Confused...

[Greg2]

Okay, my missus is the same, form over function…

Intersting how things change - as I mentioned earlier, SWMBO disliked Hardy’s in the past, describing them as a ‘blokes boat.‘ Now she very much appreciates the practicality as she handles fenders and lines and she has developed an appreciation of the practical seamanlike looks and now loves it!

 

[Sunny265]

Intersting how things change - as I mentioned earlier, SWMBO disliked Hardy’s in the past, describing them as a ‘blokes boat.‘ Now she very much appreciates the practicality as she handles fenders and lines and she has developed an appreciation of the practical seamanlike looks and now loves it!

I’m trying to persuade missus that Nordhavn’s are roomy, comfortable and safe for long passages, all I get is “they look like fishing boats”. The latest 41 might sway her, just need to get her onboard for a look around…

 

[Suffolk_Newbie]

I’m trying to persuade missus that Nordhavn’s are roomy, comfortable and safe for long passages, all I get is “they look like fishing boats”. The latest 41 might sway her, just need to get her onboard for a look around…

@Sunny265 that's a nice boat - I'm sure that you'll win her over...

 

[Simon 420]

Having been in your position five years ago I would certainly echo the recommendation for NYHA. We bought our boat through them and they have been fantastic. Not least you get the opportunity to join their cruising club which is a great way of introducing you to life offshore in the comfort and security of a group of like-minded enthusiasts. You can also get to join their fuel club. Speak to Matt, i'm sure he'll guide you carefully

The other thing I would say is think at the bigger end of your scale. Two of us plus (small) dog plus two bikes plus inflatable plus all the paraphernalia that goes with two or three weeks on a boat, plus the ability to entertain friends with occasional stopovers only just about fits into our Princess 420. People raise an eyebrow when we tell them that that is our first boat, but if you start small and then decide it's not big enough for you, you could end up paying a fortune in brokerage fees for the swap.

Southern Broads is great place to maximise your boat usage. When it's blowing a hooley and you couldn't go out to sea, you can still potter up and down the rivers.

 

[DavidJ]

@Sunny265 that's a nice boat - I'm sure that you'll win her over...

A few hours on a rolling sea is the test

 

[Suffolk_Newbie]

Having been in your position five years ago I would certainly echo the recommendation for NYHA. We bought our boat through them and they have been fantastic. Not least you get the opportunity to join their cruising club which is a great way of introducing you to life offshore in the comfort and security of a group of like-minded enthusiasts. You can also get to join their fuel club. Speak to Matt, i'm sure he'll guide you carefully

The other thing I would say is think at the bigger end of your scale. Two of us plus (small) dog plus two bikes plus inflatable plus all the paraphernalia that goes with two or three weeks on a boat, plus the ability to entertain friends with occasional stopovers only just about fits into our Princess 420. People raise an eyebrow when we tell them that that is our first boat, but if you start small and then decide it's not big enough for you, you could end up paying a fortune in brokerage fees for the swap.

Southern Broads is great place to maximise your boat usage. When it's blowing a hooley and you couldn't go out to sea, you can still potter up and down the rivers.

Thank you @Simon 420 , that's great advice and I'm definitely going to call in at NYHA the next time I'm in Brundall and have a chat with them.

What you describe with regard to the size of the boat is certainly food for thought.

 

[Dino]

I know everyone says you need that same boat as they have but… I have a Broom Ocean 38 and I see the 36 was mentioned earlier. The 36 is a lovely boat with a great layout but some of the engine option are huge. I saw one advertised with twin VP 318hp diesels.
An Ocean 38 with Yanmar 250’s or Perkins Sabre 265’s would be a good option. There’s only one for sale at the moment but it needs a bit of modernisation. That’s how I bought mine and I’m working my way through a refit at the moment. Mine was similar to the one linked with green carpet, upholstery and canopy but I’m working my way through that.
The good thing about buying one needing modernisation is that if you can get a deal on it, you can put the money into fixing it up and you end up with it the way you want it. Not someone else’s idea of interior decor.
This one has the smaller VP 200’s and needs modernisation but the price reflects that.
1997 Broom Ocean 38 Aft Cabin for sale - YachtWorld

 

[ChromeDome]

Intersting how things change - as I mentioned earlier, SWMBO disliked Hardy’s in the past, describing them as a ‘blokes boat.‘ Now she very much appreciates the practicality as she handles fenders and lines and she has developed an appreciation of the practical seamanlike looks and now loves it!

