Anyone taken a Bareboat Skipper certification class - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kerry · #1 06-23-2008, 02:31 PM

I'm considering taking one of these classes next week:

http://www.sailingbreezes.com/Sailing_Breezes_Current/nbss/Family_3-Day.htm

Anyone taken a course like this and have any opinion about its value and usefuleness?

WVOtoGO · #2 06-23-2008, 02:59 PM

We all three did, some years ago.
It was up on Lake Texoma and took ~5 days. I think the time requirement is proportional to the boat size desired. At the time they had a Hunter (forgot the size) on Texoma, but we all wanted to rent and bare boat the gulf coast as well as off E-FL waters. Hatt would know more on this, and current requirements.

I know that the cert is mandatory for renting a bare boat just about anywhere down in the gulf. It pretty much paid for itself (was worth it) in convenience and personal sailing along the Mexican coast line the first year alone.

They’ve since purchased a 42’ Valiant (sold the Hunter), and keep it down in the Rockport area so the course certification is now only good for knowledge and insurance deductions.

Even if you never set out to rent a boat anywhere, it’s still a good education not to mention a wonderful and fun time taking the course.

I recommend putting a group of friends together for it. Fill a boat.

That way you aren’t stuck with a few “like you” in a good group getting frustrated with some dude(s) that “…just don’t get it”. That can make for long lesson days on the water.

- Shelby

kerry · #3 06-23-2008, 03:05 PM

Plan is for just the wife and I to take the course with the instructor. Sounds like it is worth it.

WVOtoGO · #4 06-23-2008, 03:13 PM

If you like to sail. Yes it is.

If it’s just the two of you with the instructor, that will make it an even better experience.

Sailing – What we that live in the air call: “Flying on water.” The two are much closer related than most people think.

Have a great time !!

- Shelby

Hatterasguy · #5 06-23-2008, 06:41 PM

You need a license to get a bareboat? I was wondering about that because my friends and I are playing with the idea of chartering one down in the islands next year. Probably Beneteau 42, or whatever Moorings has a deal on.

kerry · #6 06-23-2008, 06:53 PM

It's my understanding that you need some kind of certification to charter a sailboat. The course we're taking has a pre-requisite of basic keelboat which we plan to test out of.
We've sailed a fair amount but never taken any formal lessons.
When it comes to flying on water, an iceboat is a kick in the pants.

kerry · #7 06-30-2008, 07:36 AM

I type this inside an Islander 37 at the Pike's Bay Marina on Lake Superior. Our certification class starts tomorrow. Could be a challenge. We were given two textbooks to read and we're going to have to remember how many horn blasts in what sequence a sailboat must give in a specified period of time when sailing in fog plus the zillion other rules of the road and meanings of various cans and nuns. Only my wife and I in the class so we should get some good one on two instruction.

Carleton Hughes · #8 06-30-2008, 07:39 AM

No.
However I am licensed to operate a steam vehicle{launch}in 3 states.

kerry · #9 06-30-2008, 10:32 PM

today we passed the written portion of our basic keelboating and coastal cruising exams. We also practiced docking and various manoevers under power. We're on an Islander 36 and staying on the boat. It's a hoot. We take the written portion of the Bareboat Charter certification on Wednesday and work on various practical sailing skills tomorrow and Wednesday. We're learning a lot, including how to use propwalk to turn the boat in roughly its own length.

Hatterasguy · #10 07-01-2008, 08:09 PM

Prop walk is cool, and that Islander 36 probably has a nice big 3 bladed prop.

Three set up's to watch out for on a sailboat:
Offset shaft, royal PITA to back down.
Folding two blade prop, usualy found on racing boats. They do not back down, you cannot count on much reverse movement. Maxi props are better.

If you need to get into a tight slip use a spring, it will pull you right in.

300SDog · #11 07-01-2008, 09:07 PM

Chapman's "Seamanship" is the Bible..... Reconnoitre coast guard piloting license being ultimate achievable license. And/or 1,000 hrs 100 ton Able Bodied Seaman license issued through Merchant Marine.

Twin screws are tougher to handle than single screw power boats. Ultimately its a question of knowing the language - passing the test. Familiarity with navigation, buoys and markers.

Spent a few years offshore commercial fishing myself. Shoulda logged my hours and taken AB exam. I doubt anybody rents boats to folks who caint prove their experience.

Hatterasguy · #12 07-02-2008, 01:01 AM

Really you prefer single? I love a twin screw boat, they are so controllable! Depends on the boat though, something like a Carver or an Ocean with a flat bottom and large superstructure would probably be a PITA in a cross breez.

But an old Bertram, Chris, or Hat with a big pair of diesels, is simple. Just straighten the rudders and steer with the gears. I prefer to put my butt on the wheel and face backwards actualy.

The most difficult boats to dock are those big fat express cruisers with a single IO, something like mid to high 20's. Pretty much a floating RV. I swear everytime I see one of those things dock its a show!

They draw like 6in so the slightest hint of a breeze sends it off.

kerry · #13 07-02-2008, 03:46 PM

We're now certified to Bareboat Charter up to 50'. Instructor agreed to certify my wife while telling her he did not think she should charter a boat on her own. Had some pretty exhilarating sailing today with 30 knots of wind at times. Stopping the boat in 20 knots of winds, holding it steady to drop anchor and then backing up in a straight line was quite a challenge. The bow would get blown downwind pretty quickly with the slightest deviation from heading directly into the wind. I did finally get the hang of it. My wife didn't.

hill · #14 07-02-2008, 04:25 PM

I don't know if the bareboat certification counts. Many insurance agencies will give you a discount for CG certifiation and power squadron ????sp.