Thinking of buying a boat - what do I need?

Thinking of buying a boat - what do I need?

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Jonty355

Original Poster:

4,423 posts

213 months

Saturday 22nd August 2015
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Hi guys, I've always been a lover of boats as much as cars but never ventured into ownership - However I'm tempted to change this and buy a small cabin cruiser for the odd family weekend like a 2 or 4 berth.

The only problem is, I have absolutely no idea what so ever to look out for when buying a boat and then what I need to do once I have one? What insurances, licenses, tax's, certificates, and various other boatey things I need to sort.

Also, are they worth having? Has anyone tried having a boat and then regretted it for any reason? Am I better off just sticking to cars and using my parents static caravan?

Cheers
Jonty

Jonty355

Original Poster:

4,423 posts

213 months

Saturday 22nd August 2015
quotequote all
Was thinking of one that stayed in the water rather than faffing about with the trailor etc!

Jonty355

Original Poster:

4,423 posts

213 months

Saturday 22nd August 2015
quotequote all
ecsrobin said:
The first thing would be to book yourself on some RYA courses, that will then give you an understanding of what will be required. It is certainly not a cheap toy.

Just as a guide for a 65ft yacht I sail on its £18k per annum just for mooring fees down in the Solent.
I wasn't thinking of going that big on the boat size but christ! Suddenly a Ferrari seems a little less costly to run!

Maybe I wont bother getting a boat and will buy another car instead.

Jonty355

Original Poster:

4,423 posts

213 months

Saturday 22nd August 2015
quotequote all
I'd have thought it might actually be even cheaper up north where I am? Everythings cheaper up north!

I work shifts so would be a case of going and staying on it whenever it fitted in with that, so would like to think I'd get plenty of use out of it. I'd been looking at something around the 20ft mark too.

Jonty355

Original Poster:

4,423 posts

213 months

Saturday 22nd August 2015
quotequote all
Inland. Yorkshire area, probably around York.

Jonty355

Original Poster:

4,423 posts

213 months

Sunday 23rd August 2015
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I've had experience manouvering boats from a rib speedboat up to a large narrowboat. I have a friend that is a powerboat instructor so he gave me some experience with both a while ago.

I'l love a full metal narrowboat but my budget isn't going to stretch to one of those for now as I'd rather have something smaller for now at least to make sure I enjoy it first before getting serious and buying something big.

I've seen a few boats that are in the £4-7k bracket that need tidying up which I'd like the idea of as I can put my own stamp on things.

How often is the water safety certificate required and how much does this cost? Then is it just insurance and mooring fees or do you need river licenses depending on where you go?

Jonty355

Original Poster:

4,423 posts

213 months

Monday 24th August 2015
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Thanks for the replies guys. I think I have a better understanding about things now. Still very tempted but I may wait until next year now as I have some other projects taking up a lot of cash, so probably better to finish those and know where I stand first.

Thanks Jonty

Jonty355

Original Poster:

4,423 posts

213 months

Tuesday 8th September 2015
quotequote all
Well, despite some of the advice you guys gave to not buy one.... I've still gone and bought one!

Bought a 21ft 2 berth motor boat, moored in a decent place that we intend on keeping it at which is 40 minutes away. Based near Leeds so access to plenty of locations around there. Comes with BSS until April 2018. Had a recent refurb inside, although we'll probably do a little more to bring it up to scratch for what we need. Its in great condition though, had recent defouling etc and new transom. 15bhp Honda engine.

Me and my dad have gone halves and are giving boating a go for a year, although it will depend on how it goes in that time as to whether we keep or sell. Who knows!

Jonty355

Original Poster:

4,423 posts

213 months

Tuesday 8th September 2015
quotequote all
Its a 21ft Buckingham from the mid 80's. Yeah I'd wondered if I would want something bigger after a while. But hopefully it'll do for now!

Jonty355

Original Poster:

4,423 posts

213 months

Tuesday 8th September 2015
quotequote all
No, looks similar though but in white with blue just above waterline.

I'm looking forward to learning about them though. I had a crash course from a friend with a power boat a few weeks ago which was a lot of fun but very different to this. Cant see me going out to see and catching some air between waves on this!