Proper Motor Cruisers - Alternatives to Seaward, Hardy, Etc
Discussion
So we all start off on the right foot, I couldn't think of the best way to describe them, the thread title is not meant to be contentious!
I'm looking for a proper motor cruiser for weekends and the odd longer trip away. For me, Mrs Seapod and a couple of dogs. Perhaps the odd visitor, but they don't need accommodation. I live in the West Country so will be hopping up and down Devon and Cornwall with occasional trips to Scillies, possibly Channel Islands and so on.
It needs to be genuinely seaworthy, reasonably economical and capable of accommodating us in a degree of comfort.
For context, I am a sailor, so I am used to pootling along and don't always need to rely on speed to avoid a bit of weather. While I would clearly prefer and plan to avoid a blow, neither do I want to be stuck in port in a flimsy skimming dish waiting for the next sub-F3 'window' to get home.
I'm drawn to semi-displacement options as they seem to fit the bill. I expect to be able to use my boats for most of the year and so look for a degree of ruggedness. 25-32 foot range, diesel, inboard, galley, preferably hot water, heating but not phased about retrospectively adding if boat can be bought well.
My budget is up to about £45k, would prefer to be less, definitely will not be over.
I have found these options but would be interested in the views here of what I may be missing or perhaps a left field alternative.
Solid but quite utilitarian
https://essex.boatshed.com/mitchell_31-boat-216611...
Middle of the road choice
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Sailboats/nels...
This one is definitely left field and I suspect marmite. I keep coming back to it though
https://www.apolloduck.com/boat.phtml?id=571904
Good rep but basic spec
https://apolloduck.net/572295
Current front runners are probably the Hardy 27s
https://www.rightboat.com/gb/boats-for-sale/hardy-...
Or
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1645...
Seawards are good but a little pricey I think, Nelsons out of budget or too old. Some Scandinavian boats are interesting but I would preference a rear cockpit to centre which rules some out. Aquador nice but can't find one in budget.
What else could I look at or be talked into?
I'm looking for a proper motor cruiser for weekends and the odd longer trip away. For me, Mrs Seapod and a couple of dogs. Perhaps the odd visitor, but they don't need accommodation. I live in the West Country so will be hopping up and down Devon and Cornwall with occasional trips to Scillies, possibly Channel Islands and so on.
It needs to be genuinely seaworthy, reasonably economical and capable of accommodating us in a degree of comfort.
For context, I am a sailor, so I am used to pootling along and don't always need to rely on speed to avoid a bit of weather. While I would clearly prefer and plan to avoid a blow, neither do I want to be stuck in port in a flimsy skimming dish waiting for the next sub-F3 'window' to get home.
I'm drawn to semi-displacement options as they seem to fit the bill. I expect to be able to use my boats for most of the year and so look for a degree of ruggedness. 25-32 foot range, diesel, inboard, galley, preferably hot water, heating but not phased about retrospectively adding if boat can be bought well.
My budget is up to about £45k, would prefer to be less, definitely will not be over.
I have found these options but would be interested in the views here of what I may be missing or perhaps a left field alternative.
Solid but quite utilitarian
https://essex.boatshed.com/mitchell_31-boat-216611...
Middle of the road choice
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Sailboats/nels...
This one is definitely left field and I suspect marmite. I keep coming back to it though
https://www.apolloduck.com/boat.phtml?id=571904
Good rep but basic spec
https://apolloduck.net/572295
Current front runners are probably the Hardy 27s
https://www.rightboat.com/gb/boats-for-sale/hardy-...
Or
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1645...
Seawards are good but a little pricey I think, Nelsons out of budget or too old. Some Scandinavian boats are interesting but I would preference a rear cockpit to centre which rules some out. Aquador nice but can't find one in budget.
What else could I look at or be talked into?
First thought was a Nelson, but the only one I could see in budget was old and tired...
https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/1975/Nelson-34-...
Another left field option depending on how you define ‘comfort’ is the Botnia Targa - we’ve just sold our 27 within your budget - slept 2 + 2 easily albeit in single berths. Shower and heads up front and a stove, sink and fridge in the wheelhouse. Billy basic otherwise - your other half might not be a fan.
