Which boat for next summer?
Discussion
HocusPocus said:
Think practical usage. I have a Robalo 180 with 150hp outboard for trailering to visit places. It is unashamedly an open day boat, but with toilet cubby, seating space, and 42kt pace. It is for fun, so we won't go out coastal in force 5+, ie lumpy cold wet days. This hard boat has more internal space and higher freeboard than a rib for given length. If towing with 4x4 be aware of the beam being a limiting factor on country lanes like the steep hill approach to Mylor. The last mile to many marinas are tiny roads. Don't go so big that you shudder whenever a panel van comes the other way.
Decide whether you will use it only as a day boat or overnight/warm cabin comfort. Cuddies are the compromise option, but how often will you really be out all day (especially if you launch/recover 2 hours either side of high tide) and tie up to an overnight mooring bouy? Unless you plan to overnight or go out on lumpy days, I would not buy a cabin cruiser. If you plan to go boating from one location, a dry stack is an excellent secure storm-proof solution.
Nice boat and good advice, however, the OP apparently has dismissed bowriders or anything with a reputation which is marketed as being most suitable for angling! Decide whether you will use it only as a day boat or overnight/warm cabin comfort. Cuddies are the compromise option, but how often will you really be out all day (especially if you launch/recover 2 hours either side of high tide) and tie up to an overnight mooring bouy? Unless you plan to overnight or go out on lumpy days, I would not buy a cabin cruiser. If you plan to go boating from one location, a dry stack is an excellent secure storm-proof solution.
OT, but I do hope that Robalo boats get a fair crack at the British market after we leave the protectionist EU boat manufacturing industry?
pequod said:
Nice boat and good advice, however, the OP apparently has dismissed bowriders or anything with a reputation which is marketed as being most suitable for angling!
OT, but I do hope that Robalo boats get a fair crack at the British market after we leave the protectionist EU boat manufacturing industry?
For me it is not the angling, but how quickly I can get there. OT, but I do hope that Robalo boats get a fair crack at the British market after we leave the protectionist EU boat manufacturing industry?
TBF I surprised myself with the Robalo thinking it was just cat C when bought new. On its delivery outing with the dealer on board, I drove it 7/8 tank with 4 POB into the 25kt wind/waves at 20-25kt, hull completely airbourne props out of the water landing on WOT deliberately trying to break it, or find its limits: knowing the dealer will stop me if he felt death was imminent. My feet remained dry and I only slowed to strap the emergency 6hp outboard when the trapezoid engine mounting collapsed (fixed by dealer under warranty). Never driven it so hard since, but it does assure me the boat will take more punishment than its passengers. Never regret buying that over the equivalent rib.
HocusPocus said:
pequod said:
Nice boat and good advice, however, the OP apparently has dismissed bowriders or anything with a reputation which is marketed as being most suitable for angling!
OT, but I do hope that Robalo boats get a fair crack at the British market after we leave the protectionist EU boat manufacturing industry?
For me it is not the angling, but how quickly I can get there. OT, but I do hope that Robalo boats get a fair crack at the British market after we leave the protectionist EU boat manufacturing industry?
TBF I surprised myself with the Robalo thinking it was just cat C when bought new. On its delivery outing with the dealer on board, I drove it 7/8 tank with 4 POB into the 25kt wind/waves at 20-25kt, hull completely airbourne props out of the water landing on WOT deliberately trying to break it, or find its limits: knowing the dealer will stop me if he felt death was imminent. My feet remained dry and I only slowed to strap the emergency 6hp outboard when the trapezoid engine mounting collapsed (fixed by dealer under warranty). Never driven it so hard since, but it does assure me the boat will take more punishment than its passengers. Never regret buying that over the equivalent rib.
pequod said:
Fair play to you for putting it through a serious sea trial. Many owners wouldn't dare push either the boat or the crew to the limit of the boats' design criteria and it is a testimony of the brand that it took the punishment, albeit with a failure of the engine mount! Hopefully the dealer reported back?
As the dealer saw me doing g it, he agreed the warranty claim whilst we were still at sea. ;-)How about a Shakespeare 650?
Look more sporty than usual cuddy cabin boats you see and also better built than the Bayliners, etc. of their time.
Had one for a few years and ideal for everything from Thames pub crawl to estuary/coastal use.
Quite big to trailer but trailered mine occasionally withou an issue.
One for sale here with new engine/outdrive. I'd be looking to get a decent chunk off the price and spend some of that on a stripe to break up the outside.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Motorboats/sha...
Not my boat, no relation to seller, etc, etc.
Look more sporty than usual cuddy cabin boats you see and also better built than the Bayliners, etc. of their time.
Had one for a few years and ideal for everything from Thames pub crawl to estuary/coastal use.
Quite big to trailer but trailered mine occasionally withou an issue.
One for sale here with new engine/outdrive. I'd be looking to get a decent chunk off the price and spend some of that on a stripe to break up the outside.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Motorboats/sha...
Not my boat, no relation to seller, etc, etc.
