Learning to Powerboat: Episode 1 - Navigating the Waters of RYA Powerboat Level 1 & 2
Ah, powerboating—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of zooming along the river with the wind in your hair, the water beneath your hull, and the slight hum of an electric motor. Well, in my case, it’s more of a gentle whirr, thanks to my shiny new Whaly 455R with its 3KW electric outboard engine. But before I get ahead of myself, let me introduce you to my first adventure on the quest to become a fully-fledged powerboating expert—also known as the humble beginnings of the RYA Powerboat Level 1 and 2 qualifications.
But first, a bit of background. I’ve been operating narrowboats since I was about eight years old, and I’ve captained pleasure craft on the Canal du Midi, so tiller and wheel steering are nothing new to me. You could say I’m somewhat of an experienced hand at the helm. However, when it comes to zipping around the Upper Thames in the club’s Dory, I’ve quickly learned there’s more to powerboating than meets the eye—and that’s where this adventure begins.
Meet the Boats
To give you a sense of the tools at my disposal, let me introduce the fleet at the Upper Thames Sailing Club. First, there’s the trusty Dory with a 20HP petrol engine. This beauty is lightweight, fast, and ideal for tasks like deploying buoys at the start and end of races. It’s also a favourite for safety boat duties, with a nifty steering wheel to give it a car-like feel on the water.
Next up, we have the less glamorous Ridiflex orange boat, equipped with a 15HP petrol engine and tiller steering. It’s... functional, let’s say. While it does the job, the seating arrangement is less than ideal, which makes it about as comfortable as a picnic bench at a gale-force picnic.
Finally, there’s another Dory, slightly older but still capable of planing on the water when balanced correctly. It’s an excellent option when you need a bit more speed, but as with any boat, it’s all about mastering the balance to prevent the dreaded nose dive.
Now, my own boat, the Whaly 455R, is in a class of its own. With a 3KW electric outboard and a 30Kg battery that we usually charge at home using solar power, it’s eco-friendly and, I must admit, rather quiet. No petrol fumes here—just the gentle hum of progress!
Dipping a Toe in the Water: RYA Powerboat Level 1 & 2
The club requires all its members to be qualified with RYA Powerboat Level 1 and 2 to use the powerboats, so naturally, I signed up. Let’s just say the course covers more than simply learning how to turn the key and go.
The first few chapters of the course are a bit like a boat anatomy class. You’ll learn about all the parts of a powerboat—engines, hulls, seating arrangements (take notes, Ridiflex), and the all-important propellers. Trust me, if you thought a propeller was just a spinny thing under the boat, you’re in for a revelation.
Then there’s safety and planning, which is where things get interesting. You’ll be taught to think ahead—not just about where you’re going, but how you’re getting there. Because, as it turns out, barging headlong into a situation without a plan is not ideal when you’ve got 20HP propelling you towards a buoy!
Launch, Recovery, and Other Mysteries
Next comes the practical side of the course—launch and recovery. Now, I’ve launched plenty of narrowboats in my time, but launching a powerboat is an entirely different affair. The idea of balancing the boat just right on the trailer while making sure the engine doesn’t scrape the ramp is an art form in itself. And recovery? Well, let’s just say I’m glad there’s an instructor on hand when I inevitably get it slightly wrong.
Boat handling is, of course, the meat and potatoes of the course. Here’s where my tiller-steering expertise comes in handy, though I did have to get used to the sensitivity of the steering wheel on the Dory. It’s a bit like going from driving a tractor to a go-kart—one minute you’re lumbering along, the next, you’re zipping around like you’re in a Bond film.
Docking Drama: Leaving and Coming Alongside
The final part of the first chapter is all about leaving and coming alongside, or as I like to call it, “the art of looking cool while docking.” Now, in theory, this should be simple—just steer the boat next to the dock and tie up, right? Well, throw in a bit of wind, some current, and maybe a rogue paddleboarder drifting past, and suddenly, it’s not quite as graceful as it seems.
I’ll admit, my first few attempts were more “drift and hope” than “expert manoeuvre,” but after a few tries, I managed to sidle up to the dock without looking like I’d lost control of the boat. Progress!
The Journey Continues
So, there you have it—the first leg of my journey to becoming an RYA-qualified powerboat skipper. It’s a blend of old skills, new challenges, and a few humbling moments along the way. But I’m nothing if not determined, and I’m looking forward to tackling the rest of the course and sharing my experiences with you, hopefully with more successes than near-misses!
Until next time, I’ll be practising my docking skills and trying to make peace with the Ridiflex seating. Wish me luck!
Stay tuned for Episode 2, where I’ll dive into the thrilling world of propellers, balance, and maybe a few misadventures along the way. Happy sailing (and powerboating)!
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