Just like cars.
If you need to go off-road, haul a camper or do just normal shopping rounds, a Ferrari will disappoint!

Another point to factor in, in parallel with the investment budget, is the operating budget. Give some thought to nice/need to have improvements to the boat you look at (e.g. electronics upgrading, heating, fixes and service to existing devices, covers, stands, dinghies, clothes and a lot).
Older boats tend to be less expensive for very good reasons: If everything needs to be worked on (before long), you'd be better off with a never "just-add-water" boat.

Trust me: If turning an old sour boat into a gem was a matter of elbow grease and magic-wonder chemicals, the seller would have done it already!

 

[ChromeDome]

I’m trying to persuade missus that Nordhavn’s are roomy, comfortable and safe for long passages, all I get is “they look like fishing boats”. The latest 41 might sway her, just need to get her onboard for a look around…

If you can raise the budget for a Nordhavn 41 or one of the others in the class (Kadey-Krogen, Selene..) she might start talking about a new country home with horses, and Bentleys instead..

 

[Suffolk_Newbie]

I know everyone says you need that same boat as they have but… I have a Broom Ocean 38 and I see the 36 was mentioned earlier. The 36 is a lovely boat with a great layout but some of the engine option are huge. I saw one advertised with twin VP 318hp diesels.
An Ocean 38 with Yanmar 250’s or Perkins Sabre 265’s would be a good option. There’s only one for sale at the moment but it needs a bit of modernisation. That’s how I bought mine and I’m working my way through a refit at the moment. Mine was similar to the one linked with green carpet, upholstery and canopy but I’m working my way through that.
The good thing about buying one needing modernisation is that if you can get a deal on it, you can put the money into fixing it up and you end up with it the way you want it. Not someone else’s idea of interior decor.
This one has the smaller VP 200’s and needs modernisation but the price reflects that.
1997 Broom Ocean 38 Aft Cabin for sale - YachtWorld

Thanks @Dino, that's a good alternative view, to buy one requiring modernisation, but with good bones, and make it your own.

I don't profess to be an expert on boat prices but the one that you shared seems overpriced for its age and the amount of work it would require, or am I missing something?

 

[Suffolk_Newbie]

Just like cars.
If you need to go off-road, haul a camper or do just normal shopping rounds, a Ferrari will disappoint!

Another point to factor in, in parallel with the investment budget, is the operating budget. Give some thought to nice/need to have improvements to the boat you look at (e.g. electronics upgrading, heating, fixes and service to existing devices, covers, stands, dinghies, clothes and a lot).
Older boats tend to be less expensive for very good reasons: If everything needs to be worked on (before long), you'd be better off with a never "just-add-water" boat.

Trust me: If turning an old sour boat into a gem was a matter of elbow grease and magic-wonder chemicals, the seller would have done it already!

Thanks @ChromeDome, the OpEx versus CapEx equation is one that I am certainly conscious of and will certainly bear in mind.

I understand where you're coming from on the refitting but, at the same time, I do think that @Dino has a point that there are some people who are perhaps at a certain age and can't refit, or would rather (and have the money to do so) upgrade than refit, and so there's potential value to be had in a 'doer upper'.

 

[Dino]

Newer Broom 39KL’s are making £180-200K and good Ocean 38’s are making £150-160k.
I got a good deal on my 38 so I’m replacing the canopy, upholstery, carpets, curtains, electronics and I’m getting Flexiteek fitted. I’m modernising a bit with new high gloss black dashboard panels and a new steering wheel. The old ones were walnut effect and badly sun damaged. Then antifouling and a proper cut and polish and she’ll look great.
Total cost around €15-20k.
I bought mine last May and i decided to use it for the season to decide what I really wanted to do.
I’m sure there’s wiggle room on that 38 I linked. She’s been for sale for a while and has had a few price drops.

 

[Suffolk_Newbie]

Newer Broom 39KL’s are making £180-200K and good Ocean 38’s are making £150-160k.
I got a good deal on my 38 so I’m replacing the canopy, upholstery, carpets, curtains, electronics and I’m getting Flexiteek fitted. I’m modernising a bit with new high gloss black dashboard panels and a new steering wheel. The old ones were walnut effect and badly sun damaged. Then antifouling and a proper cut and polish and she’ll look great.
Total cost around €15-20k.
I bought mine last May and i decided to use it for the season to decide what I really wanted to do.
I’m sure there’s wiggle room on that 38 I linked. She’s been for sale for a while and has had a few price drops.

