boating advice for a landlubber.

**Macka** · 05-09-2006, 16:19

Hi folks,

Haven't posted for a while, but I've booked for April next year and I'm thinking I'd love to hire a boat for a couple of days from Sarasota and bimble down the gulf coast to Cape haze and back, (rum bay restaurant).

Now then, I have no idea about managing a motor cruiser (they do from 30 to 40 footers[msneek]) so the question is..

Is it practical to gain the necessary experience or qualifications to handle a vessel like this in eight months and what would be required?

Any salty old seadogs who have an opinion on this?

Paul.

**Lynne S** · 05-09-2006, 16:28

Hi Paul,

Welcome back, that sounds like a wonderful idea. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see what replies you get back

**Macka** · 05-09-2006, 16:34

Thanks Lynne, I'll post a link later, the vessels look fantastic, and although it's not cheap, it's nowjhere near as expensive as I'd imagined. They will hire you a captain but it's 250 dollars a day (not that bad actually) and of course you lose all your privacy as a family so I'd rather do it myself if possible.

You'd need to be able read a chart and work the sat nav etc, it might be impractical but worth a look we thought.

**Fourdents** · 05-09-2006, 17:25

Great to see you on line again......you have been missed

Sorry not a "salty old seadog" Canal longboat more my style

Sure someone on OV will come up with some good advice

Linda

**GrahamC** · 05-09-2006, 18:09

We hired a boat at Downtown Disney and went around the canals, but nothing as grand as you are planning.

I will be interested to see how you get on.

**Macka** · 05-09-2006, 18:31

Hiya Linda and Graham,

Here's the site we are looking at.

http://www.boat-charters.com/front.html

05-09-2006, 18:44

Hey Paul, great to have you back!!!!

Sorry can't help with your question though[msnwink]

**Macka** · 05-09-2006, 18:48

Ahoy Julie,

No,I didn't have you down as a salty old seadog [msnsmile2].

It might suit you though, if you look at the vessels, they're really quite luxurious.[msnwink].

Paul.