Absolute Novice...

[KINGFISHER 9]

You'll be OK ........ buy lots of fenders!

 

[Jim@sea]

In the Mediterranean there are also makes of boats which were never imported into the UK which are excellent boats which you could consider and would offer a greater choice. For Instance. When I lived in France I bought a "Guy Couch" and I would suggest you have a look at one of those.
The one I bought had an extremely good build quality, certainly not one of those "plastic bathtubs" which are made today. the engine was an Iveco which was brilliant, and shaft drive. In the 8 years that I owned the boat (even though it was 20 years old when I bought it) I only had to spend money on servicing. No repairs at all. Try doing that now with say a pair of 25 year old outdrive legs.

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Couach.

 

[Kawasaki]

I agree that with you having the apartment I would go for a 17 - 20 ft sports boat with outboard A bow rider would be good. You should be able to pick one up for around £5000 and use this to get used to boating you will have great fun also and if you look after the boat when you want to upgrade you should be able to sell her for similar to what you paid. Start small and then move up

Dennis

Good advice