Circa 30ft Family Cruiser - What to choooose!

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Kingruar

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Hi all,

We are now in the market for another boat.
However with not a lot about at the moment, I'd thought I'd ask the thoughts on here for any recommendations.

This boat will mainly be used in an around the channel Islands so a good sea handling boat is a must.

The biggest challenge on my quest is that the boat must be able to take ground!!! I can fit legs at a later date.

Ideally cruising above 16kts
Two cabins to sleep 4 (two adults / two kids / big kids)
Liking the idea of a big single on shaft, our last one was a twin engine on stern drive. Kept up with the maintenance but wouldn't mind a break from those bills ?.

Current thoughts / previous ideas (very open to suggestions)

Beneteau 980 (can't take ground)
Series 9 (short of a cabin but I like it)
Aquador 32c
Nimbus 310
Aquador 28
Cygnus 33
Aquastar 33

Budget 30-70k

Any help would be appreciated!!
 
The 1990 / 91 Corvettes sold to Jersey were built with keel plates especially to take the ground and were supplied with heavy duty legs. I still have mine.

Ticks all your boxes
 
Pick a boat you like, then get a naval architect to design you some skegs; seems a better option than being restricted to things with outdrives.
 
Didn't realise how fast a corvette could go! What a great and interesting boat, been staring at one when I grab a coffee sometimes and wonder about them. Now I'm a bit more interested! Anyone know how easy they are if you are short handed? A side door would be nice.

On another note, the naval architect idea is also interesting but I don't think I fancy the hassle of going down this route just yet.
 
Kingruar said:
Didn't realise how fast a corvette could go! What a great and interesting boat, been staring at one when I grab a coffee sometimes and wonder about them. Now I'm a bit more interested! Anyone know how easy they are if you are short handed? A side door would be nice.

On another note, the naval architect idea is also interesting but I don't think I fancy the hassle of going down this route just yet.
Click to expand...
I often take mine out entirely on my own, and once you are used to twin shaft manoeuvring a doddle to moor single handed.

I always rig a line in each corner with fenders both sides whether on myown or with company, and all the easier with the lines brought back just aft of midships.

The aft cabin and raised afterdeck behiind the flybridge did it for me, plus the wide walk around side decks.

Have a look here if you want to learn a little more about the Corvette ...

www.corvettemotorboat.wordpress.com
 
Right!

The search has been narrowed down to two boats. Although with slightly different 'requirements' to above.

I think that its going to boil down to an Aquastar Ocean Ranger 33 or 38.

The 33 is in great condition and ticks pretty much everything! But for not a lot more there is also a 38 available. After visiting the 33, I went to see the 38 and wow quite a lot more boat. The owner of the 38 previously used to own a 33 so had experiences with both.
My brain / logical mind is saying go with the 33 but my heart is leaning into the 38.

I am currently getting all the service info on the 38 but i wonder if you guys could shed some light on the engines of both of these? (both 2002)

The 33 has twin 200 TAMD units with approx 600 hours - good serivce history and the cleanest engine room i have ever seen!

The 38 has KAMD 300's with about 1200 hours use - Service history to be found but units look fairly well looked after also.

Given my brief research on google, i seem to find that both units are reliable. But do any of you have any thoughts?

I feel that my decision will boil down to this. Both boats will be surveyed prior to purchase but your opinions are valued.

Cheers
 
If you want a basic simple cheap to maintain reliable engine go for the 200 HP TAMD units.

The KAD 300 has a lot more power and will push the boat along faster , however it requires more in the way of servicing, power increase comes by way of extra valves, electronics and a compressor. Volvo suggest the valves need adjusting every 200 hours, not an impossible DIY job................but
Spannerman.

........https://forums.ybw.com/index.php?threads/kad-44-300-valve-adjusting.115129/

Vital that KAD service history is "found " should reveal 5 services and the valve clearance checks ?
 
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Ah yes! Now a valve dropping would be a rather large issue :oops:

I won't be doing the servicing as such. I will have it done by our local guys as not that I don't trust myself, I just go with the notion that as these guys are working on marine engines day in, day out, they may spot something else whilst doing the work which may need attention but to my eye I wouldn't know. It's more of a peace of mind thing.

I have had more modern Volvo's in the past which were plagued by annoying gremlins, so I respect the beauty of simplicity.

Whilst both engines are circa 20 years old, I need to put in the back of my head the future costs of things starting to fail. I know the KAMD has more going on in terms of mechanical parts but should that not matter if the units have been well cared for.
I am fundamentally trying to avoid the 'oh you'll need two of these at £6000 next season as they'll be worn out'
 
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