Aquador

[azzurro]

I'm thinking of buying new (or very nearly new) boat around 26' - 28' with single engine.
Aquador do a boat that on paper fits the bill nicely. Well specced and with a single KAD44, price is very competetive.
Question is: has anyone got any experience of this make, heard any glowing reports or horror stories?
Any info gratefully received.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Don't think I've heard of it, sounds Spanish?

 

[azzurro]

Finnish boatbuilder, dealer based in Lymington.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Don't know re this particular make, but all other Finnish/ Scandinavian imports have been excellent boats, well made and seaworthy. Strangely though they do not seem to have held their value particularly well, maybe there aren't enough of them, maybe they don't conform to what most people expect compared to the usual British makes.

 

[colinwcolclough]

Details in December 2001 Motor Boats Monthly of 25 foot cabin model. Seen these boats at London boat show and found innovative ideas abound. Seem perfect for people with more inclination for practicality than posing, like all Scandinavian boats. Good luck if you go ahead with the Aquador. Have you also looked at the Nimbus range and some of the more obscure Scandinavian makes. Cheaper boats available in same size range from Jeaneau, but build quality seem a bit hit and miss.

 

[robinborton]

Pleased to see you like Aquador,
I am seriously thinking of buying a new 26C,I got in touch with a friend in Finland where they are now built and by buying directly from Finland coulsd save £10,000 I talked to the Lymington people and still have not had the differencre explained to me so Helsinki here I come ....maybe.
Apparently the earlier Aquador were built in Ireland where quality control was a problem.
Cant help any more but I do like these boats Nimbus look good too but seem a bit more expensive and more traditional shaft driven etc .
I will qualify all this by saying I am not exactly an old hand at this stuff.
Good luck
Robin

 

[jfm]

Re: Aquador - vote in favour

No direct experience but I've looked at them a few times when toying with idea of upgrading a centre-console Boston Whaler job for use in Irealnd. They've been around a while, nothing bad heard. IMHO they're good quality and good looking. Best of luck, let us know if you order one

 

[DepSol]

Looked at buying one at same time as I was buying my Jeanneau. Offshoot company of jeanneau and as I visited Jeanneau factory to watch my boat being built I know that if it uses same process then they will be good. One in Gsy still looks good three years down the line.

If sales are slow try to strike a deal ith the agent.

Dom

 

[Guest]

Re: shaft driven = traditional

I almost read between the lines that you think shaft drive is old fashioned and other forms of propulsion, outdrive or jet drive are more modern. If you get a choice, go for a shaft drive boat everytime as apart from any arguments abount handling, etc, it will be more reliable. Fundamentally an outdrive is an expensive marine gearbox left permanently suspended in (usually) salt water. You don't have to think very hard to arrive at the implications that has for reliability. Its principal reason for being is as a convenience to manufacturers in terms of internal space efficiency and ease of installation but over the life of a boat it will be no where near as reliable as conventional shaft drive.

Nick

 

[azzurro]

Thanks for the info ref. Finland saving £10K. This may leave scope for massive negotiation with the UK dealers!
The model I'm looking at is the 26DC, basically the C without the roof. I have only seen brochure so far so can't judge build quality and finish. Hoping to visit dealer at the weekend. Any more tips/what to look out for much appreciated.

 

[Guest]

Had a look around one for a friend while at Lymington at my boat, not bad but not really got a name yet, thinking about resale value etc, can get good larger used boat for same money IMHO.

Paul js.

 

[azzurro]

Re: Yes but

Fair point re. more second hand boat for the money, but this applies to all boats. Also if I go bigger I'm in to twin engines with double the servicing costs and more expense for berthing. Also some of us like shiny new, warranties and so on!
Still wouldn't mind some suitable (new) alternatives to consider - anybody got any ideas?

Steve