Advice on first potential boat

[jayuk20]

I've been toying with the idea of a small cabin cruiser for a family of 4 (2 adults/2 children) for the estuary/ and the odd spot of fishing and scenic trips on the Norfolk & Suffolk broads etc. My budget is quiet limited at present and have looked at the Loftus Bennett 18 or Shetland 535. I wouldn't really want anything much bigger than this.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Motorboats/loftus-bennett/3888#YCX3bZci27dPMuOr.97
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Motorboats/shetland-535/3886#uv17VCRG13cH3cJz.97

These would be in my initial budget but I'd have to build on safety gear a bit at a time and take a Powerboat course before anything else!

Any advice or recommendations would be welcome.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Welcome to the forum. My first boat was a Shetland 535 which served its purpose well. Mine had a Johnson 60 on the back and was pretty quick. The one you're looking at will just be a potterer, which is fine if that's all you need. Good starter boat and should be relatively easy to sell again when you decide to move to something bigger.

 

[gravygraham]

I have no experience or knowledge of these boats but welcome to the forum anyway.

 

[landlockedpirate]

For the use you mention, the Shetland looks ideal. However you will need to to time the tides round the lower Broads, the 9.9hp engine will probably only give you 6kts and make headway difficult if you get it wrong.

The most expensive part of this package will be the engine, check it carefully. Make sure its pumping water, starts easily and selects gears. Budget for a service (easy diy) and check the control cables.

It looks like a great starter boat that shouldnt break the bank.

 

[gordmac]

I have had a couple of 535s, good boats. The fishing guys like them as they are quite safe and seaworthy. Not a great deal of room for four though.

 

[ontheplane]

If you want shelter / sleeping they are ok, however as already said, quite cramped for 2 adults / 2 children.