Which boat for next summer?
Discussion
I work with the type of boats that you are looking at .
Nothing really between the different outboard manufacturers , people have their favourite brand but they are all pretty good these days . If you had a choice having a local dealer would be more important than the colour of the lid .
Quite rightly lots have said get a survey but bear in mind that although most surveyors will tell you the external condition of your engine . ie Mountings / steering / fuel supply etc they don't normally get involved with the actual running side of things .
Like most mechanical things these days modern outboards are complex , all are fuel injection with an ecu and loads of sensors , some are turbocharged or supercharged . It is an engine / gearbox / steering / power trim / charging system all in one . I would recommend getting a qualified brand mechanic to plug it in and give you a condition report after a water test , more so if you are looking at an inboard setup.
On these type of boats 95% of your future boating problems will come from the engine / drive system .
Good luck and enjoy
Nothing really between the different outboard manufacturers , people have their favourite brand but they are all pretty good these days . If you had a choice having a local dealer would be more important than the colour of the lid .
Quite rightly lots have said get a survey but bear in mind that although most surveyors will tell you the external condition of your engine . ie Mountings / steering / fuel supply etc they don't normally get involved with the actual running side of things .
Like most mechanical things these days modern outboards are complex , all are fuel injection with an ecu and loads of sensors , some are turbocharged or supercharged . It is an engine / gearbox / steering / power trim / charging system all in one . I would recommend getting a qualified brand mechanic to plug it in and give you a condition report after a water test , more so if you are looking at an inboard setup.
On these type of boats 95% of your future boating problems will come from the engine / drive system .
Good luck and enjoy
Okay so I have now viewed the two main contenders.
This one as spotted by Pequod For £50k. Belmont.
And this one I found for £51k. Queen Bee.
The bigger and slightly more expensive boat is nice. It has done 280 hours and has a good spec.
It has a few marks and the chrome is a little green around the rod holders. But it has just been serviced and anti-fouled.
I was very much looking forward to seeing the 695, but was disappointed.
It is immaculate but does not have many of the things we would like. It has no sink or basin in the heads. It doesn’t have patio seating or table. It also needs a service and anti fouling. There was quite a lot of weed trailing from the engine mount.
So, the 795 was the more suitable boat, but with higher hours. It also benefits from a pensioner tent, which would be useful if we decided to boat through the winter.
So, how does Queen Bee look to the PH cognoscenti? Worth making an offer or should we wait?
I must say that whilst I LIKE the bigger format 795 there is something quite appealing about the 695 format.
This one as spotted by Pequod For £50k. Belmont.
And this one I found for £51k. Queen Bee.
The bigger and slightly more expensive boat is nice. It has done 280 hours and has a good spec.
It has a few marks and the chrome is a little green around the rod holders. But it has just been serviced and anti-fouled.
I was very much looking forward to seeing the 695, but was disappointed.
It is immaculate but does not have many of the things we would like. It has no sink or basin in the heads. It doesn’t have patio seating or table. It also needs a service and anti fouling. There was quite a lot of weed trailing from the engine mount.
So, the 795 was the more suitable boat, but with higher hours. It also benefits from a pensioner tent, which would be useful if we decided to boat through the winter.
So, how does Queen Bee look to the PH cognoscenti? Worth making an offer or should we wait?
I must say that whilst I LIKE the bigger format 795 there is something quite appealing about the 695 format.
Louis Balfour said:
So, how does Queen Bee look to the PH cognoscenti? Worth making an offer or should we wait?
Unless it's a rare and sought-after boat there is no need to buy at this time of year.The discount you get probably isn't enough to cover the winter storage cost.
If it's what you want, an offer at 10%-15% off asking in February/March, subject to survey and vendor paying for engine service and new antifoul, is probably the best strategy.
I would say there's little to gain by buying the smaller boat other than (possibly) lower mooring fees.
Consider the stuff you'll want on board, over and above the family - SUPs, maybe a tender, fishing kit, life jackets, cooking stuff, crockery etc. It all takes up room and the more you have the better.
Re a time to buy...boats have gone up noticeably this year, if another lockdown comes in they could go again. Wait till spring sounds sensible but if you've seen a boat you absolutely love, buy it or you'll forever regret it when you can't find one of similar spec again. I did this last year and missed out on a beautfiul Antares 8.8, for £45k....
Consider the stuff you'll want on board, over and above the family - SUPs, maybe a tender, fishing kit, life jackets, cooking stuff, crockery etc. It all takes up room and the more you have the better.
Re a time to buy...boats have gone up noticeably this year, if another lockdown comes in they could go again. Wait till spring sounds sensible but if you've seen a boat you absolutely love, buy it or you'll forever regret it when you can't find one of similar spec again. I did this last year and missed out on a beautfiul Antares 8.8, for £45k....