I picked up a 2013 Jeanneau Merry Fisher a few weeks ago to sit alongside the 'mothership' (my 40ft cruiser racer yacht). It looks deeply deeply uncool but I absolutely love it. Nice powerful Suzuki outboard, sleeps 3 if necessary, all-weathers, all-seasons ability (I've had water over the cabin too when pushing through the Needles), and uses chuff all fuel.
I do lust after 'cooler' boats (I have a company website full of them), but on an January day in the Solent, I know what I would prefer to be aboard as I blast across to The George for Sunday Lunch.
I do lust after 'cooler' boats (I have a company website full of them), but on an January day in the Solent, I know what I would prefer to be aboard as I blast across to The George for Sunday Lunch.
Yacht Broker said:
I picked up a 2013 Jeanneau Merry Fisher a few weeks ago to sit alongside the 'mothership' (my 40ft cruiser racer yacht). It looks deeply deeply uncool but I absolutely love it. Nice powerful Suzuki outboard, sleeps 3 if necessary, all-weathers, all-seasons ability (I've had water over the cabin too when pushing through the Needles), and uses chuff all fuel.
I do lust after 'cooler' boats (I have a company website full of them), but on an January day in the Solent, I know what I would prefer to be aboard as I blast across to The George for Sunday Lunch.
No they aren't cool. But my head is being turned by the number of people who know what they are talking about saying they are good boats. I imagine residuals are good too?I do lust after 'cooler' boats (I have a company website full of them), but on an January day in the Solent, I know what I would prefer to be aboard as I blast across to The George for Sunday Lunch.
Simpo Two said:
In case it rains? Somewhere to pee?
we just don't drink anything when we go out and we are fair weather boaters!The cuddy usually ends up being a dumping ground for life jackets etc and is a pretty horrid place to spend time. It also takes up much needed space on a boat this size.
Louis Balfour said:
Yacht Broker said:
I picked up a 2013 Jeanneau Merry Fisher a few weeks ago to sit alongside the 'mothership' (my 40ft cruiser racer yacht). It looks deeply deeply uncool but I absolutely love it. Nice powerful Suzuki outboard, sleeps 3 if necessary, all-weathers, all-seasons ability (I've had water over the cabin too when pushing through the Needles), and uses chuff all fuel.
I do lust after 'cooler' boats (I have a company website full of them), but on an January day in the Solent, I know what I would prefer to be aboard as I blast across to The George for Sunday Lunch.
No they aren't cool. But my head is being turned by the number of people who know what they are talking about saying they are good boats. I imagine residuals are good too?I do lust after 'cooler' boats (I have a company website full of them), but on an January day in the Solent, I know what I would prefer to be aboard as I blast across to The George for Sunday Lunch.
As Yacht Broker suggested, it is a great little runabout and once you have returned to your berth in a squall, or worse, you and Lady B will appreciate the merits of a pilothouse!
I am not promoting this over any other brand but they do have a good reputation and reselling should be 'easier', even with a few scars!
Edited by pequod on Friday 23 October 17:18
Okay, I am coming round to the idea of a Merry Fisher. My children WILL buy me a chunky knit sweater and peaked cap.
There seems to be a plethora of options. Would something like this be the way to go? I would prefer to pay £25k, but the ones I have seen at that level are the older ones.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Cruiser/jeanne...
or
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Offshore-cruis...
There seems to be a plethora of options. Would something like this be the way to go? I would prefer to pay £25k, but the ones I have seen at that level are the older ones.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Cruiser/jeanne...
or
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Offshore-cruis...
Edited by Louis Balfour on Saturday 24th October 09:38
Louis Balfour said:
Okay, I am coming round to the idea of a Merry Fisher. My children WILL buy me a chunky knit sweater and peaked cap.
There seems to be a plethora of options. Would something like this be the way to go? I would prefer to pay £25k, but the ones I have seen at that level are the older ones.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Cruiser/jeanne...
or
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Offshore-cruis...
I would go for the 755 over the 605 as the extra space when you’re on board with family and your kids are in and out of the water or even for lounging in the sun will make a big difference. No one ever says they wish they’d bought a smaller boat. Plus having a toilet when your out makes a HUGE difference, especially if your wife is with you and this one flushes into the sea so no emptying a leaky box of piss. There seems to be a plethora of options. Would something like this be the way to go? I would prefer to pay £25k, but the ones I have seen at that level are the older ones.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Cruiser/jeanne...
or
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Offshore-cruis...
Edited by Louis Balfour on Saturday 24th October 09:38
It’s worth considering a Bayliner.
In the world of boats I’d say they are the Ford in that you get a lot of boat for your money, they are easy to work on and widely available.
The one I’ve linked to is a typical example, this is a bit big to put on a trailer but the 2455 is a metre less.
I’d also consider keeping it on the water, a marina will cost around £250 - £300 a month (depends on location and length) but it means you can be on the water in much smaller weather and time windows. It makes an afternoon or evening trip feasible rather than the whole day.
I know launching can be part of the fun but for me it’s a faff I don’t need.
Not read the whole thread so if something like this isn’t right apologies.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Sports-Cruiser...
In the world of boats I’d say they are the Ford in that you get a lot of boat for your money, they are easy to work on and widely available.
