I really want to learn about Boating.

Scrapster

Diamond Member
Nov 27, 2000
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I live in the Seattle area and am almost surrounded by water, yet I don't know much about boating, but I'm REALLY interested. I'm even considering buying like a small rowboat, but I may have to wait until after I graduate. Until then, I'd like to learn and even take boating lessons. I have no idea if there are such classes or instructors that give boating lessons, although if there was such a thing it would definitely be in this area. Does anyone know how/where I can start? Unfortunately I don't know anyone with a boat in this area. There's gotta be some way I can get started and begin to learn how to boat.
 

HansHurt

Platinum Member
Apr 5, 2001
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We used to have small boat certification programs @ the local rec. centre.

We also have a Marine Institute that offer the same...ppl would call there, and see where they were offering the smaller courses in their area.
 

Colt45

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
19,720
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man i neead to learn to read.. i thought the title was:
"I really want to learn about bloating"

LOL :D:D:D

i was thinkin', WTF is wrong with this guy,
and i realized it was me :p
 

hubbs

Platinum Member
Mar 26, 2000
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We have a 135hp Inboard so I guess I don't really feel the need for a rowboat ;)
 

Mikal

Platinum Member
Apr 11, 2001
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Let me tell you about boating. Ok, next time you take a shower, take a briefcase of 20 dollar bills with you. Start stuffing them down the drain.... when it becomes too painful, you can stop and that's how much boat you can afford. Have fun!
 

cmv

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
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Have you looked at a Kayak or a Canoe? They do have Sea Kayaks. You could take a course... If you like to fish perhaps you could make some new friends at a fishing club. Or if you like to sail you could do the same there...

edit: it doesn't have to be expensive. My brother, I, and a friend go musky fishing every year in the north woods of Wisconsin (Lake Namekagon, etc). We brought a 15' aluminum boat for $400 for a crappy old 5 hp engine. The boat leaked and we paid too much but some fiberglass kits from walmart and a bit of elbow grease made it leak proof. Our friend had a 15hp old Johnson outboard so we put that on... We'll be heading out again July 27th for 12 days. I believe this is our 5th year. Next year we're going to upgrade to a much better boat and higher powered motor (40hp minimum) for $2500-$5000. In short if you pool your money with friends you can go pretty far. If you want to do it yourself go small to begin with (Canoe, Kayak, small rowboat).

Most important thing is where are you going to keep the boat? Are you on the coast? Do you have a trailer and a car that can tow the boat home? Somewhere to put it there? It might be cheaper just to rent a boat until you figure out exactly what you want.
 

ATLien247

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2000
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Seriously, what's there to know?

Launch your boat, avoid swimmers and other water vehicles, point your boat into the big waves, pull your boat out in your trailer when you're done... I think that about covers it! ;)
 

Scrapster

Diamond Member
Nov 27, 2000
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The thing about kayaks is they're easy to tip over. I've never seen a sea kayak, are they more stable?
 

cmv

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
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Scrapster: I'm not sure... I believe they are longer to make them more stable but they can still flip. I would definately go to a class before heading out. I'm in Chicago and there is an artifical 1/3 of a mile whitewater run in South Bend. Might be one near you! After taking classes you can go somewhere like that or head out to the ocean (I want to live near the ocean some day).

ATLien247: Well there is safety gear (required by law) and you might need to register your boat too.
 

Mikal

Platinum Member
Apr 11, 2001
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We took lessons locally. If you've never done it you really need lessons because getting out of a kayak can be a bit hairy when you're inexperienced. (Not to mention, if you go whitewater and flip over!)
 

Scrapster

Diamond Member
Nov 27, 2000
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I'd rather take it out on lakes and the bay. Not rivers. Would a Sea kayak be the way to go?
 

Mikal

Platinum Member
Apr 11, 2001
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They have sit-on-top kayaks now. They are solid and can't sink. You can fall off, of course, so you should always wear a PFD.
 

Scrapster

Diamond Member
Nov 27, 2000
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16 ft Long, 22 inch Beam, 48 lbs.

Is Beam the same as width?

Which is better, wider or thinner?
 

Mikal

Platinum Member
Apr 11, 2001
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Beam is width. Usually, wider is more stable. I would take lessons on a lake. No currents to worry about, no rapids.....
 

DannyLove

Lifer
Oct 17, 2000
12,876
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I really want to learn about Boating.

boat (bt)
n.

A relatively small, usually open craft of a size that might be carried aboard a ship.
An inland vessel of any size.
A ship or submarine.
A dish shaped like a boat: a sauce boat.

v. boat·ed, boat·ing, boats
v. intr.
To travel by boat.
To ride a boat for pleasure.

v. tr.
To transport by boat.
To place in a boat.

Idiom:
in the same boat
In the same situation as another or others.


I hope i helped

danny:D~!
 

desertdweller

Senior member
Jan 6, 2001
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Ever since I was a kid my parents had a boat so I grew up
with them. There isn't a lake close here, so we make it a
weekend at the lake and camp on the beach.

I have a 18ft. Glastron that runs out at about 65mph :)

Boats are alot of fun, you might consider renting one for a day
from a local marina and that will give you more of a feel for them.

Also, they can be a money pit.


DD
 

Cyberian

Diamond Member
Jun 17, 2000
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The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron both offer boating courses here on LI, and almost certainly in or near Seattle.

I understand that there are even some on-line courses being offered now.
Please do yourself and everyone else a favor and take a safe boating course. They are short, inexpensive(if not free) and not that difficult. It's not rocket science, but it's not as simple as it looks either.

Good Luck!!
 

thelanx

Diamond Member
Jul 3, 2000
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I live in Michigan and there are places you can rent boats for a few hours from. All you need are some money and a driver's license, you will get a life vest. I've gone canoeing and it is fun! Go to local parks with big lakes. Ask around, there probably places for renting boats near you.