Another boat searcher

[bobtooke]

As with others, I've had a little day boat for a couple of years and finding that living with it in the longer term is a bit restrictive so looking to upgrade to something a tad larger before next year. Hopefully I can pick something up and do a few jobs over the winter ready for next season, selling my current boat in the spring to get a decent price. So, I'm after a bit of advice or suggestions for my choice and/or spec for a fitting all-rounder.

I am looking to use it mainly for coastal trips in The Channel. Marina hopping South Coast.
Days out fishing. Weekend stopovers. Maybe Dover to Calais in right conditions?
I'd like to use it for the long season into November and December (Cod fishing)
Needs to have a berth for two of us plus our two dogs.
Occasional overnighter.
Easily trailerable so would like to limit size to about 25 / 26ft.
Less than 20yr old.
Prefer a diesel with outdrive power for economy but maybe a large outboard is a possibility?
Prefer a hard top on the helm.
Budget of around £15k to £18k

I'm drawn to a Hardy Seawing 254 or maybe a Bayliner 2452 which seem to fit the bill.
Finding a Bayliner Diesel is rare.

Have you any other suggestions to look at? Any considerations that I've missed?

Thanks,

Bob

 

[RobWales]

Here you go, though may just be a little underpowered with the 1.7ltr Merc Diesel...
http://www.jonesboatyard.co.uk/boat-sales/bayliner-2452-classic-boat-for-sale-6461.html
I enquired about this boat but as it's just been reduced there is no further movement in price, easy clean up project though.

I took delivery of a 2452 myself today, not diesel unfortunately but does have the benefit of a less than 20hrs run 4.3mpi V6 Mercruiser coupled to a new outdrive, just had it delivered to my local yard for a full de-stripe, hull polish, antifoul and service, a great all round weekender in my opinion.

 

[bobtooke]

Thanks for that. As you say, a little underpowered for sea use but may still be a contender.

Out of interest, what headroom is there in the 2452? I've not been on board one as yet and hard to make out from pics/vids.

 

[RobWales]

Would have thought she'll get up on the plane with tabs down, maybe 18 knot max (ish) but expect to have to re-prop as she's been used on inland waterways, engine looks mint on it though.
Headroom is excellent, went down into the cabin of mine earlier I'm 6ft 2inch tall and still clearance of a couple of inches to the headlinings......
Plenty of storage space onboard also, very very pleased with mine.

 

[bobtooke]

OK thanks again. Still not certain a top speed of 18 to 20kn is enough for me. Even though conditions seldom allow 20kn+ I would prefer to have a little power in reserve. I'm used to darting along a smooth sea at 30kn.

Maybe I need to rethink power options but I'm kind of comfortable with 10 litres an hour

Headroom sounds great though. I'm not far off that height myself.

Any more opinions or suggestions gratefully received.