Boat

[n1solo]

Does anyone have any recommendations for which boat to buy for the thames use, going to try and keep it at shepperton marina.
I'm thinking between 27 and 3o ish ft.
budget: £45k to £90k(absolute max)
Looking to stay on it at weekends etc tootle about.
Would really like something modern/stylish looking and nice inside with 2 Cabins.

 

[Geoffs]

IMHO a nice Freeman 27 ideal for the river. Not new but timeless classic and very stylish in it's classic way. As shown here
seem to be a few around at 20-25k

If you just want to stay on the river don't go with anything with a lot of power and avoid deep V hulls, they just don't handle well at low speeds.

 

[Brayman]

Have a look at the Broom 35 European, good space, very stable, excellent handling. Ideal for the river and a bit of tidal too.

 

[byron]

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Have a look at the Broom 35 European, good space, very stable, excellent handling. Ideal for the river and a bit of tidal too.

[/ QUOTE ]

Although long in the tooth now you cannot odds the Broom 35 European for ease of handling. It is a veritable dream to handle at low speeds it's docile and almost drives itself making the most ham fisted driver look like a pro. They hold their price remarkably well and are quite capable of crossing the channel. You need at least 2 x 120hp engines for about 12 knots max. I had one for several years and have nothing but praise for it as a good all-rounder. Even today it has better looks than many of the jelly moulds you see around.

 

[Gavi]

I adore my Freeman 24 and sometimes regret our first boat worries about getting something as big as the 27.

I also agree with the views about the Brooms, which are lovely boats.

But if I were to start again, and with the budget you mention, I'd either go for the F27 or one of these

Lovely things.

 

[DWT]

I own a Broom 35 European and can only endorse what others have said. Expect to pay between £50k and £60k depending upon age, engines, equipment and condition.

 

[byron]

[ QUOTE ]
Expect to pay between £50k and £60k depending upon age, engines, equipment and condition.

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What? Mine cost £16,000 ish with over 100 modifications brand spanking new.

Wait.............

oh yes.........

That was in 1974

 

[ms1]

when choosing think about getting on and off (do you have to climb over the seats? how easy is it to get around the decks, how far away from the water do you want to be when at the helm. how much cockpit space do you want. hardtop or softtop. Just river boat or something to take down to the estuary sometimes.
Freeman is a great boat for the river. I own a Fairline Mirage (29 feet) which works out well on the river and sea and doesnt look its age.

 

[ms1]

and one more
Do you want to be able to get under Osney Bridge at Oxford ?
(7ft 6in only)

 

[BSTHAMES]

The Dutch style cruisers are very good for the river and being made of steel they are very strong. Have a look at the link for an example.
http://thames.boatshed.com/dutch_steel_cruiser-boat-46270.html