Badda said:
Wait till spring sounds sensible but if you've seen a boat you absolutely love, buy it or you'll forever regret it when you can't find one of similar spec again.
Yep, good boats can sell within 24 hours of the advert going live, especially with Covid around. Next spring the bunfight will start, competition will be hotter and prices will go up.Winter storage - well you can still use boats in the winter, it's just colder
I wouldn't let engine hours sway my decision - compared to cars, boat engines do very little work.
As Simoncelli says, a surveyor won't examine the engine, other than 'Engine - one - appears to be in good order' etc. For that you need an engineer if you want to be really fussy.
Louis Balfour said:
snipped...
The bigger and slightly more expensive boat is nice. It has done 280 hours and has a good spec.
It has a few marks and the chrome is a little green around the rod holders. But it has just been serviced and anti-fouled.
I was very much looking forward to seeing the 695, but was disappointed.
It is immaculate but does not have many of the things we would like. It has no sink or basin in the heads. It doesn’t have patio seating or table. It also needs a service and anti fouling. There was quite a lot of weed trailing from the engine mount.
So, the 795 was the more suitable boat, but with higher hours. It also benefits from a pensioner tent, which would be useful if we decided to boat through the winter.
So, how does Queen Bee look to the PH cognoscenti? Worth making an offer or should we wait?
I must say that whilst I LIKE the bigger format 795 there is something quite appealing about the 695 format.
The 795 is obviously a better option if you are not intending to trailer it around regularly as it will be quite a lot more effort to launch and recover and will need a much larger 4x4 to tow with and at over nine feet wide will be quite a handful, unless you are used to towing a big lump?The bigger and slightly more expensive boat is nice. It has done 280 hours and has a good spec.
It has a few marks and the chrome is a little green around the rod holders. But it has just been serviced and anti-fouled.
I was very much looking forward to seeing the 695, but was disappointed.
It is immaculate but does not have many of the things we would like. It has no sink or basin in the heads. It doesn’t have patio seating or table. It also needs a service and anti fouling. There was quite a lot of weed trailing from the engine mount.
So, the 795 was the more suitable boat, but with higher hours. It also benefits from a pensioner tent, which would be useful if we decided to boat through the winter.
So, how does Queen Bee look to the PH cognoscenti? Worth making an offer or should we wait?
I must say that whilst I LIKE the bigger format 795 there is something quite appealing about the 695 format.
That particular one (Queen Bee) is nicely specced and having a cockpit enclosure does extend the season and affords somewhere else to sit and enjoy food/drink, even in the Summer evenings when temps can drop once the sun sets. Saying that, you did say previously that you and the family weren't intending to stay on board overnight so having a larger, more comfortable boat to 'live' on makes buying one with all the creature comforts, somewhat moot!
As for the 695, I understand you viewed a new one previously and that would be the mk 2 model which has undergone a few changes including more seating in the cockpit and maybe the boat you saw had a few more optional extras such as a handbasin in the heads and cockpit table both of which were available on the mk 1 (such as Belmont)? A cockpit table is a straightforward retrofit should you wish to get it fitted, as should a handbasin in the toilet. Can't easily add the extra seating as it was a change in the deck moulding but the transom seating is the same on both and cockpit cushions are readily available.
More of concern is the weed on the outboard. Was it hanging on the bracket as you suggested and, if so, would suggest it was a bit of loose weed or was it attached to the bottom of the leg (below the prop) in which case that is not good and shows the boat hasn't been out of the water for months, and possibly longer! I assume the outboard was in the raised position? The underwater hull will also be thick with weed too if the outboard is heavily fouled as you suggest but without seeing more photos I can only guess.
If you're still keen on it, it may be worth asking a MF agent to find the cost of adding the extras you would like to have and then adjust your offer accordingly and as I have already suggested an offer of £45k then I would deduct further for those too!
Would you be keen to buy it at £42k?
If you still plan to tour around on a trailer, go for the smaller boat. My Robalo 180 is 2.44m beam (about 2m agl when on trailer) and the MF795 is 2.8m beam. I have to be super careful with road placement on twisty A roads, so an extra foot of width will not be relaxing. Box van drivers see big articulated lorries coming, but don't always realise a boat has similar width/height because they see the 4x4 in front.
Shorter boat also makes mooring space at the pub pontoon easier, whilst the longer boat will be more comfortable in chop.
Also if trailering, wintering the boat onshore will be easy. Mine is now safely tucked up inside my barn.
Shorter boat also makes mooring space at the pub pontoon easier, whilst the longer boat will be more comfortable in chop.
