At last

[agsinclair]

After many years looking at ads, dreaming and drooling, I'm now in a position to purchase my first classic motor cruiser!

My preference is for a 13-15m circa 1960's cruiser.....Bates Starcraft, Rampart 48, Beecham Searider etc.

Some inland crusing, some UK coastal crusing and probably the obligatory French river/canal route to the Med.

All input gratefully received....available boats, most suitable types, things to avoid etc. etc.

Thanks

 

[ccscott49]

Have you thought of a silver ormidale, silverette etc, from silvers of rosneath? Ramparts are nice boats, but beware of thin decks, as they are not screwed down, they are bronze gripfast nailed, plus the superstructures are plywood, which de laminate, sometiomes, have a good look at them, they were not built up to a price.

 

[aztec]

mate of mine has a starcraft as a liveaboard, very nice boat, well built. if you need any specific info, give me a shout and i'll ask him.

good luck, steve.

 

[miket]

www.bates-starcraft.co.uk
They have a for sale page. Don't be put off by some of the prices for the 45's. Personally I think a sensible price for an excellent 45 or 40 will be around £60/70k.
Don't be tempted by any of the earlier mahogany 40's. Double diagonal is a bitch to repair and mahogany will rot very much more than teak. Also watch the state of the ribs and stringers.

There was a very good article in either MBM or MB&Y a short while ago about the restoration of a 45 called La Chemme which is gorgeous. If that doesn't put you off you are either a true enthusiast or certifiable!!

 

[aphay]

Have you considered Osbornes. There was an Eagle class for sale quite recently on an online brokerage. Well built boats with a good reputation.