| With so many different types of boats available, we | | | | cruising. They range from small vessels equipped with |
| bring you this beginner's guide to Motorboats. We hope | | | | basic essentials for a short cruise to much larger |
| it will help you make the right choice when buying a | | | | holiday crafts complete with shower, cooker and |
| boat. | | | | sleeping accommodation. |
| What is a motorboat? - A motorboat is a power | | | | Where to begin - All first time motorboat cruisers |
| driven vessel with an internal combustion engine driving | | | | should have some form of training. As a rule, the larger |
| a jet pump or propeller. Even a sailboat, while it has an | | | | the motorboat and the longer the journey, the greater |
| engine running, is technically a power driven vessel. | | | | the level of training is required. |
| The term motor boating refers to motorised cruising | | | | Beginners can rent small vessels for a short cruise, |
| vessels used for leisure. | | | | without needing much training. This will help you |
| A little bit of history! - Many names contributed to the | | | | understand the basic motorboat controls. Courses are |
| invention of the motorboat. Charles Raymond Hunt | | | | available for beginners which cover the basic areas of |
| was responsible for introducing the deep v-shaped hull | | | | handling the boat. The Royal Yachting Association |
| in 1963, one of the motorboats most important | | | | offers three levels of courses, from a two day |
| advances. Renato Levi is given credit for the evolution | | | | helmsman course offering basic boat handling, |
| of the motorboat, particularly developing unique | | | | helmsmanship and engine maintenance to a five-day |
| concepts - improving the performance of racing boats. | | | | coastal skipper course. |
| Rudolph Diesel made huge advancements in motor | | | | A great way to start motorboating is to combine your |
| boating. He is best known for inventing a | | | | motor boating course with a holiday, either in the UK or |
| 25-horsepower, four-stroke, single vertical compression | | | | across the European mainland. Holiday companies can |
| engine. | | | | offer RYA training centres with courses and |
| Types of motorboats - A speedboat is a small | | | | certificates. |
| motorboat designed to move quickly. It is often used in | | | | Where to use your motorboat - Motorboating is the |
| races and for water skiing. Even inflatable boats and | | | | perfect way to explore Britain's many rivers 'the |
| dinghies with a motor attached are classed as types | | | | Norfolk Broads, the Yorkshire dales, the historic city of |
| of motorboats. | | | | York and the River Thames. |
| There are 3 popular version of motorboats, which are: | | | | But there is no need to limit cruising to UK waters. |
| inboard, inboard / outboard and outboard. If the engine | | | | Many European countries offer an interesting |
| is fitted within the boat, it's called a powerplant. If it's a | | | | waterway journey. |
| removable section attached to the boat, it's known as | | | | Motor boating can be a fun and relaxing pastime. |
| an outboard motor. | | | | Unlike sailboats, there is no need to wait for the right |
| Motor cruisers offer a range of amenities, depending | | | | wind conditions before setting sail. |
| on the number of passengers and the type of the | | | | |