Hi Guys Myself and a friend have been offered a s

[Rasgriz]

Hi Guys

Myself and a friend have been offered a small fishing boat that needs a little bit of work to get it up and running 100%. I have no experience in boating, however, its been something I've always wanted to get into and now finally have the opportunity. I have a few questions though.

1. I understand I will need a skippers license, from what I've read its best to join a club, can any one give me a cost of what a complete skippers license from start to finish will cost, and are there any recommendations for clubs in cape town.

2. Licensing the boat, its been standing for a while but I am told it is still sea worthy, do boats have a license?, do they need to be inspected? I read something about buoyancy tests, will this be necessary?

3. I haven't seen the boat yet, but I understand its about  3 - 5m long, will one outboard be enough, and what HP would you recommend.

Im sorry for all the stupid questions, but im completely new at this

Thanks
Chris

 

[CROESTORFF]

Hi Chris,

You ask very valid questions, so don't think they're stupid! It would have been stupid to not ask them at all and remain unenlightened!

To try and answer your questions:

1. You will need a skippers ticket to pilot a boat, costs vary but i'd suggest contacting/joining a club in your area.

2. Boats need to be seaworthied yearly, and require a flotation certificate (bouyancy)which needs to be done every 5years by way of inspection.

3. As for the boat it depends!

You haven't  indicated what type of fishing you wish to persue.

Offshore, river or inland?

They all have different requirements as far as equipment, skippers tickets and seaworthiness.

What previous boating experience do you have?

Chris

 

[Mavers]

My 2c

If you are new to boating, and can afford it, rather buy something that requires no work at all, is already licenced, has its Certificate of Fitness, Bouyancy Cert etc. All you would have to do would be to get your skippers, which does not require joining a club but does require boating expereince.....hours vary according to Categories.

Starting out in boating, with a DIY project, and going through Buoyancy and COF with no experience could become disparaging leading you to think.....nah...this is too much effort and hidden costs.

2c

Make your 2nd boat a DIY project