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Newbe - What's a good size to start with
I plan on buying a power boat within the year and will be using it on Long
Island Sound. What's a good size that can be easily handled by 1 person? |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
David wrote:
I plan on buying a power boat within the year and will be using it on Long Island Sound. What's a good size that can be easily handled by 1 person? I had a wonderful time as a kid with 12-14' Penn Yans and Wolverines powered by 15/18 hp evinrudes, on the connecticut side of the sound. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
"David" wrote in message . com... I plan on buying a power boat within the year and will be using it on Long Island Sound. What's a good size that can be easily handled by 1 person? What do you want to do with it? |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
On Mon, 03 May 2004 23:46:37 GMT, "David" wrote:
I plan on buying a power boat within the year and will be using it on Long Island Sound. What's a good size that can be easily handled by 1 person? ============================================== If you plan on going out in mid-sound I'd recomend something at least 22 to 24 feet. That's big enough that you'll be able to run on plane about 80% of the time during the summer months and small enough to single hand. To run on plane 95% of the time you'll need something close to 30 feet. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Relax... Visit places / sleep on it, entertain etc. I was thinking about 25
to 30 feet. "John Gaquin" wrote in message ... "David" wrote in message . com... I plan on buying a power boat within the year and will be using it on Long Island Sound. What's a good size that can be easily handled by 1 person? What do you want to do with it? |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Something between 100' and 175' is usually right for a beginner. Boats in
this size range will not be prone to sudden movements due to wind & current. The last thing a newbie needs is surprises, especially in crowded waters like the L.I. Sound. You'll also get first class treatment in places like Manhasset, or Shelter Island, if you get out that far. "David" wrote in message . com... I plan on buying a power boat within the year and will be using it on Long Island Sound. What's a good size that can be easily handled by 1 person? |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Come on Doug, well but reading our other posts this morning, this one
expresses you as smart. For the boat size, you would be smart to get something small. If this is your first boat, the smaller the better. Why not get yourself a run about for the first summer, have fun, learn boating. I know some who did what you are doing, bought their first boat the biggest they could afford, then paid through the nose for all their learning experiences and now do not own a boat because of bad experiences. Your life and your friends lives depend on you doing this right. Dont listen to Doug or Harry, they do not know the difference from right or wrong (of course you probably know that already) but my advice is join the local power and sail squadron, learn boating safety first off, learn the other boating courses they have, spend one summer on a smaller sized and old solid boat, and have fun. Dont go into the impress stage until you are sure you can handle it. Otherwise you might make a fool out of yourself and it will cost you a lot of money, if not someone's life. Good idea that you asked the question though. "Doug Kanter" wrote in message ... Something between 100' and 175' is usually right for a beginner. Boats in this size range will not be prone to sudden movements due to wind & current. The last thing a newbie needs is surprises, especially in crowded waters like the L.I. Sound. You'll also get first class treatment in places like Manhasset, or Shelter Island, if you get out that far. "David" wrote in message . com... I plan on buying a power boat within the year and will be using it on Long Island Sound. What's a good size that can be easily handled by 1 person? |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Harry Krause wrote in message ...
