Advice on what boat and where

[IAIA3259]

As Ramage has stated try Saxon moorings very friendly people and will cost about half (or less) than the £2500 you are looking at in other marinas there is also very cheap bankside moorings at kingston that I could put you in touch with but I would recommend saxon as it is very nice stretch of river

 

[DukeII]

I probably wont be suitable if you are thinking of trailering, but we bought a Seamaster 27 as our 'first boat' and have had 4 years of very pleasant bimbling about on it...

A lot of people said it was a bit big for just 2 of us (and 2 mutts) as we were newbies but as we like to take off for the odd week or so (and take fishing gear too) it's been ideal.

Hope you find something suitable and see you out on the wet stuff in 2012!

Emma

 

[First Boat]

Thank you for that Emma

I have two small kids but also a 1 year old working cocker spaniel so will definitely have her onboard - thanks for the advice

 

[apollo]

Another vote for Seamaster 27.
Also have a look at Freeman 26 and Selcruiser.

 

[macnorton]

The Hardy is a great boat but with two junior members you will be on top of each other when it rains, I would go fot a wide beam 24ft + which is realistic with your budget. Freeman, Seamaster just to mention two builders.

Many on here will say buy the best you can and I agree with that, and the female crew will be much happier with a bathroom and hot water, a shower on board is nice but not essential as there are plenty of places around with shower's you can use.

You would soon get fed up with slipping every time you want to go out so I would look at getting a mooring organised before you buy a boat.

Don't bother with sports boats (for the reasons already mentioned) and try and go for diesel inboard power esp if you want to do some coastal work.