New to Boats - Advice

[Johnny 89]

Hi All,
I've never had a boat but am fancying the idea of getting in to ownership.
I've found two Fletcher hulls both with different engines for sale. Not fixed on either of these yet but would appreciate any knowledge or advice. I know very little, I'm in to cars after all :-)

https://www.donedeal.ie/boats-for-sale/fletcher-gt...

https://www.donedeal.ie/boats-for-sale/speedboat/1...

The ads themselves don't give a great deal of info. so I would appreciate any knowledge or any alternative recommendations.

[ghost83]

I think there’s better boats out there Than those, I know of a lovely 3 little inboard fletcher 17ft 140hp coming up for sale in the summer albeit it’s a little more in price but it’s more boat!

Have a look on eBay as well

[Johnny 89]

ghost83 said:

I think there’s better boats out there Than those, I know of a lovely 3 little inboard fletcher 17ft 140hp coming up for sale in the summer albeit it’s a little more in price but it’s more boat!

Have a look on eBay as well

Cheers, thanks for advice. Yeah there's lots of choice. These struck me as cheap for an entry type of boat.. although would be prepared to go a bit higher in budget.
I'll take a look on eBay although not sure what it will throw up here in Ireland. 140hp does sound more appealing than 60/75!
Thanks

[Uggers]

A vast number of variables with regards to advice for a boat. There are many considerations, but first and foremost what do you intend to use the boat for and budget is a big help.

I run a tiny 14ft Fletcher GTO and it's just about the cheapest way into (speed) boat ownership. After 2 years we realise our requirements from a boat have changed. A bigger boat with a commensurate increase in budget to buy and run.

But very glad we started at the cheapest end so if it didn't turn out to be what we hoped, it wasn't a hugely expensive way to find out.

[Johnny 89]

That is what I'm thinking at the moment. It would be used for days out during summer and when weather allows. It could be interesting to give waterskiing a go too but primarily just for days out to begin with.

If all goes well then a larger boat with berths may be on the cards but I don't necessarily want to rush in to that.

[robm3]

Johnny 89 said:

That is what I'm thinking at the moment. It would be used for days out during summer and when weather allows. It could be interesting to give waterskiing a go too but primarily just for days out to begin with.

If all goes well then a larger boat with berths may be on the cards but I don't necessarily want to rush in to that.

For the boat I'd be checking for rot in the stringers (usually wood), just lift the carpets and have a prod around, mainly at the transom end because water tends to settle there. Fibreglass is pretty robust, mainly UV degradation issues but in the UK not such an issue. Run your finger along the topside, if you see/feel a white powder then it's starting to break down. A good polish and regular waxing will keep it decent enough.

For the motor, check all controls work, is it two stroke or four stroke? If a 'stroker' then these are usually pretty tough. If four stroke, check oil condition.

Does it have a trailer or not? If not then you're confined to the lake/river where it is and you'll need a mooring. I hate this as usually more costs.
If it does have a trailer, pull it out, put the 'muffs' on it (water to outboard) and run the motor for a spell. Make sure it selects F/R, tilts and water comes out of the shaft (water pump)..

Good idea to get motor serviced and shaft lubes done (ooh errr).

If you want to learn to waterski, you'll need 75hp plus minimum.

Last thing, if you've not done boating before, for gods sake please do a boating course. It's so easy to hurt yourself and others on the water!
Especially if you want to try towing/waterskiing.
Day on the water is second to none but even better when you know what you're doing.

[Johnny 89]

Thanks, good tips there and that's they type of thing I'm after. Also +1 to the course. It's certainly something that I would do.

[The Ors]

Johnny 89 said:

ghost83 said:

I think there’s better boats out there Than those, I know of a lovely 3 little inboard fletcher 17ft 140hp coming up for sale in the summer albeit it’s a little more in price but it’s more boat!

Have a look on eBay as well

Cheers, thanks for advice. Yeah there's lots of choice. These struck me as cheap for an entry type of boat.. although would be prepared to go a bit higher in budget.
I'll take a look on eBay although not sure what it will throw up here in Ireland. 140hp does sound more appealing than 60/75!
Thanks

The 16' 75hp outboard boat will probably be as quick; if not quicker than the inboard 140hp. The outboard will be a lot lighter plus the 75hp will be at the prop and the 140hp is at the crank so isn't allowing for gearbox losses.

I would definitely go with an outboard boat given your budget and the fact that it's a first boat.

[AndrewCrown]

Johnny

Great idea... but please as previously suggested do this specific course: http://www.rya.org.uk/courses-training/courses/pow...

Its a bit of fun, not particularly difficult... the most important aspect is safety, one cannot underestimate how much can go wrong on the water.

The advantage wiith such a certificate is that one can also hire reasonably powered boats on holiday etc. Not the little tourist put puts.

Then start looking... this is like the autotrader of boating https://www.apolloduck.co.uk/

The third piece of advice is that boats are not called 'metal/ plastic./ wooden holes in water in which one pours money' for nothing... so be careful...

Start small.. try an aluminium boat or an inflatable ... lots of advice here https://www.ribs.co.uk/

If you don;t have a marina berth or hardstanding... then there is also the trailer to consider... that opens up a whole new obstacle course as old cheap boat often have crap old neglected trailers..

Best of luck with it...