Also if trailering, wintering the boat onshore will be easy. Mine is now safely tucked up inside my barn.
pequod said:
The 795 is obviously a better option if you are not intending to trailer it around regularly as it will be quite a lot more effort to launch and recover and will need a much larger 4x4 to tow with and at over nine feet wide will be quite a handful, unless you are used to towing a big lump?
That particular one (Queen Bee) is nicely specced and having a cockpit enclosure does extend the season and affords somewhere else to sit and enjoy food/drink, even in the Summer evenings when temps can drop once the sun sets. Saying that, you did say previously that you and the family weren't intending to stay on board overnight so having a larger, more comfortable boat to 'live' on makes buying one with all the creature comforts, somewhat moot!
As for the 695, I understand you viewed a new one previously and that would be the mk 2 model which has undergone a few changes including more seating in the cockpit and maybe the boat you saw had a few more optional extras such as a handbasin in the heads and cockpit table both of which were available on the mk 1 (such as Belmont)? A cockpit table is a straightforward retrofit should you wish to get it fitted, as should a handbasin in the toilet. Can't easily add the extra seating as it was a change in the deck moulding but the transom seating is the same on both and cockpit cushions are readily available.
More of concern is the weed on the outboard. Was it hanging on the bracket as you suggested and, if so, would suggest it was a bit of loose weed or was it attached to the bottom of the leg (below the prop) in which case that is not good and shows the boat hasn't been out of the water for months, and possibly longer! I assume the outboard was in the raised position? The underwater hull will also be thick with weed too if the outboard is heavily fouled as you suggest but without seeing more photos I can only guess.
If you're still keen on it, it may be worth asking a MF agent to find the cost of adding the extras you would like to have and then adjust your offer accordingly and as I have already suggested an offer of £45k then I would deduct further for those too!
Would you be keen to buy it at £42k?
The weed was attached on the bottom of the bracket that attaches the engine to the transom if that makes sense. It wasn't just something that had snagged on the way into the marina, the whole area was green. It was growing there.That particular one (Queen Bee) is nicely specced and having a cockpit enclosure does extend the season and affords somewhere else to sit and enjoy food/drink, even in the Summer evenings when temps can drop once the sun sets. Saying that, you did say previously that you and the family weren't intending to stay on board overnight so having a larger, more comfortable boat to 'live' on makes buying one with all the creature comforts, somewhat moot!
As for the 695, I understand you viewed a new one previously and that would be the mk 2 model which has undergone a few changes including more seating in the cockpit and maybe the boat you saw had a few more optional extras such as a handbasin in the heads and cockpit table both of which were available on the mk 1 (such as Belmont)? A cockpit table is a straightforward retrofit should you wish to get it fitted, as should a handbasin in the toilet. Can't easily add the extra seating as it was a change in the deck moulding but the transom seating is the same on both and cockpit cushions are readily available.
More of concern is the weed on the outboard. Was it hanging on the bracket as you suggested and, if so, would suggest it was a bit of loose weed or was it attached to the bottom of the leg (below the prop) in which case that is not good and shows the boat hasn't been out of the water for months, and possibly longer! I assume the outboard was in the raised position? The underwater hull will also be thick with weed too if the outboard is heavily fouled as you suggest but without seeing more photos I can only guess.
If you're still keen on it, it may be worth asking a MF agent to find the cost of adding the extras you would like to have and then adjust your offer accordingly and as I have already suggested an offer of £45k then I would deduct further for those too!
Would you be keen to buy it at £42k?
Also you could see barnacles above and below the waterline. The broker said it had last been out of the water early 2020...I maybe believe him, maybe not.
Belmont lacked heads basin, sink, water storage, patio table, patio corner unit, fridge. It also had the reversible co-pilot seat where you have to pull the back out of the holes and reverse it. The 795 and I think the Mk2 have the seat that pivots.
I don't think I want THAT 695 at any price, because I sense that it is a boat that someone specced lightly and has potentially not taken out of the water ever. It's very tidy though.
Simpo Two said:
Badda said:
Wait till spring sounds sensible but if you've seen a boat you absolutely love, buy it or you'll forever regret it when you can't find one of similar spec again.
Yep, good boats can sell within 24 hours of the advert going live, especially with Covid around. Next spring the bunfight will start, competition will be hotter and prices will go up.Winter storage - well you can still use boats in the winter, it's just colder
I wouldn't let engine hours sway my decision - compared to cars, boat engines do very little work.
As Simoncelli says, a surveyor won't examine the engine, other than 'Engine - one - appears to be in good order' etc. For that you need an engineer if you want to be really fussy.
Boat we eventually bought on a Friday had two more people waiting to view on Saturday.
Like Simpo I can't wait to see how much mooring fees and boatyard hourly rates go up next year...
