Anyone out there take their little ones on the boat with them? Any advice or lessons learned? Our daughter will be 8 months in mid-June, so she'll be crawling a bit by then. It will be difficult for us to stay away from the boat. I bought an appropriate life preserver already. Should I tether her or the preserver to something? Or is it better to hold her all the time on deck? Or both? I know there are lots of things to get into and hurt by on the boat. We probably won't do any long trips with her, just 1-3 hour sails at first. - Mel
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
G
Gerard
R
Rich Campbell
We did it with a one year old
We found it best to keep her in a life preserver while on deck and hold her. I never tried tethering, but believe it would cause more problems than it would solve. We have three kids and they were ages 6, 4 and 1 when we first bought our boat. Our youngest slept well on the boat in the aft cabin of our 29.5, and sailing during nap time was easiest. She just turned three and is always the first one to ask to go sailing.
We found it best to keep her in a life preserver while on deck and hold her. I never tried tethering, but believe it would cause more problems than it would solve. We have three kids and they were ages 6, 4 and 1 when we first bought our boat. Our youngest slept well on the boat in the aft cabin of our 29.5, and sailing during nap time was easiest. She just turned three and is always the first one to ask to go sailing.
R
Ray Bowles
Mel, You didn't say how big the boat is but it's
in the small boat area. Smaller boats are vunerable to seamingly harmless events that larger boats breeze through. Because of this you have to meet a much higher safety factor. A child of this size is a very precious item. She requires a full time adult in attendance while on the boat. A life jacket simply will not work, nor would an adult with a life jacket be any better. Water temp is the controlling factor. I took my 3 kids on many ventures when they were young and we survived them all, but someone should have kicked my butt and then done some real pounding. I sat down with my wife and talked about this very question tonight and I sadly found out 25 years later that she was petrified for the kids safety and there was no enjoyment at all for her. 25 years, that's very sad. That's my problem, not yours. If your wife is comfortable with your boat and your ability to sail and handle any event then go for it and enjoy. If she's not then rethink. She and your daughter get to shop and you take that 3 hour spin. In a few years you will all be able to play pirate games. I do, with my grandkids, and I'm thankful for that. Ray S/V Speedy
in the small boat area. Smaller boats are vunerable to seamingly harmless events that larger boats breeze through. Because of this you have to meet a much higher safety factor. A child of this size is a very precious item. She requires a full time adult in attendance while on the boat. A life jacket simply will not work, nor would an adult with a life jacket be any better. Water temp is the controlling factor. I took my 3 kids on many ventures when they were young and we survived them all, but someone should have kicked my butt and then done some real pounding. I sat down with my wife and talked about this very question tonight and I sadly found out 25 years later that she was petrified for the kids safety and there was no enjoyment at all for her. 25 years, that's very sad. That's my problem, not yours. If your wife is comfortable with your boat and your ability to sail and handle any event then go for it and enjoy. If she's not then rethink. She and your daughter get to shop and you take that 3 hour spin. In a few years you will all be able to play pirate games. I do, with my grandkids, and I'm thankful for that. Ray S/V Speedy
B
Bob
Do it! With care.
Mel We have had our three year old twins on our 35 since they were 3 months old. The first year was easy as they couldn't climb out of the cabin so that is where they stayed (with an adult), learn to single hand the boat. And to ease your wife's mind make sure she can handle the boat. After they are mobile use a life jacket with harness, the kids get used to it. Bob
Mel We have had our three year old twins on our 35 since they were 3 months old. The first year was easy as they couldn't climb out of the cabin so that is where they stayed (with an adult), learn to single hand the boat. And to ease your wife's mind make sure she can handle the boat. After they are mobile use a life jacket with harness, the kids get used to it. Bob
B
Brian Leney
Us, last year
I suggest your everyday car-seat for security. But as others suggest, size and stability of boat matters. We sailed with our infant (8 months old last August) all of last summer, for overnights and daysails on a Hunter 37.5. She loved it, we think. We reefed early and did not risk run-ins with the weather. When underway we kept her strapped in her car seat, which was strapped to the boat, in the shade somewhere under the bimini. Watch out for sunburn! You may want to think about a Stearns auto-inflating PFD. They have a model for infants < 30 lbs. and another for 30-50 lbs. Pricey but that's one area of the boat you just can't scrimp on.
