Deeboat
New member
Hi,
I have been reading this forum for a while and it appears it is a wealth of knowledge so I would really appreciate any advice for buying a new boat on the Thames.
we are a family of 5, kids 5,7 and 9. I have hired small day boats and we loved the time in the river, aside from minimal public moorings near us, Bourne end, Marlow it was a great day out.
I started looking at 50k budget but everything was too old and I will need to upskill as I have no mechanical background. So I upped to 100k and then all the boats i like are 120-150k
here are my thoughts far, any advice or wisdom is appreciated:
I saw a bay liner 285- plus side seems to be good space, downside is one petrol engine, not Volvo and comments on this forum called them bin liners, not as well made as sealine, fairline, princess etc but good value at 50k
I saw an astendoa 40 which looks really spacious, but assume it is Spanish so would have come over and maybe more a sea boat?
there is a sealine f48 at harleyford but seems too big for Thames. But love it
my requirements
I would like 5 berths or none at all andjust have a really good entertaining day boat
Ideally two engines if I get brave to take to south coast
Diesel as I read petrol is harder to find
Something that has space to entertain
Bow thruster seems to be a must for larger boat
Maybe 30-40ft
I was trying to find something that isn’t over 20 years old, but this may not matter?
any suggestions of what to be looking out for to get the best boat for my budget? Also, am I better finding one that has stayed in the river so there is minimal salt water corrosion?
I am sure my question will demonstrate my lack of knowledge so any graceful help is appreciated! I am looking at all marina website.
I have been reading this forum for a while and it appears it is a wealth of knowledge so I would really appreciate any advice for buying a new boat on the Thames.
we are a family of 5, kids 5,7 and 9. I have hired small day boats and we loved the time in the river, aside from minimal public moorings near us, Bourne end, Marlow it was a great day out.
I started looking at 50k budget but everything was too old and I will need to upskill as I have no mechanical background. So I upped to 100k and then all the boats i like are 120-150k
here are my thoughts far, any advice or wisdom is appreciated:
I saw a bay liner 285- plus side seems to be good space, downside is one petrol engine, not Volvo and comments on this forum called them bin liners, not as well made as sealine, fairline, princess etc but good value at 50k
I saw an astendoa 40 which looks really spacious, but assume it is Spanish so would have come over and maybe more a sea boat?
there is a sealine f48 at harleyford but seems too big for Thames. But love it
my requirements
I would like 5 berths or none at all andjust have a really good entertaining day boat
Ideally two engines if I get brave to take to south coast
Diesel as I read petrol is harder to find
Something that has space to entertain
Bow thruster seems to be a must for larger boat
Maybe 30-40ft
I was trying to find something that isn’t over 20 years old, but this may not matter?
any suggestions of what to be looking out for to get the best boat for my budget? Also, am I better finding one that has stayed in the river so there is minimal salt water corrosion?
I am sure my question will demonstrate my lack of knowledge so any graceful help is appreciated! I am looking at all marina website.