motorboat course uk

The RYA Powerboat Scheme is aimed at craft up to about 33ft/10m. The qualifications gained from within this scheme are recognised around the world and some are relevant to those driving commercially. The powerboat scheme courses suit a wide variety of craft from small dories and RIBs to larger 4 berth family cruiser type vessels.

From the menu below please select the course that you think best addresses your needs and then select the button to read more. To help make things even clearer we’ve created a simple Training Pathway document (blue button above right) that you can download and read at your leisure.

Do feel free to call/email us though as for many people which course to take isn’t entirely clear and we’re always delighted to provide objective and impartial advice – whether you decide to train with us or another school.

Powerboat Level 2 – on our boats

This is the most popular course that we teach. Suits those new to boating who want to develop the base skills but also those who have boated for a while but who want to ensure they are approaching their boating the right way. There is no requirement for Level 1 to do this course.

Powerboat Level 2 – training on your boat

This is the course to take on your boat for those keen to get a really good grounding in close quarter boat handling plus the ability to use charts, tidal information and understand buoyage so you can undertake short inshore passages. Level 1 is not required.

International Certificate of Competence – ‘ICC’ (up to 10m)

An ICC is usually essential if you are considering taking your own boat abroad or chartering one when overseas. The ICC can be obtained either using a relevant RYA qualification or through an ‘ICC test’.

Intermediate Powerboat – on our boats

Also known as the Powerboat Day Cruising Course the  course is aimed at those who have boated a season or more, probably already have Level 2 and want to learn more about coastal cruising. It focuses on navigation  and passage planning.

Intermediate Powerboat – on your boat

Learn more about charts, tides, planning a passage and how  to use electronic navigation effectively then undertake a passage with one of our instructors on board to put the skills into practice. A great course to do on your own boat.

Development Days

After Level 2 this is a great way to get afloat and hone the skills you learnt during the Level 2 course. Time is spent focussing on both boat handling and making a passage and there’s time for a relaxing lunch too!

Powerboats and RIBs – tailored training on your boat

Training on your boat can the form of either a RYA course or often just focusses on the subjects that you want to cover. Read about the various options for training on your boat.

Children’s Powerboat Level 2

Children aged 12 upwards are welcome to join us on our  Level 2 courses.  Courses run usually in the Easter and Summer holiday and during half terms.

Children’s Powerboat Level 1

We welcome children aged 8 upwards on to our dedicated children’s Level 1 courses.  Courses run usually in the easter  and summer holidays and during half terms when it is warm (ish).

Powerboat Level 1

Level 1 is a great course as a basic introduction to boating as a ‘competent crew’ type course or a taster session. Suits both children or adults. It is NOT required for entry to Level 2 and most adults go straight in at Level 2.

Superyacht Tender Operators Course

Aimed at those already working as a tender driver transferring guests/passengers in sectors such as the superyacht world or in other environments where you may need to transfer guests and passengers.

Powerboat night exercise – on our boats

Aimed at those keen to develop a better understanding of boating at night – suits those with no experience at night and also those with experience keen to add hours afloat ahead of an advanced exam.

Advanced Powerboat – on our boats

Aimed at experienced leisure boaters and those seeking to work commercially the Advanced Course can be followed by the Advanced Examination. Addresses areas such as night navigation, rough water handling and search patterns – a great course!

Powerboat Instructor

Become a RYA Powerboat Instructor to be able to teach Level 1, Level 2 and potentially the Safety Boat course as part of a RYA Training Centre. A great way to share your passion for boating with others.

Powerboat Instructor Skills Assessment

This is a mandatory requirement ahead of the Powerboat Instructors course. If possible undertake the assessment 4 – 6 weeks before the Instructor course but we always schedule assessments for the day before an Instructor course just in case you can’t make it sooner.

Advanced Powerboat Instructor

An Advanced Instructor can teach the Advanced Powerboat and Intermediate Powerboat courses and run own boat training away from the centre’s base.

Advanced Powerboat (‘CoC’) Commercial Exam

The Advanced Powerboat Exam is the qualification needed for almost all skippers looking to drive commercially in sub (about) 10m powerboats whether RIBs or hard boats. It qualifies you up to 20 miles from a safe haven.

