Buying my first boat - small cuddy/cabin cruiser boat. Advice needed please?

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Andrew E

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Hi there,

Originally posted on the wrong forum and was suggested I post here so please forgive me for the duplicate post....

I don't know much about boats, engines or sailing but I've always been obsessed with having my own boat. Recently I've come into a bit of money (not that much mind) and thought to myself, why don't I fullfill my childhood dream and buy myself a boat.

The sort of boat I'm looking for is a small cuddy/cabin cruiser, around 20ft with enough space for 2 people to sleep for one night and deck space to entertain around 4 people (BBQs, fishing trips etc). I'm not particularly fussed about speed or engine size - I'd prefer it to be as fuel efficent as possible but I'm not after a yacht in particular.

Here are a few examples of boats I'm looking at.... (apologies for posting eBay links)

Invader 197 - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Invader-1...Domain_3&hash=item1e7aec19fc&autorefresh=true

Fletcher Arrowbolt 210 - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151051179948?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

INVADER 210 - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350803141984?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

Also if I could get a bargin on a none cuddy boat then I'd be very tempted but the idea of a cabin is nice (see below)

BAYLINER CAPRI - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161030756302?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

I've had a look at the Invader 210 Cuddy and the Fletcher 180 sports cruiser (all early 1990, late 1980s). All very nice boats but a little bit over my budget which is around 4.5k (but could stretch if i found something a little more expensive) but likewise would prefer if i could get something for less than 4k.

I've posted this as I just need some general advice on what steps to take, places to see boats in the Southampton/South of England area and what to look out for when buying a boat? I'm not from a boating family and none of my friends or work colleagues have boats so I'm just after some straight talking advice.

Currently I'm in the process of pricing berthings/storage etc but really just need some information on the actual boat - what to look out for/avoid when buying a second hand boat on a budget.

Thanks very much
 
Great to see your ambition to buy a boat. Not sure what your experience is, but it seems minimal. I would suggest you go and do a competent crew course with a reputable sea school specialising in power boats. This will give you valuable experience and basic safety training plus a better idea of what it is you want. Contact the RYA in Hamble, or wait until someone here recommends a particular firm.

20' and a cuddy may soon become outgrown by your 'wish to do' list, and already I reckon your minimum would be 24'.
 
My advise is buy a boat big enough to do everything you want from the get go. Buy the right sort of boat as well. Don't be tempted to compromise for a bargain if it's not what you really want eg a sports fisher if you want a power boat. If you want to overnight, a 20' might not be ideal but if you want to tow a doughnut then it's perfect. Just be sure of what you want the boat to do.

Buy newest you can. Buy from someone that has clearly lavished care and attention on their boat and can answer all of your questions.

Other than that, enjoy. Power Boat Level 2/VHF course is a minimum for whatever boat you decide on. Build this into the cost of purchase. If nothing else, it's 2 more days on the water!
 
jimmcgee said:
anything less than a gin palace , you would be better asking on the Thames forum :)
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Bit harsh. I think there can be some useful feedback on here for any moboer.
It is tough when you are starting out, as you don't really know what you want. For many, their first Mobo lasts less than a year before trading on, as you quickly learn. So don't get too hung up about the first boat, but do buy something from a mainstream brand that is well maintained, and likely to be easier to sell on. We started with a Sea Ray Cuddy, but traded in after 6 months for a small sports cruiser, as we needed more cabin space.
 
My first boat was a 21ft Jeanneau Merry Fisher 625 Legende with a 115hp Suzuki Outboard. Great, tough little boat and fab engine. Did everything from sea fishing, River and Creek creeping to 170 mile coastal adventures in Force 4. Fantastic starter boat for me, whilst I appreciate your needs and intentions might be different to mine. Take a look at these and the Beneteau equivalents and see what you think. Other advantage is that they are bread and butter type boats which are easily sellable.
 
rafiki_ said:
Bit harsh. I think there can be some useful feedback on here for any moboer.
It is tough when you are starting out, as you don't really know what you want. For many, their first Mobo lasts less than a year before trading on, as you quickly learn. So don't get too hung up about the first boat, but do buy something from a mainstream brand that is well maintained, and likely to be easier to sell on. We started with a Sea Ray Cuddy, but traded in after 6 months for a small sports cruiser, as we needed more cabin space.
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I'd echo this, we went from bowrider, to cuddy, to sportscruiser within the space of 18 months
 
An inevitable fact of this forum is the way newbies with modest aspirations will be treated. A guy comes on wanting to spend £4k on 90's cuddy and gets told that unless he spends minimum £50k on a 30ft twin diesel engined boat he will die a lonely and unfulfilled man in a ball of (petrol) induced flames :rolleyes:

Having said that, everyone is correct, buy once and buy right is the best solution if you have the money. Assuming you need to keep to your budget of £4.5k your choices are not bad. In this price range, condition and engine history are far more important than age, don't forget to check the trailer, they are not cheap to repair.

I would stick with a cuddy rather than an open bow 'bowrider', they are far more versatile in the UK, and IMHO a bit more seaworthy. Of the ones you have highlighted I would go for the Fletcher (Condition dependant) its a well known and respected UK brand thats easy to sell, has an active owners forum and good availability of spare parts.

For places to look its all the usual internet places, Boats & Outboards, Apolloduck, Boatshop24, Gumtree, Ebay etc. Be aware if a deal looks to good to be true, its a scam. (£20k boats advertised for £5k etc)
 
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If you aren't worried about speed you may wish to look at displacement type boats, much cheaper to run. A speedboat type is more fun though!
 
Where are u based Andrew E?
Cos there could be a Forumite near you who knows the waters etc and could advise as to what boat suits your area
Plus take you out and advise etc
It's like that on ere
 
Do not buy a bow rider as there are not saleable a the moment unless it a giveaway price, been told cuddy are the boats wanted at the minute due to weather.
The cuddy we have was brilliant for us and the two kids as the dry storage area was fab and we did use it to chill and lay down, but never slept on it, plenty room for the toilet, this was our second boat and wish it was our first.

A cuddy will be perfect for you to learn and familiarise with the handling of the boat, I would love to sale you my cuddy but I need a bit more than 5 grand, d2 torquay the weekend said bow riders are at a low in selling due to the open nature of the boats. Trailers are rightly expensive and need lots of maintenance due to salt water, I spent a mint on my snipe twin axle trailer keeping it together and looking new, ended up using dampoline bilge paint in gray to customise it to the look of the boat.

Good luck in your searching.
 
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