Any thoughts on me changing my boat?

Your requirements seem fair enough although 30 knots and low running costs won't really match.

Do check as suggested, the Jeanneau and Beneteau lineup

For supplementary inspiration:
Flipper 760
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Finnmaster 760 TwinCabin
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Edit: More pics
http://www.annonsborsen.se/search/image!tabView.jspx?advert=873923&indexImage=0
 
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That's a great find - a capable boat too from what I've read before. What are the Mermaids like for parts I wonder - they've been around a while I think?

Ford based engine, most parts easily obtained, and an easy engine to work on.

My mate almost bought her a few years back, it did seem strange to go out on her again for the sea trial. In the end he bought another CI22 which is also now for sale for about 12K. If John wants info on either of them then best to give me a ring.
 
Firstly, thanks for your replies. All very useful and interesting stuff. With these posts and a few pm's with 'boats for sale', I had a good look last night and came up with a few options:

Hardy 254
Very conventionally layout and similar to what I have, so would be easy to imagine. No change in mooring setup either. Still needs canvas roof but I figure a better HT could be made. I'd need to be sure the rear section could take rain without any issues.

Rodman 700 or 747
The latter is more roomy but I'd struggle to find one in my price range unless I find a petrol. There are many small fast fishers out there, many look a little daft and don't have the right proportions, but the Rodman, IMO, do seem ok...

Channel Islands 22
Possibly too short, I didn't really want to go shorter than 25 if I could help it. Shame I can't afford a 32 :( I worry that the engine might be noisy as it's right where you sit. Actually like these though and will look further. I do want to do the CI run next year so perhaps fate :) Could this handle the run given it's length?

Finnmaster
Interesting looks...not sure what else to say really.

Beneteau Antares 760
Probably won't find one in my price range but very nice boat.

Beneteau Antares 650
A possibility but probably not enough space, again possibly too short.

Colvic Sunquest 29
An interesting design, not hugely pretty but very practical. Great layout and would make a lovely weekender, maybe even a live aboard :)

Cox 27 DS Fisher
Trying to be open minded. With a rear cabin extension this could prove a roomy and seaworthy boat. Starting to like this at the moment too. Maybe I need help? I don't think a DS would worry me, and this one does hit my minimum speed. And I like the flat deck, note the engine hatch sits flush with the deck floor.

Flipper 760 - similar to Finnmaster but bigger.
A bit dated but possibly one of the best cabin layouts for its size.

Quicksilver Weekender
Possibly too small to be worth the effort, but quite nice looking boats.


Thoughts welcome please....
 
Did you check Jeanneau (eg. Merry Fisher line)? Sibling to Beneteau, commonly less expensive.

Same(ish) are Ocqueteau and Arvor in the 'peche promenade' style. Try a Google image search for it.

You may even see Nimbus 2600 well within your budget frame.
 
Did you check Jeanneau (eg. Merry Fisher line)? Sibling to Beneteau, commonly less expensive.

Same(ish) are Ocqueteau and Arvor in the 'peche promenade' style. Try a Google image search for it.

You may even see Nimbus 2600 well within your budget frame.

I have looked, am still looking, so haven't in anyway discounted them. There are some good options there, so thanks.
The Nimbus 2600 looks ok but I would say it's more a river boat than a coastal cruiser? The deadrise looks very shallow and they don't appear to have much keel to speak off - am I wrong?
 
If you define 'closed cabin' as a requirement the selection to concentrate on will be smaller. Add or exclude fuel and/or drive line types, and you'll end up with only a few.

Nimbus are regarded above average for more reasons. Some models seem smallish for their size, but that goes for more makes as model names can mean a lot - or nothing.

Nimbus were expensive from new and tend to be so as used also, justified or not.

No boat is better than the TLC it received, so all with some age should be assessed individually.
 
I have looked, am still looking, so haven't in anyway discounted them. There are some good options there, so thanks.
The Nimbus 2600 looks ok but I would say it's more a river boat than a coastal cruiser? The deadrise looks very shallow and they don't appear to have much keel to speak off - am I wrong?

The Nimbus 2600 got a couple of write-ups in MBM in the used boat section.
Good seaworthy hull handled the Solent chop very well, mostly bought by Yottie sorts :ambivalence:, super economic with the 100hp Volvo, proper little semi-displ. boat with a decent top speed.....

