Ahem, err hello

[Anuverun]

As a newbie to this forum i'd like to say 'hi' to you all and hope that you may be able to help me with a load of (probably) dumb questions while I research and look for a liveaboard!

My usual problem of champagne tastes and lemonade expense seem to apply to my search /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

So far, I (think I) know what I'm looking for with regards to heating, water storage, waste etc. But, I'm entirely not sure of what type of craft to aim at. I reckon that a motor/sailor would be ideal, probably more motor than sail. Whilst looking on t'internet I've seen excellent converted MFV's and such, which have taken my fancy.

So first question - I feel that I would have more flexibility in mooring with a keel without fin(s), in that I could moor on tidal river or 'beach' at low tide. Am I barking up the right tree? Do you tend to get fins hand-in-hand with sails? (That's more than one question).

Please feel free to throw any other advice my way, I suspect I'm embarking on a steep learning curve...

Ta in advance! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Talbot]

For proper advice we will need a lot more data on your wants, budget ,intended use, space requirements, intended berth, size of berth etc.

A mobo normally is a bit easier for the complete novice, but there are two major penalties for going this route - the engines take up a lot of space, and there is a considerable premium on a mobo .

There are sailing boats that will dry out upright, and there are some that are very good as liveaboard.

Every boat is a compromise, it is necessary to establish what your compromises are to give correct advice.

personally I prefer a catamaran as a live-aboard due to space, ventilation, living upright and space, and of course space!

 

[Anuverun]

Thanks for your speedy reply! OK, here goes:-

I'll need space for two people, max. Coastal/sea going. I'm 6' 3'', so head room is of major importance. 365 liveaboard- so heating (solid/wood burner ideal). Motor for ease of use but sail for 'free' and green travel. Decent galley, heads (inc storage) and shower facilities. Would like to moor and anchor. Dry out upright. Single handed mostly.

Budget is the hard one. I'd like to say £25k, which would give me a decent reserve for maintenence and improvement. But would be able to pay more for a good 'un.

 

[David_Jersey]

No problem with a long learning curve, everyone starts from somewhere!

I am not a liveaboard, but I guess that one of the things that attracted you to something like a converted MFV is the size for yer money. The downside is the reason being that they are "good value" is cos they are wood and usually fairly old. What you save in purchase costs you will pay in maintanence costs in £ notes and time. Even if you get something in good condition to start with, especially as you may not yet know how to keep something like that in good condition. And a big old wooden boat in poor condition will be a money pit, especially if you are not able to DIY her, and even then.........I am not saying do not go down this route, just something to bear in mind, coupled with her resale value and ease of sale perhaps not being what you would hope for. I will probably get shot down by loads of liveaboard MFV owners now!, but as this appears to be your first boat AND you appear to also want to use it (in addition to it being a floating caravan) then I would suggest that you head towards something in good old traditional...........GRP! Or at least something whose hull was made of GRP, even if the decks and cabin are wood. (something constructed like this would be in general terms cheaper than all GRP and more expensive than all wood - obviously exceptions apply)

Where are you intending to live on her / use her? the UK or somewhere sunnier? and how? 90% as a houseboat whilst living and working in the UK and using her for day / weekend / holidays or for longer trips away from your home port?

As I am sure you do not need me to tell you £25k is not a vast budget, but also not impossible - although you may need to make a degree of compromise / add a few things to the vessel you buy to tailor her to your needs. Methinks a Jacuzzi looks unlikely /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

If you add a few more details I am sure folk will make a few suggestions.

 

[hlb]

1/ Motor sailers dont sail.

2/ Wood burner and churning seas dont mix.

3/ Try £100 grand and 10 grand a year running costs.

 

[Anuverun]

Thanks for your input.

Taking on board comments above, what about summat like this

 

[a3xloser]

hi
i will not comment on what boat as i am in th same posion as you, but it seems to me you thinking you need more living space than you need, i have spent 20+ years on the road as a long distance lorry driver 8' by 6' is what i am used to, i did have a narrow bout for a few years only 37' i never found out what i needed all that room for, the point of this comment is i think if you try it would find you can live in most boats i have seen many 35' yachts up to 7 berths so surly 1 person can live in that.
as for cost i was almost put off the idea when i first posted here, but i did get enough surport teling me it can be done on a budget, 1 guy did say there are many well to do folk about who will put you off, you don't need a sauna and room for a pony /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
i be interested in seeing what you pick i am keen on the 30'-35' sailing yachts at the moment but its early days yet will have to look into cat's too, the thing i am looking into is easy to sail and hard to sink first, comfort living is less important
i also wondered about the solid fuel stove idea, but i think that guy may well be right, maybe not good idea on the sea they sell the same heaters for boats as we have in the lorrys they use derv for the hears and electric to blow it around, great in lorrys but need to know if you can surport the power use on a sail yacht. from what i have read when sailers get cold they seem to move to where its hot /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Sultans_Kapitein]

[ QUOTE ]
what about summat like this

[/ QUOTE ]
Well it is not for me, but I can see the attraction. Although the price does raise a question or two. Best thing, phone the broker and get down to Ipswich to have a look around. As Mao Zedong said (I think) the longest march starts with a single step, so compared to his famous 'Long March' a quick trip from Notts to Ipswich is 'nowt'. On a more serious note troll the brokerage web sites and get out and down to the water. There are bargins to be had, just find them. Also when you have 'walked the decks' of a few potential craft you will start to see the limitations of the vessel your are looking at. Think about your heating/cooling for example I have/had Eberspacher heating on my boat and now because of a chance comment I am looking at chnaging it for a more complete heating/cooling system. But at a cost, on that example you will probably find it could get quite stuffy when moored in the heat of summer.But the main thing stop sitting in front of the 'puter and get down to the water and 'walk the decks' either way 'Good Hunting'
Mal

p.s. Hi a3xloser how is the hunt going ? Glad to see your still hanging in there ! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Kilter]

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum and all that good stuff! Don't be put off, just get out and look at lots of boats, suggest you take a look at the crewing forum and try to get out on as many different types as you can, get an idea of what suits.
Re the boat in the link it may very well suit, go and see it. Warning note many boats are advertised as 'standing headroom', which is a movable feast! My current boat has 'standing headroom' 5' 10'', so I have to duck; my last boat also had standing headroom, 6'5'' so there is variation.
Good luck!

 

[Talbot]

Have a look at a Prout Quest 31 as you should be able to find one within budget, and that will meet your specs plus also provide a decent sailing capability.

 

[Anuverun]

Thanks all for your feedback.

I agree that solid fuel and churning seas wouldn't be a match made in heaven/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif but, I like the idea of free heat in a safe environment. i.e. 'beached' or in a marina - it would keep diesel costs down.

I'm not so sure about the space issue. Having lived in bricks n mortar all me life, a boat might seem cramped, 'tho you'd probably get used to it.

Great advice about getting aboard as many different boats as poss - I've got some hols coming up and plan to do just that. Hopefully do a bit of crewing too.

Bewildering as the whole process is, I'm already having a whale of a time just researching! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Csail]

looks ok although i would go for grp... get a decent rig size and newish engine