Choosing a Boat

[britemp]

Now I live by the sea it's time I decided what boat I want. My requirements are different from many here so here's a few pointers as to what I want:

1. Ability to use all year round - I favour rufty-tufty designs over swoopy styling.

2. Must be easily handled alone but have space to overnight for 2 and day trips for 5.

3. Twin diesel engines.

4. Max length around 30' with lots of outside space.

5. Must cruise comfortably at at least 20 knots with power to spare.

6. Preferably be under £120k.

So far I like Botnia Targas and am quite taken with a Seaward 29 with twin Yanmar 230's.

Opinions, abuse and advice all welcome! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[kindredspirit]

Strongly consider also,

Cygnus Marine, Cornwall. (their Tornado model) http://www.cygnusmarine.com/

Safehaven Marine, Cork. (their Interceptor model) http://www.safehavenmarine.atfreeweb.com/

Rodman, Vigo (UK distributor) (their non-flybridge models)http://www.rodman.com

Astinor, Vigo (UK distributor) (their non-flybridge models)http://www.astinor.com



I would certainly have a look at these four as well.

P.S. I like Botnia Targas for their unrivalled single handed capabilities.

 

[goochie]

Friends of mine had a Targa 27 and loved it so much they have now gone to a 33. Similar requirements to you. They highly recommend!

 

[britemp]

Thanks for that, I'll have a look at all of those!

 

[britemp]

Yeah, I've had a hankering for a targa for a while now - ideally a 30 with a couple of juicy D6's and a blue hull! Bit more than i wanted to spend but isn't everything that's worthwhile. . . . .

 

[AJW]

Seriously impressive pictures of the High Velocity Cat in a Force 8!

Britemp - Botnia's got to be favourite I've thought. If you want seriously capable highspeed boat for a bit more dosh then howabout a Scorpion 10m Cabin RIB?
www.scorpionribs.com

 

[miket]

I acquired a 4 year old Nimbus 345 with 2 x Yanmar 230hp last year.

Reasonably "rufty tufty" (with blue hull), good cockpit and saloon.
Speed is easy 28 knots with 20 kts cruising no problem, with reasonable economy.
Single handed use not so good, with no side access, but not bad.
Larger Aquadors have side doors but same sort of look if it appeals?

 

[terryw]

Give the Doral Prestancia a look. Without the extended platform it is 28ft and with twin Yanmar 230HP will cruise all day at 30 knots (40 litres per hour), and WOT in excess of 45 knots. Fantastic handling, and I was so impressed with the make I have now ordered my 4th one (each larger than the previous)

 

[whisper]

Wrong sort of looks for our man.
Could always try an SB - also sold by Wessex Marine. Is a Botnia lookalike but with shafts , I think - also rather less dosh. HOWEVER, we've got a Targa 25 and love it and would sorely like a 27 next /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
The likes of Rodman and the other "walkaround" sports fishers will generally be slower than the Targas, have less walkaround areas and less safe ones as well, but will have considerably better accommodation.