after advice on 1st boat

[maverick]

Thanks to you all for your advice. I am not so sure if I want a bayliner 212 now, albeit I have been out on one and enjoyed it. There is so much out there after all your advice. I did not say that I was thinking of keeping her on windermere, but I am not sure about that now after reading some of the comments about the lake. The lake is about an hour drive for me, but I am just lost now what boat to look at! Anyone got any more info. please before I part with my cash?

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[powerskipper]

Best to make a list of the things you want to do with the boat, i.e. Cook on her, sleep, day boating only. then go and ask saleman to tel you if the boat can do what you want. Do ask any question you can think of. If one is not helpfull walk away and find another, Get sea trails in more than one type of boat, and ask to take the helm, good luck and enjoy the finding and buying.


<hr width=100% size=1>Julie

 

[Alistairr]

I think the best thing that you could do now, is wait till early next year. Goto London boat show, you may or may not be buying new, i dont know what kind of budget you have, Look at all the boats of a similar size to what you are looking for, compare styles and more importantly Build quality, and get ideas about what you acctually want in a boat.
That is what SWMBO and I did last year, we looked at all the new boats, so when we went looking for secondhand we had an idea what we wanted.
If this is your first boat, then buy used as the general rule is you will only keep it for 1 season. That will give you an idea of what you really want and need. We bought used last year, and went back to LBS this year and bought a new boat at the show and got a better price for trading in.
Make sure you get a trailer, then you aren't just stuck with Windermere.
As for makes, There are plenty out there that are better than Bayliner and don't cost much more, try looking at Rinker, great value for money and VERY well finished.
If you need anymore info feel free to PM me.

Cheers..

Alistair..



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[MedDreamer]

For a first time boat owner I think a season on Windermere would be ideal and you still have a full year without the speed limit. We have had a great time this year.

It is a good place to get to know your boat and new techniques like mooring and anchoring in a relatively placid and safe environment and build up your own and your crews confidence before tackling more challenging waters.

There is plenty of space on the lake for your type of boat and if you can get up midweek you have the place to yourself - If you are only one hour away you can even get up for an evening blast in summer - flat, calm and deserted.

Both Windermere Aquatic and Shepherds have excellent RYA instructors who can help you get the most out of your boat.

It will be relatively easy to move your boat if you want too in future years if it doesn't suit (and I guess 10mph is not that appealing in the boats you are considering).

I'm moving on because our intention has always been the Med. but we will miss the lake.

Also whats wrong with the Bayliner?. Did you see MBM last month when they tested nine sports cuddies and the Bayliner came third ahead of many "quality" manufacturers. They are a good boat for the money, undoubtedly the detailed finishing is not up to the standard of others but the boats are certainly fit for purpose and great fun. Don't be dissuaded by the "Binliner" brigade - you can have a very enjoyable time at a very reasonable cost.



<hr width=100% size=1>Martyn

 

[Nautorius]

Hi Maverick,

It's a tough decision that only you can make. Be sure of what you will use it for and then I made an old-fashioned grid table. I put all the wants, needs and would be nice along top and then put all boats down side. Fill in grid and Bingo you have the best boat for you. Simple but effective. Be careful of the boat shows though as they tend not too have many cuddies as the dealers bring the bigger boats. There are some good deals to be had in January!

As for Windermere I was up yesterday in glorious sunshine burning around the lake on my own trying to use up the last ounce of Fuel. You love it or hate it...but where else can you go up on your own, (SWIMBO working to pay for fuel) go out and come back and berth without crew and with ease (No tides, wind etc.). You pay your money and take your chances.... Only 15 months and 12 days until I become a Med user full time!

N.




<hr width=100% size=1>Will I ever find the perfect boat?