[Uggers]

The Ors said:

The 16' 75hp outboard boat will probably be as quick; if not quicker than the inboard 140hp. The outboard will be a lot lighter plus the 75hp will be at the prop and the 140hp is at the crank so isn't allowing for gearbox losses.

I would definitely go with an outboard boat given your budget and the fact that it's a first boat.

The 60hp 2stroke Yamaha on my 14ft boat feels plenty, 3 adults in the boat it still pulled a donut with another adult on it no problem.
Access for maintenance is good and if it goes bang, £1300 for a cheap 2nd hand one and good to go again.
The costs of inboards is quite high. Something which niggles me as we upgrade, as inboard is almost the only option.

OP consider where you want to keep it too. Im lucky in that if I unbolt the towbar from the trailer it fits in a single garage. So many boats degrade been stuck out in the open the other 355 days a year you don't use it.

[Johnny 89]

Thanks all for the tips and advice. Some things to consider there definitely.
The boating course is a top tip and something that would definitely be done. I could bring my Dad along too as no doubt it would benefit him too.
Thanks all

[Johnny 89]

Hi all, thanks for the advice so far. Now because I I've started to look at boats in a slightly higher budget and have come across this Mastercraft Tri Star.

https://www.donedeal.ie/boats-for-sale/mastercraft...

I think the boat looks really good and has a classic speedboat look. The ad doesn't give much information so was hoping for some input before I perhaps contact the seller.
Being a Mastercraft I'm aware it has a GM V8 which sounds good. However, anything specific to look out for here?
Any input or thoughts on the boat are appreciated.

[NDA]

If you do get a boat - PLEASE always wear a life jacket and ALWAYS use the kill cord.

I had an accident in my boat a few years ago and was very lucky not to be killed - my own fault, driving it like a loon. No kill cord used, but was wearing a jacket.... I was seriously injured, but I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for the jacket.

My lovely mate Nick was killed a year later - no kill cord used. Similar accident.

Boring of me to comment on your thread, but I always feel compelled to do it when I see a new potential boater. If it saves a life, it's worth it.

Edited by NDA on Sunday 26th August 13:03

[Badda]

Johnny 89 said:

Hi all, thanks for the advice so far. Now because I I've started to look at boats in a slightly higher budget and have come across this Mastercraft Tri Star.

https://www.donedeal.ie/boats-for-sale/mastercraft...

I think the boat looks really good and has a classic speedboat look. The ad doesn't give much information so was hoping for some input before I perhaps contact the seller.
Being a Mastercraft I'm aware it has a GM V8 which sounds good. However, anything specific to look out for here?
Any input or thoughts on the boat are appreciated.

That’s a specific waterski boat - it’s designed purely for that and wakeboarding. Were You aware of that?

[Johnny 89]

NDA said:

If you do get a boat - PLEASE always wear a life jacket and ALWAYS use the kill cord.

I had an accident in my boat a few years ago and was very lucky not to be killed - my own fault, driving it like a loon. No kill cord used, but was wearing a jacket.... I was seriously injured, but I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for the jacket.

My lovey mate Nick was killed a year later - no kill cord used. Similar accident.

Boring of me to comment on your thread, but I always feel compelled to do it when I see a new potential boater. If it saves a life, it's worth it.

No, sincere thanks for your input. This is the most important part of it all at the end of the day. It is eye opening to hear stories such as yours. I hope you made a full recovery and am sorry to hear of your loss.

[Johnny 89]

Badda said:

That’s a specific waterski boat - it’s designed purely for that and wakeboarding. Were You aware of that?

Thanks, I was aware that it was designed for water sports. However, is there any reason why you couldn't bring this boat for a spin along the bay in the same way you might do with a Fletcher or similar?

I would definitely like to get in to a bit of skiing and possible wakeboarding

[Cupramax]

It designed for lakes I.e. flat water, of course it’ll work, but it’s not designed for coastal waters.

[Johnny 89]

Cupramax said:

It designed for lakes I.e. flat water, of course it’ll work, but it’s not designed for coastal waters.

Thanks. This is a good point. So what are the main issues if using mostly in coastal waters. I'm guessing stability would be a factor?

Also, would I be better off with a different type of boat for mainly coastal use?

[Cupramax]

It’ll be unpleasant (and quite likely unsafe) to say the least in anything but absolute flat calm. Look at something like a bowrider which is an ideal day boat doing waterskiing donuts towing etc..

Oh and be prepared to have your wallet raped like never before. They say boats are a large hole that you pour money into. I ran a 20 footer for 5 years or so, Searay 205 great fun but Costa sodding fortune.

[dhutch]

Yes, I'm not overly familiar with brand names, but if a boats been designed for flat water (lakes) it will be hard work in coastal conditions.

The hull shape will be poor as cutting through waves which as said will lead to a very uncomfortable ride, and also become less safe as the conditions get rougher as you won't be able to make progress the same way.

My friend has a Salcombe Flyer RIB which is fairly shallow vee, designed for shelter use if not lakes, and while.we have gone out in a range of conditions it doesn't enjoying heavy weather, and nor do the passenger if there are any up the front end.

Work make industrial power boats, 9m or so in length, which have a deep constant dead rise hull and typically a Volvo D6 in the middle. They will push on hard in heavy conditions but it's horses for courses.


Daniel