Exceptional sea boat - planing hull but took her out in seriously s
t conditions and totally unflustered. Looks are ‘challenging’ and not for all! Upside is safe walk around decks and social spaces fore and aft made it perfect for a thick as mince black lab and a possessed toddler..
https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/1975/Nelson-34-...
Another left field option depending on how you define ‘comfort’ is the Botnia Targa - we’ve just sold our 27 within your budget - slept 2 + 2 easily albeit in single berths. Shower and heads up front and a stove, sink and fridge in the wheelhouse. Billy basic otherwise - your other half might not be a fan.
Exceptional sea boat - planing hull but took her out in seriously s
t conditions and totally unflustered. Looks are ‘challenging’ and not for all! Upside is safe walk around decks and social spaces fore and aft made it perfect for a thick as mince black lab and a possessed toddler..Given your area of operation including trips to the Scilly Isles, I would go for a longer boat length than 27'-31' although that might be difficult, I realise, if moorings constrain you.
If you stretch to 34' there are some nice boats around that IMHO would fit the bill and I wouldn't be afraid to make a cheeky offer on this Nelson 34!
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1553...
Friend of mine had one and they are very capable in heavy weather albeit a bit 'old fashioned' these days but given you say you don't want to be waiting in harbour for the weather to abate, something solid and reliable is where you need to be.
P
If you stretch to 34' there are some nice boats around that IMHO would fit the bill and I wouldn't be afraid to make a cheeky offer on this Nelson 34!
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1553...
Friend of mine had one and they are very capable in heavy weather albeit a bit 'old fashioned' these days but given you say you don't want to be waiting in harbour for the weather to abate, something solid and reliable is where you need to be.
P
Donuts, I like Targas a lot, I have never seen one within my budget so discounted them on this basis. I wish I had posted this a few months ago!
Pequod, Yup 34 foot is a little too long for me in an ideal world from a mooring perspectives and the running costs inevitably rise exponentially. I'd rather be around the 30 foot or below, although I take your point about seakeeping.
Both very good suggestions, please keep them coming
Pequod, Yup 34 foot is a little too long for me in an ideal world from a mooring perspectives and the running costs inevitably rise exponentially. I'd rather be around the 30 foot or below, although I take your point about seakeeping.
Both very good suggestions, please keep them coming
Ok, so a 'left field' suggestion that, maybe, would be suitable and you said you have sailing experience!!
https://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/image.phtml?id=577...
Personally, I like these little motorsailers, and it will be far more economical that a true motor cruiser with good seakeeping ability.
This one is on your doorstep and although it needs some tlc the asking price gives you plenty of change from your £45k budget.
https://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/image.phtml?id=577...
Personally, I like these little motorsailers, and it will be far more economical that a true motor cruiser with good seakeeping ability.
This one is on your doorstep and although it needs some tlc the asking price gives you plenty of change from your £45k budget.
Ok, so at the sporty end of the spectrum, I reckon this could be within budget:
https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/1998/Windy-31-T...
or, probaby closer to your brief, this Aquador Hard Top is within budget - single engine wouldn't put me off - like it a lot:
https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/2002/Aquador-26...
https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/1998/Windy-31-T...
or, probaby closer to your brief, this Aquador Hard Top is within budget - single engine wouldn't put me off - like it a lot:
https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/2002/Aquador-26...
pequod said:
Ok, so a 'left field' suggestion that, maybe, would be suitable and you said you have sailing experience!!
https://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/image.phtml?id=577...
Personally, I like these little motorsailers, and it will be far more economical that a true motor cruiser with good seakeeping ability.
This one is on your doorstep and although it needs some tlc the asking price gives you plenty of change from your £45k budget.
I do too. I have good memories of spending summers on a Nauticat 33 as a child. Fishers were the alternative option at the time as it was before the era of deck saloon versions of run of the mill yachts (eg Westerly Konsort Duo) https://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/image.phtml?id=577...
Personally, I like these little motorsailers, and it will be far more economical that a true motor cruiser with good seakeeping ability.
This one is on your doorstep and although it needs some tlc the asking price gives you plenty of change from your £45k budget.
