Hello All Rookie here

Hi Everyone.


Hello All,
Rookie guy here in Portsmouth Va. I have some boating experience but its limited the wife and myself have been getting ready for retirement in a few years and have decided we would like to get a live aboard Trawler. We did a lot of research and decided it was the best fit for us. We have not decided on a purchased date as of yet. We are still in the research and preparation stage. I know there are thousands of thing we need to do before making that big step. Besides lots of reading I am planning on taking classes and wonder if you guys can recommend some that are helpful and worthwhile. I found a lot online but like everything else what looks good on line can turn out to be the opposite. So I thought I could ask here and get the truth from the veterans. Thanks in advance
Harry

I offer instruction aboard my trawler. It gives you the chance to experience what trawler life is like while learning the basics of boat handling, seamanship and navigation. It's a good way to "test the waters" to see if you like it before you dive in. Further details are at facebook.com/HollyDayCharters. Best of luck to you!

HRH said:

Hi Everyone.

Besides lots of reading I am planning on taking classes and wonder if you guys can recommend some that are helpful and worthwhile.

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When my wife and I did the same thing (retire, buy a boat, and go cruising for several years) she took a separate class for women only in boat handling. She says that gave her the confidence and knowledge that she never would have gotten just taking a class with me, since it was all women. The one she took was "Sea Sense" down around Tampa, FL, although I am sure there are others and I do not recommend one over the other.

Oh, and by the way -- welcome aboard!

John

If you can get away to Baltimore, MD next weekend Trawler Fest will be there. I'm registered for a couple of the "newbie" classes.

Trawler Fest 2013 – Baltimore | PassageMaker

United States Power Squadron and US Coast Guard Auxiliary courses are great. You will get the basics on course plotting and rules of the road as well as safety. Live courses are better because you can ask questions and there are class proctors to help you along. Then in depth on the water training should follow that, but I feel the classroom work should come first.

You are in a great area. We love to stay at Hampton. Welcome aboard. Remember this is supposed to be fun!!!

Just wanted to Say

Thanks for the responses I have recived great info for great Folks

Great info above. I whole-heartedly support getting involved with your local Power Squadron and do it now cuz by the time you get your boat, a considerable discount may be available to you (vs.a newbie cruiser) from the insurance company you end up choosing.

Apprecaite the Information Eveyone as they say Knowledge is power

Boating Safety Resource Center from the USCG site.

Boating Safety Courses

Too bad for me there are no USPS courses available within 100 mi. of Nashville.

Couldn't find a contact for the Portsmouth Power Squadron. Suggest you email the contact for the Hampton Roads Power Squadron:

Elizabeth River Power Squadron
Contact: NONE
Centered around: PORTSMOUTH, VA 23702

Hampton Roads Power Squadron
Contact: Stf/C Arlene M. Anderson, AP
Email: arlene.anderson47@yahoo.com
Location: Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Yorktown
Centered around: NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23602

At a minimum suggest you take course(s) to give you a basic idea of the daymarkers, charts and how to plot a course. If your wife does not want to take complete courses suggest you find a course called skipper saver or some other name which gives basic instructions to woman as to how to get the boat back/ call for help if the skipper is overboard or stricken.

Marty