First Boat

[Corpulent Tosser]

OK I did a search and surprising I didn't find anything regarding advice on buying a first boat.

I have been thinking about getting one for a while, plan would be to berth it somewhere on the west coast of Scotland probably and use it for long weekends and occasionally longer, possibly up to a week.

As a first timer I am thinking powered rather than sail, though a motor sailer might be interesting, not looking for high speeds, more stability and a modicum of comfort, primary use would be two of us in it on sea lochs.

My budget would probably be in the 10-15K region.

Is this a viable proposition and what type/make of vessel should I look at, and where ?

Ta
CT

Edited by Corpulent Tosser on Thursday 1st May 12:00

[XJSJohn]

perfectly viable prospect.

Would seriously recomend doing an RYA coastal skipper course beforehand to learn some basic navigation / rules of the road etc.

Depends on what you fancy, do you want something to tinker about with or just hop on and off you go?

Sailing, drinking, fishing, just plain buggering off for the day?

Here are a few possibles!

Colvic Countess

She 30

Westerley GK29

Cheverton ex survey launch

1955 wooden MY

all found on http://www.boats.com

[Corpulent Tosser]

Thanks John

DOn't really want to do too much tinkering as I would probably berth it at least a couple of hours drive away so want to 'arrive and drive' so to speak.

Maybe a little fishing, but mainly relaxing, seeing a few places, anchoring or tying up somewhere for the night, certainly an element of drinking , while alongside naturally, and just general enjoyment.

[schmalex]

Power:

http://www.ancasta.co.uk/boatResults.asp?ThisPge=1... - great little boats. I had the 27ft version of this (Targa 27) & took it over to Jersey, Guernsey etc from the Solent with no problems

http://www.ancasta.co.uk/boatResults.asp?ThisPge=1... - These are quite good

http://www.ancasta.co.uk/boatResults.asp?ThisPge=1... - RIB's are always fun for a blast!

Out of those 3, personally I would run with the Fairline.

Sail:

http://www.ancasta.co.uk/boatResults.asp?ThisPge=1... - leftfield choice......

http://www.ancasta.co.uk/boatResults.asp?ThisPge=1... - Hunters always get reasonable write-ups (I used to race Sonata's & they were very good fun!)

http://www.ancasta.co.uk/boatResults.asp?ThisPge=1... - Folkboats are wonderful little boats. Very good sea-keeping abilities & there are lots of fleets around the country. Plus, they are pretty forgiving to sail, so a good learning platform.

At the end of the day, there are lots of options to choose from. As a general rule, due to the design, Power boats tend to have a lot more room in the cockpit area for general lazing about / fishing etc. If I was caught out in a blow, I would always without fail prefer to be in a yacht.

Worth getting yourself on a day skipper course or similar so as you are confident if things start getting interesting!!

Edited by schmalex on Friday 2nd May 15:21

[holmesy9]

i would reconmend with the 2nd post.

i have done my day skipper and it is a great help.
For my 13th birthday (last year)my dad bought me a 5 metre sports fisher with a 115hp on the back.I refused to take it without proper trianing.

we used to have a Princess 440(50ft) and used to take it to holland evrey year but parents devorsed and it then got no use.



start with something small and if you then want to move on to something bitter go for it.

Just take the petrol problem into mind tho.

Edited by holmesy9 on Tuesday 10th June 11:08