A good suggestion and one I had not thought of - it will be Mrs S that needs convincing. She is looking for a bit of passage making pace. I'll find one to view and see what she thinks.
donutsina911 said:
Ok, so at the sporty end of the spectrum, I reckon this could be within budget:
https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/1998/Windy-31-T...
or, probaby closer to your brief, this Aquador Hard Top is within budget - single engine wouldn't put me off - like it a lot:
https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/2002/Aquador-26...
The Windy is https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/1998/Windy-31-T...
or, probaby closer to your brief, this Aquador Hard Top is within budget - single engine wouldn't put me off - like it a lot:
https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/2002/Aquador-26...
to me personally, its exactly the 'look' that I am trying to avoid even though they have a very good heritage.Aquador is spot on - good find. its on the shortlist for further investigation.
seapod said:
...
Aquador is spot on - good find. its on the shortlist for further investigation.
Unless I misread your original post I think you are having a laugh? Aquador is spot on - good find. its on the shortlist for further investigation.
EDIT!
I did misread your post so apologies!
I saw Aquador and thought 'Aquastar' which fits your SD requirements and have a solid reliability about them. This one for sale may be of interest although at 27' may be smaller than you had in mind?
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1651...
Lots of discussion on the 'net about the merits of semi displacement versus full planing hulls which I'm sure you have researched and will come down to personal preference as both hull designs have good and bad seakeeping potential particularly with the length of boat you are after.
Edited by pequod on Thursday 30th August 14:38
My uncle is currently selling this... i know the price advertised is currently very negotiable. Its had alot of upgrades/modernisation in the last 3/4 years..
Happy to make an introduction if remotely interested...Its a Broom 37.
https://scotland.boatshed.com/broom_37_continental-boat-240454.html
Happy to make an introduction if remotely interested...Its a Broom 37.
https://scotland.boatshed.com/broom_37_continental-boat-240454.html
pequod said:
Unless I misread your original post I think you are having a laugh?
EDIT!
I did misread your post so apologies!
I saw Aquador and thought 'Aquastar' which fits your SD requirements and have a solid reliability about them. This one for sale may be of interest although at 27' may be smaller than you had in mind?
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1651...
Lots of discussion on the 'net about the merits of semi displacement versus full planing hulls which I'm sure you have researched and will come down to personal preference as both hull designs have good and bad seakeeping potential particularly with the length of boat you are after.
Well, to be fair the Aquador 26HT is getting very close to crossing the line between 'authentic & non-ironically worn pink trousers' and 'Midlands Carpet Emporium Magnate' or should i say, semi-displacement vs full planing or blue hull vs white hull! EDIT!
I did misread your post so apologies!
I saw Aquador and thought 'Aquastar' which fits your SD requirements and have a solid reliability about them. This one for sale may be of interest although at 27' may be smaller than you had in mind?
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1651...
Lots of discussion on the 'net about the merits of semi displacement versus full planing hulls which I'm sure you have researched and will come down to personal preference as both hull designs have good and bad seakeeping potential particularly with the length of boat you are after.
Edited by pequod on Thursday 30th August 14:38
The Aquador 28 while still planing, has more of the 'little ship' look. I have discounted the Aquador 26 on the basis that the rear of the accomodation is open, no doors. Not ideal from my perspective.
Aquastar 27 a little on the small side but looks a good price/example.
Now this is 'Proper' - but a bit out of budget.
https://motorboats.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/nelson-29...
Still, I could always make an offer.
https://motorboats.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/nelson-29...
Still, I could always make an offer.
Cheeky Jim said:
My uncle is currently selling this... i know the price advertised is currently very negotiable. Its had alot of upgrades/modernisation in the last 3/4 years..
Happy to make an introduction if remotely interested...Its a Broom 37.
https://scotland.boatshed.com/broom_37_continental-boat-240454.html
Thanks Jim, but its not for me. Very well equipped boat but too big for my needs. Happy to make an introduction if remotely interested...Its a Broom 37.
https://scotland.boatshed.com/broom_37_continental-boat-240454.html
seapod said:
Now this is 'Proper' - but a bit out of budget.
https://motorboats.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/nelson-29...
