A few ways to get started with powerboating

Dip your toe in the water

If you know someone with a boat see if you can wrangle a day out on the water. This is a great way to experience powerboating first hand to see if you enjoy it.

Another great option is to go on a training course. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has designed a series of training courses for power vessels, including RYA Powerboat Handling Level 2. This is a popular 2-day course with a lot of time spent out on the water. It includes some classroom work as well, covering the basics of navigation, passage planning and safety.

Powerboat training

I completed my Level 2 course with Technical Recreational Coaching in Southampton and highly recommend them. I also used them to obtain a marine radio qualification which is required to operate a fixed or handheld VHF radio.

Budget boating books

Before looking to buy a boat I read a fair bit to increase my knowledge, including back issues from Motor Boat Owner (sadly no longer operating).

My local Oxfam book shop has also been a great resource.

Budget boating books

Let’s go surfing

YouTube is a great place to find out about boat handling, engine maintenance and working with ropes.

A few of my personal favourites:-

Dangar Marine

Dangar Stu is based on Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney. Dangar Marine covers boat restoration, maintenance, ropework and lots more. This is a treasure trove for the budget boater - especially on engine troubleshooting and maintenance.

You can become a patron of Dangar Marine to get insider access to existing and upcoming content.

Born Again Boating

Run by a professional boat mechanic Born Again Boating is more US-centric covering bigger boats and engines, but still has lots of useful information about boat restoration and engine maintenance.

Harry Dwyer

Harry is an “enthusiastic doer of fun stuff,” including restoring a tiny speedboat.

Now it’s restored and on the water Harry and friends are using it to travel 1700 miles around Great Britain. Very polished production with excellent drone footage and music.

Tom Cunliffe

Tom is a sailor, writer and TV presenter. His YouTube channel - the aptly named Yachts and Yarns - mixes maritime history, sailing trips, and practical advice covering many aspects of boating.

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