David wrote: I plan on buying a power boat within the year and will be using it on Long Island Sound. What's a good size that can be easily handled by 1 person? I had a wonderful time as a kid with 12-14' Penn Yans and Wolverines powered by 15/18 hp evinrudes, on the connecticut side of the sound. Spent the first years of my life close to Penn Yan, NY., where the boats are made. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
" Tuuk" wrote in message
... Come on Doug, well but reading our other posts this morning, this one expresses you as smart. WTF? Would you like to try that in English, Mr. Smart? For the boat size, you would be smart to get something small. If this is your first boat, the smaller the better. Why not get yourself a run about for the first summer, have fun, learn boating. What if he decides to head out to Plum Gut? You know about that spot, right? |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Stick to the point boys,,,
my advice to this caller was to start with a small boat, then when mastered, move up. This could save his life. Answer to your question there Doug,,, no I have not boated in that area, BUT, you moron, if you are familiar with that area, you should provide the caller with advice as if he is a rookie, then maybe he should go in that area, this advice could save his life. BUT, no, you would rather point out my spelling mistakes. So,, lets look at what you morons said,,, "''''"' Perhap, Tuuks, you ought to post here in your first language, whatever it is. It obviously is not English."'"'''' Hey, your right there Harry, I do speak many languages and I english is not my primary speaking language. So what is your point? How many languages to you speak? I speak a few Asian languages, read and write them comfortably, french, english, and I also know the international morse code at around 25 wpm. So, lets here your list of languages you can speak. I will give you this, your command of the english language is fairly impressive, but I do not have spell checks on my computer (that may be obvious) and I do not take the time to correct my grammar or spelling manually. I simply suggest my opinion. My opinion to this caller was to start small, then work up. Take boating safety courses, and when comfortable, move up. He wants to take friends out, and impress them, well if he kills them, that is different. ANd all you morons can do is count my spelling mistakes. Give your head a shake.......... Lets look at what else you ding dongs have said... """''WTF? Would you like to try that in English, Mr. Smart?""''' Mr. Smart??? ok,, thanks,,, ok,, read the paragraph above and you will see that I made suggestions that may save the man's life, and his friends, he was smart enough to ask, I gave him credit for that also, and you morons poke holes in my spelling. Give your empty heads a shake,,,,,,,, lets look at what other ridiculous things you may have said,,,,,,,, ""'"'What if he decides to head out to Plum Gut? You know about that spot, right?""''''' You moron,, you are as ignorant in person as you are on the newsgroup,,, I am sure,,,.... In answer to your stupid question, NO,,, NO,,, NO,,, I am not familiar with Plum Gut, and I am not familiar with any other rapids or waterfalls in those areas. Should this guy take the boating courses like I suggested, then he would become more familiar with these areas. He would learn from the courses what he should do proactively and safely. So,, there Harry and Doug,,, Give your heads a shake,,, I advised him to the best of my knowledge in regards to safety, and you morons try to correct my spelling, in a language that is not my primary language. Just Curious here Harry and Doug,,, how many languages do you two rocket scientists speak? But back to the point,, since you missed his question, since you didn't understand the question (it was in english) you should have advised him that those waters are dangers, you should (with all your knowledge) advised the caller that the waters he intends to navigate are not meant for someone new to boating, in a brand new boat (say 30 footer) as he is suggesting. I have a friend in Key Largo Harbor. While I was on my boat there, we were together, he in his slip besides me and his friend had the slip beside him. Well, anyway, his friend buys a new fishing boat and dive boat, about 30 footer, and jumped in and turned the key, he managed to get it out the channel, damaged the prop, and made it to Mallasis Reef, and returned. As he backed into his slip, more damage was caused to the friends boat beside him, and he backed right into the shelly canal wall, damaging the cowling of the outboards. Now those cowlings I am sure are probably $500.00 each if not more. So the prop, two cowlings, a big scratch on the boat beside his slip. Come on. Give your heads a shake. Help this guy with his question, leave Bush and your personal hatred towards anyone else and help try and save a man's life. He took the time to ask, and you morons fling mud and throw darts in every direction possibly. GIVE YOUR HEADS A SHAKE,,,,,,,, "Harry Krause" wrote in message news:c3dhc2g=.5e9e0167745d0ac9c7b8abaa6334cbbe@108 3767527.nulluser.com... Tuuk wrote: Come on Doug, well but reading our other posts this morning, this one expresses you as smart. Perhap, Tuuks, you ought to post here in your first language, whatever it is. It obviously is not English. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Come on Harry,,, once again you tried to correct my spelling,,, lets look at
