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Potential new yacht owner

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by eodrunner, Dec 25, 2011.

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  1. eodrunner, Dec 25, 2011
    #1
    eodrunner

    eodrunner New Member

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    Location:
    Guam
    I've been wanting to buy a 30-40' yacht for a couple years now, and in am about ready to do so. One thing I have not been able to do, as of yet, because of time, is get acquainted with real Captain knowledge.
    I've been around the water and boats (ski, i know it's not the real thing) my whole life. Part of my job entails diving and more often than not we do it in fairly rough seas out in Guam. Basically what I'm saying is I have just enough knowledge to know that I could get in over my head very quickly if I don't learn from the smarter, older, or at least wiser out there.
    What would you all suggest in the way of gaining enough knowledge so I'm not just stuck enjoying a beautiful new yacht in a harbor or bay only? Any good books? Types of courses out there? Most important first bit of "real" knowledge to attain.

    I will really appreciate any and all information you all would like to share.

    BTW, this is my first post and second time on this forum, so hello to all. I promise I won't be too annoying.
  2. Capt J, Dec 25, 2011
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Chapman's book on seamanship is a good start to read. However a lot of it is gained by experience.
  3. NYCAP123, Dec 25, 2011
    #3
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Learn to decipher weather info, not the forecast you hear on the TV or even the VHF, but learn to read the weather radar and other data and relate it to what happens in your area to sea conditions. Also learn to read the waters. Go to a bay and study it. Look at the way the color changes and the water's reaction where it goes into the shallows. Look at various shorelines to recognize what tide you're at. Watch the reaction of the currents as they pass fixed objects, piling up on the back side and forming a Vee on the down-current side. If you have an inlet near you study it. Watch the way the boats enter. Look at the way the water reacts near any bars. Check how the current forms eddies as it passes jetties. Those eddies can pull you into the rocks.
    Like Capt. J mentioned, Chapman's is a must have reference book for every boater. It's not the kind of book you'll pick up to read unless you're very bored, but you'll check it a million times like when someone mentions a nautical term or you need to learn a knot or how to splice a loop in a line.
    Another thing to do is go to the search feature here and explore any threads with relating to new boaters, new owners, etc. There's been a lot written here on the subject.
  4. MSviking, Dec 26, 2011
    #4
    MSviking

    MSviking New Member

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    Chapman's is a great resource and a "must read" then find a friend(s) and just get out there somehow. Nothing replaces hands on time on the water.

    Good luck
  5. Capt J, Dec 26, 2011
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Taking a US Coast Guard auxiliary safety class is another good start and place to meet other boaters.
  6. NYCAP123, Dec 26, 2011
    #6
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    In Guam?
  7. Capt J, Dec 26, 2011
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Guam is a US territory. You could always get their class book and read it as well.
  8. NYCAP123, Dec 26, 2011
    #8
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Well aware. My father spent a bit of time there keeping it that way during WW II. Just be surprised to find the USCG Auxilary giving boating classes there.