First Time Boating Ages

thinkxingu · 12-11-2016, 07:51 AM

I also posted this on the Facebook page:

Opinions and experiences wanted: 1. At what age would you let you child/did you start kayak(ing) on your own (or with other kids)? 2. What age for a first motorboat (small outboard skiff, etc.) Our place is in a cove in the north with a lot of no-wake areas. Thanks in advance!

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anticd70 · 12-11-2016, 08:42 AM

My son is currently 2, I feel when he is 12 would be able to handle that level of responsibility. My parents let me start flying planes at 14...I still don't know what they were thinking

radioman · 12-11-2016, 10:47 AM

When and until the child becomes a confident and accomplished swimmer.

MeredithMan · 12-11-2016, 11:44 AM

....however, I grew up around boats from toddler age. Was buzzing around our area of the lake at 12 in a 12' rowboat with a 4 HP Johnson, (as in outboard motor...

)

My son has been kayaking on the lake on his own since he was about 13--he's now 17--(always with a PFD on, and he is swim-team caliber swimmer). Although he has his boating certificate and drives our boat when I'm in it, I'm not ready to let him take it out on his own!

radioman · 12-11-2016, 11:57 AM

I failed to mention the fact I had a row boat with a 1.5 hp Evenrude at age 8. Prior to that, I did a lot of rowing. My mother had taught me how to swim at age 3.

jetlag100 · 12-11-2016, 06:14 PM

Our Dad always let us steer the boat since I could ever remember, but when I got to take out a boat one my own I was 14...grew up on the lake, was always in a boat, but had to know how to swim first...the swimming part was a no brainer. He knew when we (5 of us) were ready...had to know the rules of boating..I can't tell you how grateful I am that it all happened naturally...I've never forgotten the where, when's and how's! Still boating up the "big lake", after all these years!

Be stern, and kind, and make sure your kid knows when he messed up, and they'll do great!

Descant · 12-11-2016, 08:44 PM

For me, swim and age 7-8 for a rowboat. 12 for a powerboat under 25 hp. Same for my kids. They each had their own OB boat at 12 and could use it independently.
We have 5 kayaks. Grandchildren have their own but do not go out independently. Ages 5 & 7.
Do islanders have more boats and start being independent a lot earlier than mainlanders? Probably.

kawishiwi · 12-11-2016, 10:05 PM

I was a pest at 13 always asking an adult to go out fishing on a sheltered cape cod bay when I got a lesson on rowing the 14 aluminum one day, a lesson on anchoring the next, a lesson on starting the 10 hp and driving the next day, then the next day I asked to be taken out I got "Ok, I can't go, but you be home for dinner".

I went out almost a mile, (stll in the bay) anchored, caught a few flounder, coming back had the motor conk out about 400 yds out and rowed myself back.

One of the greatest days of my life.

Major · 12-12-2016, 08:20 AM

I got my first summer job when I was 12 making a whopping $1.25 per hour. A neighbor had a 14' Glastron with a 40 HP Johnson motor for sale for $750. My dad said he'd help me buy it if I saved half the amount. Working 40+ hours per week, we purchased the boat near the end of the summer. I was lucky, my dad gave me a lot of responsibility, so long as I didn't abuse it.

winni83 · 12-12-2016, 09:42 AM

My kids began using a 13 foot Whaler with a 20 HP engine at around 12. At first just using it so we could see them from the house, then gradually over that summer, going further out in the Lake. Both kids were pretty good boat handlers and knew the rules. Boat came with 2 fuel tanks. I took one out to limit their range. Found out years later that my son figured out that for a few bucks and some oil, he could extend his range by stopping at a marina for gas. Still have the Whaler, replaced the engine with a 25 HP four stroke and now grandchildren are enjoying it. Last year, I heard one of my grandchildren ask her Mom, “How old were you when you got to take the Whaler out by yourself?”. My daughter tried to claim that she could not recall. I jogged her memory. So I would say 12 is about right. It is easier these days with cell phones in the event there are any issues when they are out.

ursa minor · 12-12-2016, 05:59 PM

Well, like the stories many on here are relating this was a "while" ago...

My parent's place is in a pretty sheltered area, they started me off at age 6 with a 10 foot plywood rowboat with oars and about 100 feet of rope tied to a tree. (Always with a life jacket as well.) The theory on the rope was if I dropped the oars they could pull me in. I got the hang of rowing pretty quickly and the rope went away. After that it was "stay where I can see you" for a while. My Mom made sure both myself and my sister had swimming lessons at the "Y" early on too.

At some point my Dad came up with a 2 1/2 HP Johnson from the late 1940's/early 50's era and got it running. It wasn't fast but I learned a lot about starting and running small engines from it. Pretty sure it's still around somewhere and would probably run even now.

From around age 10 or so, I'd drive the "big" boat a little bit here and there while my Dad supervised. It got to the point that I'd end up driving down to Wolfeboro if we took a family trip.