what you said,,, "'''''Perhap, Tuuks, you ought to post here in your first language, whatever it is. It obviously is not English."''''' Ok, your right, English is not my primary language,, but if I were to criticize someone in regards to their spelling or grammar, I would try to make my criticism free from grammar errors and spelling errors. So, that being said, lets look at what you said. Remember, you are correcting me here. "'''Perhap"''' Now, wait, I am going to check this, because I do not think it is a word,, Ok,, Harry,,, You ****ing moron,, according to www.websters.com this word you used to correct me is not recognized by them. They have some suggestions but the word you used "Perhap" is not a word, so I have to ask you if English is your first language, you ****ing moron (and you deserve that invective insult). ""''Tuuks"'" Come on Harry, My name is Tuuk, has anyone called you Harrys ? or Dougs? in the same context? Come on you morons,,, Give your heads a shake.... ""'''you ought to post here in your first language, whatever it is. It obviously is not English."'''''' Come on Harry, it appears that English is obviously not your first language,, is that a correct accusation? Besides, if I posted in my first language, your computer wouldn't have the fonts to understand it, and you, I guarantee you do not know one single word of my primary language. Sorry Harry and Doug,,, Both you morons deserve this one,, I remove my glove and slap your face,, and suggest that you both,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, GIVE YOUR HEADS A SHAKE,,,,, "Harry Krause" wrote in message news:c3dhc2g=.5e9e0167745d0ac9c7b8abaa6334cbbe@108 3767527.nulluser.com... Tuuk wrote: Come on Doug, well but reading our other posts this morning, this one expresses you as smart. Perhap, Tuuks, you ought to post here in your first language, whatever it is. It obviously is not English. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
" Tuuk" wrote in message
... Stick to the point boys,,, my advice to this caller was to start with a small boat, then when mastered, move up. This could save his life. Answer to your question there Doug,,, no I have not boated in that area, BUT, you moron, if you are familiar with that area, you should provide the caller with advice as if he is a rookie, then maybe he should go in that area, this advice could save his life. BUT, no, you would rather point out my spelling mistakes. So,, lets look at what you morons said,,, 1) Humor trumps bad advice. 2) A "runabout" would be dangerous in the waters he's talking about, unless he intends to remain in small bays at all times. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Boat dealers just love the advice:
"Start with a 16-footer, and then move up two feet per year as you gain experience." Horsefeathers. Unless you are *completely* clueless about what you want to do with the boat, where you want to use it, how many people will ordinarily be aboard, etc, that's very bad and expensive advice. Get a boat that suits your needs and, at the very beginning, learn to operate it properly. That may even involve hiring somebody to teach you, one on one. Yes, the CG Aux and the Power Squadron courses are fine......but they won't teach you how to operate your boat. In some of those organizations, a person can become a high level instructor with no requirement that ever, even once in a lifetime, did they set foot on an actual boat. Theory is good, and the safety stuff doesn't require boating experience to pass along in a basic form. Don't skip the course work, but don't even thinik it will begin to prepare you to handle a larger boat than you start off with. You're more likely to have a "bad experience" that turns you off from boating by going out in an undersized boat than in getting a boat that is actually suitable for your needs to begin with (and taking the time to learn to run it before you just head out to sea). Running a 16-foot boat for a year or so does a wonderful job of training you....to run a 16-foot boat. There is always a learning curve when you step up in size. Might as well run up that curve for a boat that actually suits your needs. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
On Wed, 5 May 2004 12:18:59 -0400, " Tuuk"
