speed boats advice
Discussion
hi little bit of newbie advice is you wouldn't mind.
next year i am thinking of moving down to a coastal postion in either wales or maybe cornwall/devon area and i have a real hankering for a speed boat. i might drive this to the coast before we move. i am looking at something that would be big enough for fishing out of and doing small coast trips maybe 5-10 miles a time, quick enough to be fun and maybe so we could hook up a water ski/wake board setup to it and maybe the odd snorkel. i was thinking more a 4 seater small boat with outboard motor but still has a sterring wheel as so on lol. is likely to be only think in my budget. the boat would have to be light enough for a trailer.
main things are what licence do you need for one of these here? how much are they likely to cost to run and i am a engineer and rebuild my own engines so i am sure i can do maintance on this but anything major i need to look out for?
i would have a budget between 2.5- a 6k depending what i can get for my money and how much the house costs. can i get a boat and trailer for that?
basicly any stuff i need to know about in owning a boat
next year i am thinking of moving down to a coastal postion in either wales or maybe cornwall/devon area and i have a real hankering for a speed boat. i might drive this to the coast before we move. i am looking at something that would be big enough for fishing out of and doing small coast trips maybe 5-10 miles a time, quick enough to be fun and maybe so we could hook up a water ski/wake board setup to it and maybe the odd snorkel. i was thinking more a 4 seater small boat with outboard motor but still has a sterring wheel as so on lol. is likely to be only think in my budget. the boat would have to be light enough for a trailer.
main things are what licence do you need for one of these here? how much are they likely to cost to run and i am a engineer and rebuild my own engines so i am sure i can do maintance on this but anything major i need to look out for?
i would have a budget between 2.5- a 6k depending what i can get for my money and how much the house costs. can i get a boat and trailer for that?
basicly any stuff i need to know about in owning a boat
If a complete newbie I would suggest before you start considering boats to buy, book yourself onto a RYA Powerboat Level2 course. There is no statutory licencing (apart from the VHF radio, also required and a separate course), but too many people buy a toy off ebay and head out into the sea without a clue about what they are doing, endagering both themselves and others.
Once you've done the course you should have a feel for what you want in buying a boat, and what other stuff you'll need. Once you've bought one you'll immediately want a bigger & faster one of course but that's life!
Oh and you can get a towbar for your coupé too
A small boat on unbraked trailer will be under 750kgs so easy to tow.
Once you've done the course you should have a feel for what you want in buying a boat, and what other stuff you'll need. Once you've bought one you'll immediately want a bigger & faster one of course but that's life!
Oh and you can get a towbar for your coupé too
A small boat on unbraked trailer will be under 750kgs so easy to tow.anything above 18' with a minimum 80-100hp outboard would do you. I have an 18' Caribbean with a Merc 80 2 stroke and its plenty fast, perfect for fishing off, big enough to take a decent swell and roomy enough for 4 people, 6 at a push.
Paid 12k australian for it
Paid 12k australian for it
Edited by SkinnyBoy on Wednesday 23 September 10:34
i think it would be a wise investment to get training done as it would always help me in terms of making the most out of the boat.
don't get me wrong i am always looking for the biggest and fastest thing going in my budget but also as a newbie to this i am sure a smallish boat with a mid size engine will see me happy for some time.
i am not quite sure how much grunt it would need for water skiing but it apeals having a lads day and doing water sports.
what maintance do boats need to the genral hull and body of the boat and are the engines fairly simple as they don't have water flowing through any ports on the engine.
i could we get a toe bar for the coop. don't like the idea of it but i think i might have to if i want to use the boat before we move.
don't get me wrong i am always looking for the biggest and fastest thing going in my budget but also as a newbie to this i am sure a smallish boat with a mid size engine will see me happy for some time.
i am not quite sure how much grunt it would need for water skiing but it apeals having a lads day and doing water sports.
what maintance do boats need to the genral hull and body of the boat and are the engines fairly simple as they don't have water flowing through any ports on the engine.
i could we get a toe bar for the coop. don't like the idea of it but i think i might have to if i want to use the boat before we move.
The engines need a service at least once a year, if you get a 2 stroke make sure its got oil injection, less headaches that way. If you don't use the boat for long periods of time, run up the engine at least once a month to keep everything lubed up, you will need access to a hose to run water through it. Hull wise keep an eye out on the keel as sometimes if you land the boat a bit heavy on the trailer you can do a bit of damage. Check for dodgy fibre glass repairs, if the boat has a bilge ensure its nice and dry and theres no bodge job repairs to it. I wouldn't suggest pulling it with a small car, I use the Pajero as some of our boat ramps are a bit steep lol. Other than that they are pretty hassle free, one thing i would suggest is to get the best engine you can afford, most hulls are pretty robust but a crap engine will result in a miserable ownership experience, plus they are not cheap to buy new!