I suggest your everyday car-seat for security. But as others suggest, size and stability of boat matters. We sailed with our infant (8 months old last August) all of last summer, for overnights and daysails on a Hunter 37.5. She loved it, we think. We reefed early and did not risk run-ins with the weather. When underway we kept her strapped in her car seat, which was strapped to the boat, in the shade somewhere under the bimini. Watch out for sunburn! You may want to think about a Stearns auto-inflating PFD. They have a model for infants < 30 lbs. and another for 30-50 lbs. Pricey but that's one area of the boat you just can't scrimp on.
T
T J Furstenau
Been there, done that
When we purchased our 26, we had three kids 5,3,& 1. 3 years (and one more child) later, the kids (8,6,4,2) generally do well on the boat. Our rules/guidelines have been as follows. 1.When in motion, kids always wear PFDs 2.When away from dock, PFDs above deck, not in cabin. 3.The older kids, while above deck, always know to keep one hand for the boat. 4.We have one of those clip-on high chairs that clamps to the cabin table for the youngest. VERY handy during meals, or when I really need a hand on deck. 5.One of you should be comfortable singlehanding, as the other is often busy with kids. But the kids need to be taught early that there are times when they need to go below and keep themselves entertained/quiet. (I find this is often pulling into a crowded harbor, right after the OB dies.) 6.The younger ones (when 2 and under) need adult supervision when above deck / in the cockpit. 7.Naptime is a good time to sail, the rear berth (using lifeline safety netting) makes a good crib/playpen. 8.Early mornings, before the kids are awake, is a GREAT time to sail. My wife and I actually can talk and enjoy a cup of coffee together. 9.Enjoy it, don't stress the kids out or let them stress you out, keep them involved, and have fun - while keeping safe. T J
When we purchased our 26, we had three kids 5,3,& 1. 3 years (and one more child) later, the kids (8,6,4,2) generally do well on the boat. Our rules/guidelines have been as follows. 1.When in motion, kids always wear PFDs 2.When away from dock, PFDs above deck, not in cabin. 3.The older kids, while above deck, always know to keep one hand for the boat. 4.We have one of those clip-on high chairs that clamps to the cabin table for the youngest. VERY handy during meals, or when I really need a hand on deck. 5.One of you should be comfortable singlehanding, as the other is often busy with kids. But the kids need to be taught early that there are times when they need to go below and keep themselves entertained/quiet. (I find this is often pulling into a crowded harbor, right after the OB dies.) 6.The younger ones (when 2 and under) need adult supervision when above deck / in the cockpit. 7.Naptime is a good time to sail, the rear berth (using lifeline safety netting) makes a good crib/playpen. 8.Early mornings, before the kids are awake, is a GREAT time to sail. My wife and I actually can talk and enjoy a cup of coffee together. 9.Enjoy it, don't stress the kids out or let them stress you out, keep them involved, and have fun - while keeping safe. T J
M
Mel
S
Scott B
Tether Worked Well
Both of our children (now 8 and 6) have been on sailboats since they were born. We have a few absolute rules which are never violated. From the time they set foot on the dock until the time they return to land they wear life jackets. The exception is if they are inside the cabin. If inside they can take them off for comfort, but can not pass the companionway or come outside without a lifejacket. The kids dont complain about this at all because they know it is an absolute rule. Regarding a tether. When they were real young we had a small 22' boat which heeled quite a bit. I set up a tether with about a six foot rope. Long enough to let them walk around, but short enough that they cant go overboard. It was a bit of a pain, but not bad at all, and the assurance of safety was definately worth it. If I had to do it all over again I would not change it. Hope this helps.
Both of our children (now 8 and 6) have been on sailboats since they were born. We have a few absolute rules which are never violated. From the time they set foot on the dock until the time they return to land they wear life jackets. The exception is if they are inside the cabin. If inside they can take them off for comfort, but can not pass the companionway or come outside without a lifejacket. The kids dont complain about this at all because they know it is an absolute rule. Regarding a tether. When they were real young we had a small 22' boat which heeled quite a bit. I set up a tether with about a six foot rope. Long enough to let them walk around, but short enough that they cant go overboard. It was a bit of a pain, but not bad at all, and the assurance of safety was definately worth it. If I had to do it all over again I would not change it. Hope this helps.