wrote: Come on Harry,,, once again you tried to correct my spelling,,, lets look at what you said,,, "'''''Perhap, Tuuks, you ought to post here in your first language, whatever it is. It obviously is not English."''''' Off Topic: Contrary to isolationist beliefs, Usenet is actually global. For the challenged, that means that people from all over the world read and post. In a group like rec.boats, that means that there is even less relevance for random posts about politics. Before someone bothers to attack instead of being constructive, English is not my first language either nor have I bothered to run spell check. I am sure the point of my post will come across fairly clearly. Whether reading comprehension skills are necessary on the receiving end is debatable, although hopefully not on rec.boats. On Topic: Starting small and moving up is good advice for boating anywhere. If the location is too dangerous for learning on a smaller boat, then starting with a larger one will not aid the learning process. If it is too dangerous to do it any other way, then maybe, it would be best to learn somewhere else first and then move to the body of water of interest in a reasonably sized boat once more experience has been gained. The other option would be to buy the larger vessel and hire a professional captain or at least have a friend teach you the ropes. Like it has been stated, the problem with this approach is that mistakes will be costly. A lot can go wrong quickly and can catch someone completely off guard. The point of boating is to have fun, nobody is going to have fun when they are worried all the time of causing damage to property or others. With either option, reading from experienced people can be useful too. Getting a copy of a book like Chapman Piloting & Seamanship would be useful. At around $35, it will be far cheaper than buying the wrong type of boat or causing damage to the boat. There are tons of issues in boating besides just plain buying, running and maintenance. This book will at least mention most of the crucial things to know. Good luck in your search for a boat. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
On 5/5/2004 10:07 AM, Harry Krause wrote:
basskisser wrote: Harry Krause wrote in message ... I had a wonderful time as a kid with 12-14' Penn Yans and Wolverines powered by 15/18 hp evinrudes, on the connecticut side of the sound. Spent the first years of my life close to Penn Yan, NY., where the boats are made. Ahh. My father gave me two Penn Yans to use during two successive summers. I loved the boats. Both had hulls of wood strips covered with some sort of canvas. The decks, seats and interiors were varnished wood. Round chines, soft ride, really pretty, classic-looking little boats. He was a Penn Yan dealer for many years, but dropped the boats in the late 1950s. Kept selling the canoes, though. My family has a 8' 1942 Penn Yan on the stern of our Chris. Wonderful rowing dingy. Unfortunately, the guy in the slip across from ours stalled while reversing, forgot to put her in neutral before restarting, lost control (guess what brand of boat...), and smacked directly into our Penn Yan. The dingy took the brunt of the hit (cracked the keel and broke a bunch of ribs) and saved the Chris' transom. Check out the "crunched" series at http://home.comcast.net/~galmgren/chris-craft/ We're hoping that we can find someone to salvage it, since it's doubtful we could find a replacement for a decent price. -- ~/Garth - 1966 Glastron V-142 Skiflite: "Blue-Boat" "There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." -Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
" Tuuk" wrote in message
... Hey, your right there Harry, I do speak many languages and I english is not my primary speaking language. So what is your point? How many languages to you speak? I speak a few Asian languages, read and write them comfortably, french, english, and I also know the international morse code at around 25 wpm. So, lets here your list of languages you can speak. Tuuk, That is a silly question to ask the king of bull****. He will tell you he has mastered every language known to mankind. Anyone who would make up a story about his wife being a doctor, because he was too embarrassed to admit she was a social worker, will make up any story to boost his weak ego. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
"Harry Krause" wrote in message news:c3dhc2g=.12bc3cbe1b1e2261fa3a396911343edb@108 3777000.nulluser.com... Tuuk wrote: "''''"' Perhap, Tuuks, you ought to post here in your first language, whatever it is. It obviously is not English."'"'''' Hey, your right there Harry, I do speak many languages and I english is not my primary speaking language. So what is your point? How many languages to you speak? Several. Yeah right, tell us about your mastery of several languages. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