Fast forward a few years, my Dad bought an older 14 foot runabout (I think it was a Chrysler) that had a nearly new 50 HP Mercury on it (mid 70's). I think I must have been around 13. I helped fix it up and my job was to maintain it / paint the bottom, etc. every year and keep it clean. In return, I got to use it and the gas tanks were always magically refilled. We had a lot of fun and I learned a lot about boat handling, reading the weather, etc. Never got grounded either, somewhat shockingly! I was always popular with my summer island buddies for some reason... I think it would do about 35 if they sat in the back on the floor. Didn't know how good we had it!

One recommendation if it's possible is to try to teach the kids to sail. In my opinion it really helps with overall awareness of the weather, your surroundings and it builds a lot of seamanship skills by pure necessity. Scared myself stupid more than once on a sunfish when I was a kid but learned a lot in the process. Good luck!

Just Sold · 12-12-2016, 06:49 PM

I started out with an oak row boat in 1960 at age 10 and my dad added a 1 cyl Champion OB a year later. . Then in 1962/3 my Dad bought me a (61) 9' Starcraft jon boat with a 1960 3 hp Evinrude. I still have the boat and motor stored at my brothers house. Have not run the motor since the early 80's. I started using the family boat when I was 14. 1959 19' Lyman w/109hp Grey Marine 6 cyl.

ApS · 12-13-2016, 04:56 AM

I had a one-cylinder Champion 4.2 outboard. Gotta watch that spark plug when reversing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by radioman

I failed to mention the fact I had a row boat with a 1.5 hp Evinrude at age 8. Prior to that, I did a lot of rowing. My mother had taught me how to swim at age 3.

Bilge pump—check
Fender—check
One oar—check
Seat Cushions—check

.

persistence · 12-13-2016, 10:34 AM

Well on his way to earning his 3rd Stripe....he just turned 2.

My parents had a boat before me. I grew up loving it. Had a 13' Whaler at 12, which is in the garage now awaiting a cleanup for him. We also belong to a local boat club where I grew up swimming and sailing which turned into racing.

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12-11-2016, 07:51 AM	#1
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,211 Thanks: 1,167 Thanked 2,048 Times in 1,271 Posts	First Time Boating Ages I also posted this on the Facebook page: Opinions and experiences wanted: 1. At what age would you let you child/did you start kayak(ing) on your own (or with other kids)? 2. What age for a first motorboat (small outboard skiff, etc.) Our place is in a cove in the north with a lot of no-wake areas. Thanks in advance! Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

12-11-2016, 10:47 AM	#3
radioman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 216 Thanks: 6 Thanked 75 Times in 50 Posts	First time Boating When and until the child becomes a confident and accomplished swimmer.

12-11-2016, 11:44 AM	#4
MeredithMan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bedford, NH; Meredith, NH Posts: 946 Thanks: 262 Thanked 812 Times in 331 Posts	I was 12... ....however, I grew up around boats from toddler age. Was buzzing around our area of the lake at 12 in a 12' rowboat with a 4 HP Johnson, (as in outboard motor...) My son has been kayaking on the lake on his own since he was about 13--he's now 17--(always with a PFD on, and he is swim-team caliber swimmer). Although he has his boating certificate and drives our boat when I'm in it, I'm not ready to let him take it out on his own!

12-11-2016, 11:57 AM	#5
radioman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 216 Thanks: 6 Thanked 75 Times in 50 Posts	First Time Boating I failed to mention the fact I had a row boat with a 1.5 hp Evenrude at age 8. Prior to that, I did a lot of rowing. My mother had taught me how to swim at age 3.

12-11-2016, 08:44 PM	#7
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,337 Thanks: 1,339 Thanked 1,620 Times in 1,052 Posts	Island boaters For me, swim and age 7-8 for a rowboat. 12 for a powerboat under 25 hp. Same for my kids. They each had their own OB boat at 12 and could use it independently. We have 5 kayaks. Grandchildren have their own but do not go out independently. Ages 5 & 7. Do islanders have more boats and start being independent a lot earlier than mainlanders? Probably.

12-11-2016, 08:42 AM	#2
anticd70 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 46 Thanks: 6 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	My son is currently 2, I feel when he is 12 would be able to handle that level of responsibility. My parents let me start flying planes at 14...I still don't know what they were thinking

The Following User Says Thank You to anticd70 For This Useful Post:
noreast (12-12-2016)

12-11-2016, 06:14 PM	#6
jetlag100 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Revere, Massachusetts and Moultonborough, N.H. Posts: 311 Thanks: 228 Thanked 79 Times in 50 Posts	Our Dad always let us steer the boat since I could ever remember, but when I got to take out a boat one my own I was 14...grew up on the lake, was always in a boat, but had to know how to swim first...the swimming part was a no brainer. He knew when we (5 of us) were ready...had to know the rules of boating..I can't tell you how grateful I am that it all happened naturally...I've never forgotten the where, when's and how's! Still boating up the "big lake", after all these years! Be stern, and kind, and make sure your kid knows when he messed up, and they'll do great!

