Advice on getting started

[Oscar24]

Thank you again for the advice.

Probably a naive question, but what is the difference between a berthing you mention at around £4K compared to one at double that? Seems quite a bit of difference!

Thanks

The difference is location in the harbour and facilities they provide. The more convenient the location and better facilities = more expensive.
For example, in Holes bay the two marinas (MDL and Davis's) are roughly the same for an 8mtr pontoon berth (MDL can take bigger boats) but being in Holes bay can be a problem for bigger boats This is due to the two lifting bridges you need to traverse to get out into the main harbour, so they are cheaper than a marina located in the main harbour such as Salterns. Having said that, there are sometimes deals to be had with marinas so always best to ask them.
A walk on mooring (pontoon) is the most convenient so charges are higher than say a swinging mooring. Dry stacking a boat is also an option and can be a good idea if you live some way away and like the security of the boat being out of the water.
Access to fuel can be a problem in some locations so you need to check that as well.
Whatever boat you decide on, unless you can get to it relatively easy you wont use it. So best to work out the sort of area you like first, and explore the berthing options available to you there.
Best of luck in your search.

 

[SolentDavid]

Thank you again for the advice.

Probably a naive question, but what is the difference between a berthing you mention at around £4K compared to one at double that? Seems quite a bit of difference!

Thanks

It is answered in the videos above very well.

 

[PilotWolf]

Thanks for the reply.

I’m actually also in Purley now so good access to the M25. Moved from more central Croydon about 8 months ago.

I did notice some Monterey boats when browsing online. Will check that out.

Any thoughts on petrol vs diesel?

Thanks again for the help.

Go with diesel. Much more available, safer especially for an in board.

W.

 

[ashtead]

Consider what type of boating you and your crew want . If short trips and anchoring up is favour Chi is good but as said traffic is a problem and when heading home there is a bar to crossif outside in Solent. Simplest location is Gosport as down A3 and plenty of shops to stock up at in Alverstoke or Gosport Morrisons. We have a number of small mobo here at Haslar but do look at rates at other 2 ie Clarence etc. It's cheaper down at Wicor in Fareham . Ultimately it's how you plan to use your mobo ,how much space etc and if you are keen on fishing etc or prefer racing around the Solent. A single engine diesel might be cheaper to service I guess and more reliable. You might also want to look at joining Seastart in case of breakdowns in early years at least. Although I love Lymington the drive there from the purely way might become tedious unless you are retired or can work from home on board and travel out of usual hours. If keen on Hamble might be cheaper places under the bridge to park I believe . You might also find a pontoon which a house owner at port Solent will sub let to you at lesser rates than we pay here but you have the lock que to contend with at popular times to escape . Use your search to speak to brokers for their thoughts on where to keep.

 

[DazzyWoo]

Thank you again for the advice.

Probably a naive question, but what is the difference between a berthing you mention at around £4K compared to one at double that? Seems quite a bit of difference!

Thanks

Watch Acquaholics 'cost of running my boat video'

 

[lisilou]

Also, meant to ask..would you recommend Hamble?
Thanks

As others have said, its expensive but there are more affordable (relatively) options further up river.
I love The Hamble so yes, I’d recommend it but as I’ve only ever berthed there, I’m biased. It’s a fantastic base for all the Solent has to offer.
Think carefully about Poole because that will add at least another hour to your journey & at weekends in the summer more than likely a fair bit more. It will very quickly become a drag,
As regards petrol or diesel... diesel in my opinion is preferable but depends how far you want to venture. If just Solent hopping then either is readily available. Monterey’s I think will be predominantly petrol. Loads of other decent models about but Monterey was fab for us.
(I’m now intrigued as to whereabouts in Purley...small world eh!)
L

 

[Eagle00]

Watch Acquaholics 'cost of running my boat video'

Just watched the videos you suggested. Really useful stuff. Thank you

 

[Eagle00]

As others have said, its expensive but there are more affordable (relatively) options further up river.
I love The Hamble so yes, I’d recommend it but as I’ve only ever berthed there, I’m biased. It’s a fantastic base for all the Solent has to offer.
Think carefully about Poole because that will add at least another hour to your journey & at weekends in the summer more than likely a fair bit more. It will very quickly become a drag,
As regards petrol or diesel... diesel in my opinion is preferable but depends how far you want to venture. If just Solent hopping then either is readily available. Monterey’s I think will be predominantly petrol. Loads of other decent models about but Monterey was fab for us.
(I’m now intrigued as to whereabouts in Purley...small world eh!)
L

Think I need to have a look at a few places. The more I think about it the more I think it would be better to be fairly close to home. Sounds like it could be real pain getting to Poole.

Re Purley - on Downlands Road. Really like it here.

 

[simonfraser]

you def want a boat without fresh water cooling
by that i mean no salt water circulating inside the engine
else it will all corrode faster and you'll be helping the local yard pay for their retirement

 

[CLB]

The Leader 805 is OK, but IMHO, not the best boat at that price point. The S23/S25 will, I think very quickly feel too small. In your shoes, and with your budget I would look at Fairlne Targa 28 or 29 (maybe a 33 or 35) or a Sealine S28 or 310 or 328

 

[ari]

Older boats though, which will drive up the maintenance costs and then double them for good measure due to twin engines!

Horses for courses, hard to say that one is 'best' and another not, it depends on annual budget and priorities.

 

[DazzyWoo]

@Eagle00 - PM'd you (nothing v. exciting)

 

[lisilou]

Think I need to have a look at a few places. The more I think about it the more I think it would be better to be fairly close to home. Sounds like it could be real pain getting to Poole.

Re Purley - on Downlands Road. Really like it here.

Poole really will be a nightmare journey from you.
Wow!...Downlands, I know it really well. I grew up in Woodcrest (next road up) then Manor Way til 3 years ago. Great area.
The trip to the Hamble (Universal, Swanwick & further up river) will be a doddle from where you are. Anything Hamble Village end will add another half hour.
As said before, take your time & do whatever & wherever suits you best.
L