an oldtown canoe with a 1.5 eska motor. if you can run it for a day without capsizing.. YOur ready for anything On Mon, 03 May 2004 23:46:37 GMT, "David" wrote: I plan on buying a power boat within the year and will be using it on Long Island Sound. What's a good size that can be easily handled by 1 person? |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
|
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
How is blindly telling a would be boater to get a larger boat,
I wouldn't begin to know. What I said was: Get a boat that suits your needs and, at the very beginning, learn to operate it properly. That may even involve hiring somebody to teach you, one on one. Several of the folks screeching that you *must* start small and work up have cited "safety" as an issue. Maybe it's different in my state, but boating deaths go up exponentially the further one gets down below 20 feet LOA. I'm personally aware of scores of first-time boaters who had very successful experiences with boats as large as a 63-foot Hatteras. In every case, the people got some extensive one-on-one training. We can agree that it is complete idiocy to be out and about on a boat you are not prepared to handle. We apparently disagree that it is possible for that *first* boat to something other than a tiny little runabout. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Why jump into a "big" boat, if your a newbie, it is much larger investment,
much larger costs etc etc. What if you decide you do not like boating after a year? At this point it is an experiment, you are only assuming you are going to enjoy going out on the water with family and friends. Should you jump into the biggest boat, you are risking more. Especially should your boating waters be dangerous, it only adds more risks. It is like learning anything, you start at grade 1 and move up, you do not simply jump into college. Normal progression is the safest one. Marinas and boat dealers love it either way, if you just jump into big boat, then they capitalize on damage, fixing this, etc etc, if you decide to learn on something smaller that you can handle, then they may get sales. Assuming you always buy from the dealer. Remember, when your offshore, the wind and waves pick up, and you turn that key to start that motor, what if it doesn't start? And the wind is picking up, and the waves, and you do not know where to troubleshoot. Maybe he should simply charter out. "Garth Almgren" wrote in message ... On 5/5/2004 10:07 AM, Harry Krause wrote: basskisser wrote: Harry Krause wrote in message ... I had a wonderful time as a kid with 12-14' Penn Yans and Wolverines powered by 15/18 hp evinrudes, on the connecticut side of the sound. Spent the first years of my life close to Penn Yan, NY., where the boats are made. Ahh. My father gave me two Penn Yans to use during two successive summers. I loved the boats. Both had hulls of wood strips covered with some sort of canvas. The decks, seats and interiors were varnished wood. Round chines, soft ride, really pretty, classic-looking little boats. He was a Penn Yan dealer for many years, but dropped the boats in the late 1950s. Kept selling the canoes, though. My family has a 8' 1942 Penn Yan on the stern of our Chris. Wonderful rowing dingy. Unfortunately, the guy in the slip across from ours stalled while reversing, forgot to put her in neutral before restarting, lost control (guess what brand of boat...), and smacked directly into our Penn Yan. The dingy took the brunt of the hit (cracked the keel and broke a bunch of ribs) and saved the Chris' transom. Check out the "crunched" series at http://home.comcast.net/~galmgren/chris-craft/ We're hoping that we can find someone to salvage it, since it's doubtful we could find a replacement for a decent price. -- ~/Garth - 1966 Glastron V-142 Skiflite: "Blue-Boat" "There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." -Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
"Bob D." wrote in message
... Running a 16-foot boat for a year or so does a wonderful job of training you....to run a 16-foot boat. This is as you would say, "Horsefeathers". IMHO, running a 16 foot boat allows to apply boating theory, and gain boating experience at a faster rate, with reduced risk, and reduced ancillary costs than with say stepping into a 28 foot cruiser. If you discover within a month that your 16 foot boat is completely inappropriate for 80% of the wave conditions outside of your harbor, you'll find yourself using the boat quite a bit less. Then, its value as a learning tool diminishes rapidly. Perhaps the OP should be wandering around marinas and talking to owners of smaller boats, to find out if and how they feel limited by their particular boats. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
" Tuuk" wrote in message
