Weekender boat

[dvshannow]

Looking at getting a boat for family recreational use at the weekends we live around 1:15 drive from the Solent

Was originally thinking to get a RIB but since we have younger kids a bigger boat would give my wife peace of mind and have some internal space to relax

The question is how much space , could either get a sports weekender like a Nimbus T8 - basically a double berth and facilities so would not sleep the whole family but would give some shelter for everyone

A similar price could get a Parker Weekend 800 which actually could sleep everyone overnight but is more of a floating RV I imagine give the price??

Stepping up a bit could get a Merry Fisher 1095 which is again a 6 berth but one that seems to get closer to being a proper ‘yacht’ in that it has a proper shower etc still considerably cheaper than full yacht prices

Has anyone owned any of these? Wondering how the build quality of the boats changes at the different price points - the Nimbus is a lovely thing but obviously cannot sleep the whole family ( I’m not really sure how often the whole family would stay on the boat )

Are the Parker and Merry Fisher suitable for offshore cruising - say to Cherbourg

Unfortunately the boat show is cancelled this year though might head to BOAT2020 to see what they have on display

Thanks

[Simpo Two]

Can't comment on the boats as I don't do offshore, but get the most space you can afford. It's a pain having to dismantle beds to make the dining table before you can have breakfast, and you'll need somewhere to stow luggage too.

[robm3]

I had a Merry Fisher 795 and looked at the 1095 last year.

What put me off the 1095 was lack of tender space. Maybe not an issue for your use but here in Australia we run close to a lot of beaches and rivers plus the harbour doesn't have a lot of temp berths so a Tender is highly desirable.

I did get a go in the 1095 in 1.5m swell and it handled it extremely well.

[Badda]

Both Cat b/c (depending on load). Offshore rated and would happily take seas you wouldn’t.

What’s your budget though? You mention a rib, a mid size boat and a £200k+ boat.

Edited by Badda on Sunday 6th September 22:37

[hidetheelephants]

Kids will kip fine on inflatable matresses or roll-up mats in the cockpit if there's a cockpit cover, for a night or two anyway; just make sure there's extra blankets if the weather turns colder.

[dvshannow]

Thanks still deciding budget etc depending on running costs and can spend more if can get something we are likely to use more

Also adding Sargo boats to the list the Sargo 28 and 31 both look like really excellent boats - both are a bit small for the full family (6) vs say say a Merry Fisher 1095 but look to be tougher more boaty boats

[NickCQ]

Maybe the first question to answer is where and how you want to store it - trailer / blocked ashore / marina berth / river mooring?
If you go trailer, what can you tow with your current car and license?

[dvshannow]

NickCQ said:

Maybe the first question to answer is where and how you want to store it - trailer / blocked ashore / marina berth / river mooring?
If you go trailer, what can you tow with your current car and license?

Almost def marina possible dry dock for some of the winter

[HocusPocus]

Firstly, take some of the RYA power courses if you plan on taking your family offshore. The basic knowledge will help you better assess the size and type of boat best suited to your needs/priorities.

A used motor cruiser about 12m sounds like what might suit you. Small enough to handle with 2 crew, but big enough to cross the Channel in good conditions. Also space for the children inside for weekends away.

A rib can be very exposed, bouncy and wet....best suited as working boats or beach hopping in the Med. If you take young children, make make sure they can hang on when you throttle up.