Thinking of getting a cuddy/bow rider

[AndyC_123]

Hi

Thinking about treating myself to a £10-15k cuddy or bow rider, probably about 18ft. How many of them have an outboard/been switched to an outboard? Thinking they will be a lot better to run than an inboard?

It will be used mainly on the North Wales coast, don't plan on going too far out. Primary uses chilling out, water sports and fishing. Have storage space and a tow vehicle so plan on launching it each time.

Are there any other vessels I should be looking at?

Cheers for any input.

[mikal83]

I had an 18ft bowrider and found it a bit iffy in "lively" seas. The front seating area was too small so sold it for a 21ft CC. Both had outboards which I preferred.

[AndyC_123]

Would the CC be ok for water sports?

I have seen a few ribs but don’t think they’d be overly practical for just sitting back and chilling.

It’d only be used in good weather but appreciate conditions can change once you’re out there

[mikal83]

AndyC_123 said:

Would the CC be ok for water sports?

I have seen a few ribs but don’t think they’d be overly practical for just sitting back and chilling.

It’d only be used in good weather but appreciate conditions can change once you’re out there

Get a big decent 2 stroke engine

[robm3]

AndyC_123 said:

Hi

Thinking about treating myself to a £10-15k cuddy or bow rider, probably about 18ft. How many of them have an outboard/been switched to an outboard? Thinking they will be a lot better to run than an inboard?

It will be used mainly on the North Wales coast, don't plan on going too far out. Primary uses chilling out, water sports and fishing. Have storage space and a tow vehicle so plan on launching it each time.

Are there any other vessels I should be looking at?

Cheers for any input.

Bayliner, Sea Ray etc.. all the yank brands are pretty good. But nearly all are Sterndrives. They'll either have the 130hp Mercruiser 4 cylinder or the 160 6 cylinder in them. 130 is a little weak for waterskiing but fine for pulling inflatable toys etc..

Sterndrives aren't so bad if they''ve been maintained, none will have been 'converted' to outboard as transom is completely different.

One tip, if you're using something a little smaller like this 'offshore' always always always check the weather report!!!
(experience has taught me this!!)

What part of Wales are you in?
I part own a business in Bangor even though I live in Australia.

[LFB531]

I had a Larson 180 bow rider, about 2007 vintage. Standard fit 3.0 inboard and used on the Solent. That was a really nice combo for family use, not a boat I'd want to use in rubbish weather but for nice days and sensible seas, it was just fine. The 3.0 was big enough to ski behind (although it had to work hard with novices!), had no trouble pulling toys and a decent size to fish from.

The engine/drive caused no fuss although I looked after it properly and the motor itself was super simple tech. If you go that route, try and get one with the side fitted engine mounts, the ones with front mounts makes some jobs a pain.

Personally, I'd suggest if your budget was £15k, I'd buy a boat for £10k because you just know you'll spend on it even if it's for your own reassurance. Trailers ALWAYS need servicing and maybe worth budgeting for a small emergency outboard and mount if your going to be a bit adventurous.

[AndyC_123]

Thank you all.

So really for the type of boat I'm looking at, it's going to be the inboard option. Good idea to put some aside for maintenance in that case.

I'm just near Chester so not far from the coast.

Anyone know anything about Crownline? I've been told about a 2003 Crownline cuddy for £9k. Don't have any more information than that. From the picture I have been sent it looks like it lives in the water... bit of a worry with corrosion? 4.3 Mercruiser.

Cheers

[AndyC_123]

Also seen this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BAYLINER-CAPRI-SPEED-BO...

Not very pretty but leaves a fair budget for tinkering. Also wondering to myself if a cabin is really needed given that the vessel is going to be used rarely and only on good days.

[Uggers]

I was in the market for a 18-21ft CC. The Fletcher 19GTS seemed to be decent little boat for the money.

Sure I saw some with either inboard or outboard option? Though could be mistaken.

[mikal83]

Uggers said:

I was in the market for a 18-21ft CC. The Fletcher 19GTS seemed to be decent little boat for the money.

Sure I saw some with either inboard or outboard option? Though could be mistaken.

Fishing or leisure. Mine was a 19ft er and I wish it had another 2 ft around the seat/fishtank.

[Uggers]

Was for leisure.

Always think another couple of ft would make things much more comfortable. Until it comes to launching, storing and towing

[robm3]

AndyC_123 said:

Also seen this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BAYLINER-CAPRI-SPEED-BO...

Not very pretty but leaves a fair budget for tinkering. Also wondering to myself if a cabin is really needed given that the vessel is going to be used rarely and only on good days.

Forget the cabin, you're after a day boat.

Take the scaffolding of that, fibreglass or cap the holes and it'll look like a decent boat.

[robm3]

AndyC_123 said:

Thank you all.

So really for the type of boat I'm looking at, it's going to be the inboard option. Good idea to put some aside for maintenance in that case.

I'm just near Chester so not far from the coast.

Anyone know anything about Crownline? I've been told about a 2003 Crownline cuddy for £9k. Don't have any more information than that. From the picture I have been sent it looks like it lives in the water... bit of a worry with corrosion? 4.3 Mercruiser.

Cheers

Avoid anything on a mooring... too much hassle with corrosion.
Plenty of trailer bargains around.