... Why jump into a "big" boat, if your a newbie, it is much larger investment, much larger costs etc etc. What if you decide you do not like boating after a year? I own a 14' boat, which happens to be perfect for my needs. It's extremely seaworthy for its size. But, a 14-16' boat is in NO way an accurate indication of what it'll be like to operate, maintain and enjoy a slightly larger boat, perhaps in the 19-25' range. At this point it is an experiment, you are only assuming you are going to enjoy going out on the water with family and friends. Smaller boats tend to be less than comfortable. And, he won't have room for MUCH family & friends. Especially should your boating waters be dangerous, it only adds more risks. What??? The only way this is true is if you're saying that you risk less financial loss if a small boat sinks, compared with a larger one. Other than that, the statement makes absolutely no sense. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Especially should your
boating waters be dangerous, it only adds more risks. What??? The only way this is true is if you're saying that you risk less financial loss if a small boat sinks, compared with a larger one. Other than that, the statement makes absolutely no sense. Glad somebody else noticed that, too. "If the water is dangerous, a small boat is better." NOT! Hey Tuuk, do you have a boat or are you just hanging out for the politics? |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
"Gould 0738" wrote in message
... Especially should your boating waters be dangerous, it only adds more risks. What??? The only way this is true is if you're saying that you risk less financial loss if a small boat sinks, compared with a larger one. Other than that, the statement makes absolutely no sense. Glad somebody else noticed that, too. "If the water is dangerous, a small boat is better." NOT! Hey Tuuk, do you have a boat or are you just hanging out for the politics? I love my boat, in terms of its ability to keep me dry, and get me through weather that would terrify some boaters. And, if I lift the motor, I can pole or row my way through 6" of water when necessary. But frankly, it's pretty damned uncomfortable. With an ice chest, fishing tackle, vests & battery, it's got plenty of room for 2, or maybe 3, if the passengers are people who understand where someone's trying to move to next. I've looked at slightly larger Lunds, as well as Alumacraft and one other similar brand whose name I forget, and decided that designers cannot work miracles in boats under 18'. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
|
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Also Sprach Gould 0738 :
Maybe it's different in my state, but boating deaths go up exponentially the further one gets down below 20 feet LOA. Did you conveniently forget to mention that the number of boats on the water increases exponentially below 20 feet? For instance, combining King and Snohomish counties, there are 72,000 boats under 20 feet, 15,000 between 21 and 30 feet, and 6003 31 feet and up. Of course there are going to be more deaths below 20 feet, there are a lot more of them on the water. I won't deny that the operators are likely to be less experienced, or that the boats are likely less stable in rough weather, but they're nowhere near the deathtraps your statistical manipulation makes them out to be. In fact, in some ways you are safer on a boat less than 20 feet. A boat less than 20 feet is required to have flotation... basic flotation for inboards and stern drives, and level flotation for outboards. Over 20 feet, there is no legal requirement for flotation, and most don't have it, so will sink like a rock. Dan -- Aerodrome (n) - British word for airport. About what you would expect from a country that gives its airplanes names like Gypsy Moth and Fairey Battle Bomber. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
While I don't feel anyone *must* start off in a small boat, I can by no
means consider it "bad advice" for most first time boaters to start off with a smaller vessel for reasons of safety and practically. And yes saftey is an issue if your in a boat you can't operate. And we're certainly an argumentive couple of cusses considering that we essentially agree. Refer again to my statement, please. Perhaps it was carelessly worded or otherwise unclear: Get a boat that suits your needs and, at the very beginning, learn to operate it properly. That may even involve hiring somebody to teach you, one on one. All other things being equal, a boater will be statistically and demonstrably safer in a larger boat that he knows how to operate than in a smaller boat that he knows how to operate equally well. Both are learned experiences. Does everybody who learns to drive need to start out in a Mini Cooper, or could the average person probably handle a 3/4 ton pickup as a first vehicle with proper instruction? Similar concept. Would you move your wife and five kids into a two bedroom home because it was your first house? Why would anybody start off with a vessel that clearly is undersized for its intended use or desired level of comfort simply because it is a first boat? Not everybody needs a big boat. But those who attempt to sleep a family of four during a weekend or two on a 19-foot cuddy cabin will be lucky to sustain interest in the hobby long enough to take that expensive depreciation hit and "step up". It is my understanding that most boating fatalities take place under calm conditions, and DO NOT involve recreational boaters, but hunters and fishermen on small boats that I would not constitute as a recreational boat. Yes, but. When you look at the statistics for recreational boaters who are not hunting.....