Basically mate, there aren't any that I know of except port and starboard lights at night and no speeding (more than 10 knots) in harbour situations. Speed limits are usually posted up very prominently in harbour areas anyway. Most important thing is your own and other folks safety: E.G. 1. Don't go charging along where there are swimmers 2. Know where the shipping lanes are and keep clear of big stuff because they can't/won't stop for you. 3. Power always gives way to sail. Also I have personal rules - always wear life jacket/flotation suit, never go out alone, always have back up power, know the 'phone number of your local RNLI and take yer mobile with you, always take some food, always check the weather forecast - you really don't want to know about anymore than force 5 in a small boat - if in doubt, DON'T GO. I once went out in a small boat in force 5/6 and it was dead rough - never again. I dare say some folk can think of others but these are my basics. Common sense really. Enjoy

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:43 pm

At night only 1 yellow (normal) mast head light is required on a boat of under 8 meters as green and red on a small boat join up from a distance to form 1 single (darker) greeny red light.

( lol sorry to be picky)

Also a force 3 wind running against a strong tide is enough for ....(in time!)
and a force 6 or 7 when your sheltered by land can be quite plesent!??
common sense and you'll set your own rules,
;-)

Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 10:26 am

Something well worth doing, is to take the RYA Powerboat 1&2 courses. It is not compulsory but will teach you plenty of stuff that will otherwise take years to learn.
There dont seem to be many compulsory regulations with small boats but there is a lot to learn if you want to do it safely. Having lost 4 members of my family in a boat accident a few years ago I always double up on all safety gear, but this is only possible if you have the funds and a big enough boat to do it. I personally would not consider anything smaller than 15-16ft if you are planning on going any more than a couple of miles out.
A two way radio is essential really but dont forget the licence!
When you come out on my boat shortly I can tell you a lot more, just ask!

Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:14 pm

Sorry Cascars can't agree with you about 15-16'. I have been out in the Solent anything up to 5 miles in a 12' jobby. Perfectly safe if the weather's OK such as high summer and force 1 to 3 - done it loads of times with no problems. However, I do agree that a huge dose of commonsense is essential, I would never go out in such a small boat if there were the slightest hint of rough weather.

Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 5:55 pm

I can reccomend http://www.theyr.net for up to the hour forecasts.
Just click on your area and it gives reasonably accurate hourly forecasts.

used it for years.

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 6:05 pm

Hi Phildalt

cascars wrote:

Something well worth doing, is to take the RYA Powerboat 1&2 courses. It is not compulsory but will teach you plenty of stuff that will otherwise take years to learn.
!

Here is a Link to Hastings RYA
[CLICK] >>>> http://www.rya.org.uk/Clubs.htm?id=008110533

It may be of use to you??

Good Luck.... & THINK & BE SAFE

John (HoOkEd)