Apologies, advice on boat choice

[capnbirdseye]

As a new registrant I apologise for asking probably a similar question to those that have been asked many times before, but here goes. I am looking at my first purchase of a motor cruiser and have not yet made up my mind. I have some practical boating experience and theory (Dayskipper) and am therefore comfortable with the basics but I am looking for guidance on a suitable craft for light weekend cruising and occasional trips to france and med. I have narrowed my choice down to Fairline Targa (36 or 37) or Sealine S37, probably with KAD42's, with a budget of £80-100k I think either should be achievable (Targa 36 more likely than 37). Does anybody have advice regarding build quality/reliability/resale or simply preference on these boats? Or, are there any alternatives with similar 6 berth configurations?

Further, once I have purchased does anybody fancy accompanying me on my first channel trip, I am not that brace !!

Thanks
Steve

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[britemp]

Best advice I can give you is to fill in your bio fully - forumites here seem very reluctant to answer questions from those with empty bios! /forums/images/icons/smile.gif


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[capnbirdseye]

Sorry, I meant to say that I am not that brave (not 'brace')....

What would I put in a bio that would remotely interest anybody else?!

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[DepSol]

mostly who you are what you do where you live and where you want to boat that way we can give advice on what we know rather than wasting loads of posts finding the info out.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.soltron.co.uk>the website</A>

 

[DepSol]

hmm choice a bit difficult here. It wil be a question of listing all the pusses and minuses and then asking the wife which one she likes.

All the best with your choice however if you need some more detailed info engines and accessories keep posting but choice between one make or another is very personal.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.soltron.co.uk>the website</A>

 

[PaulF]

Hi, and welcome,

This question is much repeated but always somebody will learn a little from the responses.
It may not seem so to you, but as a starting vessel, the ones such as you mention are,IMHO to many of us, pretty ambitious.
Nothing wrong with the boats you mention. You did not mention what sort of experience you actually have, or how much. There is a certain caution amongst us if someone asks about spending £100k on a first boat. Many on this forum will shudder at that thought. I would strongly suggest you get out with other skippers. Take a boat handling course on your own boat with a suitably qualified skipper. Take your time about what boat, it may be sensible to start with. For example starting with a boat significantly smaller than the ones you suggested may be a good idea, do you already have an experienced competant crew? etc.

One reason for NOT spending so much on your first boat is that 80%+ of new boaters change their first boat after one or two seasons. Our ideas change, not that the first choice is wrong, just that it takes time for ones personal requirements to be clear. You may be the exception, but before commiting such a large sum consider the above carefully, for your benefit and also for your nearest and dearest.

It would also be prudent to learn about your local area before taking cross channel runs. Get in loads of experience, it is NOT possible to get too much, but walk before you run. Buying a first boat is very exciting, I remember my £110 buy very well. Enjoy what is a very rewarding pastime, have fun. Good hunting.

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[capnbirdseye]

Thanks, I assume therefore that both boats are very similar in performance/handling/reliability etc such that the colour of the hull/seat covers will be more important (for the missus of course)? Is it worth erring toward the boat with the most aftermarket equipment (radar etc) or the one that is in better overall condition and fewer hours?

Where would I find information on the extra's that were available on these boats in the actual year of production as I am never sure what is standard and what isn't? A bit like buying a car in this respect.

Can anybody recommend good moorings on the South coast, Chichester is my nearest but I understand this is 30mins upstream?

Thanks for the replies, if anybody needs to know anything about Audi's or Porsches then maybe I can return the favour !!!

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[capnbirdseye]

PaulF,

Thanks for the insight, I have no experience of sea going, only inland, I am Dayskipper'd but obviously I appreciate this means little in practical terms. The choice of the two boats was due mainly to their internal layout as we have a young child who would need to be 1) safely ensconsed in the craft when required and 2) safely (and quietly) ensconsed in her quarters (aft cabin) when required. I appreciate that some smaller boats have a similar configuration (34's maybe) and it may well be that such a boat will suit us better (price vs. age), however I am very much for entering into something with full commitment and I would rather be in the situation where the boat is too good for me than the other way round
Steve

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[DepSol]

Depends if this kit is new or still serviceable bearing in mind the technology difference between boat being new and now x amount of years on.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.soltron.co.uk>the website</A>

 

[PaulF]

Ok Steve, thanks for clarifying things a bit. the reason for caution is partly one of safety for you and your crew. Two people, with some guidance will be able to handle a boat of that size ok, provided they get some sound guidance. Whilst those two boats will be capable of sensible use around the coast, and for cross channel trips, some solid knowledge relating to local tides, collision regs, weather, and boat handling are vital. No disrespect was intended, and I was not being dismissive about boat choice, but would rather leave those points to forumites who may have direct experience of those particular boats.

I hope you get some more comment from some relavent forumites. Cheers, Paul.

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[Deleted User YDKXO]

I went through this decision process myself a few years ago. Ok, differences Targa 36/37 v S37. Firstly, there is a perceived difference between Fairline and Sealine in that Fairline is perceived as being a higher quality marque but whether this is actually merited is debatable. What this means is that T36/37's will command a premium in the secondhand market so you will not be able to afford as new a Targa as a S37 but I guess you've found that out already. The other difference is that the Targa's are better styled than the rather blobby Sealine but the upside is that the S37 has more internal space having an especially spacious mid cabin which may be a plus with a family. The Fairline finish is more glitzy but that doesnt necessarily mean that the more utilitarian finish of the Sealine is worse especially with kids on board. Fairline hulls are always good and the T36/37 is known to be a fine sea boat but the S37 is also known to be one of Sealine's better hulls so probably not a lot of difference between them at sea.
With regard to resale, Sealine are very aggressive in terms of pushing new boats into the market which means that there may be quite a few of any particular model in the used market at any one time. This may mean that the S37 will be slightly harder to move on when you want to sell it so its vital to buy with the right engines (KAD42's are fine, KAD 44's even better) and as cheap a price as possible
For the record, I bought a S37 with KAD44's. It ran without major fault but it took a while to sell on when I wanted a change
I'd certainly be up for a cross channel trip if you take the plunge
PS Any advice on 911's. Which is better as a weekend/occasional track day toy - late model 993 C2 or early 996 C2?