12-11-2016, 10:05 PM	#8
kawishiwi Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 519 Thanks: 227 Thanked 167 Times in 108 Posts	13 for me I was a pest at 13 always asking an adult to go out fishing on a sheltered cape cod bay when I got a lesson on rowing the 14 aluminum one day, a lesson on anchoring the next, a lesson on starting the 10 hp and driving the next day, then the next day I asked to be taken out I got "Ok, I can't go, but you be home for dinner". I went out almost a mile, (stll in the bay) anchored, caught a few flounder, coming back had the motor conk out about 400 yds out and rowed myself back. One of the greatest days of my life.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to kawishiwi For This Useful Post:
Hillcountry (12-12-2016), KennyFromBoston (12-11-2016)

12-12-2016, 08:20 AM	#9
Major Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Laconia Posts: 1,079 Thanks: 445 Thanked 1,018 Times in 424 Posts	12 I got my first summer job when I was 12 making a whopping $1.25 per hour. A neighbor had a 14' Glastron with a 40 HP Johnson motor for sale for $750. My dad said he'd help me buy it if I saved half the amount. Working 40+ hours per week, we purchased the boat near the end of the summer. I was lucky, my dad gave me a lot of responsibility, so long as I didn't abuse it.

12-12-2016, 09:42 AM	#10
winni83 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Moultonborough, NH Posts: 426 Thanks: 17 Thanked 212 Times in 134 Posts	My kids began using a 13 foot Whaler with a 20 HP engine at around 12. At first just using it so we could see them from the house, then gradually over that summer, going further out in the Lake. Both kids were pretty good boat handlers and knew the rules. Boat came with 2 fuel tanks. I took one out to limit their range. Found out years later that my son figured out that for a few bucks and some oil, he could extend his range by stopping at a marina for gas. Still have the Whaler, replaced the engine with a 25 HP four stroke and now grandchildren are enjoying it. Last year, I heard one of my grandchildren ask her Mom, “How old were you when you got to take the Whaler out by yourself?”. My daughter tried to claim that she could not recall. I jogged her memory. So I would say 12 is about right. It is easier these days with cell phones in the event there are any issues when they are out.

12-12-2016, 05:59 PM	#11
ursa minor Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Tuftonborough & Franklin MA Posts: 265 Thanks: 99 Thanked 143 Times in 64 Posts	Well, like the stories many on here are relating this was a "while" ago... My parent's place is in a pretty sheltered area, they started me off at age 6 with a 10 foot plywood rowboat with oars and about 100 feet of rope tied to a tree. (Always with a life jacket as well.) The theory on the rope was if I dropped the oars they could pull me in. I got the hang of rowing pretty quickly and the rope went away. After that it was "stay where I can see you" for a while. My Mom made sure both myself and my sister had swimming lessons at the "Y" early on too. At some point my Dad came up with a 2 1/2 HP Johnson from the late 1940's/early 50's era and got it running. It wasn't fast but I learned a lot about starting and running small engines from it. Pretty sure it's still around somewhere and would probably run even now. From around age 10 or so, I'd drive the "big" boat a little bit here and there while my Dad supervised. It got to the point that I'd end up driving down to Wolfeboro if we took a family trip. Fast forward a few years, my Dad bought an older 14 foot runabout (I think it was a Chrysler) that had a nearly new 50 HP Mercury on it (mid 70's). I think I must have been around 13. I helped fix it up and my job was to maintain it / paint the bottom, etc. every year and keep it clean. In return, I got to use it and the gas tanks were always magically refilled. We had a lot of fun and I learned a lot about boat handling, reading the weather, etc. Never got grounded either, somewhat shockingly! I was always popular with my summer island buddies for some reason... I think it would do about 35 if they sat in the back on the floor. Didn't know how good we had it! One recommendation if it's possible is to try to teach the kids to sail. In my opinion it really helps with overall awareness of the weather, your surroundings and it builds a lot of seamanship skills by pure necessity. Scared myself stupid more than once on a sunfish when I was a kid but learned a lot in the process. Good luck! __________________ " Any day with a boat ride in it is a good day"

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ApS (12-13-2016)

12-12-2016, 06:49 PM	#12
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 434 Times in 210 Posts	I started out with an oak row boat in 1960 at age 10 and my dad added a 1 cyl Champion OB a year later. . Then in 1962/3 my Dad bought me a (61) 9' Starcraft jon boat with a 1960 3 hp Evinrude. I still have the boat and motor stored at my brothers house. Have not run the motor since the early 80's. I started using the family boat when I was 14. 1959 19' Lyman w/109hp Grey Marine 6 cyl. Attached Images __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

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thinkxingu (12-13-2016)

12-13-2016, 10:34 AM	#14
persistence Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 109 Thanks: 6 Thanked 21 Times in 18 Posts	Well on his way to earning his 3rd Stripe....he just turned 2. My parents had a boat before me. I grew up loving it. Had a 13' Whaler at 12, which is in the garage now awaiting a cleanup for him. We also belong to a local boat club where I grew up swimming and sailing which turned into racing.