Cabin Boat or Motor Home

[Bouba]

Motorhome and a boat can be great, especially the way Bigplumbs does it, but launching boat of 21-28 feet or so with a motorhome can be a challenge even at the best slipways, so some assistance would probably be required particularly at recovery. A lot of raceboats are towed with motorhomes but there is usually a handy 4x4 around for launching etc.

The other problem is parking a large motor home and long trailer near the marina after launching

 

[Offshore57]

The other problem is parking a large motor home and long trailer near the marina after launching

Very true.....

 

[Scubadoo]

I do like the idea of travelling around in a Motor Home but for me it doesn't beat being at sea in a lovely quiet location away from the crowds. The Motor Home to me seems restrictive, you drive to a site, but then want to travel around locally (I suppose you could argue the same with a boat, but less so), so you need some kind of transport like a small car or bike being towed or maybe it is better to have a caravan to over come this restriction. Either way you can't also tow a boat as well, for me I would want something more than an inflatable so I could explore the coastline, so something like a Rib hence you can't have everything. I couldn't justify the cost for the odd weekend away in a Motor Home, as soon as there is sun and calm conditions I would want to be on the water. The best approach would be to hire a Motor Home when required, that way keeping the cost down and no maintenance over head. I had a look a few hire motor home at a show a few years ago and I was impressed with what you can get. I suppose the other issue is security, Motor Homes are very expensive hence attractive to thieves, so leaving it at a site is another level of concern.

 

[Sianna]

I do like the idea of travelling around in a Motor Home but for me it doesn't beat being at sea in a lovely quiet location away from the crowds. The Motor Home to me seems restrictive, .

Exactly the reason we sold our Motorhome and bought a boat instead

 

[Momac]

People argue that a motorhome is less restrictive as you are not so confined where you can travel and less confined by the weather.
Nevertheless it seems to me boating is the superior experience.

 

[Fire99]

Difficult one really. Perhaps motorhomes appeal more as we get older? Is that true? I've sill (at the current count) over 2 decades of working years to go and I find the motorhome route a bit restrictive and 'land locked'. Unless you are extremely wealthy, boats will always be compromised on space compared to a MH and for some reason any boat work seems to cost multiple times more too, so it's certainly a compromise and compromised. But for me it's the sea. Being on the sea, travelling by sea, exploring new places that are only accessible by the sea, and I have to admit I actually enjoy they physical part of berthing in harbours, marinas etc. Even anchoring. Tides, fenders, passage planning, etc etc, it's just different from the land. I've tried giving up boats a number of times but I've ended up buying another one very quickly. Also the roads are becoming more and more stressful and restricted with dodgy drivers, cameras everywhere. I'm a petrolhead too (love cars and bikes) but particularly in the UK, the joy of driving has mostly been sucked out of existence for me.

 

[Scubadoo]

People argue that a motorhome is less restrictive as you are not so confined where you can travel and less confined by the weather.
Nevertheless it seems to me boating is the superior experience.

I think that really depends on the size of the Motorhome e.g. Cornwall and it's many country lanes some of the larger motorhomes simply could not get through, so forced to use the mains roads more. I would think people who think that way have not been on the water and explored the unique access to the coastline where many places are not visible from the land, you can't beat it in my opinion. Sitting in a motorhome on a pier or beach (if allowed) is not the same thing. That all being said, I have nothing against motorhomes and I sure I would enjoy it, one thing that would appeal is exploring places like Scotland remote areas, but that would be in addition to boating not a replacement.

 

[Momac]

Unless you are extremely wealthy, boats will always be compromised on space compared to a MH

Motorhomes seem quite cramped . Even those that look fairly big on the outside seem disappointing on the inside.
But a 7.5m motorhome is more spacious than a 7.5m boat if that's what you mean.

I agree regarding joy of driving. That went a long time ago.
But from that angle and in a motorhome , and in especially in retirement , rush hours and bank holidays would be best avoided. Probably best to travel at night .

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Bought a VW Camper last year as it was an itch I'd wanted to scratch since being a teenager.

All it has taught me is that I really need to step up the boat hunt, it's great for weekends away but I simply can't get the same feeling of adventure or freedom as being on a boat.

I avoid marinas anyway and find campsites even worse .... nothing worse than feeling like you're being farmed for your tourist dollars or ending up parked near to Kevin and his mates who drink so much they end up passed out in piles of their own p*ke and detritus.

Give me a quiet anchorage far away from the madding crowds any day.

 

[waynes world]

I love boats and always have. and always camping in anyway there is.
To me boating is a different thing than motorhome`ing as in you can get more places quicker and see more with a MH. I have both a campervan wit a driveaway awning now aswell as the project boat which i am working on but if the time came we found we used the camper more than the boat or didnt get time i want to work on the boat with work and getting away in the camper, this boat may well be going. As much as i love the boat......but saying that, as my camper is small and will be using it as van aswell as a camper with removable fittings, its then a daily transport aswell. So this i can afford and make use of both and keep both. Beauty of a smaller camper than a MH for daily use. makes it easier. and not cost more in my case.


Running cost are cheaper for a MH, towards a mid range size boat say 25 foot, still depends on type of boat.. MH you get more room for same size. many more places to visit, less chance of a wanna be captain hitting you while pitched up aswell lol. BUT you ave to travel early to keep away from the ridiculous traffic nawadays. biggest downfall of being on the road.

