Aquador 23 HT

[panda9958]

I've noticed a few 2002 / 2003 Aquador 23 HT for sale around 40-45K. Given that this is around the same money as a 2004 / 2005 typical US sportscruiser, are they worth it ?

I'm also starting to like the idea of a solid roof!

If anyone actually owns an Aquador I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks

 

[no28]

I bought mine off someone on this forum, earlier this year, and have been really pleased with it. With the bad weather we've had this year, we've got a lot more use out of it because of the HT. It's ideal for two of us to overnight on. Good build quality and excellent sea keeping, some pic's...

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

looks very nice Randski
would def go for this versus the normal US renowned boat

 

[panda9958]

Randski,
Many thanks for your comments and for posting your pictures which look fantastic.

I'm a bit worried that some US sportscruisers are 'tippy' due to what appears to be a high centre of gravity. I've not arranged a sea trial yet, but I've noticed boats in the marina leaning over if 2 people sit on the same side or move around. I'm not sure if this is a problem but it looks a bit strange.

Anyway, planning to trial a Sea Ray or Monterey when the weather improves. Although the more I think about it the more I want a roof!

 

[landlockedpirate]

I have spent quite a bit of time on the kind of boats you are looking at (The 23 HT above was my Brothers) and we have owned a variety of American sportscruisers (Regal, Chapparel, Four Winns, Glastron and a Maxum !)

The Aquador was definately the best handling for its size and we spent some excellent days out and about when other boats were running for cover. But all of the other sports cruisers were very capable boats. We took a 21ft Chapparel accross to France (Via the channel islands) and the Maxum and Four Winns from Barcelona to Menorca. (140 miles).

The main difference is the space on board, We have happily spent over 3 weeks on board the sportscruisers with a family of 4, a head and shower, standing head room and a useable galley make a huge difference. The Aquador is much smaller, tiny toilet and small bed.

If I was looking for a day cruiser with occasional overnight ability I would buy an Aquador- it was the best handling boat, but for hoildays and regular weekends aboard then my money would go on a sportscruiser.

 

[Nautorius]

Nice Boat and Great Pictures...very shiny!

The Aquador 23Ht is an amazing sea boat. She can handle the rough stuff with ease. Great quality, great fuel efficiency and the hard top works! My only reservation is the accomodation which is smallish, but works well.

Take one out and then decide!

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[panda9958]

Mark, thanks for that, you have raised some good points. We looked at so many boats at SIBS and now can't really decide what we want.
One other boat we had never thought of before was the Merry Fisher 805. I've seen a few around 45K and they have diesel engines and a roof complete with a set of patio doors! Not a lot of luxury but nice weather proof accommodation.

 

[whisper]

The MF.805 and Aquador are very different animals.
The former majors on really spacious accommodation but has a basic finish and is a bit of a plodder on the water - still a good boat though.
The Aquador is a lot smaller but has a deluxe feeling to the finish and will be much more fun to drive.

The choice depends entirely on how important the accommodation is to you.

I'd try out as many types as you can before making your mind up.