Solent Boat Training Client Reviews
Diesel Engine Maintenance
Ringwood
Thank you Sean for an excellent course, it was informative , interesting and perfectly balanced. I would have no hesitation in recommending this to anyone with a marine diesel engine, who wants to both be able to save a few quid and also maybe fix something before calling for help and getting out the credit card. My two sons who also use my boat will be booked onto the course next year . Book the course !! You won't regret it.
04/12/2023
Powerboat Night Exercises Course
East Midlands
My thanks to Bryan, our expert RYA instructor, for leading we two skippers on an exhilarating and fun Powerboat Night Exercises Course in the Solent.
The comprehensive shore briefing included a helpful set of videos and photos - as well as a run through on the local charts and pilotage guides. Now prepared – we would be able to put Bryan’s navigation plan cards into action as we spotted and recognised the lights across the Solent seascape.
After getting togged up with a few layers plus jacket and trousers it was a perfect cold and clear evening to head away from the dock on SBT’s top-spec RIB and into Southampton Water.
The Solent is the very best place to experience night navigation because it offers almost all the lights that a recreational skipper is likely to encounter – all within one night’s passage.
Bryan encouraged us to get on with the helming and navigation in turns – but was still a reassuring presence to have on hand as he supervised our moves and pointed out tips along the way.
There is every good reason for a serious skipper to book onto the course – it is a great navigation confidence builder whilst being a lot of fun.
Very well done Bryan - and thank you.
01/12/2023
Night Navigation
Solent Southampton
For what this course cost, I was not expecting much but let me say it VASTLY out delivered on all aspects!
Bryan our instructor started us with a great breakdown on night safety, navigation, lighting and a breakdown of what we would be doing. The 'blind black boat' lights quiz as not only really challenging but really helped me to understand what lights a boat had when no boat could be seen.
When we got out onto the water, it was amazing. Bryan laid out navigation points using buoys and it suddenly all clicked! We racked up a huge amount of distance and covered everything needed to safety navigate around at night. It was educational, motivational and a heck of a lot of fun! I would highly recommned this course to anyone be that sail or power boat. 10/10 and I will be booking on another with my wife when they set some new dates.
30/11/2023
Day Skipper
London
Did a few courses with SBT and recently got my Day Skipper license. Dom is an excellent instructor and I learnt a lot of best practices. Simon is great and went above and beyond to help me build experience and understanding as a Day Skipper, and is a fun guy. Would return to do further training with both/either. Thanks guys for the experience!
29/11/2023
RYA PB4 Advanced Powerboat
North Derbyshire
Underpinned by a depth of real world, hands on experience this amazing course was facilitated and assessed by Bryan. The two days (and night) of on-going assessment was both relaxed and informative. Bryan was able to 'steer a steady course' through the RYA Advanced Powerboat certificate, using a variety of teaching and assessments methods to suit individual learning styles. The boats used for the course are maintained to a high level and the indoor classroom facilities are more than adequate with a wealth of supporting training/assessment resources, backed up with a depth of professional knowledge by Bryan, to underpin a truly memorable assessment... A big thank you to all staff behind the scenes at Solent Boat Training for making this assessment so enjoyable and especially Bryan.
28/11/2023
Powerboat level 2, Powerboat handling
Shamrock Quay, Southampton
My experience at Solent Boat Training for the Powerboat Level 2 course was nothing short of exceptional. Under the guidance of Jude, an outstanding instructor, the two-day program was an incredibly enriching journey into powerboat handling.
The course structure, with approximately four hours in the classroom and ten hours on the water, struck a perfect balance between theory and practical application. Jude’s expertise and teaching skills made every moment informative, engaging, and enjoyable.
The facilities were impeccable, ensuring a comfortable and conducive learning environment. From theory sessions to practical exercises, everything was meticulously organised, allowing us to focus on learning with ease.
The highlight was undoubtedly the hands-on experience, spending ample time - around ten hours - out on the water. This practical approach instilled a sense of confidence in handling a boat effectively.
Overall, this course exceeded expectations. I now feel competent and secure in my ability to handle a boat, all thanks to the comprehensive training and the wonderful experience provided by Solent Boat Training. Highly recommended for anyone looking for thorough and professional powerboat instruction!
27/11/2023
Pb2
Southampton
Well maintained boats, great instructors, great location.
27/11/2023
Competent Crew Course
London
I just finished my competent crew training with Solent Boat Training and I can't be more content. I had no real prior knowledge about sailing and now I love it thanks to them. Everybody in the office was very welcoming and informative; Mike the instructor was super professional with extremely rich experience, he has such an assuring and relaxing way of teaching. The boat itself was very comfortable and had everything we needed. It was the best thing I've done recently. I totally recommend this place to start sailing.
27/11/2023
Powerboat Level 2 & Powerboat Night Navigation
London
I have now done two course at Solent Boat Training and both I'd recommend highly. The instructors are skilled and knowledgeable and they make the sessions fun and engaging. I've left with much more confidence and knowledge and I can't wait to get back out on the water!
27/11/2023
Power boat level 2
Solent boat training
Really enjoyed the course, had a great weekend out on the water. Would recommend to anyone
27/11/2023
Marina Handling
Oxford
Usual high-quality, hands-on stuff from SBT. Hugely knowledgeable skipper and plenty of practise mooring, holding a position, evaluating the best approach based on tide and wind, and turning the boat in a confined space. Great value, too, for 8 hours on the water.
