Moving From Yacht to Motor Boat - What Boat ?
Discussion
We've had a 28ft Yacht for the last 10 years, we keep the boat in a South Coast Marina and enjoy it enormously.
We're considering selling the yacht and getting a motor boat since:
1. Whilst we love the boat, with a young family we hardly ever sail any more - whenever we go anywhere we invariably just motor there. Might as well bite the bullet and get a motor boat.
2. We use the boat as much as a second home and having planty of inside space and a 3 cabin layout has been important to us. We're in the process of buying a weekend flat near where we keep the boat so we'll sleep on the boat much less, so internal space is less important going forward.
3. Would like to get places a bit quicker !
We'll keep the boat on a swinging moring in Poole harbour. Boat will be used for day sailing and short coastal trips ~ 20 miles radius (Weymouth, usual places in Solent etc).
Have started to look around at motor boats. Here are my (maybe impossibly conflicting) requirements:
1. Ability to sleep 2 comfortably plus an additional 2 occasionally.
2. Seperate heads compartmant with sea toilet (essential!)
3. 18 knots flat out, 12 knots cruising speed.
4. Reasonable fuel economy. The Yanmar 2GM20 in my yacht uses ~2 litres an hour, I realise I'll use more fuel than this but I've heard figures of about 80 litres per hour for a 5.7l Mercruiser powered sports cruiser at full throttle. I'd never use a boat that burnt £100 of fuel an hour. I've heard modern ~100hp outboards use about 15 litres/hour at cruising rpm, I could live with that.
5. 20 to 25 feet.
6. Some sort of backup power, ideally 2 engines but acknowledge that's unlikely at this budget, so a small auxillary outboard on a transom bracket would be ok.
7. Budget 25k max.
Does such a boat exist ?
We're considering selling the yacht and getting a motor boat since:
1. Whilst we love the boat, with a young family we hardly ever sail any more - whenever we go anywhere we invariably just motor there. Might as well bite the bullet and get a motor boat.
2. We use the boat as much as a second home and having planty of inside space and a 3 cabin layout has been important to us. We're in the process of buying a weekend flat near where we keep the boat so we'll sleep on the boat much less, so internal space is less important going forward.
3. Would like to get places a bit quicker !
We'll keep the boat on a swinging moring in Poole harbour. Boat will be used for day sailing and short coastal trips ~ 20 miles radius (Weymouth, usual places in Solent etc).
Have started to look around at motor boats. Here are my (maybe impossibly conflicting) requirements:
1. Ability to sleep 2 comfortably plus an additional 2 occasionally.
2. Seperate heads compartmant with sea toilet (essential!)
3. 18 knots flat out, 12 knots cruising speed.
4. Reasonable fuel economy. The Yanmar 2GM20 in my yacht uses ~2 litres an hour, I realise I'll use more fuel than this but I've heard figures of about 80 litres per hour for a 5.7l Mercruiser powered sports cruiser at full throttle. I'd never use a boat that burnt £100 of fuel an hour. I've heard modern ~100hp outboards use about 15 litres/hour at cruising rpm, I could live with that.
5. 20 to 25 feet.
6. Some sort of backup power, ideally 2 engines but acknowledge that's unlikely at this budget, so a small auxillary outboard on a transom bracket would be ok.
7. Budget 25k max.
Does such a boat exist ?
Edited by Seight_Returns on Tuesday 14th October 17:35
Nimbus make a nice family cruiser. Good solid Volvo 41 on a shaft, so will handle similarly to a sailing boat. Outdrives can be a pain.
Most motorboats will be a bit more thirsty than your Yanmar but you'll get there faster and maybe use it more often, even in a bit of weather.
http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/advert/nimbus-31-ultim...
Most motorboats will be a bit more thirsty than your Yanmar but you'll get there faster and maybe use it more often, even in a bit of weather.
http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/advert/nimbus-31-ultim...
And a Nimbus 3003 here (wrong location but more photos to see) http://www.jonesboatyard.co.uk/boat-sales/nimbus-3...
Looks like good accommodation.
Looks like good accommodation.
