Small boat advice
Discussion
Hi
I'm looking at small powerboats 20-22ft sort of size, something thats easily towed. Will be used for days out prefer the idea of a cuddy either for more storage of dry kit when out and maybe the odd overnight camp when its a nice evening. Mainly be used around cornwal from Falmouth area but like the idea of being able to take it down to the south coast for a day/weekend away.
Budget around £12-15k really.
I've seen a 1999 Chaparral 205LE that looks nice recently refreshed engine (4.3 v6) and interior, a Four Winns 225 Sundowner 1997 5.7v8 or a Fletcher 19 GTS with a 1.7 diesel.
Anybody with experience of any of them or advice on which you would go for.
I'm looking at small powerboats 20-22ft sort of size, something thats easily towed. Will be used for days out prefer the idea of a cuddy either for more storage of dry kit when out and maybe the odd overnight camp when its a nice evening. Mainly be used around cornwal from Falmouth area but like the idea of being able to take it down to the south coast for a day/weekend away.
Budget around £12-15k really.
I've seen a 1999 Chaparral 205LE that looks nice recently refreshed engine (4.3 v6) and interior, a Four Winns 225 Sundowner 1997 5.7v8 or a Fletcher 19 GTS with a 1.7 diesel.
Anybody with experience of any of them or advice on which you would go for.
hi there,
My advice, go for as new as you can afford. Elderly inboards are not great. 100% if you are going with the family take the powerboat level II course and your VHF.
Speed boats are exactly that and you'll need a very calm day to be safe.
I am too new to PM you feel free to contact me if I can help more.
My advice, go for as new as you can afford. Elderly inboards are not great. 100% if you are going with the family take the powerboat level II course and your VHF.
Speed boats are exactly that and you'll need a very calm day to be safe.
I am too new to PM you feel free to contact me if I can help more.
The-Broker said:
hi there,
My advice, go for as new as you can afford. Elderly inboards are not great. 100% if you are going with the family take the powerboat level II course and your VHF.
Speed boats are exactly that and you'll need a very calm day to be safe.
I am too new to PM you feel free to contact me if I can help more.
Have my RYA level 2 and vhf already done last year have used a small Rib a bit but they are limited in ability I find and very limited who you can take out with the seating arrangements good fun for a quick blast or as a tool but not something you will spend a day on. My advice, go for as new as you can afford. Elderly inboards are not great. 100% if you are going with the family take the powerboat level II course and your VHF.
Speed boats are exactly that and you'll need a very calm day to be safe.
I am too new to PM you feel free to contact me if I can help more.
Buy on condition, not year. Lots of neglected boats out there and lots of pride and joys that have meticulously looked after and as good (if not better) than new.
This little review is the sort of size you're after https://youtu.be/tEyMR0rIgQY incredible condition.
This little review is the sort of size you're after https://youtu.be/tEyMR0rIgQY incredible condition.
Just my preference, but for a boat of that size I'd not be looking at inboard power - from memory the V6 is approx 220hp and the V8 270hp, plenty enough shove for a 20/22ft hull, but not the cheapest to run (the V6 just under 20gph/91lph @ WOT and the V8 just over) - I'd discount the 1.7 diesel Mercruiser in the Fletcher (basically an Astra engine) - 120hp, may well be a great deal more economical, but bit too weedy for my tastes!
I've just sold my 20ft Trophy which had a 175 etec on the back - I never calculated fuel consumption exactly, but fag packet maths would suggest 15gph/68lph WOT and approx 10gph/45lph at cruise. The sound of the engine alone was worth 2gph
Like all things, it's very much what you're after yourself - I've recently ventured over to the dark side and bought a jetski (a Seadoo Fish Pro) and it is absolutely glorious. I love it to bits. The howl from of its 3 cylinder, 170hp engine is utterly addictive! There's a proportion of people that'd tell me I'm a mug for buying it though and I'm happy to understand that that's their opinion, albeit I strongly disagree.
Bottom line is - you go for the option that suits you and enjoy the buying process!
I've just sold my 20ft Trophy which had a 175 etec on the back - I never calculated fuel consumption exactly, but fag packet maths would suggest 15gph/68lph WOT and approx 10gph/45lph at cruise. The sound of the engine alone was worth 2gph
Like all things, it's very much what you're after yourself - I've recently ventured over to the dark side and bought a jetski (a Seadoo Fish Pro) and it is absolutely glorious. I love it to bits. The howl from of its 3 cylinder, 170hp engine is utterly addictive! There's a proportion of people that'd tell me I'm a mug for buying it though and I'm happy to understand that that's their opinion, albeit I strongly disagree.
Bottom line is - you go for the option that suits you and enjoy the buying process!
Not all marinas and yards have petrol available and those that do tend charge an arm and a leg for it and chances are at any speed in a boat or RIB or PWC you'll be using way more than any equivalent powered car does per hour.
That's not a problem if you keep a boat at home and trailer it because you can fill up at any petrol station it but if its too big for that you'll have to either suck up marina fuel prices or buy lots and lots of cans and lug them all down to your boat.
I've paid £1.70 a litre for petrol in the past and red diesel is now over £1.10 in my local marina but happily even flat out I'm only using about 1.5l/h.
That's not a problem if you keep a boat at home and trailer it because you can fill up at any petrol station it but if its too big for that you'll have to either suck up marina fuel prices or buy lots and lots of cans and lug them all down to your boat.
I've paid £1.70 a litre for petrol in the past and red diesel is now over £1.10 in my local marina but happily even flat out I'm only using about 1.5l/h.
Have a look at my YouTube link above before Being put off petrol. People quote WOT figures and it sounds expensive but realistically, even if you were to use at WOT, it wouldn’t be for long.
Diesel is more economical but the boats are a lot more in the first instance so it depends where you’d rather pay.
Diesel is more economical but the boats are a lot more in the first instance so it depends where you’d rather pay.
Edited by Badda on Saturday 19th February 09:31
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