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[whisper]

Hi and welcome. Don't think he meant that the boat would be too good for you. It's just that it's almost certain that you will want to change it within 2 years as by then your real requirements will have been formulated. So rather than spending a big wedge on something temporary it is probably more sensible to discover what your needs are in a cheaper boat to start with.

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[capnbirdseye]

Deleted User,
best get the porsche thing sorted first, the 993 is undoubtedly the finest contemporary 911, I have had a '96 C2 285HP Varioram car (early 993's were 270HP), a 964 C2, an SC etc. As the last of the aircooled cars they have everthing going for them, sound, sorted handling, ultimate reliability compared to all earlier cars and they look superb. The 996 is OK but only if you get a turbo or GT3 in my opinion (my 2004 gt3 is up for sale if your interested....) get a good 993 C2 285HP and you wont be disappointed.

To be honest the boat choice will come down to which looks best, I have to say the Targa has it for me, now I need to find that elusive 36' as opposed to the 37' given they are almost identical but cheaper/older.

Thanks for the cross channel support, I fear you need not enter it into your diary just yet but fingers crossed...!

cheers


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[capnbirdseye]

I appreciate everybody's advice and I will keep my fingers crossed that the right boat (Targa 36 I feel) turns up in good time. I will probably rush into the purchase but be thoroughly chuffed, anyway, somebody told me that boats of this age ('96ish) have lost all their money...oh yeah, it was a broker.....no doubt he will buy it back from me in 2 years time for what I paid for it.......;-)


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[gjgm]

I would add a point -which is make sure you can find somewhere to berth your boat before buying it, especially if you talk about Chichester,Hamble area.

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[PhilF]

I recently parted with my Carrera 2 tip and my wife has an Audi.
I'd go for the Targ, I have owned a Sealine and though and it was very reliable, I think the build of the Fairline is superior. How much thats mattters depends on use, age and condition.

Good luck and get stuck in quick, its nearly winter

PhilF

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[Planty]

Welcome to the forum and the best boating you can imagine is very near I am sure. Excellent advice, as always already given, just picking up one point that has been missed yet you elude to, is rushing into a purchase. Best Advice: DON'T!!!

Be sure that any boat you look at seriously, ie it presses all the right buttons for the WHOLE family, is very professionally surveyed, many on here will help with names of good people, also that the engines and in particular the oils are analysed plus loads of other checks, registration checks out, no credit outstanding etc. This obviously all takes time, put the smallest possible fully refundable holding deposit down, circa £1k, pending sea trials, checks etc. Then wait, do not rush until you are absolutely certain that all is well, this aint the car business, it really is one step up from a cottage industry, see some posts early last week to prove that!

Remember the old saying you will hear all the time in our pastime. "Owning a boat is like standing in a shower, tearing up £50 notes!!" Do not mean to be a kill joy in any way at all, just would hate you to spend £100k+ then be on here later telling us what a bunch of problems you've encountered. Most of us have learnt, research and time have saved us a bundle. Look forward to seeing you out and about on the Solent, it is superb!! Paul

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[Mike21]

Welcome to the forum, Fairlines are probably better looking boat and perceived to be better quality, although Sealines are ok as well.
If going for a Sealine personal choice would be a S34 rather than a S37 preferably with KAD 43's.
If unsure about going cross channel, might be worth thinking about doing a cruise in company for the first time, give you some confidence and plenty of folks around if you need some advice.

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[stellican]

Targa 36 is an excellent boat Hulls were built "Like a tank" check out engines with Volvo Penta dealer buy it correctly and even if you do change in a year you should see most of your money back. The early Targa 36s with a few extras were about £110000 in 1996
pm me for advice

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[Scaramoosh]

Hi

Leaving aside the which is the best boat for you the mooring issue is fraught as well.

Chichester has a excellent Yacht club with a very strong Motor Section who do Cruises in company every weekend during the summer, including cross channel. It doesn't half help your confidence when you cross for the first time with 10 other boats! They also organise Radio, Radar, Dayskipper to Yachtmaster courses which will help you get the best out of your boat. I should confess that we are members at CYC and kept our boat there last year. For more info see www.cyc.co.uk

Downside - we left Chichester on Sunday at about 5pm after quite a cold and rainy day and the queue to get in to the marina through the lock, after 45mins cruising from the Harbour entrance would have been 1 hour +.

Northney where we kept our old Corniche at the North end of Hayling Island has no lock and you can get in at most states of most tides depending on your draft. Very friendly staff but not much in the way of social life.

Sparks (S end of Hayling) where we kept our GK24 when we were Raggies is again accessible most of the time with no lock, has a small reasturant but no Club facilities. Lots of racing Yotties who are members of HISC keep their boats there but on a hot Summer Sunday you can spend 2 hours in the Car trying to get off Hayling Island.

So where does this lead - don't know: you will need to think about what is important to you. We sold our house inland and bought one at Port Solent. We now keep the boat 15 meters from the back door, and as we now own the leasehold to our berth theres more money for desiel rather than marina fees.

Good luck

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