I've uploaded a document detailing the speed and fuel figures for the Jeanneau Merry Fisher range fitted with Yamaha outboards here: http://www.bhg-marine.co.uk/pdf/jeanneau/MF.pdf
It might come in useful to you, other boats with similar sized engines will be similar.
A 6-7m Merry Fisher might be suitable for you. I sell a lot of them to people who are changing from sail to power. New is going to be out of budget, but you should find a good used 655 or a 695 within budget with an inboard diesel or maybe a 725 with an outboard.
It might come in useful to you, other boats with similar sized engines will be similar.
A 6-7m Merry Fisher might be suitable for you. I sell a lot of them to people who are changing from sail to power. New is going to be out of budget, but you should find a good used 655 or a 695 within budget with an inboard diesel or maybe a 725 with an outboard.
Many thanks all.
You've obvilously twigged that what I'd really, really like is a ~30ft Semi Displacement Cruiser with twin diesels on shafts. That's exactly what I'll have at some point - but without either putting a lot more money in to the purchase cost over the value of my current boat (Gib'Sea 282) or considering a classic boat, sadly I don't that's viable right now. I'm looking to use the money I currently spend on marina fees on funding my holiday flat - and buy a motor boat with basic overnighting accomodation that I can keep on a swinging mooring, without putting any more money in.
Very interested in a Merry Fisher and was already thinking about them. A bit confused about layouts of various models. I see that some have a double berth forward with the seating behind the helm convering to an additional occasional double berth - that would be fine, ideal even, but I definately want a seperate heads compartment. What's the smallest MF that has this layout ?
You've obvilously twigged that what I'd really, really like is a ~30ft Semi Displacement Cruiser with twin diesels on shafts. That's exactly what I'll have at some point - but without either putting a lot more money in to the purchase cost over the value of my current boat (Gib'Sea 282) or considering a classic boat, sadly I don't that's viable right now. I'm looking to use the money I currently spend on marina fees on funding my holiday flat - and buy a motor boat with basic overnighting accomodation that I can keep on a swinging mooring, without putting any more money in.
Very interested in a Merry Fisher and was already thinking about them. A bit confused about layouts of various models. I see that some have a double berth forward with the seating behind the helm convering to an additional occasional double berth - that would be fine, ideal even, but I definately want a seperate heads compartment. What's the smallest MF that has this layout ?
Seight_Returns said:
Many thanks all.
You've obvilously twigged that what I'd really, really like is a ~30ft Semi Displacement Cruiser with twin diesels on shafts. That's exactly what I'll have at some point - but without either putting a lot more money in to the purchase cost over the value of my current boat (Gib'Sea 282) or considering a classic boat, sadly I don't that's viable right now. I'm looking to use the money I currently spend on marina fees on funding my holiday flat - and buy a motor boat with basic overnighting accomodation that I can keep on a swinging mooring, without putting any more money in.
Very interested in a Merry Fisher and was already thinking about them. A bit confused about layouts of various models. I see that some have a double berth forward with the seating behind the helm convering to an additional occasional double berth - that would be fine, ideal even, but I definately want a seperate heads compartment. What's the smallest MF that has this layout ?
Hi,You've obvilously twigged that what I'd really, really like is a ~30ft Semi Displacement Cruiser with twin diesels on shafts. That's exactly what I'll have at some point - but without either putting a lot more money in to the purchase cost over the value of my current boat (Gib'Sea 282) or considering a classic boat, sadly I don't that's viable right now. I'm looking to use the money I currently spend on marina fees on funding my holiday flat - and buy a motor boat with basic overnighting accomodation that I can keep on a swinging mooring, without putting any more money in.
Very interested in a Merry Fisher and was already thinking about them. A bit confused about layouts of various models. I see that some have a double berth forward with the seating behind the helm convering to an additional occasional double berth - that would be fine, ideal even, but I definately want a seperate heads compartment. What's the smallest MF that has this layout ?
Yes, that's the more desirable layout, it's also the later designed layout which you will see on the current models. The older models tended to have a more separate cabin forward and the wheelhouse just houses a helm seat. The more modern design sees a larger and more open plan wheelhouse with a helm seat and galley to starboard, and a dinette to port, which converts down to a berth, and a double cabin forward. The larger models will also have a separate heads compartment to starboard, underneath/in front of the helm console.
