First boat recommendations Sunseeker vs Fairline

[tranter5]

Not registered on any boat forums yet so thought I would try on here, I am looking to purchase my first power boat in the next few weeks whilst prices are at there best value! Budget is £50-80k (higher end of the budget if its a bargain) Needs to have twin diesels and have a 4+2 berthing platform ideally. I am thinking a Sunseeker Martinique 38/39 or Fairline Targa 38. I am close to a deal on a private Sunseeker but don't want to rush into the first boat I have seen.

I am going to do my ICC/dayskipper on whichever boat I buy and moor it either at Ocean village or Gosport Marina still undecided. Will be used for short Coastal Blasts at weekend.

Any advice appreciated, or if any owners on here are thinking if selling drop me a pm.

[gazzarose]

To be honest, at that level, pick which ever one you like the look of, and buy on condition and service history. It's unlikely to have dealer service history, because a lot of people start to do it themselves or at mates rates. Engines are likely to be the same in each, volvo probably, and the big diesels go forever if they're looked after. My father has got a 1990 fairline corniche with TAMD41B engines that have done nearly 1500 hours and they run as new. Remember they're marinised truck engines which are built to go round the world a few times so a couple of thousand hours is nothing.

[MOTORVATOR]

That's actually incorrect. The Volvo 40/41/42 series is one of the few marine derived diesels out there. The sentiment is right generally although the base truck / generator units are heavily upgraded for marine use ;-)

As for model, Fairline for space and Sunseeker for seakeeping at that age. The Sunseeker will tend to be the faster boat but most importantly able to maintain a higher speed when it roughs up and a softer ride.

[Janosh]

Good to see you're still floating around (excuse the terrible pun!)... I always enjoyed your car threads and tumulus journey of profits made from what was essentially a hobby.

Glad to see you're doing well... although approach with eyes open. I don't think any level of sales aptitude will see you making a profit from running and enjoying a yacht!

Report back with picture and first impressions please

[belleair302]

Do running costs come into the equation and I would get the hulls checked out along with all of the electrics by a marine engineer before parting with any cash. Both bats are very similar so its all about the bills.

[tranter5]

Janosh said:

Good to see you're still floating around (excuse the terrible pun!)... I always enjoyed your car threads and tumulus journey of profits made from what was essentially a hobby.

Glad to see you're doing well... although approach with eyes open. I don't think any level of sales aptitude will see you making a profit from running and enjoying a yacht!

Report back with picture and first impressions please

Cheers, its a shame there is so many keyboard warriors in the readers car section. I would love to share how I have come on.

I placed a deposit on a stunning Martinique 39 yesterday, having it surveyed Wednesday with a look to complete by end of next week! The idea is to try and run it like I have cars hopefully I have bought it cheap enough to minimise any lossed after 2 years mooring fees and insurance etc... not taking into account fuel!

[Janosh]

Good luck & please keep us posted, maybe this sub-forum will play a little nicer than RR's.

I don't have much experience with that size of boat, but it'll be very interesting to see if you came make it work... I guess if it's possible with one depreciating liability (cars) then it must be possible with another / boats!

[tranter5]

After 3-4 weeks the purchase of my first boat completed today! Sunseeker and Ferrari were two brands that made me want to set up my own business and give me the drive to do well so its overwhelming owning one already. Very exciting times, I have 6 days onboard from Sunday doing my Dayskipper combined with ICC so I can get confident with the boat and to comply with what my insurers wanted. Weather forecast is looking good so far Should be fun my dad and his mate and girlfriends dad are doing it as well as I want the family to get the use out of her. My dad owned a Macgregor 26x when I was a kid so had some experience but this is a first motor boat I will have experienced.

The boat is stunning and very tidy throughout and performed great on survey. She is finished to a very high standard with new carpets throught, new synthetic teak, lots of recent service work to the engines and drives.

1994 Sunseeker Martinique 39
Twin Yamaha 420 STI diesels


Few pics from survey will keep a journal as I always have with my car purchases (I am a total petrolhead). I plan to do a few cosmetic upgrades, potentially a blue wrapped hull and all the exterior seating re upholstered in the latest Sunseeker Cream. Boat will be used mainly for taking my friends and family out around the Solent and fishing. Mooring at Swanick Marina.

[djc206]

Very nice! I work just up the road from Swanwick Marina so I'll keep my eyes peeled.

[robm3]

That's great!

I'm going to be in the market myself for something similar. Please keep us updated on running costs if possible.

As a reference I'm looking at Riviera M400's or may stretch to a newer boat.

[smifffymoto]

We(the family) started with a Martinique,then moved onto a Camargue and finally a Fairline Squadron 55. Out of the 3 the Camargue was my favourite.

[tranter5]

smifffymoto said:

We(the family) started with a Martinique,then moved onto a Camargue and finally a Fairline Squadron 55. Out of the 3 the Camargue was my favourite.

If I enjoy boating as much as I hope plan is to upgrade to a Camargue 51. Theres a bargain one fore sale currently! Bit big for a first boat although had the sale of this fallen through I would have been sorely tempted!

[Searider]

Hi Tranter,

Looks like a good purchase.

Great engines the Yamahas. Lovely sterndrives to use with the hydraulic clutches but you MUST really look after them.
Oil changes every 50 hours will help keep them sweet.

Have fun - great weather today for your course.

[burwoodman]

tranter5 said:

After 3-4 weeks the purchase of my first boat completed today! Sunseeker and Ferrari were two brands that made me want to set up my own business and give me the drive to do well so its overwhelming owning one already. Very exciting times, I have 6 days onboard from Sunday doing my Dayskipper combined with ICC so I can get confident with the boat and to comply with what my insurers wanted. Weather forecast is looking good so far Should be fun my dad and his mate and girlfriends dad are doing it as well as I want the family to get the use out of her. My dad owned a Macgregor 26x when I was a kid so had some experience but this is a first motor boat I will have experienced.

The boat is stunning and very tidy throughout and performed great on survey. She is finished to a very high standard with new carpets throught, new synthetic teak, lots of recent service work to the engines and drives.

1994 Sunseeker Martinique 39
Twin Yamaha 420 STI diesels


Few pics from survey will keep a journal as I always have with my car purchases (I am a total petrolhead). I plan to do a few cosmetic upgrades, potentially a blue wrapped hull and all the exterior seating re upholstered in the latest Sunseeker Cream. Boat will be used mainly for taking my friends and family out around the Solent and fishing. Mooring at Swanick Marina.

The Yamaha is sourced from Toyota (landcruiser block). Nice condition tells you it's been well looked after. nice