Get in touch

Where to find us...

Powerboat Training UK Ltd, The Slipway, Cobbs Quay Marina, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL

T: 01202 686666 E: [email protected]

Aquasafe Powerboat School, Lymington Yacht Haven, Kings Saltern Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 3QD

T: 01590 678809 E: [email protected]

Marine Education, Port of Poole Marina, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HJ

T: 01202 406066 E: [email protected]

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Register your interest in this course

At the moment it is not possible to book places on this particular course as we have marked it as full. However it may be that we are able to add additional people to this course or to add you to a reserve list in case someone already booked cannot attend. If this date is of particular interest to you please complete the form below and we will contact you to see what we can do to accommodate you.

Request a last minute space

At the moment it is not possible to book places on this particular course as we have marked it as closed due to it being very close to the course running. However it may be that we are able to add you to this course or to add you to a reserve list in case someone already booked cannot attend. If this is is of interest to you please complete the form below and we will contact you to see what we can do to accommodate you.

Main contact number: 07767398892 or email: [email protected]

Skipper Course, RYA Powerboat, Motor Cruising Training in Portsmouth, Port Solent - 1st Sea School

Theory Courses

Powerboat Courses

Motor Crusing Courses

Boat Deliveries

Boat Charter

Boat Repairs & Maintenance

Rya powerboat, rya motor cruising and rya theory courses in port solent and portsmouth - 1st sea school.

1st Sea School is an authorised RYA Powerboat, Motor Cruising and Theory Training school. 1st Sea School Powerboat, Motor Cruising and Theory School is located in Port Solent near Portsmouth and the Solent, one of the UKs best boating areas and an excellent back drop to training.

1st Sea School can also provide you with boat repairs and maintenance and boat deliveries. We have trained crews and delivered vessels from the Med to Norway.

1st Sea School is a well established training school offering RYA Powerboat, Motor Cruising and Theory Courses

Rya powerboat courses:.

• Powerboat level 1 & 2
• Powerboat Intermediate
• Powerboat Advanced
• International Certificate of Competence (ICC) under 10m  & over 10m
• Your basic European boat licence requirement, Inland waterways endorsement CEVNI

RYA Motor Cruising Courses:

• Basic Helmsman
• Day Skipper
• Yachtmaster Coastal, Yachtmaster Off Shore

RYA Theory Courses:

• VHF / DSC / GMDSS, both training and assessment
• Yachtmaster Coastal Theory

Life Jacket Servicing

Diesel engine maintenance, stcw courses:.

We can also tailor the training to suit your needs.

Combined Boat Delivery & Training:

You may wish to have your boat delivered or train on your own boat. Why not combine the two and train on your boat during delivery? We are only too pleased to come to you.

Although we are based at Port Solent we have trained crews in various locations around the Med, Netherlands, Northern France and the Channel Islands, not to mention Ireland and the West Coast.

Upcoming Courses Calendar View

RYA Day Skipper Motor Course

Rya day skipper motor course in southampton: course summary.

• Course Duration: 4 days
• Course Location:  Saxon Wharf Marina, Southampton, SO14 5QF
• Course Cost: from £999pp
• Previous Experienced Required: Yes
• Minimum Age Requirement: 16 years old
• What The Course Includes: Tuition, moorings, waterproofs, and more!
• What You Will Learn: Boat preparation, boat handling, passage planning and making, navigation, pilotage, and more.

RYA Day Skipper Motor is the most popular  RYA  motor cruising course. The course is perfect for people new to Motor Cruising, existing boat owners and in preparation for chartering a motor cruiser either in the UK or abroad.

Also included in the course is a free ICC assessment, this is the license required to skipper a motor cruiser up to 24 metres in European waters.

The RYA Day Skipper Motor is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to skipper a motor boat in familiar waters by day time. Your four days onboard will be under the expert guidance of an RYA MCA qualified instructor. They will give you the space and knowledge to practice your new found skills whilst onboard with us.

Typically, student to instructor ratio’s for RYA Motor cruising courses is 5:1. Our RYA Day Skipper Motor Cruising courses run at a student to instructor ratio of only 4:1, meaning all students get more space on the boat, more time on the helm and more instructor support.