(and it gets pretty weird to exclude fishing, but OK)......there are still a disproportionate number of people who die in the smaller craft. When did you last hear of a 30-foot cruiser capsizing, or swamping in 3-footers? Hiring someone to hold your hand until you can operate your own vessel is great. But would you argue that every new boater would exercise this much common sense? In most cases, the best we can hope for is a dealer taking the new owner out to get familar with the helm, and that is a far cry from being able to safeley operate the boat under adverse conditions. We do have to rely on people showing som common sense. The fact that the OP is asking questions about size indicates a thoughtful process at work. Frankly, I don't want some guy bearing down on me at 25 knots in a 16-footer if it's Day One of his boating experience and he's had no more instruction than the boat dealer saying, "Here's the keys, Skipper. Good luck!" We can agree that it is complete idiocy to be out and about on a boat you are not prepared to handle. We apparently disagree that it is possible for that *first* boat to something other than a tiny little runabout. We don't necessarily disagree on your second point, as I've never said one can not or should not start out with a larger vessel. You have valid points supporting the decision to opt for the larger vessel. The exception I took, is in the failing to point out the potential pitfalls in starting out with a larger, or "too large" a boat for the the would be boater. Perhaps my perspective is influenced by my geographic location. The first powerboat I learned to operate on more than a casual basis was a 34-foot, single screw trawler. That's not so unusual out here. With that as a background, I always marvel at the number of people who are conviced they could never learn to operate a single engine boat or who are convinced that there is a narrow range of properly sized boats for a beginner. Anything bigger than an 8-foot rowing pram is unsuitable for a novice who will not obtrain instruction. :-) |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Did you conveniently forget to mention that the number of boats on the
water increases exponentially below 20 feet? No, the statistics are typically expressed in deaths per thousand. That neutralizes the numerical difference. Good aspect to consider, though. I won't deny that the operators are likely to be less experienced, or that the boats are likely less stable in rough weather, but they're nowhere near the deathtraps your statistical manipulation makes them out to be. Deathtraps? Never did I say deathtraps. All other things be equal, a boater will be safer in a larger and heavier boat that he knows how to run well than in a smaller and lighter boat than he knows how to run well. When it comes to safety, there's no replacement for displacement. In fact, in some ways you are safer on a boat less than 20 feet. A boat less than 20 feet is required to have flotation... basic flotation for inboards and stern drives, and level flotation for outboards. Over 20 feet, there is no legal requirement for flotation, and most don't have it, so will sink like a rock. If flotation made that much difference, the statistics per thousand would actually favor the little boats. The statistics do not. Given a choice between a 4000 lb bowrider with 15 inches of freeboard and full flotation and a 10,000 lb boat with a proper foredeck, 30 or more inches of freeboard, lacking full floation I'd opt for the latter. I'm more interested in avoiding a situation where the flotation becomes the critical difference between life and death, but that's just me. Lots of room on the water for more than one opinion. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