27/11/2023
Power Boat II
Gothenburg Sweden
I could have done my Powerboat II course anywhere in the UK, yet I chose Solent Boat Training. It was actually due to the amount of positive reviews, and needless to say, I was not disappointed. Wonderful course, wonderful people, wonderful experience.
Nils
24/11/2023
Competent Crew
Solent
Great course, fantastic and well qualified instructor, who made the learning fun and easy.
21/11/2023
Day Skipper Theory
Shamrock Quay
I did the course over two weekends - the first one Friday to Sunday and the other Sat /Sun on the next weekend .All of the materials are provided but we were also given details of other useful books and other courses that may be ofuse - like VHF radio.
The group was small - just 8 and that made sure we could all ask questions and get some one to one support with tricky problems especially the more advanced chartwork ( Well it seemed advanced to me !)
I have to say that the quality of the teaching was very high and Matt the instructor had lots of very useful real life sailing / powerboating tips and advice which brought the course to life . The venue is good and being in the marina was useful as we were able to get out of the classroom and have a look at some of the boats out of the water and look at their features .
A really good course thanks !
20/11/2023
Intermediate Power boating (level 30
Romsey
Completed this course 17/11/23. I can recommend this course as a follow on from the level 2 course completed with Southampton Boat Training .
It installed confidence with hands on plotting of a course to a given destination and then physically completing it. Plus lots more around seamanship/navigation/and hands on tips around the boat and operating it safely.
S.B.T. have great training facilities with easy parking and moorings on hand. A fun learning environment. Sean our instructor could not have been more accommodating, using a pleasant training style to enthuse and encourage us. Having completed 4 courses with S.B.T. it is their ethos that will encourage me to do more with them. Thank you.
20/11/2023
POWER BOAT LEVEL 2
Shamrock Quay, Southampton
I am still buzzing from the 2 day experience, which was led by Bryan Pummell. Bryan made the whole experience fun, enjoy full and very informative. He truly made us understand the information and put me at ease as I was so nervous going into this course. Coming from no boating experience, I have a lot more confident all thanks to Bryan for his expertise and basically dumming it down so we could understand. Overall I would highly recommend Solent Boat Training as they offer so much, cannot wait to come back and do my VHF radio course with them. Again I just want to express my gratitude to Bryan and Solent Boat Training for everything. See you next time on my next course.
20/11/2023
Power Boat L2
Solent Boat Training
Bryan was our instructor. The training he provides is excellent with loads of time to develop practical skills.
The ribs were great and Solent Boat training is in a prime location It is easy to get to, close to some safe and easy waters to start practicing, and close to the Solent for a more challenging environment.
A great course that I strongly recommend.
20/11/2023
RYA Powerboat Level 2 & VHF Course Assessment
Shamrock Quay
Absolute great course, good fun and educational weekend. I had Bryan as our instructor and he was absolutely phenomenal! Really easy going and adjusted things with us, if we needed more time to focus on a skill over something else then we spent the time learning it. We all got plenty of wheel time on the vessel and I for one enjoyed every minute of it.
Thanks Bryan! Thanks SBT!
20/11/2023
Powerboat Level 2 Course
Shamrock Quay
I found Solent Boat Training online when looking for a Powerboat level 2 course. My wife and I have previously done our Day Skipper certificate in Greece, but would like to get into Motorboats. The online booking was very easy and I was given helpful advice by phone prior to joining the course. We were taught by Sam and there were 3 students to one instructor. The teaching started with a refresher on safety procedures and then straight out into practical skills. Sam has a very friendly and easy way of teaching, and is very calm. The two day course passed by very quickly. We were delighted with the teaching we received and now feel confident to begin using a motorboat. We will definitely be back soon to do the level 3 course. The shore facilities were also excellent, with easy parking. Thoroughly recommended!
20/11/2023
Powerboat Level 2
Southampton
Really enjoyable course led by Bryan, would thoroughly recommend it.
19/11/2023
Powerboat Level 2
Shamrock Quay
Michael delivered a great training course that was really well explained and delivered in the class room and he showed skill, knowledge and patience during the practical sessions. Facilities and equipment were just as required both on land and at sea and we both thoroughly enjoyed our 2 days with you and came away with more than we expected in terms of skills and knowhow, giving us the confidence to transfer this to our own boat ownership experience. I don't doubt that if and when we require any further training in this field that Solent will be top our list and we would be more than happy to recommend you.
18/11/2023
Powerboat Level 2
Shamrock Quay
Great course led ably and in an easy to follow fashion by Michael. Lots of practical advice and despite the very blustery and wet at times weather we all passed successfully. I look forward to future training.
15/11/2023
Competent Crew
Southampton
5 days of sailing in November might not sound like fun, but it was! I suspect you learn more when the weather is as it was. Gusty!
The course was recommended by members of my sailing club who initially did day skipper and competent crew together, and both are now day skippers. I can't fault their recommendation.
Dom was good company as well as being an excellent instructor.
I'm looking forward to the VHF Radio course next, and putting my new skills to use.
15/11/2023
Powerboat Level 3
Southampton
We enjoyed an incredible weekend with Bryan, whose expertise guided us to achieve our Level 3 power boating certification. His affable nature made the learning experience both enjoyable and informative. The weekend flew by, leaving us with lasting memories of acquiring new skills in a laid-back atmosphere. This relaxed setting deepened our love for boating, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Thanks Bryan and Solent Boat Training, hope to see you soon again.
13/11/2023
Level 2 powerboat
Solent
Great course all around Bryan made everything easy to
Understand and enjoyable. Overall a first class experience, I was nervous before we started but made to feel at ease. Great course easy to access.
13/11/2023