On completion of this course you can apply for your International Certificate of Competence (ICC) Power up to 24 metres. This certificate is needed if you are going to European waters or looking to hire a motor boat abroad. Ocean Sports Tuition always includes the ICC assessment with every Day Skipper Motor Course.

The course schedule is

Monday – Thursday £999.00  

Friday - Monday £1250.00

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

To take part in this course, as a minimum we recommend you have 2 prior days on a motor cruiser with 4 night hours, ideally the RYA Helmsman Course. Your theory knowledge will need to be at a Day Skipper level or equivalent.

Students must be at least 16 before attending this course, for students under 16 we recommend the RYA Helmsman Course .

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

Boat preparation, boat handling, passage planning and making, navigation, use of GPS, pilotage, rules of the road, engine knowledge, checks and routine, maintenance,  night cruising and what to do in an emergency.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE COST?

Monday - Thursday £999.00 per person

Friday - Monday £1250 per person

Mid week Group Bookings:

Book 2 places = £979 per person 

Book 3 places = £969per person 

Book 4 places and have exclusive use of the boat and the instructor for private tuition for = £955 per person

We can also run this course on a private 1:1 or 1:2 basis, the cost of this is £3800.  

This course can run on your boat for yourself or a group of up to 4 students. Own boat training costs from £250 per day plus VAT.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?

• Low student instructor ratio of 4:1
• All moorings
• Expert tuition
• Waterproofs
• On site parking available

NEXT STEPS AFTER DAY SKIPPER MOTOR COURSE

If you are looking to expand your RYA powerboat qualifications after completing your Day Skipper Motor Course, you may wish to further your experience with the following RYA powerboat courses:

• RYA Coastal Skipper

Book Your Day Skipper Motor Course Here

Book online below, or call on 023 81 242159 .

If there are no courses listed below, please email us to enquire about availability:  [email protected].

We Can Also Help With...

Jet ski club, boat charter, safety boat services.

• RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course
• RYA Tender Operator Course
• RYA Intermediate Powerboat Course
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Course
• RYA Powerboat Instructor Course
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor Course
• RYA MCA Advanced Powerboat Prep & Exam
• RYA MCA Commercial Powerboat Skipper Course
• RYA Helmsman Course
• RYA Day Skipper Motor
• RYA Coastal Skipper Motor Course
• MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence
• MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• RYA Cruising Instructor (Motor) Course
• RYA / MCA Yachtmaster Academy
• Superyacht Deckhand Course
• RYA PWC Proficiency Course
• PWC Instructor Course
• Own Boat Tuition
• RYA VHF Radio Course
• RYA Sea Survival Course
• RYA First Aid Course
• RYA Essential Seamanship & Navigation Course
• RYA Day Skipper Theory Course
• RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory Course
• RYA VHF Radio Online Course
• RYA Essential Seamanship & Navigation Online Course
• RYA Day Skipper Theory Online Course
• RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory Online Course
• RYA CEVNI Assessment Online
• RYA PPR Online Course
• Instructors
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Course Feedback
• Gift Vouchers

Sail & Power Boat Training LTD

Rya and maritime training courses.

RYA PowerBoat Courses

We offer a comprehensive range of RYA powerboat courses in our commercially coded 6-metre rib.

RYA Shorebase Courses

We offer a range of RYA Shorebase navigation courses up to Yachtmaster level.

RYA On-line and non RYA on line courses

We offer the RYA interactive courses for VHF Marine Radio, PPR, and Safe and Fun.

Bespoke Courses (non RYA)

If you are more interested in non-RYA certificated courses we can develop bespoke courses to meet your specific requirements

Own Boat Tution

We offer Own Boat Tuition on sailing yachts and motor cruisers up to 22 metres in length in the UK and Europe.

Commercial sector

We will be offering a range of courses for the commercial sector who work in the maritime industry.

What is SPBT?

We are an established training company offering a range of RYA and Maritime training courses for the leisure and commercial users in the UK and Europe. Under the leadership of the owner and principal Ian Patience, and our Powerboat Chief Instructor Sarah Davies we have a dedicated team of instructors to teach all our Powerboat, Shore Based and Own Boat courses.

