Taking a river cruiser onto a lough/sea
Discussion
Hi someone local to me is selling a decent river cruiser at very good price and I am tempted to buy it for scuba use, only problem is I live beside a massive saltwater lough and the Irish Sea, not a large river!
What are the issues with using a boat built as a river cruiser on the sea? Stability, durability, lacking power/speed? The lough is very large and should be fine as its sheltered but I wouldnt want to be limited to just lough use, when theres very interesting wrecks to visit not very far out to sea.
I hope this doesnt show up my nievity about boat ownership,
Any advice appreciated!
BTW here is the boat - http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/2-be...
Here is the lough - http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=carlingford+lough&...
What are the issues with using a boat built as a river cruiser on the sea? Stability, durability, lacking power/speed? The lough is very large and should be fine as its sheltered but I wouldnt want to be limited to just lough use, when theres very interesting wrecks to visit not very far out to sea.
I hope this doesnt show up my nievity about boat ownership,
Any advice appreciated!
BTW here is the boat - http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/2-be...
Here is the lough - http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=carlingford+lough&...
Edited by Decky_Q on Tuesday 12th June 12:00
Edited by Decky_Q on Tuesday 12th June 12:03
No mention of trailer or condition so may be worth even less if I go to see it.
As a guide I was looking at a recent build shetland dory day fishing boat with trailer, surveyed and warrantied, with new engine for £4k so there are some awesome deals if you are interested, even more so if you can sail.
As a guide I was looking at a recent build shetland dory day fishing boat with trailer, surveyed and warrantied, with new engine for £4k so there are some awesome deals if you are interested, even more so if you can sail.
There's quite a lot of differences between sea going and river albeit they can be taken out with a bit of thought.
Single engine offshore, bad idea so take an auxiliary.
In a sea they will bob about like a cork so don't expect an easy ride if the wind comes up which it will. That's when things start falling off so check everything is well mounted.
Then look at the boat and whether it can ship water. River cruisers generally won't have much in the way of bilge pumps and the decks are not necessarily sealed that well. Can the cockpit drain quickly if it takes one over the top?
Radio is a must and give some thought to how you would get home if a sea mist comes in. Not many river cruisers have a compass let alone GPS.
Single engine offshore, bad idea so take an auxiliary.
In a sea they will bob about like a cork so don't expect an easy ride if the wind comes up which it will. That's when things start falling off so check everything is well mounted.
Then look at the boat and whether it can ship water. River cruisers generally won't have much in the way of bilge pumps and the decks are not necessarily sealed that well. Can the cockpit drain quickly if it takes one over the top?
Radio is a must and give some thought to how you would get home if a sea mist comes in. Not many river cruisers have a compass let alone GPS.
That boat is very lightweight, has a fairly shallow hull, and will be adversely affected by wind, cargo weight and wash/waves.
I think it would be OK on a calm day, but just don't push your luck and remember it's not a sea fairing hull. If you consider conditions to be marginal, then leave it and come back to go out another day.
Great value though even if it's knackered!
I think it would be OK on a calm day, but just don't push your luck and remember it's not a sea fairing hull. If you consider conditions to be marginal, then leave it and come back to go out another day.
Great value though even if it's knackered!
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