Which boat for next summer?
Discussion
We're going to buy a boat for next summer. It will be used on inshore waters and some coastal, it will ideally be towable.
It will be my first boat. Something to sharpen my boating skills and not so expensive that it matters when I crash it into some pontoons, quays and locks.
I thought we needed 6-8m cuddy cabin. The thinking being, it will be fine for nice days and if fit starts to rain we can shelter in the cuddy. A bow rider would, I think, be an error in terms of keeping Lady Balfour happy.
However, I was speaking to the chap that did my powerboat training and he said that what we need is a bigger cabin cruiser.
I don't want a floating caravan for use in any weather and I have no aspirations to spend the remainder of my life cruising rivers at 6 knots. This is something to do next summer if (as I suspect) travel will still be tricky. Once things become easier we will either tow it abroad or sell it and buy something else abroad.
Can anyone offer some guidance please?
It will be my first boat. Something to sharpen my boating skills and not so expensive that it matters when I crash it into some pontoons, quays and locks.
I thought we needed 6-8m cuddy cabin. The thinking being, it will be fine for nice days and if fit starts to rain we can shelter in the cuddy. A bow rider would, I think, be an error in terms of keeping Lady Balfour happy.
However, I was speaking to the chap that did my powerboat training and he said that what we need is a bigger cabin cruiser.
I don't want a floating caravan for use in any weather and I have no aspirations to spend the remainder of my life cruising rivers at 6 knots. This is something to do next summer if (as I suspect) travel will still be tricky. Once things become easier we will either tow it abroad or sell it and buy something else abroad.
Can anyone offer some guidance please?
As above, what's your budget?
What do you want to do?
Would a displacement hull do - you're limited in speed by the hull type - or do you want a planing hull with speed no problem?
Does it need an onboard toilet of some sort or would a bucket or chemical portable toilet do?
Kettle boiling facilities?
What do you want to do?
Would a displacement hull do - you're limited in speed by the hull type - or do you want a planing hull with speed no problem?
Does it need an onboard toilet of some sort or would a bucket or chemical portable toilet do?
Kettle boiling facilities?
Edited by paintman on Wednesday 21st October 09:37
Badda said:
Louis Balfour said:
Ideally I would spend £25k but I don't want to spend time fettling an old boat, so I may need to increase.
A planing hull is what I want.
Why a planing hull for mainly inland use? A planing hull is what I want.
I tend to agree with your powerboat man. I'd get something with WC and cooking facilities inside, because it might rain and you might get hungry. And ladies seem to need a pee every two hours so you'd be stuck to a one-hour radius from the nearest public toilet.
A planing hull is for speed and reduces interior space, so decide if you want speed or space.
You can trailer boats up to 27' before extra rules start kicking in I think. Also trailering boats in and out for each trip - it will weigh 1-2 tons - might lose its appeal after a while so don't rule out a mooring/marina. My 27' GRP cruiser is 2.2 tons and I certainly wouldn't want to try hauling that out myself.
But however you do it, get afloat, it's great
A planing hull is for speed and reduces interior space, so decide if you want speed or space.
You can trailer boats up to 27' before extra rules start kicking in I think. Also trailering boats in and out for each trip - it will weigh 1-2 tons - might lose its appeal after a while so don't rule out a mooring/marina. My 27' GRP cruiser is 2.2 tons and I certainly wouldn't want to try hauling that out myself.
But however you do it, get afloat, it's great
What about something like a Sealine S23 (or a newer S25 if your budget can stretch):
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/en/boat-for-sale/19...
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/en/boat-for-sale/19...
This will suit your needs to begin the adventure!
https://motorboats.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/jeanneau-...
https://motorboats.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/jeanneau-...
Totally random, but what about a rib with a cabin. Great versatility, robust, trailerable, and this has a Yam 150 on the back so should be able to get up on the plane easy enough.
This one's in budget at £17.5, & yeah, while it's not the prettiest, you could update the tubes and the cockpit & still come in under budget.
https://www.redbayboats.com/product/redbay-ribfish...
This one's in budget at £17.5, & yeah, while it's not the prettiest, you could update the tubes and the cockpit & still come in under budget.
https://www.redbayboats.com/product/redbay-ribfish...
XJ75 said:
What about something like a Sealine S23 (or a newer S25 if your budget can stretch):
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/en/boat-for-sale/19...
Good choice if you can negotiate on price. The S23 is powered by the KAD32 which has a good name for reliability. https://www.theyachtmarket.com/en/boat-for-sale/19...
