Any thoughts on me changing my boat?

Sheppy

Sheppy

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I do love boating and have a typical open top sports boat but can't help thinking that I'd prefer a hard top. The summer months are great but I do like boating all year round, but just find the open top, even with canvas hood, too cold and a little uninviting. Besides I also like the idea of climbing on board and not having to deal with wet canvas all the time.

Budget probably won't allow for most options and I don't really want to go over 25' but might consider up to about 30. I'm also starting to think that a DS might be nice too, possibly cheaper to run.

When you consider today for example, glorious sunshine, no wind but icy cold. A hard top with heater would be a wonderful way to spend the day just slowly cruising along the coast.

I recently came across a Hardy 254 and it got me thinking that it might be an option for a change. Although the cabin is small, a door on the rear could make a nice and warm area, while still having the ability to plane. Does anyone have any experience with these boats?

Is there anything else I should be considering that might fit the bill? I wouldn't want to exceed around 20k on spend. I'm not looking to do anything until next year but feel a change coming on.

??
 
Thanks, don't know that one so will have a look. Many of the fast fisher styles that would be affordable are too 'bath toy' looking. There are a few that I love but are way over my budget. And I suppose like many, I start to compromise on age and fuel to get what I want....not sure compromise is always a good thing.

I don't really know what my ideal boat is and perhaps that's the problem. I suppose in an ideal world I'd have two or three boats, but that's not going to happen....
 
Sheppy said:
Is there anything else I should be considering that might fit the bill?
Click to expand...
Have a look at Targa boats. Their smaller model is a 23 footer, IIRC.
Mind, your comment on "bath toys" makes me think that you put some value also on aesthetic.
If so, your search might be disappointing.
Sticking a fully enclosed cabin on a 25' or so hull, and get an elegant final result, is rather impossible than just very difficult...
 
MapisM said:
Have a look at Targa boats. Their smaller model is a 23 footer, IIRC.
Mind, your comment on "bath toys" makes me think that you put some value also on aesthetic.
If so, your search might be disappointing.
Sticking a fully enclosed cabin on a 25' or so hull, and get an elegant final result, is rather impossible than just very difficult...
Click to expand...

Yes, you're probably right on both counts :)
Sure, I put value in aesthetics, don't we all? But I am happy to compromise over practicality.
And yes, you're right, a 25' package with cabin is never going to be a real looker, but some have done pretty good jobs. I have considered building a cabin on mine but I don't have any walk-around space so the front window would look a daft with a door/hatch, and I don't think it's viable to rely on the cabin hatch.
 
Jurgen said:
S28/S29, the 29 being a hard top, there's a S29 in Brixham marina if you want a closer look
Click to expand...

Thanks Andy but isn't that somewhat out of my budget area?
I don't really want twins and didn't want a huge weight to deal with either, but in reality it might not make too much of a difference. I don't really want to increase my annual costs too much with twin legs etc etc....hmmm but now you have me thinking.....
Are there any details anywhere?
 
Nautorius said:
Look at the Aquadors. I had a 23HT and although the back was canvas even in the middle of winter only had a fleece on. Diesel and good quality.
Click to expand...

Thanks, and nice looking boat too. If budget wasn't an issue I'd be spoilt for choice, but not within my budget I'm afraid. Even Starfisher seem to build some lovely smaller HT boats, so there's definitely a market but I fear the market is just too new.

There must be something out there?
Has anyone had experience with a HT conversion perhaps?
 
rbcoomer said:
John, I'd just get yourself an Eberspacher or Webasto and toughen up! :highly_amused:

You were talking of rag+stick a while back - no creature comforts there you know! And of course you have to then go out in a F8 just to get moving at all... :devilish:
Click to expand...

Yes, very good. And perhaps you're right. But there must be better ways to enjoy coastal cruising in all weathers. I don't think I'm after much, just the ability and have it all for not a lot :):)

Had a couple of interesting pm's though. And the idea of this thread is to give me ideas that I can explore. Perhaps building my own boat might be the answer after all!
 
Fear not. You are merely following a very well worn path among the box of chocolates called the boating world.
Virtually everyone has started out with one particular sort of boat and usually ending up with something they never thought they wanted ......or could afford.
Starts out with some sort of fast small open boat and it does not take long to appreciate that a roof would be nice.
The rot really sets in when, unlike sane people who get out of boating about now, you want something bigger.
 
oldgit said:
The rot really sets in when, unlike sane people who get out of boating about now, you want something bigger.
Click to expand...

:D:D - well I'm not necessarily after bigger, just taller (hence the roof). After all, size isn't everything - apparently....
 
Sheppy said:
Yes, very good. And perhaps you're right. But there must be better ways to enjoy coastal cruising in all weathers. I don't think I'm after much, just the ability and have it all for not a lot :):)

Had a couple of interesting pm's though. And the idea of this thread is to give me ideas that I can explore. Perhaps building my own boat might be the answer after all!
Click to expand...

Awesome - I smell ANOTHER build thread!!! :encouragement:
 
oldgit said:
sane people who get out of boating about now
Click to expand...

Just sold my Bav29. Now for a sabbatical and will then see how much I miss boating.

Practicality ( ie : a roof ) will be uppermost on my list of "must haves " , together with not having to absail down to the engine bay.
 
Spi D said:
Apart from ability to heat, what are your requirements (nice/need to have)?

Preferences re. engine, drive line, fuel?
Click to expand...

Very good question, and it does give me a chance to reflect.

Ideally 25' but could change mooring to take 30'.
Some kind of pilot cabin with room to sit (swivel helm seat perhaps), eat and enjoy at least two other people's company in roofed cockpit.
Loo.
2x berth.
Small simple galley section.
Some outside space for sun bathing (not me), this could be a roof or forward deck space or rear bench seat.
Outside space to include table, but this could easily to added to most boats.
Not too expensive to run - tough to describe I know. DS boat should punch 10knts, planning boat perhaps 170-200hp diesel for 28/30knts. I would consider a petrol if the package was cheap enough, and I'm not against outboards in the slightest.
 
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