Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

[beniam]

This is probably a dumb question, but what age is it safe to take grandkids boating. Have a 16 ft aluminum fishing boat, reasonably good for two adults, and two kids. Grandkid ages 3,and 3 and 4. I am assuming an additional adult on board.<br />Since my kids pick up the tab at the restaurant now and then, I assume they are grown up.<br />Batavier

 

[lingcod]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

batavier, way to go! It's never too soon to take kids out on a boat. some of the best times you will ever have is with the kids out fishing or just floating around on a sunny day. just remember PFD'S for ALL aboard. yes even the grownups. kids move fast so keep a sharp eye on them. have a great time with the grandkids.<br /><br />lingcod

 

[JB]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

My children and grandchildren were comfortable on a boat from about 3, Batavier.<br /><br />Good PFDs and instant obedience are a requirement.<br /><br />Great Grandson is now 3. Time to make a sailor out of him.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

Both my girls have been boating at 8 and 9 months, We just stayed on the Trent-Severn waterway and did not venture out to big water, just put a pfd on them and took shorter trips, and kept the sun off them, they are now 6 and 8 years old and love boating, they always wear a pfd without a fight and always remain seated in the boat... A family that can play together will stay together.

 

[Barlow]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

yep .. right outta the chute! .. get 'em out there and instill the outdoors early!<br /><br />

 

[PAkev]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

I've got a 5,4, & 2 yr old and we are all fairly comfortable on my 20ft CC. However, fishing is a different story. <br /><br />My kids need constant attention for baiting the hook, untangling line, untangling line, and more untangling line. Therefore, the one on one scenario seems to work best for us right now.<br />It's also a good excuse to go fishing 3 times more often. I resigned to the fact that I don't expect to fish if I am with one of my kids because I find more enjoyment giving them my attention to let them know I am there to help them learn while also being grateful for the time we are able to spend together.<br /><br /><br />My grandfather loved to fish but died before I was born. I often wish I had the opportunity to share our interests together. <br /><br />Your boat, rods, tackle, etc. won't know or care when you are gone but your grandchildren will remember the time you spent and taught them about fishing. Enjoy the grandchildren!

 

[beniam]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

Thanks everybody for the encouragement. I will make plans to haul my boat to Va and Co as part of my visits. Had very specific requests from both my son and daughter to come and visit just this week. Be happy, enjoy life , spring is coming soon. Batavier

 

[PAkev]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

Hey Batavier,<br /><br />Did you think about having the grand kids come to visit you during the BASSMASTER Classic this year in Pittsburgh? This may be a good catalyst to wet their appetite. I believe it is scheduled for the last weekend in July. Details could be found at Bassmaster.com if you want to look into it a little more.<br /><br />Enjoy!

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

Pakev. I will be going. We got friends up there and I am a DIE HARD STEELER FAN! I get the best of both worlds lol. Should be fun this year. <br /><br />I also have a daughter who will be one in May. She will be taking her first trip this year...........if the wife will let me.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

Had my 8 mo old son in the boat last summer. He was wearing a proper sized PFD and sitting in a car seat, although not strapped in. Thought it was better he be unattached should he end up in the water. The kids PFD's will keep their head out of the water even if knocked out.<br /><br />My wife was there to keep the kids under control. <br /><br />Should be interesting this summer now that my baby boy is 16 months and climbing on everything. Should probably just strap him to a seat with duct tape so he doesn't climb overboard.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

Get 'em in the boat early so they get use to the routines. The sooner they get a PFD on, the easier it will be down the road. Get them to wear the PFD around the house to get them use to it. Take the time to explain what is expected of them in the boat before you leave the dock. Be patient. The first few times out they will be excited and won't sit still very long. Have fun and enjoy your time together. My two boys have been boating and wilderness canoe camping since 2 yrs old. Can't keep them away from the water now at 12 and 15 yrs.

 

[captain spike]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

ive been boating with my kids since they could walk(their now 11 and 14)they have never been a problem except when they try to throw each other of the boat ha ha ha ha, but they know they have to sit when under way ,wear there life jackets its been noyhing but a blast!we enjoy our time on the boat,fishing,tubing,sking or just floatin<br /> <br />g and talking yes talking........enjoy <br /> GO PATRIOTS<br /> ***1971 18' winner 1969 115 jonny***<br /> "THURSDAY"

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: Grandpa, age to take grandkids boating.

Go to the closest spot to catch fish. Sunnies, Crappies, Pearch etc. The closer the better. Take some snackies and drinks then enjoy. When they get bored, take them back. <br /> I always waited for the child. One was good at 6 years and one at 7. But don"t force and if they are 4 or 5? More power too you.