Our Courses

Train with us, rya powerboat level 2.

This is the most popular course that we teach. This course suits those new to boating who want to develop the base skills as well as those who have boated for a while but who want to ensure they are approaching their boating the right way.

RYA Powerboat Intermediate

Also known as the Powerboat Day Cruising Course the course is aimed at those who have boated a season or more, probably already have Level 2 and want to learn more about coastal cruising. It focuses on navigation and passage planning.

RYA Powerboat Advanced

Aimed at experienced leisure boaters and those seeking to work commercially. The Advanced Course can be followed by the Advanced Examination. This course addresses areas such as night navigation, rough water handling and search patterns – a great course!

Our Powerboat (RIB)

Rebel – Humber Destroyer 6 meter Rib  – Designed to exceed expectation the Destroyer series promises you an effortless dry ride due to the performance deep ‘V’ hull design but with safety and comfort in mind.

No matter what the job at hand the Destroyer series will come through any task with flying colours. The most amazing characteristics of these superb looking craft are their ability to ‘grip’ the water enabling sharp responsive high speed turns. Any short attempt to become airborne ends with a soft landing as the perfectly formed deep ‘V’ irons out the shock of re-entry.

Driving our rib brings a smile to everyones face.

• Length 6.0 m
• Beam 2.28 M
• Cruising Speed 25kt
• 2019 115 HP Mercury outboard engine
• MCA Coded Vessel Cert No R20MV0060002
• Coded for 4 but seating for 6

Navigation equipment

• Garmin Chart Plotter 2019
• Icom Radio Fixed 2018
• Icom Handheld Radio 2020

Why choose us

Why choose spbt.

When you undertake your course with us the price is all-inclusive, no hidden extras.

Remember in life you pretty much get what you pay for. We don’t pretend to be the cheapest, but the course will be on well-maintained first-rate craft and run by instructors guaranteed to teach current best practice. We have excellent facilities in the marinas offering a great all-round experience.

Comprehensive Training

SPBT offers diverse training programs catering to all skill levels, ensuring everyone finds the perfect course for safer and more confident boating.

Experienced Instructors

Led by skilled mariners, SPBT boasts a team of passionate instructors committed to providing top-quality training and mentorship.

Focus on Safety

At SPBT, safety is paramount. We instil a culture of safe boating practices in all our programs, ensuring you navigate the waters responsibly.

The SPBT Team

Meet the people who make our training happen.

Ian Patience

OWNER AND TRAINING PRINCIPAL

SARAH DAVIES

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR AND CENTRE MANAGER

SIMON DAVIES

CHIEF COMMERCIAL INSTRUCTOR

Testimonial

What they say..

What our clients say.

Our Training Centre:

Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club The Royal Plain, Lowestoft Suffolk, NR33 0AQ

Speak to us:

01493 253004 - training centre, 07775 581912 - course admin.

For Powerboat or Shore based course enquiries please email our Chief Instructor:

[email protected]

For non course enquiries please email our owner and training principal

[email protected]

Call us: +44 (0)1326 211311

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Motor Exam Preparation Training

At Falmouth Powerboat School, we offer exam preparation courses which help you hone your practical skills to prepare for taking the RYA Yachtmaster (Motor) Coastal and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore examinations.

At this stage, you will have already completed the qualifying miles needed for each qualification, so the focus of our preparation weeks are to make sure that you are confident and fully prepared in each area of the syllabus. Your instructor will work closely with you and your fellow students to ensure that your individual areas of concern and revision are covered.

Our courses are usually run over five days typically beginning at 09.00 on Monday, with the examination stage starting on Thursday afternoon, and finishing on Friday afternoon.

All of Falmouth Powerboat School’s RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore preparation and exams take place in Falmouth, Cornwall. The range of sheltered cruising waters of the Carrick Roads and the Fal Estuary provide a perfect training and testing area.

Your practical examination will be taken by an independent local RYA examiner who will test you on boat handling, man overboard procedures, passage planning, crew handling, blind pilotage and knowledge of lights and signals amongst other things.

The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore qualifications will unlock the door to bare-boat charter worldwide, provide an entrance into the yacht and motorboat industry, if commercially endorsed and give you a wealth of experience as a skipper.

