Day Boat Suggestions

[richardbrennan]

For the last twenty odd years I have been a confirmed rag and stick man, but a health condition has forced the sale of my present yacht and I am now idly considering a day boat, perhaps in a year's time, that would be suitable for short trips in the Solent.

I know nothing about motor boats, but I imagine I am looking at something around 18', and whilst not interested in anything fast, I would like a cruising speed of around 12 knots, so I assume I am looking at a semi-displacement boat. I would prefer an inboard, but it's not essential, and an enclosed helming position and sea toilet would be nice. I did look at an ad for a Seaward 19, but it's too expensive and it's looks are too utilitarian for the wife. The budget would probably be up to £20K but less would be good.

Suggestions would be very welcome.

 

[Kawasaki]

Channel Island 22

 

[Seastoke]

Are you for trailing or marina . and petrol or diesel.

 

[richardbrennan]

22 feet is longer than I wanted. If it's an inboard. I would want a diesel.

 

[BruceK]

beneteau antares 620, Swansea - Ad 115349

 

[SP2]

22 feet is longer than I wanted. If it's an inboard. I would want a diesel.

I wanted all the things you wanted and ended up with a Channel Islands 22. Your wish list is very tight for a boat that is less than 22 feet. Good luck and no doubt someone will be along shortly to prove me wrong!

 

[Bajansailor]

As Kawasaki says, a Channel Islands 22 should be a strong contender.
But Richard, why are you so adamant that the boat cannot be over 18' long?
Is this the maximum size for the berth that you have available?

The CI 22's were built with single and twin inboard shaft drive diesel installations.
Here is a nice one for sale - but they do not mention a price.
New Listing - Channel Island 22 'BILLY BLUE' - Mark Cameron Yachts - Specialist Sail and Motorboat Brokerage

 

[Solent Sailor]

The Orkney Pilothouse 20 is a lovely boat. Well built, but nippy enough too. Easily trailed if that is needed too.

Mine was an outboard version, providing better cockpit space. Orkney didn't specify them with trim tabs (although they were an option on the inboard versions). Either way, they are essential in my view and very easily fitted. The not only help balance the boat properly, but also help provide much better visibility from the helm.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Another vote for a CI 22, I had one for 9 years, a great little boat. Single diesel Mermaid 140 gave about 18kts max and easy cruising at 12-14kts.

 

[richardbrennan]

I have chosen 18' purely based on cost. Having financed a 33' yacht for the last 20 odd years in a marina, I am definitely looking to at least halve my expenses.

The CI 22 looks a nice boat, but it really is a two berth cruiser. I am really looking for something that would take me from Portsmouth to Cowes or Yarmouth for lunch and back in a day, rather than something I could overnight on. Perhaps the nice to have loo is giving the wrong idea, but the bladder isn't what it used to be!

 

[QBhoy]

Ch22 is a tremendous boat. You might consider something like a Hardy too. Don’t be out off by one with a modern petrol outboard either, I’d say.
I also like the arvor shaft driven boats too. Have a look at them. You’ll likely get a 19ft one for around that money.

 

[JerseyDiver]

Try ARVOR ?

 

[QBhoy]

Try ARVOR ?

Agree.

 

[ST840]

QUICKSILVER - Weekend 500 Pilothouse for sale in Devon, South West, United Kingdom | Boatshop24

Ticks all your requirement boxes. All it needs is a porta loo or a bucket.

 

[Hot Property]

What about a Fletcher 19 Sports Cruiser? Great hull for Solent chop. Onboard or outboard powered. Loo and small cuddy for storing things.

Easily towed by a family saloon.

You could have a custom made canopy to give you your enclosed helm.

Budget up to about 12 k for a decent one.

Huge demand so rare, the outboard version more so.

You won't lose money, I used to zip down to Yarmouth for lunch in mine.

Wish I still had it!!

This one sold but you get the idea...

Fletcher 19 Sports Cruiser GTO For Sale, 5.85m, 2001

 

[Ferris]

Merry fisher 635 or 655?

Always liked the Landau 20. I think it’s more in spirit with what you want. Outboard power but modest, you could get them with diesel but no real point. Helm not enclosed however.

Also Orkney Orkadian but very rare, especially with an inboard.

I would get a CI22

 

[richardbrennan]

Thanks for the further suggestions, I will look into them,

 

[richardbrennan]

I really like the look of the Landau 20, that definitely goes to the top of the list if and when I proceed.

Thank you all for the suggestions.

 

[QBhoy]

What about a Fletcher 19 Sports Cruiser? Great hull for Solent chop. Onboard or outboard powered. Loo and small cuddy for storing things.

Easily towed by a family saloon.

You could have a custom made canopy to give you your enclosed helm.

Budget up to about 12 k for a decent one.

Huge demand so rare, the outboard version more so.

You won't lose money, I used to zip down to Yarmouth for lunch in mine.

Wish I still had it!!

This one sold but you get the idea...

Fletcher 19 Sports Cruiser GTO For Sale, 5.85m, 2001

Can’t argue with that opinion. I have one currently. Seriously turning out to be the best all round boat I’ve ever had. GTO version is the one to have

 

[colhel]

I really like the look of the Landau 20, that definitely goes to the top of the list if and when I proceed.

Thank you all for the suggestions.

As someone who made the transition from rag and stick I too can see the appeal.I think you're right widening your search to include petrol outboards bearing in mind, if I understand your OP correctly, the journey is as important as the destination.
Ours is a 30 year old diesel so more modern ones might offer a better journey experience, but that's not really what our boat is about. If I was looking for a dayboat I'd want something quieter, smoother and more responsive to helm ie, fun.