Speedboat - what are the rules on inland and coastal waters...

Question

How and where can I launch? What licences do I need? I live in Gloucester and would love to be able to wakeboard nearer home rather than have to go to the coast all the time. I have tried the RYA website, but it doesn't appear to give all the details I require.

Many thanks for your help

Answer 1

If you intend to use your craft on inland waterways you will have to register it with British Waterways the cost being dependent on size. The main problem that you will have is that there are very few inland waters which do not have a speed limit far too slow for skiing, most have limits of 4 MPH now to protect the environment. You normally have to go to river estuaries to escape the speed limit.

Answer 2

These may help:

http://www.rya.org.uk/getonthewater/Page...

and here:

http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/

Answer 3

OK first you are going to need to get your PWC. This certifies that you can operate a personal watercraft, Boating license, and boating safety license. There they will teach you the rules of the ocean. You local coast guard will have info about classes. Some states offer an online course. I paid $80 for my course and i got mine in one night. Do not go out with out a boating license becaus they will give you a big ticket and tell you to get out. You are going to need to buy a fire enstiguisher, flares, a horn and wissle, a few lifejackets. TO lauch your boat there should be a local boat luach., If not call you local coast guard and they will provide you with all the launching cenetrs. To lauch your boay simply back it on to th ramp. Get the back wheels just barely under water. Then unstrap the boat. Dont unhook the from wire yet. Once the engine is under water but thr boat in reverse and it should slide right off then hook it off. If you cant get the boat staretd anfd you already unhooked it your in trouble.Make sure you lift the engine up until you get into deeper water. you dont want to ding your props. Good luck and welcome to the world of boating!

Answer 4

To launch a boat in and around Gloucester you will need a navigation licence from the British Waterboard these can be purchased as an annual licence or a day licence.

I don't know if it still running but there was a ski boat club who had permission to use the lower part of Bristol City Docks between Baltic Wharf and the S.S. Great Britain one evening a week for water sking.

To launch into the docks you would need a Bristol Docks navigation licence