Buying advice

[Idaven]

I'm posting on behalf of my dad. He sold his Squadron 52 about 12 months ago and is now looking to buy again.

We are hoping to get some opinions on his next boat.

He will berth it near Southampton (UK), to be used in and around the Solent with the occasional trip further along the coast and/or channel crossing.

He is looking for a smaller and easier boat to handle on his own than the Squadron, but with enough space and comfort to stay on board over several nights.

He has reduced the shortlist down to the following three. We would really appreciate hearing your opinions on them. Hopefully there are some current and former owners on here that can give an honest review of the boats.

Thanks in advance!

http://www.boats.co.uk/boats-for-sale/sealine-sc39-1395

http://www.jdyachts.com/listed-boat/printspec.php?id=1054

http://www.boats.co.uk/boats-for-sale/sunseeker-portofino-35-1614

 

[rafiki_]

Welcome to the forum. I personally don't know any of the 3 boats, but others on here will. Your father will note a huge reduction in accommodation having dropped down from the 52, and I think he will miss the option of the flybridge, so it will be important to understand how the boat will be used, number of people on board etc. The Sunseeker is a great boat, but will feel much smaller again than the Sealine or Fairline. There are several Targa 40 fans on here, so expect to see their contribution soon.

 

[Nigelpickin]

I agree that the Targa 40 is a lovely boat but would also say that your dad could look at a Jeanneau nc11.
A great all year boat, small apartment on the water and great sea kindliness for longer passages.

Worth a look and some year 1 hulls are in the price range...

 

[Idaven]

@Rafiki - thanks and good points. He will mostly be on it with his partner only. They have a house on the coast near to the marina so accommodation won't be too important, except for odd trips away.

Passengers will be family and friends , maybe 2-6 at a time? Two young children and a toddler maybe as well, if that has any bearing on the choice.

@nigel - thanks , will show him a Jeanneau and see what he thinks.

 

[Bouba]

Welcome, let's start by getting personal, how old is your dad? If he's downsizing due to age or incapacity I would look for a walk around. If he's hale and hearty then any of your selections looks good

 

[Idaven]

59 and not quite past it yet! Great question though. Downsizing due to retirement and simply not utilising the space he had on the Squadron

 

[Bouba]

59 and not quite past it yet! Great question though. Downsizing due to retirement and simply not utilising the space he had on the Squadron

Sorry but anyone who is one year older than me is well past it
I've always liked walk arounds as they are the most dog friendly and the bloke on the opposite pontoon from me has the same boat and he's ninety!

 

[oldgit]

@Rafiki - thanks and good points. He will mostly be on it with his partner only. They have a house on the coast near to the marina so accommodation won't be too important, except for odd trips away.

Passengers will be family and friends , maybe 2-6 at a time? Two young children and a toddler maybe as well, if that has any bearing on the choice.

@nigel - thanks , will show him a Jeanneau and see what he thinks.

Possibly 9 staying aboard ! and have you seen the junk that toddlers will not leave home without plus the stuff mum will bring with the baby.
Not on those boats ?
Plus all those boats are designed to go bang bang crash over the waves, can just see mum with one foot on the pram and hand for each toddler sliding all over the shop....look elsewhere ?

 

[Idaven]

Sorry, my reply was terribly worded. The kids are part of the 6.

And we would stay on shore anyway.

 

[bluetooth]

My take on these 3 based on previous T34 and current T40 was:
Sealine - massive downstairs accom; smaller on deck
Sunseeker - massive on deck; smaller accom
Fairline - medium/medium - which I prefer. Saloon infill and sunbed can easily take 6 people though ive had 7 to date
Given its just for 2 people most of time then maybe T40
Think getting onto bow for docking wont be a major issue for him/her if well planned in advance; just bring the bow line to the bathing platform
All three will be fine with kids/toddler
Sealine with less canvas will help a little but then again when you want to be fully open to the sky you cant
BT

 

[Idaven]

Thanks Bluetooth , good advice there.

 

[Idaven]

Hi again

He has bought the T40.

Thanks for the advice, it really helped. Looking forward for some decent weather and getting out on the water

Cheers

Ian