Boats though, well as said its a different world, away from it all. easier to find peace and quite away from people
Just more involvement a sin maintenance, not loads but you dont have to worry about the weather and if you can get out etc etc.

Its a which you like best if you can only have one. travel and see more with a camper/MH or stay in one area with a boat unless you can afford to move the boat to different marinas every few months.

 

[ST840]

I have an idea! Sell your motor home and buy a new trailer for the Sealine. That way you can get the best of both worlds. When the weathers sh1t tow the boat to a field for a sleep. When weathers good go boating.!!










I'd die inside if I didn't have a boat!

 

[ST840]

it doesn't beat being at sea in a lovely quiet location away from the crowds.

If I could find a place that quiet on the Solent I'd be delirious with joy. But, as it goes I'm happy mixing in with the crowds of like minded souls who all want the same thing........ serenity and good times!

 

[Momac]

.... nothing worse than feeling like you're being farmed for your tourist dollars or ending up parked near to Kevin and his mates who drink so much they end up passed out in piles of their own p*ke and detritus.

Sounds like you have camped next to a relative of mine. Not a blood relative of course. You cant choose who your relatives will marry.
I have heard campsites can be like this , which is off putting.
Folks with boats usually fall asleep before they drink too much.

 

[Bigplumbs]

I terms of accommodation space your motorhome is superior to a S24.
I used to have a S23 which is much the same as your S24. In the end the lack of space was the main issue. So I changed to a F33. The accommodation space in the F33 is superior to any motorhome.

As far as can be seen from your posts and videos etc you don't seem to use the S24 to stay overnight.
Sell the boat and the motorhome and buy a newer/bigger motorhome.

We do stay overnight in the S24 just not that Offton.
Would not want a newer motorhome as all that modern stuff just goes wrong.
The Auto sleeper is the perfect size for us so more than happy with it.

Further I did not realise I asked for advice on what to do with what I have in the OP but hey ho

 

[Bigplumbs]

We have been considering a motorhome for several years but I am with oldgit - being on the water is in my blood and has been since I was a lad so never as a replacement for the boat, more complimentary as described by Minerva.

The trouble is once you start to consider it you get into the motorhome versus caravan debate, which we have never fully resolved. We keep talking about hiring a motorhome and give it a go to see if we like it and really must get round to it!

Indeed hire one....... Time waits for no man

 

[Bigplumbs]

When it comes to making a hard choice…a hotel can substitute for a motor home…but than on the water experience is hard to duplicate.
Of course Bigplumbs (that’s a name from someone who isn’t shy…or a horticulturist) idea of a motor home towing a boat is the perfect amalgam

Indeed the smallish motorhome towing a boat either rolled up in a trailer or our small 4.5m Rib is an ideal combo in our view. I also have it set up so that it is possible to take bikes with us.

I always buy older second hand so that nothing eats away at us for not being used as much as some might like. The MH was £22k Having done only 34,000 miles. The S24 was £18K and the Rib £3.5k. In my world these were not expensive and I am fortunate to be able to keep all of them and use as I wish. Being now semi retired and Her indoors completely retired we are finding time to make the most of them.

I am also about to buy a motorbike trailer so we can tow the motorbike behind the Motorhome for other sorts of trips. Gotta get out there as much as possible while the body allows

 

[Momac]

Further I did not realise I asked for advice on what to do with what I have in the OP but hey ho

You asked for views.

 

[Bigplumbs]

I also have a caravan (well 2 actually I surpose) and a Micro camper and about 4 tents . Why well I dont know I just liked them

 

[P4Paul]

As someone who has given up having a larger boat berthed and available to use and stay on most weekends, and as an owner of a 8.5m, 5tonne 'tag axle' axle motorhome, I feel qualified to offer an opinion.

I love boats. Having being born within sound of the sea it has been hard to not to have something ready to cast off and go to sea when the mood takes me, or use as a floating weekend cottage, whichever is appropiate on the day.
As they say nowadays, if you know, you know - and there is nothing better than sitting off the coast, looking back at the land, taking a deep breath and seeing the world (and life) from a whole different perspective.

I also love the motorhome. We bought it six years ago and it works great in the UK, I take it to Cornwall and have never found somewhere I wanted to go that I couldn't. But then I was born and bred in wild and rural Cornwall, driving large argicultural machinery from a young age around farm tracks and around lanes up and down the Dutchy, so I guess I just am lucky it doesnt worry me reversing for miles on the mirrors or pushing into a gateway to let oncoming milk tankers past!

However, where the motorhome comes into its own is when you cross the Channel. France (and many other euro countries) has an entire network of mainly free motorhome stops in almost every village and town, most with water and drainage available at a small charge (€1 to €2). It is so easy to travel during the day, arrive early afternoon, go walk-about and sight-seeing, eat out fairly cheaply, and then move on again in the morning. I could never have imagined for one moment before buying the motorhome the volume of amazing places I have seen, or indeed the huge number of great people I have met while touring Europe.

But, and it is a big but, they are not the same. To me boats are a calling, whereas motorhomes are a tool.

Which is why I have never been without something to float around in for the best part of 50 years, and I keep looking for the next big boat so I can have something ready to go, whenever the mood takes me.

As for the motorhome, well I am itching to get back and see more of Europe so I guess it will be hanging around for a while yet....

 

[bluetooth]

I also have a caravan (well 2 actually I surpose) and a Micro camper and about 4 tents . Why well I dont know I just liked them

Wow you have a mighty collection. And what about cars? I'm betting its got to be more than 1?