Pitbull - unless you have driven boats a lot do get training. Stuff like launching, beaching it, etc can go horribly wrong very quickly so experience helps no end too.
We have a little Salcombe Flyer 440 (14.5ft)
It only cost us £4k, has a Mercury two stroke 60 and is fine for waterskiing if you're under about 15 stone. Heavier than that and it struggles.
We looked at bigger boats like 17ft Boston Whalers (superb boats) but you need at least a 90 and fuel costs pretty much double. It's also handy to be able to push the boat off beaches as the tide drop - a bigger boat is way too heavy.
However something like a Boston Whaler Montawk with a 90 to a 115 is very seaworthy (ours get a bit bumpy as it's so light) and is good for fishing, skiing and all sorts.
Oh and unless you get a mooring ours is on a pontoon mooring near home by the river/estuary) get practising trailer driving - it can make or break ownership hassles.
We have a little Salcombe Flyer 440 (14.5ft)
It only cost us £4k, has a Mercury two stroke 60 and is fine for waterskiing if you're under about 15 stone. Heavier than that and it struggles.
We looked at bigger boats like 17ft Boston Whalers (superb boats) but you need at least a 90 and fuel costs pretty much double. It's also handy to be able to push the boat off beaches as the tide drop - a bigger boat is way too heavy.
However something like a Boston Whaler Montawk with a 90 to a 115 is very seaworthy (ours get a bit bumpy as it's so light) and is good for fishing, skiing and all sorts.
Oh and unless you get a mooring ours is on a pontoon mooring near home by the river/estuary) get practising trailer driving - it can make or break ownership hassles.
i think i am buying a cheap diesl hack soon anyway to take the strain off my sports car so i will get something beefy enough to toe a boat.
i will do a course as i think its a good idea, anyone know the rough costs and time it takes?
im not looking at going to far out just enough for simple beach fun with the odd little fishing trip.
the serivce seams ok and i would be run every week if not used that week and clean each week to with a decent service once a year.
as for repairs to the body of the boat, can these be very expensive and would they have to be done by a expert or could a decent diy engineer do them?
i will do a course as i think its a good idea, anyone know the rough costs and time it takes?
im not looking at going to far out just enough for simple beach fun with the odd little fishing trip.
the serivce seams ok and i would be run every week if not used that week and clean each week to with a decent service once a year.
as for repairs to the body of the boat, can these be very expensive and would they have to be done by a expert or could a decent diy engineer do them?
Pitbull - don't buy a boat that needs any major work and don't crash it!
Minor repairs are easy with the right filler - I've done a few.
You need insurance, possibly mooring fees and of course fuel money.
Our towbar cost us £250 but that's the only specific expense. Make sure the car has enough towing capacity - big 4x4s are usually best.
I get our engine serviced and antifouled every two years - servicing is about £150, antifouling is about £200 but no need for it if not leaving the boat in the water.
Minor repairs are easy with the right filler - I've done a few.
You need insurance, possibly mooring fees and of course fuel money.
Our towbar cost us £250 but that's the only specific expense. Make sure the car has enough towing capacity - big 4x4s are usually best.
I get our engine serviced and antifouled every two years - servicing is about £150, antifouling is about £200 but no need for it if not leaving the boat in the water.
the boat won't be in water and will have to be on a trailer and i will need to be able to tow it with a normalish car really and get it in the water without any major hassles.
a £150 service seams ok and i am sure i can work out how to service it myself. i would insure it as you say but you see some boats with light cosmetic damage going for a hell of a lot less and i am handy with fiberglass and body work but i am sure its not that simple.
a £150 service seams ok and i am sure i can work out how to service it myself. i would insure it as you say but you see some boats with light cosmetic damage going for a hell of a lot less and i am handy with fiberglass and body work but i am sure its not that simple.
Don't worry about antifouling then and all good chandlerys sell decent filler. I'm no DIY/fixing expert (far from it) but I did it fine last time.
For your budget, I'd look at something a bit like ours - anything much bigger will be too old and probably knackered. £4k included a decent Bamber trailer for ours. Very few come without a trailer. I'd aim more at the upper end of your budget - looks at boatsandoutboards.co.uk (I think) and the boat section on Autotrader.
Most cars will tow fine - diesels are often better - just check the towing limit and avoid soft sand or mud. And spend a good while reverse turning with the trailer - if they jack knife, they trash your car!
For your budget, I'd look at something a bit like ours - anything much bigger will be too old and probably knackered. £4k included a decent Bamber trailer for ours. Very few come without a trailer. I'd aim more at the upper end of your budget - looks at boatsandoutboards.co.uk (I think) and the boat section on Autotrader.
