Changing to motor boating

[chuzzlewit]

after 40 years with sails, I bought a Merry Fisher 805 which suits us well. It is however pretty wet and bumpy when pushing to windward being semi displacement. I'm thinking of something maybe a bit longer which would cope better with waves. On shafts or possibly outboard(s)? Capable of 20 knots. Up to £160000. Any suggestions?

 

[ST840]

How about a Starfisher ?

 

[BruceK]

How about a Starfisher ?

Looking to sell yours already Neil?

 

[ST840]

Ha ha, no absolutely not. But, now I’ve grown into it I reckon everyone should have one !!

 

[Glenlivet]

Seaward, Aquastar, Nelson, all ex yachtie type traditional boats which handle well in a bigger sea.

 

[kashurst]

Nimbus or Marex

 

[ST840]

Not many will reach 20 knotts though

 

[ashtead]

There was an interesting account of a delivery of a Trader on the forum with some video footage so you might Study a few other u tube vids to gain some inspiration. It really depends I suspect on other considerations as well though e.g. Accommodation,age type off drives etc you prefer and age you might accept.

 

[gordmac]

Botnia Targa?

 

[oldgit]

https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/...e=standard listing&refSource=standard listing

 

[Richard.C]

after 40 years with sails, I bought a Merry Fisher 805 which suits us well. It is however pretty wet and bumpy when pushing to windward being semi displacement. I'm thinking of something maybe a bit longer which would cope better with waves. On shafts or possibly outboard(s)? Capable of 20 knots. Up to £160000. Any suggestions?

You should probably consider what age of boat you are looking for as there is an awful lot of options up to £160K.

Also, how much is "a bit longer"?

 

[chuzzlewit]

Thanks for the replies. I've seen other boats passing smoothly while I flounder and bounce into the waves. I'm not keen on floundering and bouncing.

 

[Old Harry]

Nimbus or Marex

The Nimbus accommodation is tiny compared to a similar sized yacht

 

[Richard.C]

Thanks for the replies. I've seen other boats passing smoothly while I flounder and bounce into the waves. I'm not keen on floundering and bouncing.

A bit more info might help people give suggestions:

What sea conditions do you want to travel in more comfortably? Force 4 with 1m swell etc. some idea would help. Also at what speed do you hope to travel in these conditions?

 

[ashtead]

I feel the OP might like something with stabilisers ? Don't know if he considers that Trader to be floundering and bouncing though ? Looked rather uncomfortable to me but so can the Wightlink in the wrong weather even in the Solent .

 

[superheat6k]

Welcome to the dark side. I gave up the sails in 2007 and still don't miss all the faffing about with ropes and rags.

£160k would buy you a superb condition later Corvette 320. I would also look at Nimbus and Aquastar.

Presumably you are used to cruising at 5-6 knots so coming to the dark side 15 knot cruise might be perfectly acceptable, and many mini trawlers will offer semi-displacement with moderate fuel consumption, or frugal fuel burn at say 8-10 knots. Their weight and girth also makes them less tender than your MF.

The MF was a good initial choice for a Mobo as they are immensely popular so it should sell on easily.

 

[simonfraser]

Cruising at hull speed in a mobo, you’re going in the right direction, makes a big difference.
Sitting in the the heat the moment, give cooling it down some thought, some boats are easier to shade / ventilate.

 

[kevingreystones]

Nimbus, Nimbus, Nimbus,

Great boats , Swedish quality and will push through anything.

I have a 305 Coupe which performs brilliantly in rough water.

 

[mattbaker]

For that much, I will see b/w Nimbus and Aquastar.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I'm in the middle of something similar.

As well as those already put forward might I suggest an Elling. Get a good if early E3 for that budget. Example:
https://www.ellingbrokerage.com/en/aanbod/156281/elling-e3/
That particular one is an inland waterways 75HP plodder but shows what the accommodation looks like.

You'd want one with 300-450HP:
https://www.ellingbrokerage.com/en/aanbod/161646/elling-e3-ultimate/
Bit over budget. But you get the idea.

Accommodation, build quality, secure ride in poor weather, CE A rated, long range...