The one I’ve linked to is a typical example, this is a bit big to put on a trailer but the 2455 is a metre less.
I’d also consider keeping it on the water, a marina will cost around £250 - £300 a month (depends on location and length) but it means you can be on the water in much smaller weather and time windows. It makes an afternoon or evening trip feasible rather than the whole day.
I know launching can be part of the fun but for me it’s a faff I don’t need.
Not read the whole thread so if something like this isn’t right apologies.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Sports-Cruiser...
Thankyou4calling said:
It’s worth considering a Bayliner.
In the world of boats I’d say they are the Ford in that you get a lot of boat for your money, they are easy to work on and widely available.
The one I’ve linked to is a typical example, this is a bit big to put on a trailer but the 2455 is a metre less.
I’d also consider keeping it on the water, a marina will cost around £250 - £300 a month (depends on location and length) but it means you can be on the water in much smaller weather and time windows. It makes an afternoon or evening trip feasible rather than the whole day.
I know launching can be part of the fun but for me it’s a faff I don’t need.
Not read the whole thread so if something like this isn’t right apologies.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Sports-Cruiser...
I am not against a Binliner. In fact earlier in the thread I expressed a liking for them.In the world of boats I’d say they are the Ford in that you get a lot of boat for your money, they are easy to work on and widely available.
The one I’ve linked to is a typical example, this is a bit big to put on a trailer but the 2455 is a metre less.
I’d also consider keeping it on the water, a marina will cost around £250 - £300 a month (depends on location and length) but it means you can be on the water in much smaller weather and time windows. It makes an afternoon or evening trip feasible rather than the whole day.
I know launching can be part of the fun but for me it’s a faff I don’t need.
Not read the whole thread so if something like this isn’t right apologies.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Sports-Cruiser...
That seems very cheap, doesn't it?
Our nearest marina will charge me £1400pa in or put of the water. It is a well equipped place. There is another nearly as close for the same money.
That’s a very good rate for the Marina, I’m on the Thames so I guess prices reflect that.
You do get a LOT of boat for your money with a Bayliner and I accept some of the fixtures and fittings show where the money has been saved but in my opinion a Sealine or Fairline is a lot more for not a lot more.
They plane easily enough, mines a 2855, sleeps 6 with decent cockpit space for eating and deck space for drinking and sunbathing. It’ll tow a skier but that looks odd and hit 25-30 knots.
Next year I’ll go across to France in it though that’ll need a Plan.
I’ve had a dozen on board and it’s very sociable.
Also don’t rule out sleeping on the boat, not as a main holiday but it’s not cramped if you are disciplined (no stiletto heels for you or wife ) and it’s real fun. If the boats rockin don’t come knocking.
I’d say the boat I posted is very well priced budget for some maintenance, a power wash, service and upholstery plus get a decent music system and fridge on board.
You do get a LOT of boat for your money with a Bayliner and I accept some of the fixtures and fittings show where the money has been saved but in my opinion a Sealine or Fairline is a lot more for not a lot more.
They plane easily enough, mines a 2855, sleeps 6 with decent cockpit space for eating and deck space for drinking and sunbathing. It’ll tow a skier but that looks odd and hit 25-30 knots.
Next year I’ll go across to France in it though that’ll need a Plan.
I’ve had a dozen on board and it’s very sociable.
Also don’t rule out sleeping on the boat, not as a main holiday but it’s not cramped if you are disciplined (no stiletto heels for you or wife ) and it’s real fun. If the boats rockin don’t come knocking.
I’d say the boat I posted is very well priced budget for some maintenance, a power wash, service and upholstery plus get a decent music system and fridge on board.
Louis Balfour said:
Thankyou4calling said:
It’s worth considering a Bayliner.
In the world of boats I’d say they are the Ford in that you get a lot of boat for your money, they are easy to work on and widely available.
The one I’ve linked to is a typical example, this is a bit big to put on a trailer but the 2455 is a metre less.
I’d also consider keeping it on the water, a marina will cost around £250 - £300 a month (depends on location and length) but it means you can be on the water in much smaller weather and time windows. It makes an afternoon or evening trip feasible rather than the whole day.
I know launching can be part of the fun but for me it’s a faff I don’t need.
Not read the whole thread so if something like this isn’t right apologies.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Sports-Cruiser...
I am not against a Binliner. In fact earlier in the thread I expressed a liking for them.In the world of boats I’d say they are the Ford in that you get a lot of boat for your money, they are easy to work on and widely available.
The one I’ve linked to is a typical example, this is a bit big to put on a trailer but the 2455 is a metre less.
I’d also consider keeping it on the water, a marina will cost around £250 - £300 a month (depends on location and length) but it means you can be on the water in much smaller weather and time windows. It makes an afternoon or evening trip feasible rather than the whole day.
I know launching can be part of the fun but for me it’s a faff I don’t need.
Not read the whole thread so if something like this isn’t right apologies.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Sports-Cruiser...
That seems very cheap, doesn't it?
Our nearest marina will charge me £1400pa in or put of the water. It is a well equipped place. There is another nearly as close for the same money.
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