I use the S25 for similar requirements as the OP and I’m very happy with it. The Jenneau 805 Leader is also a very good alternative but you’d have to do some man maths as prices are higher again. They have a larger cockpit area and feel more stable (if that bothers you).
+1 for pequod's suggestion.
Problem with Ribs is the tubes. Deterioration due to exposure to sun & weather mean tubes will eventually need replacement - already mentioned by jep in the one he links to. Air leakage can be an issue.
Can be very wet so Mrs B might not be impressed.
I'm not anti rib or sib but I think your needs will be better served by a hard boat.
ETA Seems to be an issue with X75's link or yachmarket's website.
Problem with Ribs is the tubes. Deterioration due to exposure to sun & weather mean tubes will eventually need replacement - already mentioned by jep in the one he links to. Air leakage can be an issue.
Can be very wet so Mrs B might not be impressed.
I'm not anti rib or sib but I think your needs will be better served by a hard boat.
ETA Seems to be an issue with X75's link or yachmarket's website.
Edited by paintman on Wednesday 21st October 11:29
paintman said:
Further thought.
Do you want a boat you could spend nights on in reasonable comfort or use as a dayboat only, returning to trailer or harbour/marina moorings nightly?
The OP stated his preference to have something 'trailerable' to use next Summer in the UK anticipating that foreign holidays may still be difficult due to the pandemic. With that in mind, I would be favouring a holiday cottage with a mooring close by on which to park his new p&j, something like this set up in Mylor, Cornwall.Do you want a boat you could spend nights on in reasonable comfort or use as a dayboat only, returning to trailer or harbour/marina moorings nightly?
https://www.mylor.com/harbourside-holidays/
The River Fal and estuary are a great place to explore by boat and if the weather is settled, a dash across open water to the Helford River is another 'challenge' for a beginner.
Even that little Merry Fisher 595 is usable for an overnight or two but I wouldn't want to be spending a fortnight on it or anything less than 30' IMHO.
pequod said:
paintman said:
Further thought.
Do you want a boat you could spend nights on in reasonable comfort or use as a dayboat only, returning to trailer or harbour/marina moorings nightly?
The OP stated his preference to have something 'trailerable' to use next Summer in the UK anticipating that foreign holidays may still be difficult due to the pandemic. With that in mind, I would be favouring a holiday cottage with a mooring close by on which to park his new p&j, something like this set up in Mylor, Cornwall.Do you want a boat you could spend nights on in reasonable comfort or use as a dayboat only, returning to trailer or harbour/marina moorings nightly?
https://www.mylor.com/harbourside-holidays/
The River Fal and estuary are a great place to explore by boat and if the weather is settled, a dash across open water to the Helford River is another 'challenge' for a beginner.
Even that little Merry Fisher 595 is usable for an overnight or two but I wouldn't want to be spending a fortnight on it or anything less than 30' IMHO.
Old friend of mine who lives locally keeps a Norfolk Gypsy on a mooring at Pasco's & we have a few days out with him when we're down. Pulled out & trailered home for winter.
https://www.pascosboatyard.co.uk/
Louis Balfour said:
It is unlikely that we will be spending nights on it.
With regard to Merry Fisher type designs they look like the boat equivalent of a Vauxhall Zafira. My children will ask me why I have bought a trawler.
With regard to Merry Fisher type designs they look like the boat equivalent of a Vauxhall Zafira. My children will ask me why I have bought a trawler.
Practicality not high on the list then!?Now we seem to be narrowing down the boat for you (and one that your kids won't be embarrassed to sit on) it appears something like this might be your choice given the length/price requirements?
https://motorboats.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/karnic-22...
Depending how old your kids are you're likely to find the faster it goes the better - esp teenagers!
This might be worth a look as a very rough guide to the fuel consumption of various engines.
https://www.boat-fuel-economy.com/volvo-penta-4.3-...
This might be worth a look as a very rough guide to the fuel consumption of various engines.
https://www.boat-fuel-economy.com/volvo-penta-4.3-...
Edited by paintman on Wednesday 21st October 16:16
Take a look at the Warrior Boats 165 or 175 these are British made boats (in Leyland) are excellent first boats which highly sought after on the second hand market so hold their value much better than the Sealine's mentioned previously (I know because I've had both and am on my second 175).
The Warriors are easily towed, easily launched and recovered, easily stored, they are strong and stable, and you get fantastic support from Warrior.
I cant recommend highly enough.
The Warriors are easily towed, easily launched and recovered, easily stored, they are strong and stable, and you get fantastic support from Warrior.
I cant recommend highly enough.
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