Buying A motor boat on the Thames

[rosssavage]

Fair enough I've spent a lot of time on F43's (as I say, there's three in the local marina alone!) and almost no time on the P435, so I won't argue

Yes, there are a lot of sticky out bits on the sealine, as far as I can see it's actually a 39' hull with bits added to make it 43'. I've been alongside one many times in my P385, and the actual hull is really about the same size.

Guess I'm just impressed with the amount of space they create in that size hull. As I say, I'd prefer the P435 anyway - really timeless looking boat.

Only a bit jealous of yours!!

 

[Medskipper]

Fair enough I've spent a lot of time on F43's (as I say, there's three in the local marina alone!) and almost no time on the P435, so I won't argue

Yes, there are a lot of sticky out bits on the sealine, as far as I can see it's actually a 39' hull with bits added to make it 43'. I've been alongside one many times in my P385, and the actual hull is really about the same size.

Guess I'm just impressed with the amount of space they create in that size hull. As I say, I'd prefer the P435 anyway - really timeless looking boat.

Only a bit jealous of yours!!

Well I'm not going to argue over your good taste!
I changed my Birchwood 37 earlier this year for the P435 and I love it! I've wanted one for a decade or more!
After looking at six boats which were average to poor condition I found mine in Holland and transported it to Spain. It is so easy to handle at close quarters because she has bow and stern thrusters!
If you are interested in taking a look at mine PM me and I will send you a link to my pictures!
All the best with you quest for a P435 they are a super boat!

 

[miket]

Hmmmm. Things have changed since I was last here?
No comments about net curtains on the Brooms?!!
Going back to the original post requiring thoughts on boats suited to both Upper Thames use and at sea.
Having been largely Thames based for a very long time I would suggest that there are a number of areas to consider in making your choice.
Overall height, with sensible things folded, depth under water and whether keel or props are lowest and the freeboard for ease of disembarking bankside.
Unless you can find a boat with electro/hydraulic operation of a heavy radar arch, they are a pain. With gas struts the pain is minimised. With the upper Thames becoming quite shallow (bankside is of primary interest for mooring) I would suggest 1 metre is the optimal depth to avoid problems. Always better to have the keel as the lowest point to save those precious egg whisks. That really means either full displacement or semi-displacement hulls. Finally, a high freeboard boat has a few advantages when going up river in the locks, but the rest of the time it is a long way down for crewing and general on/off activity. More modern boats with transom "stairs" get round this to some degree but I doubt your budget will be quite strong enough for that.
I am on boat number 15, a Broom Ocean 38. Having had some years on the South coast with other boats better suited to the sea and in Holland for 2 years with this Broom, I have no qualms in praising the Broom 38 as close to the ultimate (sensible) compromise boat. It has a semi-displacement hull with the keel the lowest point at 1.1 metres, it has low freeboard forward which helps on the river and remains commendably dry at sea, it has has the class leading aft cabin for that era with the benefit of a very sociable cockpit/ dinette above. Yes, the arch is still a pain and I do have gas struts. The Yanmar engines are smooth and seem to cope well with Thames dawdle speeds whilst singing at sea at 20 knots +/-. It is the 1st boat that I have kept longer than 4 years and still happy as Larry.
Atlantics are close, but I prefer the aft cabin layout of the Broom and beware that some earlier A38's are not finished to the later high standard. Haines did very few 38's from that era and most were on the semi-displacement hull (good for river) but often under powered for sea and the interior finish is far from their current fit outs.
Both Princess 435 and Sealine 43 are excellent boats but to my mind far better suited to sea use than river.
Your best bet is to find a good broker that carries a good supply of suitable boats. I think one of the best is Norfolk Yacht Agency (NYA). They are nice people and keep the boats nicely, especially their own stock boats.
Take a little time at this stage and enjoy your 1st boat for longer!!
Good luck.

 

[mlines]

If you fancy a fully loaded American style boat (built in barbeque area etc.) I have seen there is a Cruisers 360 express at Walton soon to be listed for sale (no connection to me)