Buying my first boat

[cowboyengineer]

So I’ve decided it’s time to pull the trigger on my first boat.

However, I have no idea where to start looking. Budget is up to 70k and use would be as a day boat.

I would want the ability to trailer it, but I live walking distance to a marina so I might keep it in there.

Options I was looking at are:

Saxdor 200 rc but the 4 seat config not inline 3
Axopar 22
Or the left field a cap camarat 7.5 dc

Is there anything I should be looking for or anything I need to know.

I basically wasn’t a sunbed, seating and table for 4-6 and the ability to water ski behind it.

[rosejem]

Have a look at Cris Craft range of sports boats might be of interest , also Boston Whaler have a good reputation & hold their value well if in the future to wish to trade up.

[HocusPocus]

Talk to Neville at Idealboat in Pwllheli. He stocks Saxdor and also Robalo + Chaparral which might suit you.

Also strongly recommend you do the RYA Powerboat 2 course which should help inform your choices. None of your suggestions appear mad for what you want a boat for. Just a case of refining your requirements to selecting the right boat.

[Huntsman]

Axopar very popular in the Solent. See them everywhere. People rave about them.

[gazzarose]

I can't comment on the others havinfg never seen one., but I've seen plenty of Cap Cam 7.5s (I'm a technician in a Jeanneau dealer). I haven't seen a DC though, but the WAs are really popular, we've sold a handful this summer. My boss has also got a 7.5 CC as a family boat. I think they're great boats and great value. I think 70k may be a bit short of a new one, I think they're more like 75k, but we do see them second hand occasionally, so that's a possibility.

[NDA]

Whatever you do.... always wear a life jacket.

I only say that because I fell out of mine and wouldn't be here now if it weren't for the jacket.

[cowboyengineer]

I was going to view a load of boats at the Southampton boat show. But as we know it’s now cancelled so I need to go round all the dealers.

I’m assuming when buying a boat it’s reasonable to expect to take one out on the water? Or do they not do tests

Huntsman said:

Axopar very popular in the Solent. See them everywhere. People rave about them.

Well, my first choice was an axopar 24 hard cover, but they’ve discontinued the 24 and replaced it with the 22 which seems less versatile.

HocusPocus said:

Talk to Neville at Idealboat in Pwllheli. He stocks Saxdor and also Robalo + Chaparral which might suit you.

Also strongly recommend you do the RYA Powerboat 2 course which should help inform your choices. None of your suggestions appear mad for what you want a boat for. Just a case of refining your requirements to selecting the right boat.

Will do, thanks

gazzarose said:

I can't comment on the others havinfg never seen one., but I've seen plenty of Cap Cam 7.5s (I'm a technician in a Jeanneau dealer). I haven't seen a DC though, but the WAs are really popular, we've sold a handful this summer. My boss has also got a 7.5 CC as a family boat. I think they're great boats and great value. I think 70k may be a bit short of a new one, I think they're more like 75k, but we do see them second hand occasionally, so that's a possibility.

As I said the axopar was too of my list but now in the 24s absence the 7.5dc has because my favourite. Mainly because of the practicality.

I will look out for sh versions. A few might come up over christmas

Edited by cowboyengineer on Wednesday 16th September 05:35

[Gunso]

OP.

What did you buy?

[cowboyengineer]

Gunso said:

OP.

What did you buy?

I went to a boat show to look at the Axopar range, there they told me they are bringing out an axopar 25 with a front cabin, having a look at the specs I decided to wait for this boat to be released.

I'm still waiting for the first ones to be delivered so i can look at it but pretty much have my heart set on it.

https://www.axopar.fi/range/axopar-25-cross-top/

[Gunso]

What a great looking boat.

Amazing design. So much flexibility for a small boat.

Enjoy!

[LFB531]

Agreed OP, that's a great looking boat.

Assuming the guide prices are as suggested on the web site, incredible that even when you add say a £25k engine, that'll be cheaper than a decent RIB of the same size. I've got a Cobra and the new prices are eye watering!

[Badda]

LFB531 said:

Agreed OP, that's a great looking boat.

Assuming the guide prices are as suggested on the web site, incredible that even when you add say a £25k engine, that'll be cheaper than a decent RIB of the same size. I've got a Cobra and the new prices are eye watering!

Although there’s a lot of essentials that you need to pay for as optional extras IMO.

I just specced a 28 aft cabin and took the price from €55k to €75k without trying (hull only).