Still, I could always make an offer.
Good looking boat - ad says she'd being sold due to the purchase of a new boat so reckon you'd be able to make a cheeky offer https://motorboats.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/nelson-29...
Still, I could always make an offer.
seapod said:
pequod said:
Unless I misread your original post I think you are having a laugh?
EDIT!
I did misread your post so apologies!
I saw Aquador and thought 'Aquastar' which fits your SD requirements and have a solid reliability about them. This one for sale may be of interest although at 27' may be smaller than you had in mind?
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1651...
Lots of discussion on the 'net about the merits of semi displacement versus full planing hulls which I'm sure you have researched and will come down to personal preference as both hull designs have good and bad seakeeping potential particularly with the length of boat you are after.
Well, to be fair the Aquador 26HT is getting very close to crossing the line between 'authentic & non-ironically worn pink trousers' and 'Midlands Carpet Emporium Magnate' or should i say, semi-displacement vs full planing or blue hull vs white hull! EDIT!
I did misread your post so apologies!
I saw Aquador and thought 'Aquastar' which fits your SD requirements and have a solid reliability about them. This one for sale may be of interest although at 27' may be smaller than you had in mind?
https://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1651...
Lots of discussion on the 'net about the merits of semi displacement versus full planing hulls which I'm sure you have researched and will come down to personal preference as both hull designs have good and bad seakeeping potential particularly with the length of boat you are after.
Edited by pequod on Thursday 30th August 14:38
The Aquador 28 while still planing, has more of the 'little ship' look. I have discounted the Aquador 26 on the basis that the rear of the accomodation is open, no doors. Not ideal from my perspective.
Aquastar 27 a little on the small side but looks a good price/example.
The Nelson 29 looks good and go low on the offer as it's a buyers market! Has the 'crew' been involved in these choices yet?
FWIW, I think you should go and actually see some the boats mentioned before discounting them. I've been on most of the boats that have been recommended and the internal space between them varies considerably.
I'm not sure the Nelson 27 / 29 types will offer the internal space that you and more importantly your good lady will require, unless you're coming from a relatively modest sized (small) yacht.
You say you want good sea keeping but there is a huge difference in sea keeping between a 27 footer and 31 footer, not to mention a 34 footer! The Nelson at Hayling Island looks like a peach - 'recent', 'modern' engines and whilst it is quite a narrow boat, it's 34 ft and has 2 cabins, therefore lots of space.
The Windy, whilst a totally different boat to the brief might actually fit your requirements. Whilst it very much is a planning hull, it has the lightweight KAD32 engines fitted. These are considerably lighter than the more normal KAD44/300s fitted. Like the KAD44/300s the KAD32s also have superchargers fitted. The combination of relatively lightweight engines with superchargers means that if you 'need' to run at displacement / semi-displacement speeds then this is very possible and easy to manage on this particular vessel.
If I was out in a lumpy F4/5, I've rather be in the N34 than in the Windy 31, but I would rather be in the Windy 31 over the N27....but I appreciate that this is just my opinion.
I'm not sure the Nelson 27 / 29 types will offer the internal space that you and more importantly your good lady will require, unless you're coming from a relatively modest sized (small) yacht.
You say you want good sea keeping but there is a huge difference in sea keeping between a 27 footer and 31 footer, not to mention a 34 footer! The Nelson at Hayling Island looks like a peach - 'recent', 'modern' engines and whilst it is quite a narrow boat, it's 34 ft and has 2 cabins, therefore lots of space.
The Windy, whilst a totally different boat to the brief might actually fit your requirements. Whilst it very much is a planning hull, it has the lightweight KAD32 engines fitted. These are considerably lighter than the more normal KAD44/300s fitted. Like the KAD44/300s the KAD32s also have superchargers fitted. The combination of relatively lightweight engines with superchargers means that if you 'need' to run at displacement / semi-displacement speeds then this is very possible and easy to manage on this particular vessel.
If I was out in a lumpy F4/5, I've rather be in the N34 than in the Windy 31, but I would rather be in the Windy 31 over the N27....but I appreciate that this is just my opinion.
