Advice for a newbie on a bigger boat. Regal, Sealine, Bayliner or..

[adhdan]

End of 2022 i got given a scrap Norman 17 that i brought back to life (i think ive made a tidy little boat) and have been using this year, i enjoyed myself so im looking to upgrade this winter to a bigger boat.

Ive got a few key things ive been looking for ,
1/Big but towable @ 3.5ton . about 2.7t of boat + 750kg for the trailer
2/a decent full sized double berth with 2 additional berths of 'usable' size
3/inland & coastal
4/diesel.
5/~2m bridge clearance


Its living on the trailer in my shed + i want to be able to move the boat to different parts of the country for hols, low air draught for inland waters specifically to be able to fit under the lower beeston canal bridge (cant remember the name but its about 2.4m i think) , be able to sleep the wife & kids for a few nights, be capable on the coast (weather dependent channel crossing maybe) & i want diesel. Realise the extra maintenance with inboard diesel & sterndrive but its going to be out the water sitting in my workshop so it will give me something to do

budget is 30-40k , ideally id want a boat + trailer for 40k.

Boats that caught my eye are the Regal 2665, Sealine s23, Bayliner 265. Yanmar or Volvo inboards .

Look forward to your thoughts & advice.

Thanks
Dan

 

[dpb]

I believe the 2665 and 265 will be two heavy to be a legal tow. The S23 I think is alright.
We used to have a Sea Ray 240 (2001 model) which we were very happy with but had to be carefull if we wanted the tow to be of legal weight.
There are 24 and 25 foot sports cruisers by other brands that you may or may not prefer.

 

[adhdan]

I believe the 2665 and 265 will be two heavy to be a legal tow. The S23 I think is alright.
We used to have a Sea Ray 240 (2001 model) which we were very happy with but had to be carefull if we wanted the tow to be of legal weight.
There are 24 and 25 foot sports cruisers by other brands that you may or may not prefer.

Do you know where i can find accurate weight information? varies from website & doesnt say if thats including the engine & drive

 

[Seastoke]

I believe the 2665 and 265 will be two heavy to be a legal tow. The S23 I think is alright.
We used to have a Sea Ray 240 (2001 model) which we were very happy with but had to be carefull if we wanted the tow to be of legal weight.
There are 24 and 25 foot sports cruisers by other brands that you may or may not prefer.

Fuel is the biggest problem

 

[DavidJ]

I had the earlier Sealine S240 for 8 years before upgrading to the S37
Great boats and have proven themselves over time to be solid and reliable.
Sealines have a reputation for creating loads of comfortable living space for the size.
I have just sold my S37 through Burton Waters who have sold Sealines for decades and know their stuff. Recommended.
We towed ours across Europe a few times behind a Shogun 2.8 and a Isuzu Trooper 3litre with ease but check the legality.
Great time to buy as I expect (some) sellers to want to get rid of their boats before winter really kicks in.
Here you go:
Sealine S23 | 8m | 2002 - Lincolnshire | Boats and Outboards

 

[Seastoke]

S24 is 2100 kg dry weight , , there are some with trailers but I would find the right boat then get a trailer to fit.

 

[adhdan]

Fuel is the biggest problem

200l tank thats about 150kg of diesel, worst case i guess would be carrying the fuel in the back of the motor

 

[Bouba]

If it were me...I would rather have a petrol outboard than a diesel with an outdrive

 

[adhdan]

S24 is 2100 kg dry weight , , there are some with trailers but I would find the right boat then get a trailer to fit.

is that with the outdrive & motor or without

 

[adhdan]

I had the earlier Sealine S240 for 8 years before upgrading to the S37
Great boats and have proven themselves over time to be solid and reliable.
Sealines have a reputation for creating loads of comfortable living space for the size.
I have just sold my S37 through Burton Waters who have sold Sealines for decades and know their stuff. Recommended.
We towed ours across Europe a few times behind a Shogun 2.8 and a Isuzu Trooper 3litre with ease but check the legality.
Great time to buy as I expect (some) sellers to want to get rid of their boats before winter really kicks in.
Here you go:
Sealine S23 | 8m | 2002 - Lincolnshire | Boats and Outboards

Im just down the road from Burton waters, i spotted that s23 earlier this week but its no longer for sale. They have a selection of merry fishers on display in the yard

 

[Seastoke]

There was one at David Morris ltd at 29k with trailer but just had offer on.

 

[Seastoke]

is that with the outdrive & motor or without

With I believe but no kit

 

[adhdan]

If it were me...I would rather have a petrol outboard than a diesel with an outdrive

Im a farmer so diesel engines are sort of my thing + ive always got diesel in the yard at hand

 

[Seastoke]

Im a farmer so diesel engines are sort of my thing + ive always got diesel in the yard at hand

The trouble is trailing with a tank full of diesel 100litre is 83kg

 

[Bouba]

Im a farmer so diesel engines are sort of my thing + ive always got diesel in the yard at hand

Make sure that it’s ok to have red diesel in the boat....for me, the fuel cost would be secondary to the problems that outdrives can be....just my opinion

 

[Seastoke]

Im a farmer so diesel engines are sort of my thing + ive always got diesel in the yard at hand

If you are serious have a look at shepherds boat sales in Windermere , they have one for26k with a year old trailer have a look good speck

 

[DavidJ]

Im just down the road from Burton waters, i spotted that s23 earlier this week but its no longer for sale. They have a selection of merry fishers on display in the yard

From their obscure location Burton Waters seem to be able to shift boats. Mine went in 3 weeks.
Merry Fisher doesn’t rock my boat but all personal choice of course.

 

[adhdan]

https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/yacht/2005-regal-2465-commodore-9161442/

just found this which i believe is towable & in budget. i believe you were right and the 2665 is over weight for towing

 

[Seastoke]

https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/yacht/2005-regal-2465-commodore-9161442/

just found this which i believe is towable & in budget. i believe you were right and the 2665 is over weight for towing

Is the yank trailer legal

 

[Momac]

Make sure that it’s ok to have red diesel in the boat....

Red diesel is permitted in boats in the UK (except Northern Ireland).