Boat show mobos

ashtead

ashtead

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As I plan a trip to SIBS I got to thinking about boats I might consider when in a few years might be forced to retire to such craft . Now clearly as an impoverished newbie pensioner economy is important etc and would keep to much same length say 11-13m loa -so far eye has been drawn to swift trawlers -the new ones look nice but at a price but what other competition today that will be used in say 3/4 years time? It would seem based on my reading that I should be trying to find a shaft drive boat though?
 
Shafts at that size pretty rare in new boats now but I agree that would be my choice too. The Swift trawlers win on packaging. Worth viewing for sure. Would also look at boats from a number of other brands to start to build an idea of what features you might like and what you think of the design,, packaging and finishes.

Starter list:

Marex
Sargo
Botnia
Beneteau
Jeanneau
Bavaria
Rodman
Sealine
Nimbus
Hardy

The majority of these will be stern drives aka outdrives. Or increasingly, outboards.
 
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I am a complete numpty in terms of mobo’s, but presumably depends 9n where and how plan to use the boat?

Many retirees from sailing like to go places like the European inland waterways. This might lead to boats with lower height and more semi-displacement mode, modest engine sizes. Whereas a boat for Solent and Channel perhaps differnt.
 
Thanks for thoughts - I have seen an older couple who moved from sailing to motor in our marina opt for a Nimbus and I am attracted by those -I was just looking at a secondhand nimbus 405 coupe online which looked attractive space wise and had twin Volvos -I will have a look at the top 3 certainly as know little of them. I think it would be low height to give the option for waterways -I’m not really drawn to Broom though as I have seen a few of those weaving around the marina and age doesn’t attract. The swift trawler folk at our marina are active(maybe a 40 something coupe) which might be another attraction to make in terms of being a known quantity but many are single engine in older form. I guess I just want at this stage to narrow down choices . I’m not drawn one way or another to fly bridge though -those who have seem to use rarely at sea (compared to marina usage) I just thinking shaft are simpler really and I guess cheaper to maintain . We currently have teak veneer so not drawn to ikea finish though - I saw a vid of a Dale recently which looked attractive but at a price.
 
Nimbus are deservedly popular for sail-to-power owners.

Wouldn’t write off a flybridge without proper consideration of the benefits, specifically additional space outside and in, and excellent visibility, we drive ours from there almost 100% of the time. Great experience. If you specifically want low air draft eg for Broads or river use then a non starter obviously.

Twin shafts are much easier than a single but you then have 2x the maintenance costs.

Older boats tend to have better quality woodwork. Same as yachts in that respect.

Older teak decks are similarly troublesome.
 
Many thanks -we have Flexiteak decks so ideally I might avoid real teak - yes maybe I’m just being traditional favouring twin engines . It’s like avoiding coloured hulls .
Re the flybridge it might come down to what’s around at time if say a coupe was there which suited otherwise I think it would be in list -I always think broom look like a flybridge for those who want low height 😀wouldn’t put me off but contra view is if you can only get a swift with the fly at time that’s fine -I must speak to some of local swift owners more on this though. The 44 swifts looks top heavy even if you can put the dinghy up there with the crane and I guess might roll in absence of stabilisers in trader like manner.
 
All unstabilised motor boats roll in a swell at anchor, more so than yachts and less comfortable too. Roll under way can sometimes be dialled out, or at least reduced, by choosing an appropriate cruising speed. As a general rule, bigger heavier boats with hulls designed for sea keeping first and space second, tend to be a lot more comfortable than small light boats with hull spaces optimised for internal space.
 
Another thought. You may find that having made the move, you gain some experience and knowledge of what works for you, and now want to change the boat after a few seasons, so it’s a good idea to go for a well known / popular brand that’s likely to be easier to sell on in the future.
 
@ashtead we did this exact thing starting in 2019, some of it ‘documented’ on these pages. Not sure if you’d actually find it useful but these threads cover much of the same ground…

Search results for query: Sail power

Quite enjoyed reading them again 🤣

Although we’ve had some issues along the way I’d say that the decision to move to power is an unqualified success. Very much happier. And yes we’re on our second mobo….
 
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The hardest thing to find isn’t a boat but a place to park it...so the first thing I always say to salespeople is can you find me a berth within X miles from wherever. Believe me, they have a lot more connections than you....and are very motivated
 
I did see one rustler 57 when we followed it into Bembridge harbour -it clearly needed its own hammerhead but didn’t go aground luckily -it was returning to east anglia I believe so maybe those local to that area know more. It was a lovely vessel but not really suited for the Solent unless at Berthon or ocean village probably. I suspect you could find a perm berth for it at Haslar if you had the funds of course.
 
Sticky Fingers said:
Shafts at that size pretty rare in new boats now but I agree that would be my choice too. The Swift trawlers win on packaging. Worth viewing for sure. Would also look at boats from a number of other brands to start to build an idea of what features you might like and what you think of the design,, packaging and finishes.

Starter list:

Marex
Sargo
Botnia
Beneteau
Jeanneau
Bavaria
Rodman
Sealine
Nimbus
Hardy

The majority of these will be stern drives aka outdrives. Or increasingly, outboards.
Click to expand...
Elling E3 also a popular choice for ex yotties...

Something like this https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/yacht/2007-elling-e3-9793010/

As an impoverished pensioner, the above should hold its value well.
 
ashtead said:
I did see one rustler 57 when we followed it into Bembridge harbour -it clearly needed its own hammerhead but didn’t go aground luckily -it was returning to east anglia I believe so maybe those local to that area know more. It was a lovely vessel but not really suited for the Solent unless at Berthon or ocean village probably. I suspect you could find a perm berth for it at Haslar if you had the funds of course.
Click to expand...
Yes I have seen it around a few times, ranging far and wide. Lovely boat in many ways, though not sure the interior layout is to all tastes (perhaps why not been the success the yard hoped for).
 
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