Buying a new Motorboat

[Deleted User YDKXO]

The other thing not mentioned is that small flybridges with outdrives can be a bit of a handful in a choppy sea or when berthing in a crosswind, and breezes can pick up quickly in the med. Not a huge problem, but also not necessarily the best boat to gain confidence on. May be best to try one first if you can, maybe charter one for a day.

If the boat is to be mostly a dayboat/overnighter, and you'll stay in the holiday home that you mentioned most of the time, then i'd also consider a sport cruiser.

Agree with that. Just about the most difficult boat to handle I've ever had the misfortune to own was a Sealine 305. Barely 30ft but with a flybridge, outdrives and not much hull in the water, it was a challenge in any kind of a crosswind

 

[124sailor]

I've heard that Omniboat is starting new sales office in Hamble

I've heard that Omniboat is starting new sales office in Hamble.
They will have a couple of boats to show. Most probably Galeon 325 and 440 Fly.

 

[Morpheous]

They also get a mention in the Making Waves section of the new MBM

 

[mont]

My view on the subject ...

For what its worth on the subject ....

This forum provides a snapshot from a handful of folks of their experiences / bias - so here's mine .....

We bought our very first motorboat five years ago.

Wanted a smaller stylish flybridge boat with two decent double berths, lower airdraft for bridges etc, light and airy inside with good headroom and reasonably good accomodation. We couldnt afford new and within budget we were looking at typical american budget boats or older styled dark interior traditional boats.

We ended up by chance with a Swedish built Nimbus 33 flybridge which afterwards many boaters said was a cracking boat with excellent build that is / was very expensive. Have yet to read a poor report on build etc.

Whilst its now for sale - view it at

http://www.jamesdickensmarine.com/Brokerage/Powerboats/NimbusAvanta33.htm

this post is certainly not just a plug for you / anyone to buy it !!

I would confirm yes its twin outdrive so hence she is fast 33knts tops / 22knt cruise / 7knt chug and economical as well at about 2mpg to 4 mpg depending on speed / sea state. Superb engine access for servicing and repairs as everything is under the cockpit lift up lids, not crammed under the saloon floor - big job to work on anything and usually results in hit and miss servicing / maintenance.

Its older style renowned twin VP ad41b 200 hp six cylinder engines - no exciting electronics and the boats certainly much much braver than us (F9 / 6m tackelled so far).

Had a bow thruster fitted five years ago which helped initially but now little used. I did have d/s training on outdrives and really do not find close quarters or heavy seas handling an issue at all - much much sportier too. As mentioned by previous post I also had a friend who had a Sealine 305 / twin outdrives which he just couldnt control so he gave up and changed over to a Failine 36 on twin shafts - which he then also couldnt control !

We are now two seasons on in Mallorca and dont have air con - no issue we just acclimatise and are careful with sun shading etc. Our thought and other who have it -- we wouldnt choose air con on a smaller boat - costly to buy and dont forget to maintain with servicing etc, noisy, boats have little proper insulation, freezing cold sometimes at night, no fresh air ventilation as you have to close up, stinking hot then when you go outdoors etc etc. Away from port of course no shore power so why not have a genny as well to increase the cost and weight of the package further - no thanks - keep it simple.

Our boat is 10m x 3.35m so fits a standard 10 x 3.5 med berth a treat - hence sensible cost berth and available generally.

If you have £££'s to spare then enjoy the champagne at the boat show and buy new. Hope the warranty / aftersales service produces satisfaction.

At this stage I'd go for a stylish quality secondhand every time on reflection, and certainly wouldnt worry about the concept of outdrives with a good history.

Critisism of post to now follow .....

 

[jfm]

No criticism from me of your post and the nimb33 is a particularly nice boat

Each to their own, but I wouldn't agree with you about no airco in the Med. It's hell trying to sleep at anchor or in port with temp in the high 20s, imho

...buy new. Hope the warranty / aftersales service produces satisfaction.

Just on that point, you're right that many people have a tough time with new boats/snags/warranty. But speaking from my own experience, if you buy a boat that is well screwed together to start with (on which point I recommend Fairline, though there are other well-built brands too) from a dealer that has resources/honesty/integrity (on which point I'd strongly recommend Essex Boatyards) you'll be fine. If you don't, it'll be hell (eg Gludy's Trader saga!)

 

[Nautibusiness]

we bought a prestige 32, fantastic boat, great sea keeping etc. etc. However, sounds daft, bit without the sales person on the boat with you spend a few hours on it (tied up, not at sea) and see if you can live in the space.
The P32 was fab when out bit just a tad small when at berth, galley, heads and saloon. But when at sea, the fly and lower helm were great.
Or, as you say get one on charter and then you will know for sure.

So Mark!?
What do you mean without the sales person onboard with you!!!!???????

Agree about the P32 being a superb little boat.
I would add that in my opinion a flybridge hugely benefits from being on shafts and this is one big win the Prestige makes over most of it's competition.

Ask the poster who I have quoted from. He sea trialled a very popular brand on outdrives and also one on shafts and if memory serves me correctly, there was no comparison.

Good luck with your hunt. Most comments are spot on and for your first boat I would agree that a used one may be more suitable. Not least because you will change it within 2 years.

Tom

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Galeons are pretty well build boats and there quality improvement as well as there handling has been going from good to strong. All there new designs 2005 onwards are by Tony Castro who takes care of hull shape too.
I sold a 325 Sport the past winter hull one, and this boat 2 years old passed it survey in flying colors no issues at all. Considering how they where in early 2000 I think made gigantic steps and are now with the best of them. I think Galeon and Sessa have been the most improved brands in the past decade 2000 to 2009.
I think there brand image is also pretty much improving all over, thanks to the bigger models.
The 330 Fly which is Galeon best sold cabin inboard model should stop in production this year altough this is still undecided. Galeon released a 340 Fly in Dusseldorf the past January which replaces the 330. A 350 HT is on the works and will be released this fall.

I dont agree with the comments of a first owner buying used. Many times used boats needs some work to get to specs while a new boat or one which is fairly new (not more then 2 years) you get dealer back up and some assistance. After this experience yes then buy used for all your life time, but first time buyer not good.

 

[Monaco]

Thank you all for your kind comments!

I think the decision has been made for me. It will definately be a second hand boat (1-4 years old). I will be hiring some this summer and decide on the brand & model...