"Bob D." wrote in message ... In article , (Gould 0738) wrote: Maybe it's different in my state, but boating deaths go up exponentially the further one gets down below 20 feet LOA. This a vague correlation, offering no other details like location, conditions, activity or the captain's experience. It is my understanding that most boating fatalities take place under calm conditions, and DO NOT involve recreational boaters, but hunters and fishermen on small boats that I would not constitute as a recreational boat. These statistics better illustrate the misuse of and stupidity on a boat like standing up in a 9 foot john boat, overloading, and not wearing a PFD. Those fatalities might be skewing the statistics in favor of the "bigger is better" argument. Factor out the hunters and fisherman and the calm conditions, and the remaining statistics would hold more relevance. Hunters & inland fishermen have a relatively high fatality rate when involved in the "out of boat" type of accident. It is generally thought to be because they don't generally consider themselves boaters, and thus often do not take even the simplest safety precautions, such as having & wearing a PFD, etc. However, these same hunters and fishermen do not constitute a large percentage of boaters as a whole, and do not, I believe, skew the stats. Full stats are available free at http://www.uscgboating.org/statistic...stics_2002.pdf Year 2002 (latest available) LENGTH DROWNINGS OTHER DEATHS* TOTAL Less than 16 254 77 331 16 to 26 179 111 290 26 feet to 40 feet 19 18 37 40 feet to 65 feet 3 3 6 More than 65 feet 1 3 4 Unknown 68 14 82 Total 524 226 750 |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
"David" wrote in message news:roBlc.472 Relax... Visit places / sleep on it, entertain etc. I was thinking about 25 to 30 feet. You're in the right range if you're talking 2-3 people, max. I might go to the top of the range. There's a couple who have been cruising all over the US for several years aboard a 27' Albin. I have a 32 Luhrs that has a great aft deck and cabin for entertaining, but gets a little tight for three of us after living aboard for more than about 4-5 days. If she had less cockpit deck and more cabin, she'd be more livable in the longer term. Enjoy. |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Gould,, when you quote some one,, you use the "" "" right???
But why would you change the quote??? Hey,, I boat in some of the most dangerous waters in the world. Have my whole life. Up north at the cottage I have a 15foot runabout, bow rider with a 70hp Johnson with ski bar and we have a lot of fun with it, and I have a larger boat, and both boats handle differently (because of their size) in dangerous waters. So Gould, in answer to your question,, """Hey Tuuk, do you have a boat or are you just hanging out for the politics?""" (notice I didn't change any of your words around? I did a cut and paste within your quotation but didn't change any words, remove or add words, I completely quoted you as you spoke) In answer to your question,,,,,, yes,,,,, And next time you quote someone, and use quotation marks, you should accurately quote that person, or else why bother? Your not too smart are you there Gould?? Your going to have to give the head a shake over that one,, looks like your fitting in to your puppet master's agenda. I think you are liking the politics more than most, remember the caller asked about size of a first boat, you seem to think that he can jump into the largest one possible, I suggested he should start small, now how you morons are spinning that around to every stupidity is only wasting time and not helping the caller. And personally, I think your advice of just buying the biggest boat possible to maintain comfort lacks intelligence, prudence and good advice. Of course there is a probability of danger in anysize boat but for a rookie or newbie as he describes himself, there is a much higher probability that he will have problems should his first boat be one much bigger than he could handle. Remember, he is asking a group of professionals or life long boaters for their advice, dont confuse the caller with your bull**** politics and let the boaters answer. Dont skew the answers either. But do give your head a shake....As I said, I boat in some of the most dangerous waters in the world, I see jet skiers, I see rookies, lots of boaters, and we actually have separate laws in our area that boaters must obey. It is a good thing also. "Gould 0738" wrote in message ... Especially should your boating waters be dangerous, it only adds more risks. What??? The only way this is true is if you're saying that you risk less financial loss if a small boat sinks, compared with a larger one. Other than that, the statement makes absolutely no sense. Glad somebody else noticed that, too. "If the water is dangerous, a small boat is better." NOT! Hey Tuuk, do you have a boat or are you just hanging out for the politics? |
Newbe - What's a good size to start with
Tuuk, when you give your head I shake I'm sure there's a rattling sound.
I suggested the OP buy a baot that suits his needs, and spend time at the very beginning learning to operate it. How you twist that around to "buy the biggest boat possible" is a mystery. Right up there with where elephants die. |
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