Advice please from all you hardened boat people out there!

Had an orkney coastliner 14ft for years, hit about 18 knots with a 15hp engine with one person aboard. It would easily withstand someone climbing aboard but it has a large freeboard so is difficult to actually get over the side of.
A small RIB sounds ideal though
 
Shetland made a number of models between about 13 and 24ft - they made a lot and started early hence a significant SH market. None, I guess, would have original engines!

Engine power (assuming a planning hull shape) will dictate speed but only once you have enough to get on the plane. Generally you need about 7hp/100kg all up weight so 2 guys with diving gear will need the 20hp before you add the boat! The good news is that the boat could only be another 200kg or so...........

They are all GRP

Just search www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk for shetland
 
How much do you think you will really use the boat in those wet and windy conditions? It tends to only be hardened fishermen types that go out regardless. Certainly i don't think your kids would find it very entertaining.

A RIB would handle better, be more stable for diving, and as your kids get a bit older you could tow them around on ringos or try waterskiing. Something like a 5m rib with 30 hp+ should do the job, but £850 is a bit tight to get anything reliable
 
I forgot to ask about the trailer/launch bit.

I think you are going to struggle a bit with your budget. Maybe you could consider looking for a second-hand (no licence) fishing boat. There are several advertised in Cornwall (I know that's not much help to you - but I use it as an example!) 16-19' grp with engine (sometimes trailer aswell). They will be well-used (tatty) and probably no cuddy/cabin/wheelhouse, but they will be strong and safe in any sea you will be prepared to venture into. Will tend to have more freeboard than anything sold as "family cruiser".

Just a thought.
 
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Hi Malthouse,

Lured to your site by the promise of free LIBS tickets but the site seems to be down /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Mark

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry about that, we switched to our new system today and I think it was a day too early. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The LIBS ticket deal is basically get a ticket (1 adult + 2 kids) for every 70 pounds spent, if the 'new' site is not fixed by first thing tomorrow I will put the old one back up. Very irritating, sorry again to all.

Back to the topic in hand, that photo of a Wilson Flyer or similar would be my fisrt recommendation for something cheap, efficient AND with cover.
 
i have a 14ft dejon with cabin and with 15hp i can get about 15knts with one up. i borrowed a 25hp last week and it climbed onto the plane very quickly but in waves over 2-.3ft it gets a little uncomfortable but the cabin is big enough to sleep in with one adult and one small child. i got mine from ebay for a genuine bargain but was extremely lucky as i didnt view first. id be tempted in your position to get a small shetland or dejon and get boat and trailer first and do the work they may need and then save a little more for a 20-25hp engine
 
Another point to raise is does the £850 need to include all the saftey gear or is that just for the boat? if that includes extra's then worth pricing that lot. Also you need/should consider insurance (not legally required but worth having if for no other reason than incase you damage someone elses property!)

Something like this maybe an option, not exactly local but seems to tick a few boxes, only thing I would say is you'll need to look closely at the trailer, if its meant to have brakes and doesn't PC plod may dish out a nasty fine and or points /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

For more info Click here
 
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Something like this maybe an option, not exactly local but seems to tick a few boxes, only thing I would say is you'll need to look closely at the trailer, if its meant to have brakes and doesn't PC plod may dish out a nasty fine and or points /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/url]

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If buying from places like this, in anybodies experience, how much are these brokers likely to negotiate price or is the pricing quite rigid?

CraigDiver
 
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... how much are these brokers likely to negotiate price

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It is hard to give an exact percentage, there are many variables such as time of year, type of boat, value of sale and of course the mood of the broker (not to mention any instructions the seller has left with them).

Some people do well by offering half, knowing they will get laughed at, then work up until the mirth stops and the looks turn more contemplative. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Follow the link to the vendor from the link posted by Chas25 (if you see what I mean), and you will see the following:

MC1450 Fishing craft Forward Cuddy 14 Johnson 6 hp £850.00


Did he see you coming?
 
I agree with your feelings about a Rib and young children. Ribs are great fun for the helm, but not for the passengers-especially if they cant touch the floor from the jockey seats !!

I think a Shetland would suit but prices tend to be a bit over what you are looking to spend. I have used the 14ft CJR type boats, quite stable at rest but tend to slam in waves. As mentioned above all boats are a compromise.

This one has just appeared on Ebay. Slightly unusual but might be within your budget.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SHETLAND-DORY-20hp...tem230059132161
 
Thanks landlockedpirate,

Knowing Ebay, this will probably end up selling for £1500+.

I am going to see a local boat tonight advertised as "15ft Fishing Boat with cuddy & trailer. 25hp outboard, not running (cathedral hull) Good condition £850". The guy says the engine has an electrical fault and not producing spark, mechanically good.

I am reasonably up on electrics, but are parts such as coils etc. expensive for marine engines?

CraigDiver
 
Lots of boaters I have met seem to have started with a Shetland (includung me)
The "570" is very popular and holds its price. If you can strech another few quid you will almost certainly get "money back" on the sale = economical boating.

( I prettied mine up and after 3 years more than doubled the purchase price)

You can cook, sleep aboard (if you are good friends) and a robust little boat that planes with about 30 / 40hp Lots of different layouts on the same excellent hull

Check them out
 
Yep, probably right-stupid prices on Ebay even in the Middle of winter.

When looking at the boat don't forget its a buyers market. Have a good look at the trailer as well, a new set of bearings can set you back over £100 alone.

If you like it, make a silly offer (50% ?) the vendor can only say 'no' and you can always negotiate upwards.

Christmas is coming and theres not too many boat buters around.

Good luck
 
New engines are 2-2.5k(30hp). Second hand ones range from about 3-400 for a 20 year old one to about 5-600 for 10 year old one.

The engine is the most important part of the budget, nothing puts families off more than broken engines ruining long planned days out.

Boats can be tidied up quite easily and cheaply with a bit of DIY knowledge. Boat engines are a different story, although a 2 stroke is a fairly simple thing, parts can cost an arm and 2 legs.

If the engine on the boat doesnt work, make sure you bid accordingly.
 
When looking at boats don't overlook things like wheel steering and remote controls. If they aren't included you could be looking at £250 to install them.
Also if you're going off shore it would be a good idea to budget for a back-up outboard. Even a Seagull at £60 or £70 will give you peace of mind.

I don't think anyone has anwered your question about "Cuddy"
It's a small cabin, sometimes open at the rear, to give you shelter from the weather.
A dory is usually a name for a square shaped utilityboat with a lot of bouyancy and wide based hull shape. It's originally a sort of small, flat-bottomed, open canoe-style hunting and fishing boat.

I believe.
 
Re. difference between a cuddy and a dory.
Cuddy = small cabin : Dory = shape of hull - usually a veed centre hull plus a smaller sponson on each side - bit like a vVv shape when looked at from the front.
Good luck with your search. As others have said, it's the health of the engine that you get, that will make or break your future.
 
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