Thanks @Dino, that's not a bad cost for great upgrades. Btw, what's the boat in your avatar / photo?

 

[Sunny265]

If you can raise the budget for a Nordhavn 41 or one of the others in the class (Kadey-Krogen, Selene..) she might start talking about a new country home with horses, and Bentleys instead..

Hmm, good point. I’ll need to keep out for that…

 

[Greg2]

Thanks @Dino, that's a good alternative view, to buy one requiring modernisation, but with good bones, and make it your own.

I don't profess to be an expert on boat prices but the one that you shared seems overpriced for its age and the amount of work it would require, or am I missing something?

I know that boat. The Broom 38 (not this one) was firmly on our list at one point but it didn’t work out.

When we bought our Hardy she had been looked after mechanically but inside, particularly the saloon, wasn’t great so we knew that we had work to do. Spent a lot of money getting her how we want her (upholstery, carpets, helm seat, electronics, new mast, new calorifier, new mattress, flexiteeek in wheelhouse, Racor filters, and more including renovation of woodwork). A lot of work over two winters. Can’t even claim to have bought cheaply because it was 2020 and pandemic price increases had started to kick in but we were in a different position inasmuch as we have had a variety of boats and knew what we wanted for the long term. Hard work but well worth it and it is good to have a boat just as you want it.
.

 

[Dino]

That’s my lovely old Broom Crown that I sold last year. Probably the nicest one out there.

Thanks @Dino, that's not a bad cost for great upgrades. Btw, what's the boat in your avatar / photo?

 

[ChromeDome]

I know that boat. The Broom 38 (not this one) was firmly on our list at one point but it didn’t work out.

When we bought our Hardy she had been looked after mechanically but inside, particularly the saloon, wasn’t great so we knew that we had work to do. Spent a lot of money getting her how we want her (upholstery, carpets, helm seat, electronics, new mast, new calorifier, new mattress, flexiteeek in wheelhouse, Racor filters, and more including renovation of woodwork). A lot of work over two winters. Can’t even claim to have bought cheaply because it was 2020 and pandemic price increases had started to kick in but we were in a different position inasmuch as we have had a variety of boats and knew what we wanted for the long term. Hard work but well worth it and it is good to have a boat just as you want it.
.

In there you will find real life experience

Capex will be known for about 80% at the time the contract is signed, but Opex is a real wild card.
If you hope to go boating in somthnig that need work shortly after buying the boat, a work/life project plan with reality checks, should also be made.
Opex availability (or lack thereof) and/or insufficient DIY skills (relative to the outcome you dream of) are common reasons why unfinished projects sit for years without progress, and I'm sure you don't want to end up in that situation.

Google restoration project boat sale and see for yourself. It's possible - it just tends to be sooo much more than people had planned.

If considering a boat that need repowering, the rule of thumb is that new engines costs approx £120 per hp. Plus fitting, alterations, maybe gearbox and propeller.

 

[Suffolk_Newbie]

In there you will find real life experience

Capex will be known for about 80% at the time the contract is signed, but Opex is a real wild card.
If you hope to go boating in somthnig that need work shortly after buying the boat, a work/life project plan with reality checks, should also be made.
Opex availability (or lack thereof) and/or insufficient DIY skills (relative to the outcome you dream of) are common reasons why unfinished projects sit for years without progress, and I'm sure you don't want to end up in that situation.

Google restoration project boat sale and see for yourself. It's possible - it just tends to be sooo much more than people had planned.

If considering a boat that need repowering, the rule of thumb is that new engines costs approx £120 per hp. Plus fitting, alterations, maybe gearbox and propeller.

Thank you @ChromeDome , that's sage advice.

 

[jrudge]

Boats are harder to sell than cars and the broker takes a decent percentage.

If you want to spend time on a boat you need size. Buy bigger now. The handling is no different - often easier.

 

[Suffolk_Newbie]

Boats are harder to sell than cars and the broker takes a decent percentage.

If you want to spend time on a boat you need size. Buy bigger now. The handling is no different - often easier.

@jrudge That's a message that seems to be coming across clearly, and one that I will heed.