Yachtmaster Coastal Pre-Examination Requirements

Documented minimum sea time completed on a seagoing or sailing motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years:

• 30 days at sea on a vessel less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to 12 days at sea on vessels less that 24m LOA, or substituted with 30 days at sea on yachts under 500gt if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence is held.
• Two days as skipper on a vessel less than 24m LOA.
• 800 miles, which can be reduced to 400 miles on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 800 miles at sea on yachts under 500gt is an RYA Coastal Skipper practical course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence is held.
• 12 night hours.

For information on qualifying passages please visit www.rya.org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence/qualifying-passages

Minimum Exam duration: 6-10 hours for one candidate. 8-14 hours for two candidates.

Minimum Age : 17 at the time of exam.

Yachtmaster Offshore Pre-Examination Requirements

Documented minimum sea time completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years:

• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt which may be reduced to 25 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
• Five days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to three days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
• 2,5000 miles on yachts up to 500gt, which may be reduced to 1,250 miles if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
• Five passages over 60 miles long, which must include two overnight passages and two as skipper, which may be reduced to three passages including one overnight and one as a skipper if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.

For information on qualifying passages, please visit: www.rya.org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence/qualifying-passages .

Minimum Exam duration:  8-12 hours for one candidate. 10-18 hours for two candidates. No more than two candidates can be examined in 24 hours and no more than four candidates can be examined in one two-day session.

Minimum Age : 18 at the time of exam.

For both the levels of examination, candidates will also need:

• A passport sized photo
• A VHF/DSC certificate
• A recognised First Aid certificate
• The appropriate exam fee payable to the RYA

 Costs & Dates

Duration: 5-6 Days

From: Monday 09:00 – Saturday 17:00

Please contact the office to discuss course dates on 01326 211311.

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Falmouth Powerboat School Bridge House Tregoniggie Falmouth Cornwall TR11 4SN

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Privacy Overview

• Professional qualifications
• powerboat-level-2

RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling

RYA powerboat courses are primarily for those using small powered craft such as RIBs, dories and sportsboats that don't generally undertake long or offshore passages.

The types of commercial craft requiring this level certification are typically: charter fishing boats, small passenger launches, thrill ride operators, harbour patrol launches, construction site safety boats etc.

If you will be using larger boats with accommodation and the capacity to cruise or work further offshore you are likely to need a certificate within the motor cruising programme such as Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore.

If you need a Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificate in order to work on a commercial craft subject to the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed . You can then work on commercial vessels up to 24m in length, operating in category 6 waters - that is up to 3 miles from a nominated departure point in fine weather and daylight hours.

• RYA Inland Waterways Scheme
• RYA Powerboat Scheme
• RYA Specialist Short Courses
• RYA Navigation and Seamanship Theory Courses
• International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft - ICC
• Our Courses
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• Testimonials

Welcome to East Coast Motorboat Training

East Coast Motorboat Training Ltd is an RYA recognised training centre based on the North Sea coast at Lowestoft. With access to 120 miles of navigable inland waterways and the North Sea, we benefit from the ideal location for all levels of training.

The centre in managed by our Principal Chris Billson, who has over 30 years boating experience on inland waterways and offshore. We have a mission to deliver professional, quality tuition that is fun, safe and rewarding for the whole family.

We offer training both on the water and ashore with friendly and knowledgeable instructors. Whatever your requirements, we can offer you the finest individual attention.

To discuss your training or to find out more information on what we can offer, please do not hesitate to contact us on 07570 794196 or by email. We are open seven days a week.

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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track GIBRALTAR

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track

Join us in Gibraltar for our 7-week RYA Yachtmaster Offshore motor course & exam. You will spend 6 weeks mile building covering 2,500 nautical miles, before completing a skills & drills preparation week prior to taking your exam.

£9,995

Maximum 4:1 instructor, usually 3:1.

Pre-course experience / requirements

There are no pre-course requirements for this course as it is designed for beginners looking to go from "zero to hero" and learn the skills needed to become an RYA Yachtmaster. This course is designed to teach you in the most effective and efficient methods possible with our dedicated professional RYA instructors.

What's included?

