Fletcher Upgrade

[LFB531]

I've had a couple of seasons as a boat newbie with my 16' Fletcher which have been great. The only drawback has been the lack of space for passengers when we've been mucking around and I'm pondering upsizing.

I'm not planning on crossing the channel, this is used purely for fun, water skiing and pulling the inevitable toys around. I moor it outside the house we use on the Isle of Wight so I don't need a cuddy, if the weather is rubbish we don't go out!

So, I think I need something between 19' and 21' with an open bow, big enough for a few more spectators but small enough to manhandle onto a trailer.

With my budget, I seem to be looking at mainly used boats from the USA such as Regal, Sea Ray and Monterey.

Any top tips of what to look for or avoid would be much appreciated and before it's suggested, I don't want a RIB.(Or at least the senior decision maker in our household has said no!)

[Fishtigua]

On E-bay at the moment there seems to be loads and loads of Wakeboard boats for sale. That might be a good place to start. You'll need a bit of wellie, so look for fuel injected 5.7 V8.

[Vanquish310]

I started with Fletchers many years ago and progressed thru 5 Sunseekers and now enjoy our Hallberg RASSY 53.
But we also now have a 6.3 metre Cobra RIB which David Martin at BHG ( Bucklers Hard and Lymington supplied)
Honestly, if SWMBO takes advantage of a day test, borrowing a RIB, I'm sure she will be converted. More stable than a Fletcher, so easy to use, safer etc. give one a test

Edited by Vanquish310 on Monday 6th October 19:49