Had it on my short list.
Cross channel hop, no problem at all. It came highly recommended.
 
I don't think I'm serious at the moment, but what do you think of converting one of these:
http://www.boatshed.com/cox_27-boat-162673.html
When I say converting, I'm only really talking about extending the cabin rearward about the same again - in lightweight materials. She's quite long so would still give me good outside area at the stern. She's quite beamy, with a proven hull design.
I know she's a DS boat but has a reasonable turn of speed for leisurely cruising. She has a great flat rear section ripe for making any work easier. The keel design would make life easier with keeping the hull clean too. I just dry her out on the beach and clean off any growth. Only I'm starting to like the idea a bit more. And she's certainly different from the normal run of mill stuff? I'm sure with some extra cosmetic improvements, she could quite a charming boat?
Again, am I mad?
 
I don't think I'm serious at the moment, but what do you think of converting one of these:
http://www.boatshed.com/cox_27-boat-162673.html
When I say converting, I'm only really talking about extending the cabin rearward about the same again - in lightweight materials. She's quite long so would still give me good outside area at the stern. She's quite beamy, with a proven hull design.
I know she's a DS boat but has a reasonable turn of speed for leisurely cruising. She has a great flat rear section ripe for making any work easier. The keel design would make life easier with keeping the hull clean too. I just dry her out on the beach and clean off any growth. Only I'm starting to like the idea a bit more. And she's certainly different from the normal run of mill stuff? I'm sure with some extra cosmetic improvements, she could quite a charming boat?
Again, am I mad?

the advantage of a semi-dipl. boat is you can go slow or fast, the Nimbus 2600 will top out at 16kts or more on 100hp.
the advantage of Scandinavian planing boats is that they will plane at low speeds of about 11-12kts, unlike most UK designs that will only plane at 17kts and above.

With Displacement boats your'e stuck with snails pace.:sleeping:
 
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With Displacement boats your'e stuck with snails pace.:sleeping:

You're right of course, and have sailed so have some idea over how long it takes to get anywhere. But a good DS boat can often punch double what most sailors can usually achieve with wind alone.
But yes, a semi or planing might be a better option - after all, there's nothing to say you have to plane all the time... :encouragement:
 
Exactly. You want to go slow most of the time but be able to go fast when need be.

Look for hulls that support this. Semi displacement or a planing hull that behaves at low speed would fit the bill.
 
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Targa 23 - Very few in the UK and very unlikely to be circa £20k.

Another vote for a Nimbus 26 or 2600 - Useful little boat with Scandinavian build quality.

Thanks for that. There's a lovely Targa 32 that I pass on the way to my boat, very striking model. I don't know why more people don't like the utilitarian look of these. But as you say, probably out of my range, but will add to list anyway...
 
Nice boat indeed. One in our marina as well, rigged for trolling.

While focussing on outdoor space, the cabin on a 23' however will not offer the facilities you ask for. Indoor space isn't much more than a roomy car
594616_0_220620101827_3.jpg
4473805_20130927011611857_1_XLARGE.jpg
 
Another one of my shortlist boats.

Botnia sell fishing versions of their hulls, with a walk through wheelhouse and sliding rear door.
You could buy an old 25' with a shot engine, and re-engine it with a reconditioned Cummings 6cyl non-elecronic diesel.
Cut out the back of the wheelhouse to make a cockpit style setup.

Apparently the hull moldings are so strong they last for ever. (NB:a Botnia 25' was only £60k new in 1995)

View attachment 37416
 
looking good with the interior the boat has got .. i am impressed with the color theme of the sitting and the background as well .. looking forward for more pics
 
Ford based engine, most parts easily obtained, and an easy engine to work on.

My mate almost bought her a few years back, it did seem strange to go out on her again for the sea trial. In the end he bought another CI22 which is also now for sale for about 12K. If John wants info on either of them then best to give me a ring.

Yes, these Mermaid Turbo 4s were a good solid engine and most parts are readily available as is technical advice and service support. Just give the guys at the Mermaid depot in Poole a call and they will be pleased to help.

All the best
Jon
 
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