In short, everything is included.  Fuel, Marinas, Accommodation aboard, light meals at sea, Breakfast, Lunch, snacks, and drinks. Course notes & materials are also included in our RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track course.  *Exam fees are not included in our course fee.

Course Syllabus

Candidates will be trained and then tested to demonstrate knowledge & competence in the following; International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, Safety, Boat Handling, General Seamanship including maintenance, responsibilities of a Skipper, Navigation, Meteorology & Signals.

What to bring?

Sailors are exposed to the elements and must always be prepared for the unexpected. Due to limited storage on board, we always recommend you bring lightweight clothing to suit all possible weather scenarios.

Additional Course Information

Before a Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence can be awarded you will need to hold a VHF Certificate and First Aid Certificate. You can either obtain these before you arrive in Gibraltar or we can arrange for you to take these in Gibraltar during your course. 

• Full set of Henry & Lloyd Waterproofs
• Automatic Crew Saver Lifejackets
• Tea, Coffee & Biscuits 
• RYA Start Powerboating Handbook
• Paper & Pens

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Motor boats for beginners: Everything you need to know

• Isobel Smith

Looking to get into motor boats? Discover the options available that’ll see you out on the water in no time

Speed, comfort and style – these are the mantras of motor boat fans. You can go from flying through the waves at 35 knots to lying on a sunpad at some remote anchorage, drink in hand, and still make it home in time for tea.

Motor boats are a great way to get out on the water and it’s fairly easy to pick up the basics. Read our guide to find out more…

Boat training

The first step to enjoying motor boats is taking the necessary boat training that’ll teach you everything you need to know about boat handling.

The RYA has a number of courses on offer , ranging from complete beginners, all the way through to those looking to test their motor boat skills in more demanding conditions.

The RYA’s level 1 course is a great place to start for a complete beginner, but if you have some experience already, then taking the RYA level 2 course may be a better option. Either course is no longer than two days, with level 1 costing around £200 and level 2 around £340.

There are hundreds of RYA training centres throughout the UK that offer the necessary training and you can use the RYA’s online tool to find your nearest venue .

Hiring motor boats

Once you’ve developed a love of boating, it’s not surprising that you’ll want to spend more and more time out on the water. Hiring a boat is a commitment-free way to enjoy the sport without costs such as maintenance and mooring fees.

Many centres across the UK will allow you to hire a small RIB for either a few hours or up to a week. You can expect to pay up to £50 per hour for motor boat hire, depending on the make and model and around £140 for a full day.

Buying a boat

Many people dream of buying a motor boat and depending on what you’re looking for, you can pick up some models of smaller boats on the market for just a few thousand pounds.

Take a look at an online brokerage site to see average prices and search MBY’s boat reviews to find a model that suits your needs. If you’re not sure which boat would be best for your needs you can ask our motor boat forum community for recommendations.

Boat membership

Boat membership schemes are a great alternative to owning a boat as you can get experience out on the water without the financial commitment. All you have to do is pay a joining fee and then a fixed monthly sum to use a boat.

The majority of boats involved in boat memberships will have one owner member and up to seven memberships per boat. Once signed up, you can use an online calendar to book your time on board.

There are three different types of membership boating: single, flexible and crewed. If you want to use the same boat then single boat membership is a good option, while flexible gives you the chance to skipper a boat of your choice when you want.

On a crewed membership scheme you can join a skippered boat with similar people for 10 days throughout the year or make private crewing arrangements.

Prices will vary but RIBs will set you back around £300 per month, while a 40ft sportscruiser  could cost you up to £1,000 a month, in addition to fuel costs.

Boat sharing

Another alternative is shared boat ownership , whereby you share the purchase and running costs of a vessel with others, making it significantly cheaper than buying a motor boat outright on your own.

The boat is managed for you so you can focus on being out on the water rather than administration and maintenance.

Chartering motor boats

Chartering a yacht is essentially hiring a boat for a fixed period of time in a specific location, ranging from exotic destinations halfway across the world to holiday spots in UK waters.

Countries such as Greece, Turkey and Croatia are extremely popular charter destinations but there are hundreds to choose from.

Depending on the size of boat, location and whether your charter includes crew you can pay anything from £500 pp upwards.