However, you’re going to be pushed to find the newer models at a sub £25k price point. The Merry Fisher 645 will be around that price now (just been discontinued and replaced with the new 695) but it didn’t have the separate heads compartment. The 755 does, but used examples of these are still around £40k. The new 695 is probably perfect, it has the layout you're looking for and a separate heads compartment, but it's brand new, so it's over budget.
This leaves the old Merry Fisher 695 or the Merry Fisher 725 (not quite the same layout as the new models and runs a diesel inboard). Both of these had separate heads compartments, and you should be able to find something in budget. The 725 would be the boat to go for IMO, a bit larger, get a modern Japanese outboard on the back and a better interior layout.
Where are you based? I am a Jeanneau dealer, so drop me a mail if I can be of any more help.
Dan
Fishtigua said:
Yes, same sort of layout as the older Jeanneaus. The issue I think the OP has with the older layouts, is he wants a convertible berth/saloon/dinette (whatever you want to call it!) in the wheelhouse itself, which in my opinion is a much nicer layout. So like the latest Merry Fisher 755...
Yes - that's exactly the layout I want - thanks again.
Only concern would be that I'd worry about the outbaord being stolen, particularly since it will live on a swinging mooring. And I have a bit of an aversion to petrol boats on safety grounds but that may be paranoia.
As you say a 695 with a diesel inboard has the layout I want for about the right money for a used one - but only 3 berths.
Only concern would be that I'd worry about the outbaord being stolen, particularly since it will live on a swinging mooring. And I have a bit of an aversion to petrol boats on safety grounds but that may be paranoia.
As you say a 695 with a diesel inboard has the layout I want for about the right money for a used one - but only 3 berths.
Petrol boats are fine! There are thousands of them out there. CE regs are pretty tight for petrol boats nowadays, fuel tank lockers have to be correctly ventilated etc. An outboard engine is of much less of a risk than a sterndrive as the engine is self contained on the back of the boat, rather than in a big fibreglass compartment full of fumes.
Outboards are stolen, yes. However, you can reduce the risk by fitting the relevant outboard locks and even GPS trackers. We’ve supplied quite a few and fitted them within engine cowls. They will wake up as soon as the wiring to the engine is cut/disconnected. If you could stretch to new (or nearly new) Yamaha have a system called Y-COP which is an immobiliser system. The cowlings are marked with a sticker which lets thieves know that the engine is armed with an immobiliser. If the thief misses the sticker and steals it anyway, providing you opt for the Yamaha insurance, the insurance company will replace the engine, new for old and with no excess for up to 5 years. Pretty good peace of mind.
http://www.ymc-insuremyboat.co.uk/
Outboards are stolen, yes. However, you can reduce the risk by fitting the relevant outboard locks and even GPS trackers. We’ve supplied quite a few and fitted them within engine cowls. They will wake up as soon as the wiring to the engine is cut/disconnected. If you could stretch to new (or nearly new) Yamaha have a system called Y-COP which is an immobiliser system. The cowlings are marked with a sticker which lets thieves know that the engine is armed with an immobiliser. If the thief misses the sticker and steals it anyway, providing you opt for the Yamaha insurance, the insurance company will replace the engine, new for old and with no excess for up to 5 years. Pretty good peace of mind.
http://www.ymc-insuremyboat.co.uk/
Thanks.
Yes, I know petrol boats are safe. It's the grief I'd get from the elderly boating-know-it-alls in my extended family who think differently, despite the absence of any evidence to support their opinions that's my real concern !
If I can get comfortable with my outboard theft risk concerns - then I think a used MF 725 would be a very good proposition for us.
Yes, I know petrol boats are safe. It's the grief I'd get from the elderly boating-know-it-alls in my extended family who think differently, despite the absence of any evidence to support their opinions that's my real concern !
If I can get comfortable with my outboard theft risk concerns - then I think a used MF 725 would be a very good proposition for us.
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