G
Gerard
you'll have lucky kids
Mel- Your kids will be lucky to grow up sailing. Since you have a cabin you will be virtually limitless. All good advice already received. Definitely be comfortable single handing. Always have the kids in life jackets when not in the cabin (always keep the jacket close and ready to go). We keep one in the car and one on the boat so we don't leave the only one at home by mistake (only made that mistake once!). We use a tether that is only long enough to keep them aboard. I don't want them going over and being dragged. Both our kids favorite activities were playing (or sitting) in a bucket full of water in the cockpit and throwing things (crackers, cheerios, sippy cups) overboard. Have a wonderful time! It's no harder having kids on a boat than it is on land.
Mel- Your kids will be lucky to grow up sailing. Since you have a cabin you will be virtually limitless. All good advice already received. Definitely be comfortable single handing. Always have the kids in life jackets when not in the cabin (always keep the jacket close and ready to go). We keep one in the car and one on the boat so we don't leave the only one at home by mistake (only made that mistake once!). We use a tether that is only long enough to keep them aboard. I don't want them going over and being dragged. Both our kids favorite activities were playing (or sitting) in a bucket full of water in the cockpit and throwing things (crackers, cheerios, sippy cups) overboard. Have a wonderful time! It's no harder having kids on a boat than it is on land.
J
John Allison
All My Children
All my children have grown up with/on boats, two of them from less than 1 month in age. The v berth with a barricade makes a wonderful sleep/play area when they are infants and the cabin makes for a relatively safe area. Once on deck, it is harness and life jacket time ... no ifs/ands/buts. They have been a joy. At first, my wife and I thought that our boating years were over ... at least until we were beyond the years of raising the children. But, we found that not to be the case ... actually, they are easier to travel with when that age than when in their teen years. There are some changes to make but not in the infant years. As they grow older, cruising with other boats with children of similar ages is a big plus. Entertainment is more important to the kids than that beautiful sunset. I used to take two weeks cruising the Chesapeake Bay every year with my kids (ages during that period were from 9 to 17) without problem. The trick was going from gunk hole to gunk hole with minimal time spent sailing allowing for maximum time spent playing. Typically, we spent two nights out in some secluded cove and one night in a full service marina. Worked great and these were truly enjoyable years. One caution .... we took our youngest (an infant at the time) out for the day, sailed and then anchored to do some fishing. Put her in one of those windup swings in the cockpit ... she really like her swing. At some point the swing got in sync with the rocking of the boat and if it had not been for a very alert mother, she would have been catipulted right out of the cockpit into the briny.
All my children have grown up with/on boats, two of them from less than 1 month in age. The v berth with a barricade makes a wonderful sleep/play area when they are infants and the cabin makes for a relatively safe area. Once on deck, it is harness and life jacket time ... no ifs/ands/buts. They have been a joy. At first, my wife and I thought that our boating years were over ... at least until we were beyond the years of raising the children. But, we found that not to be the case ... actually, they are easier to travel with when that age than when in their teen years. There are some changes to make but not in the infant years. As they grow older, cruising with other boats with children of similar ages is a big plus. Entertainment is more important to the kids than that beautiful sunset. I used to take two weeks cruising the Chesapeake Bay every year with my kids (ages during that period were from 9 to 17) without problem. The trick was going from gunk hole to gunk hole with minimal time spent sailing allowing for maximum time spent playing. Typically, we spent two nights out in some secluded cove and one night in a full service marina. Worked great and these were truly enjoyable years. One caution .... we took our youngest (an infant at the time) out for the day, sailed and then anchored to do some fishing. Put her in one of those windup swings in the cockpit ... she really like her swing. At some point the swing got in sync with the rocking of the boat and if it had not been for a very alert mother, she would have been catipulted right out of the cockpit into the briny.
M
Mel
Thanks for the advice
Thanks for all the advice. My wife & I are looking forward to this summer's adventure. We will be sure to play it safe.
Thanks for all the advice. My wife & I are looking forward to this summer's adventure. We will be sure to play it safe.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.