Antares 9.80 as a stop gap?

[LadyJ]

I'm in a Merry Fisher 755 and had plans to change up to Swift Trawler 42 or similar in about 2 years. I use the boat a lot (often single handed) and this year had a couple of week long trips and several additional overnights so do need something bigger so rather than wait a couple of years I'm thinking a change into an Antares 9.80 would be a good stop gap and allow me to cruise further and longer without a whopping big marine mortgage to handle? Cruising area is Scotlands West Coast and want a boat capable of taking me from the Clyde to the Hebrides when weather suits but still OK to day trip to the regular haunts. I'm thinking the 9.80 as it's cheaper than the Antares 30 and has twin engines but open to more suitable suggestions.

 

[wipe_out]

All nice boats.. What you probably have to answer for yourself first is if you are happy to accept the cost and hassle of changing your boat twice rather than just staying with the 755 until you are ready to move to what you really want.. If so then there are many options available to you..

 

[Danfarry]

Nice boats, I looked long and hard at one when moving up from an 8.80. I wanted to PX but the broker didn't come up with a deal I felt suited me. There weren't many up for sale when I was looking but there seem to be plenty in my area, North Wales now. They aren't the fastest but felt very seaworthy. There is a guy local to me who goes out in anything. I was down at the marina a few weeks checking on my boat as the wind was gusting high thirties and he turned up from Conwy! I would not have crossed Conwy bay in those conditions but he didn't seem bothered.

 

[benjenbav]

Is the Rodman 1040 worth considering as a possible alternative? I can't claim to be an expert but do like the look of them.

 

[Bouba]

I'm in a Merry Fisher 755 and had plans to change up to Swift Trawler 42 or similar in about 2 years. I use the boat a lot (often single handed) and this year had a couple of week long trips and several additional overnights so do need something bigger so rather than wait a couple of years I'm thinking a change into an Antares 9.80 would be a good stop gap and allow me to cruise further and longer without a whopping big marine mortgage to handle? Cruising area is Scotlands West Coast and want a boat capable of taking me from the Clyde to the Hebrides when weather suits but still OK to day trip to the regular haunts. I'm thinking the 9.80 as it's cheaper than the Antares 30 and has twin engines but open to more suitable suggestions.

This is a most unusual circumstance! Most people ask if they should go straight from a small to a large boat or have incremental steps. You know you're getting a big boat and just want an interim boat.
Can't offer any advice but will say that I have an ST34 and would recommend an ST to anyone. If your passion is solo boating then the combination of side door, side gate and cleat make ST perfect for the job

 

[LadyJ]

This is a most unusual circumstance! Most people ask if they should go straight from a small to a large boat or have incremental steps. You know you're getting a big boat and just want an interim boat.
Can't offer any advice but will say that I have an ST34 and would recommend an ST to anyone. If your passion is solo boating then the combination of side door, side gate and cleat make ST perfect for the job

Thanks Bouba, my issue is purely economics. A ST34 would be c. £145k, a ST42 c. £190k so may take a couple of years but an Antares 9.80, giving me a bigger boat than I have, can be had for c. £70k so sellable/tradable agains the future Swift Trawler and only £30k more than the sale value of my current boat. I'd rather go straight to large but need to save the £100/150k.

 

[RobWales]

Thanks Bouba, my issue is purely economics. A ST34 would be c. £145k, a ST42 c. £190k so may take a couple of years but an Antares 9.80, giving me a bigger boat than I have, can be had for c. £70k so sellable/tradable agains the future Swift Trawler and only £30k more than the sale value of my current boat. I'd rather go straight to large but need to save the £100/150k.

There's a 10.80 on eBay at present for £55k....looks tidy, and at that price!

 

[LadyJ]

There's a 10.80 on eBay at present for £55k....looks tidy, and at that price!

It is indeed awholelotta boat for £55k. 1999 prob too old for me as mechanically inept, not sure on 200's on that size as well. Looks very tidy mind you.

 

[RobWales]

It is indeed awholelotta boat for £55k. 1999 prob too old for me as mechanically inept, not sure on 200's on that size as well. Looks very tidy mind you.

Does seem an amazing amount of boat for the money, really like the third helm station in the cockpit!
Not a million miles from me I'd be happy to cast on eye over her should you wish (no connecetion with vendor whatsoever I might add)
Rob.

 

[SammyB]

We started with an Antares 9.80 about 4 years ago- we were very happy with it but soon realised we wanted to spend more time aboard and go further afield so next boat was ST 44 which was fantastic. More than happy to answer any questions you have!

 

[LadyJ]

Does seem an amazing amount of boat for the money, really like the third helm station in the cockpit!
Not a million miles from me I'd be happy to cast on eye over her should you wish (no connecetion with vendor whatsoever I might add)
Rob.

Hi Rob, many thanks for the kind offer. I'm going to pass, really due to the need to sell my own and the 200hps put me off but appreciate the offer.
I'm sure someone will bag a great deal of boat for the money.

 

[LadyJ]

We started with an Antares 9.80 about 4 years ago- we were very happy with it but soon realised we wanted to spend more time aboard and go further afield so next boat was ST 44 which was fantastic. More than happy to answer any questions you have!

If it is ok I will PM you a few questions on both boats as you seemed to have gone the route I plan on going. Thanks

 

[Cathy*]

We have had a 980 for 2 years. Also happy to answer questions. That 1080 sounds expensive.

 

[RobWales]

Expensive?..
.why