Looking at a Speedboat - need advice
Discussion
Morning all,
For some reason, I am craving a speedboat....spend a bit of time up on North Norfolk coast with family and thought it'd be great to have something to be able to use for cruising around and maybe getting the kids trying water ski-ing.
Have seen this for sale up near where we stay and would like to know what to look for if I can get up to view.
Is the price ok? etc etc I have emailed the seller and it seems the 'unofficial' reserve price is set at £2700.
Any advice would be great cheers..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261034575508?_trksid=p51...
Kev
For some reason, I am craving a speedboat....spend a bit of time up on North Norfolk coast with family and thought it'd be great to have something to be able to use for cruising around and maybe getting the kids trying water ski-ing.
Have seen this for sale up near where we stay and would like to know what to look for if I can get up to view.
Is the price ok? etc etc I have emailed the seller and it seems the 'unofficial' reserve price is set at £2700.
Any advice would be great cheers..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261034575508?_trksid=p51...
Kev
A Fletcher would be perfect for UK waters.
Other manufacturers I was told when I bought my last boat may not be quite so suitable (not dangerous, just a less comfy ride). The reason I was told was that many are designed with the likes of (say) the Med or Florida etc in mind, and the hull shape gives a more comfy ride in the type of waters found in those areas. It was explained as all to do with the normal wave patterns found etc.
As for the price, I am out of touch with what boats are generally worth these days.
Other manufacturers I was told when I bought my last boat may not be quite so suitable (not dangerous, just a less comfy ride). The reason I was told was that many are designed with the likes of (say) the Med or Florida etc in mind, and the hull shape gives a more comfy ride in the type of waters found in those areas. It was explained as all to do with the normal wave patterns found etc.
As for the price, I am out of touch with what boats are generally worth these days.
As Daz says if you are up on the Norfolk coast you need to be looking at Fletcher, Phantom, Ring, Marshan etc. American built boats tend to be a flatter entry and shallower vee than british boats. There is a reason for this.
Pricewise you are buying at totally the wrong time. Never wait for the sun to come out before doing auction bids on boats.
Fletchers are fine but look hard at the floor and transom which can be rotten from water ingress, any signs of delamination and also the bow fuel tanks can have a tendency to leak.
Nothing wrong with Yamaha particularly if looked after but have a good look around inside at any signs of corrosion as the engine is the biggest part of the investment. If you can do a compression test all the better. Doesn't matter what they are, just all the same within reason.
I can't quite tell if that is hydraulic steering or not but if not check the steering cables thoroughly on this age of boat and in either case the drag links. One thing breaking down but not funny if the steering let's go when running.
Pricewise you are buying at totally the wrong time. Never wait for the sun to come out before doing auction bids on boats.
Fletchers are fine but look hard at the floor and transom which can be rotten from water ingress, any signs of delamination and also the bow fuel tanks can have a tendency to leak.
Nothing wrong with Yamaha particularly if looked after but have a good look around inside at any signs of corrosion as the engine is the biggest part of the investment. If you can do a compression test all the better. Doesn't matter what they are, just all the same within reason.
I can't quite tell if that is hydraulic steering or not but if not check the steering cables thoroughly on this age of boat and in either case the drag links. One thing breaking down but not funny if the steering let's go when running.
MOTORVATOR said:
Pricewise you are buying at totally the wrong time. Never wait for the sun to come out before doing auction bids on boats.
Too right. Trying to bag a small cheap 2T outboard atm (8-10hp ideally). Prices being fetched are MENTAL!That boat listed is quite big for a speedboat, so check you'd be happy towing and launching the thing, and that you have sufficient time to make use of it. I'd prefer a RIB personally, but that does look like good value.
richardxjr said:
MOTORVATOR said:
Pricewise you are buying at totally the wrong time. Never wait for the sun to come out before doing auction bids on boats.
Too right. Trying to bag a small cheap 2T outboard atm (8-10hp ideally). Prices being fetched are MENTAL!That boat listed is quite big for a speedboat, so check you'd be happy towing and launching the thing, and that you have sufficient time to make use of it. I'd prefer a RIB personally, but that does look like good value.
danyeates said:
A RIB for £2,700 would be rubbish though!