Most cars will tow fine - diesels are often better - just check the towing limit and avoid soft sand or mud. And spend a good while reverse turning with the trailer - if they jack knife, they trash your car!
There are plenty of similar type boats (sort of fast Dorys!) - Boston Whaler 15 Sports are also great if you can find one. They open hull is handy for stowing stuff and people but you will get wet!
TBH the freedom of being able to blat around without any restrictions and find hidden beaches, waterside pubs, etc is just priceless. Not having to worry too much about the boat is also very handy.
TBH the freedom of being able to blat around without any restrictions and find hidden beaches, waterside pubs, etc is just priceless. Not having to worry too much about the boat is also very handy.
pitbull turbo said:
what about any of these
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216656
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/BCW126
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216616
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F215792
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/BOT033
1st one: US import so is it CE marked (very important on an import) also US trailer not legal here.http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216656
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/BCW126
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216616
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F215792
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/BOT033
2nd one: good old Fletcher. OK if that's what you want. Not much space compared to 335D's. Thirsty and I would say over-engined for that 15' hull.
3rd & 4th: out and out powerboat, not really a first time runabout sort of thing. Looks heavy for towing. Issue with trailer on 4th.
5th one: Bigger Fletcher, nice reliable inboard, but I doubt the claim of 45knots from this.
None of these a patch on 335D's IMO
I like the look of this myself: http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216196
ETA: With regard to speed, some say the speed on water feels like speedx2.5 on land. 40mph max is decent and will feel like 100 on land!
Edited by richardxjr on Wednesday 23 September 16:16
A nice selection of boats there,
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216656
This looks nice but will DRINK fuel boats like this also tend to be fairly heavy for launching with a small car. It is also in a very cheap looking american bunked trailer that is painted and not galvanised and looks to be rusting where the winch upright meets the main frame
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/BCW126
Fletcher are a good known make and having a good condition engine is also very useful! the trailer also looks in good nick.
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216616
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F215792
These whilst very cool boats are quite a handfull. These are bigger at 21ft and have large braked trailers which is another thing to maintain. These big 2-stroke engine will absolutly drink fuel think 40 litres an hourish! These are incredibly powerful and fast 60 knots+ but i think personally these boats would overwhelm an inexperienced helm and hitting a wave at the wrong angle at 60knots will hurt!!!!!!!!
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/BOT033
I like this alot, it has a nice trailer and looks to be in decent condition for its age, what you need to consider here is the age of the engine and its overall reliability/condition.
Just my 2 cents worth!
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F213672
This looks really nice with a good 3 year old engine is a big bonus
Hope that helps
Rory
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216656
This looks nice but will DRINK fuel boats like this also tend to be fairly heavy for launching with a small car. It is also in a very cheap looking american bunked trailer that is painted and not galvanised and looks to be rusting where the winch upright meets the main frame
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/BCW126
Fletcher are a good known make and having a good condition engine is also very useful! the trailer also looks in good nick.
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216616
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F215792
These whilst very cool boats are quite a handfull. These are bigger at 21ft and have large braked trailers which is another thing to maintain. These big 2-stroke engine will absolutly drink fuel think 40 litres an hourish! These are incredibly powerful and fast 60 knots+ but i think personally these boats would overwhelm an inexperienced helm and hitting a wave at the wrong angle at 60knots will hurt!!!!!!!!
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/BOT033
I like this alot, it has a nice trailer and looks to be in decent condition for its age, what you need to consider here is the age of the engine and its overall reliability/condition.
Just my 2 cents worth!
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F213672
This looks really nice with a good 3 year old engine is a big bonus
Hope that helps
Rory
Edited by roryfizz on Wednesday 23 September 16:25
garyhun said:
You need a .. R I B!!
[pic of something just a tad over budget!]
Avon Searider 4m's are very highly thought of; almost a cult following.[pic of something just a tad over budget!]
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F214361
Have a look on rib.net too.
to be fair i though that the powerful boats would drink more than 40 litre an hour but i guess do they just use normal pump fuel?
i keep getting drawn to this http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216616
but i imagine i would get something a bit more sensible lol
i keep getting drawn to this http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F216616
but i imagine i would get something a bit more sensible lol
roryfizz said:
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F213672
This looks really nice with a good 3 year old engine is a big bonus
Agree with that. New trailer too. 17' I think. Bargin!This looks really nice with a good 3 year old engine is a big bonus
Edited by roryfizz on Wednesday 23 September 16:25
ETA That £7k new price mentioned in the ad would have been just the engine!
Edited by richardxjr on Wednesday 23 September 16:49
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