Jaguar steve said:
Simpo Two said:
Badda said:
Wait till spring sounds sensible but if you've seen a boat you absolutely love, buy it or you'll forever regret it when you can't find one of similar spec again.
Yep, good boats can sell within 24 hours of the advert going live, especially with Covid around. Next spring the bunfight will start, competition will be hotter and prices will go up.Winter storage - well you can still use boats in the winter, it's just colder
I wouldn't let engine hours sway my decision - compared to cars, boat engines do very little work.
As Simoncelli says, a surveyor won't examine the engine, other than 'Engine - one - appears to be in good order' etc. For that you need an engineer if you want to be really fussy.
Boat we eventually bought on a Friday had two more people waiting to view on Saturday.
Like Simpo I can't wait to see how much mooring fees and boatyard hourly rates go up next year...
Obviously, the marina operators will be making the most of this windfall! Best advice for new boat owners is to check the prices wherever they are intending to moor before committing to that new boat!
Jaguar steve said:
Simpo Two said:
Badda said:
Wait till spring sounds sensible but if you've seen a boat you absolutely love, buy it or you'll forever regret it when you can't find one of similar spec again.
Yep, good boats can sell within 24 hours of the advert going live, especially with Covid around. Next spring the bunfight will start, competition will be hotter and prices will go up.Winter storage - well you can still use boats in the winter, it's just colder
I wouldn't let engine hours sway my decision - compared to cars, boat engines do very little work.
As Simoncelli says, a surveyor won't examine the engine, other than 'Engine - one - appears to be in good order' etc. For that you need an engineer if you want to be really fussy.
Boat we eventually bought on a Friday had two more people waiting to view on Saturday.
Like Simpo I can't wait to see how much mooring fees and boatyard hourly rates go up next year...
I was after a new rib having sold my old one at the end of last season. I blew that off and will buy this winter I stead, as prices appear to be getting back to sanity again.
Jaguar steve said:
Like Simpo I can't wait to see how much mooring fees and boatyard hourly rates go up next year...
Well I meant boat prices, not moorings etc. Mind you I appreciate that inland is a bit different from coastal, and seems to be cheaper. The marina for my 27' cruiser is about £1,100pa. Mind you it doesn't have a disco or panoramic brunch bar like those coastal ones 
pequod said:
Best advice for new boat owners is to check the prices wherever they are intending to moor before committing to that new boat!
I've seen people trailering their boats in and out of the water and it seems like an awful faff, not to mention a risk of damaging something every time. Yes you save on marina fees but I really do prefer just turning up, getting on and going.IforB said:
I think that wee bubble may have passed. I have never seen anything like it though. Boats were being sold at a rate that defied any explanation and even absolute dross was commanding a premium.
I was after a new rib having sold my old one at the end of last season. I blew that off and will buy this winter I stead, as prices appear to be getting back to sanity again.
A dip over Winter, but I expect the asking price of boats to surge again next Spring as folk will be looking for an alternative holiday in the UK and a small boat for the Summer will be very popular, particularly if the weather is similar to this year!I was after a new rib having sold my old one at the end of last season. I blew that off and will buy this winter I stead, as prices appear to be getting back to sanity again.
If I was considering this idea, I wouldn't wait 'til next Spring!
Simpo Two said:
I've seen people trailering their boats in and out of the water and it seems like an awful faff, not to mention a risk of damaging something every time. Yes you save on marina fees but I really do prefer just turning up, getting on and going.
Yep, of course, but how many available moorings and do you want to remain motoring up and down the same stretch of water?For reference, a chum has a 37' yacht in Salcombe harbour on the best sheltered pontoon and he pays less than you, but then he is local!
pequod said:
IforB said:
I think that wee bubble may have passed. I have never seen anything like it though. Boats were being sold at a rate that defied any explanation and even absolute dross was commanding a premium.
I was after a new rib having sold my old one at the end of last season. I blew that off and will buy this winter I stead, as prices appear to be getting back to sanity again.
A dip over Winter, but I expect the asking price of boats to surge again next Spring as folk will be looking for an alternative holiday in the UK and a small boat for the Summer will be very popular, particularly if the weather is similar to this year!I was after a new rib having sold my old one at the end of last season. I blew that off and will buy this winter I stead, as prices appear to be getting back to sanity again.
If I was considering this idea, I wouldn't wait 'til next Spring!
pequod said:
Yep, of course, but how many available moorings and do you want to remain motoring up and down the same stretch of water?
For reference, a chum has a 37' yacht in Salcombe harbour on the best sheltered pontoon and he pays less than you, but then he is local!
Ahh, but boat space my barn is for free. ;-)For reference, a chum has a 37' yacht in Salcombe harbour on the best sheltered pontoon and he pays less than you, but then he is local!
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