About to buy a boat

You're doomed! (In a nice way :) ) - visited the broker today and signed away several organs I really need!
 
Most Folk Boats are 25' long.

Sailing with youngsters they get bored quickly & passages, even short ones can take a long time (allow an average speed of around 3kts if it is 16') so carry loads of snacks, books & other entertainments, but remember that electronics hate sea water & there is likely to be quite a lot of that around, all electronic gear has nasty a habit of leaping out of secure pockets into teh water.

Stay as basic as you can until you have used her a bit & know what you need rather than what you THINK you need. I try to manage at least a season before I actually buy stuff I think I need at the start of the season. Two reasons; one, you figure out ways around the issue (which may be good enough to mean you don't need to buy); two, if you do need it, you know how much you need it & don't begrudge the spend. It's really annoying to buy expensive gismos & then find you just don't bother to use them.

As a beginner, you will probable find that the engine is more important than you thought - make sure it is up to scratch to get you out of any scrapes you get yourself into by poor passage planning or decision making. Tides are a huge influence on a sailing boat, the engine will help you beat them when you get it wrong. Also make sure you have a decent anchor & rode - something else that could save your marriage & boat when things go wrong.

But don't stress, think about your trips, keep them simple initially, the problems usually come when you start to get confident & accidentally overstretch yourself, always have a plan B & C if things don't pan out as intended. Sunny daysails seldom cause an issue.
 
Just a thought......

Not sure where you are based .....but....If this is your first boat....do you really want something with a long deep keel ?

Bilge ..or Lifting may be better....

That boat looks like it fall over a long way if/when the tide goes out...
 
Apparently the paperwork from two owners ago says its a folk boat.

Searush thank you for the advise it made my wife chuckle. It comes with a out board in very good condition. I have had to tone down my original plans of buying tonnes of gear and making it a bit like the starship enterprise mainly because I seam to be rapidly running out of money! Going to start with a radio, life jackets, anchor and charts, maybe a wine rack as well
 
When I bought my first boat I did not pay on first inspection. I took loads of photos and looked at them later on. Have you seen something on a thing you bought that you wish you had noticed before you paid? I have. I did today in fact when I bought a lemon, er I mean an old outboard. Boats are an emotional purchase. Let your logic brain chatch up before you pay.
 
Just a thought......

Not sure where you are based .....but....If this is your first boat....do you really want something with a long deep keel ?

Bilge ..or Lifting may be better....

That boat looks like it fall over a long way if/when the tide goes out...

It's a bit late I've already paid for it! I'm planning on keeping it in the Torridge. It only needs 30 inches to keep a float and I've already spoken to the chap responsible for mooring and I've been told a mooring where she can stay afloat shouldn't be a problem. But if that's not possible she comes with legs.
 
Buy a box of wine rather than a wine rack. The box won't break, cut your feet or damage your kids, fall over or trip you up. More than this it will remind you each time you buy one that simple, cheap boating is fun ... Roll on warmer days!
 
Buy a box of wine rather than a wine rack. The box won't break, cut your feet or damage your kids, fall over or trip you up. More than this it will remind you each time you buy one that simple, cheap boating is fun ... Roll on warmer days!


Thank you a top tip!
 
Hello,

I'm completely new to the world of buying boats.. I spent my childhood enjoying my grandparents Mirror Dinghy and am now sort of in a position to get my own boat. I'd be looking for something second hand with a reasonable space for 4-5 on a day trip.

I'd love a Sailing boat, though something with an engine or capability for an outboard would be ideal! I guess I'm trying to ask what would be the best for an amateur with some sailing knowledge?!

Budget: £5-6k..

Any advice would be much appreciated!
 
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