Come and see us at the Southampton boat show and I will show you a semi displacement 27' and 35'er not because they are anyway within budget, but so you cans see all the compromises made for this type of boating. It so happens our 27 is up to this point exclusively owned by ex or current "sailors" due to the exact reasons you mention. Stand M200 in the marina.
More good comments and insight from the three posters above - thank you.
Gordmac - For context, I may have undersold my experience somewhat (not normally like me!). I have been fortunate enough to spend time in many different types of motorboat, from dinghies to a 50m Hakvoort - to the extent of working on them professionally including skippering a Princess V78, delivering Merry Fishers to prospective owners and training them on their use, spending a couple of seasons working on superyachts from first mate downwards. So I have a good feel for the differences between planing/non-planning, inboard/outboard, shaft/sterndrive etc
Comment about fuel consumption is very fair and relevant - its one of my major priorities to try and establish a realistic number in the typical scenarios I would want to use the vessel. I don't doubt for a minute that I would be better off with an o/b lighter weight option in the sub 30ft bracket. So its a question of how much worse will older, twin 150hp Thornycrofts(or similar) will be...? I haven't managed to get to grips with this yet beyond reasonable guesttimates. In all my previous experience it was never me picking up the tab, so I didn't care!
Ian: Seakeeping - I can't go above 32 feet from a purely practical berthing perspective. So I need something shorter which will inevitably be less comfortable (but not necessarily less competent). Mrs Seapod consideration is a good point, she is used to a variety of boats too but hasn't ever been on a narrow(ish) traditional semi-displacement. I will get her aboard some.
I hate to admit it but looks are important, I don't want anything primarily white and chrome if I am being honest with myself. I look uncomfortably similar to Ken Masters in person, I don't need his taste/choice in boats reinforcing the impression! An ancient Howard's Way reference to those who are old enough to remember. I'm also tainted by delivering/working with too many Jenateaus where bits started falling off them before we had even completed the pre-delivery inspection. I like a bit of solidity.
J3JCV - Southampton Boatshow - I am going next week, will be there on Fri 14th so I will certainly stop by and say hello. Your range of boats are stunning - and I will gladly take you up on your offer of stopping by to take a look. I may need 6 numbers to come up before being able to do much more than dream however...
Gordmac - For context, I may have undersold my experience somewhat (not normally like me!). I have been fortunate enough to spend time in many different types of motorboat, from dinghies to a 50m Hakvoort - to the extent of working on them professionally including skippering a Princess V78, delivering Merry Fishers to prospective owners and training them on their use, spending a couple of seasons working on superyachts from first mate downwards. So I have a good feel for the differences between planing/non-planning, inboard/outboard, shaft/sterndrive etc
Comment about fuel consumption is very fair and relevant - its one of my major priorities to try and establish a realistic number in the typical scenarios I would want to use the vessel. I don't doubt for a minute that I would be better off with an o/b lighter weight option in the sub 30ft bracket. So its a question of how much worse will older, twin 150hp Thornycrofts(or similar) will be...? I haven't managed to get to grips with this yet beyond reasonable guesttimates. In all my previous experience it was never me picking up the tab, so I didn't care!
Ian: Seakeeping - I can't go above 32 feet from a purely practical berthing perspective. So I need something shorter which will inevitably be less comfortable (but not necessarily less competent). Mrs Seapod consideration is a good point, she is used to a variety of boats too but hasn't ever been on a narrow(ish) traditional semi-displacement. I will get her aboard some.
I hate to admit it but looks are important, I don't want anything primarily white and chrome if I am being honest with myself. I look uncomfortably similar to Ken Masters in person, I don't need his taste/choice in boats reinforcing the impression! An ancient Howard's Way reference to those who are old enough to remember. I'm also tainted by delivering/working with too many Jenateaus where bits started falling off them before we had even completed the pre-delivery inspection. I like a bit of solidity.
J3JCV - Southampton Boatshow - I am going next week, will be there on Fri 14th so I will certainly stop by and say hello. Your range of boats are stunning - and I will gladly take you up on your offer of stopping by to take a look. I may need 6 numbers to come up before being able to do much more than dream however...
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