True. Well no, you could get a good SR4+40-50hp for that, not really a family/ski boat though 
More manageable Fletch here:
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/speed-boats/fle...
Thanks for the help and advice guys.
I know what you say about weather and the wrong time to buy but the boat was on Ebay a few weeks ago and I was pipped at the post by a German buyer apparently...
However Mr German never turned up (surprise surprise)and the boat is back on Ebay....so was thinking of trying again.
Will have a look at a rib too before placing a decent bid.....
I know what you say about weather and the wrong time to buy but the boat was on Ebay a few weeks ago and I was pipped at the post by a German buyer apparently...
However Mr German never turned up (surprise surprise)and the boat is back on Ebay....so was thinking of trying again.
Will have a look at a rib too before placing a decent bid.....
I can't understand this fascination with RIBs. Wouldn't catch me owning one.
That boat looks fine to me. Just follow the checks mentioned previously, particularly the floor and transom.
I assume the engine is power tilt and trim - make sure that works too. And all the electrics.
Note that big outboards are thirsty.
Personally I'd be surprised if it went as cheaply as the reserve...
That boat looks fine to me. Just follow the checks mentioned previously, particularly the floor and transom.
I assume the engine is power tilt and trim - make sure that works too. And all the electrics.
Note that big outboards are thirsty.
Personally I'd be surprised if it went as cheaply as the reserve...
kooky guy said:
I can't understand this fascination with RIBs. Wouldn't catch me owning one.
Don't worry, it's just me I think kooky guy said:
Personally I'd be surprised if it went as cheaply as the reserve...
Fetched £2082 on the previous listing. (reserve not met)Edited by richardxjr on Thursday 31st May 13:12
richardxjr said:
kooky guy said:
I can't understand this fascination with RIBs. Wouldn't catch me owning one.
Don't worry, it's just me I think kooky guy said:
Personally I'd be surprised if it went as cheaply as the reserve...
Fetched £2082 on the previous listing. (reserve not met)Edited by richardxjr on Thursday 31st May 13:12
My comment of a £2,700 RIB would be junk was meant towards a comparable sized RIB to the Fletcher, 18'
Ribs are tenders for those that either can't steer or be arsed to fender up and we are talking speedboats for a bit of skiing here. 
Talking of tenders did you see this one Dan.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ex-superyacht-custom-4-6...
I am highly attracted to the fact that you can take it all apart but haven't convinced myself yet of a good reason to do so.
Talking of tenders did you see this one Dan.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ex-superyacht-custom-4-6...
I am highly attracted to the fact that you can take it all apart but haven't convinced myself yet of a good reason to do so.
danyeates said:
Nope, not just you! I dedicate my day to day life selling RIBs and I love them! I won't clog up this thread with photos, but I think there's one in my profile of my old RIB.
My comment of a £2,700 RIB would be junk was meant towards a comparable sized RIB to the Fletcher, 18'
I saw a RIB on fleabag for over £100k the other week. I still laugh about it now.My comment of a £2,700 RIB would be junk was meant towards a comparable sized RIB to the Fletcher, 18'
£100k for a rubber dinghy! No accomodation, nothing. Presumably someone must buy these things, but I can't imagine who.
MOTORVATOR said:
Ribs are tenders for those that either can't steer or be arsed to fender up and we are talking speedboats for a bit of skiing here.
Talking of tenders did you see this one Dan.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ex-superyacht-custom-4-6...
I am highly attracted to the fact that you can take it all apart but haven't convinced myself yet of a good reason to do so.
Agree, for skiing and messing about on calm water, a Fletcher is perfect. I loved my Fletchers for skiing from in Poole harbour. I had an Arrowflyte as per the link a few posts up. Then had a 16 and 17 GTS. Much preferred the outboard models. Talking of tenders did you see this one Dan.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ex-superyacht-custom-4-6...
I am highly attracted to the fact that you can take it all apart but haven't convinced myself yet of a good reason to do so.
It's a nice engine on that Fletcher 18, I'd buy it if I had the money! Give me a shout if you need any Yamaha parts. We're the main Yamaha parts stockist for the UK.
Not seen that tender before motorvator! Seen a few folding boats over the years, but nothing quite like this! Looks interesting. Not a particularly great advert though, can't work out if he's selling it with the engine or not. Will keep an eye on the auction though.
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