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ahron1030

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Hi all, new to the forum and was hoping to lean on the excellent knowledge on here. I have always had smaller fast Fisher type boats and have just sold my beneteau barracuda 7 as although it was a fantastic boat we are wanting something with some overnight accommodation for the two of us and our large dog. We had narrowed it down to a four winns 278 or similar chapparal but someone highlighted a hardtop would be better suited to Scotland. We have looked at a finnmaster 7600 which was nice but I am unsure as we like the space and sleekness of the American cruisers but also like the practability of the hardtop, also like the look of the Aquador or an sc29 but that's a bit over budget, looking to spend between £40-£50k. Just looking to get people's opinion and experience of both kind of boats as we still like to use our boat throughout the winter as I am a keen photographer and enjoy the peace when the masses have gone home. I have a permanent berth on the water on Loch Lomond . Thankyou in advance and apologies if this has been covered before
 
It's hard to argue against a hard top as I have a soft top which never ever goes down. However in so saying the real irony is unless you find a sedan (rarer at your budget) or wheelhouse you will most likely end up with a flybridge. The irony is I cruise in comfort with t-shirt and dry whereas the FB chaps always cruise helming from above and look like nothing if not a yottie's wife. i.e. wet, cold and miserable skulking within several layers of waterproofs. I suppose it can be said the soft top is not as warm.... although I find mine uncomfortably warm and open out the back even in winter during the day but nights are colder for sure and that seagulls, mould and 5 year replacement is a right PITA not to mention expensive. However, that being said if the rationale behind a hard top is to keep you warm and dry the irony is soft top would probably do you just fine. Just my observation.
 
I'd look at a Beneteau Antares Series 9 (you are able to drive from inside or on the flybridge), however, if you are able to stretch the budget, the 9.80 is a fabulous option. Both can have the cockpit canvassed in.
 
If how the boat looks is more important to you than its practicalities, it may be a tough call finding the right boat. Personally I would go for comfort over looks, but thats just me. I agree with the above, a good soft top, left up, is almost as good as a hard top. Just make sure you can access the decks, drive the boat, including standing, and see out, all with the top up.

It may be too old and not sleek enough, but how about a Princess 30ds? I am thinking about the non flybridge version like this one, and you get change from £30k
http://www.nya.co.uk/princess30ds-4-for-sale.html
 
Thanks Brucek, real use opinion is fantastic as I am drawn to the two different options for different reasons. Main thing is being comfortable during the miserable Scottish summer and winter, a flybridge is something I dont really think I would consider, never been that impressed by them or atleast the ones in my budget. The main concern about the soft top sports type cruisers was that it would be uncomfortable in the driving wind and rain of the winter. So good to hear that it is not as bad as first thought. Although makes the decision harder.
 
Thanks clb I have looked at the princess as several friends own them, although if my budget allows I would prefer to go newer. It's a bit of a compromise between looks pretty for the wife and has practability. Although being practical for us to enjoy comes first. It's even harder as the boat we just sold was only two years old and in as new condition so although it's an upgrade it's a step back in terms of condition which I appreciate is going to happen.
 
Hi Shan I had previously looked at the 9.80 and agree it's a Beautifal boat, not sure about the flybridge though. I've not seen one in the flesh though so will keep my eye open for one as it could be a viable option
 
shan said:
I wasn't too sure about the concept of a flybridge until I was on one. Don't write it off until you experience it.
Click to expand...

Wouldn't swap mine. If the weather is a pita, then we don't venture out. If weather OK, we are on the flybridge. If not, then we can helm from the saloon. We have the choice.

However, if you particularly want a hardtop, then look to either the French fishers, or preferably the Scandinavian boats. There are some very capable Scandi boats that are not so well known, so their prices more sensible.
 
Maybe I didn't give enough thought to the flybridge, there is 31 flybridge bayliner in the yard I will have a peek at for layout. The scandi boats seem well laid out it was Aquador and finnmaster I was looking at, what others would you recommend ? The barracuda was a French type Fisher and we looked at the quicksilver weekender but it wasn't right either. There's to much choice that's the problem
 
i would go for either a Antares 760 or an ACM elite 31, both very spacious boats.
im not into flybridges in scotland as i think they are almost entirely wasted and just present more points for wind and rain to deteriorate.
there is a beautiful ACM elite 31 on ebay just now from a dealer in plymouth i have dealt with before. if i hadnt only had my current boat for less then a year i would be after the ACM.
 
simples said:
i would go for either a Antares 760 or an ACM elite 31, both very spacious boats.
im not into flybridges in scotland as i think they are almost entirely wasted and just present more points for wind and rain to deteriorate.
there is a beautiful ACM elite 31 on ebay just now from a dealer in plymouth i have dealt with before. if i hadnt only had my current boat for less then a year i would be after the ACM.
Click to expand...

Thanks simples that's another two boats in the mix! I had never heard of the acm elite but it looks a good layout inside.
 
i looked long and hard at the options for a 8m boat and after looking a lot decided on a Antares 760 for the size and room inside, and the fact i couldn't find an ACM in my budget. the ACM is a beautifully shaped boat in my opinion and maybe not built quite as heavy as a Nimbus or Botnia, I think the perfect combination of build and refinement.
In the end I temporarily lost my mind and bought an Arvor 250As! simply as the family is too young to be coming with me just now so I got it for its future resale potential as they are highly regarded up where i am in the scottish islands for fishing.
 
ahron1030 said:
Thanks Brucek, real use opinion is fantastic as I am drawn to the two different options for different reasons. Main thing is being comfortable during the miserable Scottish summer and winter, a flybridge is something I dont really think I would consider, never been that impressed by them or atleast the ones in my budget. The main concern about the soft top sports type cruisers was that it would be uncomfortable in the driving wind and rain of the winter. So good to hear that it is not as bad as first thought. Although makes the decision harder.
Click to expand...

remember bruces boat is on the hard from September till may
 
Thanks everyone for the input, I think I have decided a hardtop would be best suited to my needs, you have given me plenty options to go away and research although am leaning towards a finnmaster or Aquador. I will keep you all posted and thanks again for the recommendations
 
ahron1030 said:
Maybe I didn't give enough thought to the flybridge, there is 31 flybridge bayliner in the yard I will have a peek at for layout. The scandi boats seem well laid out it was Aquador and finnmaster I was looking at, what others would you recommend ? The barracuda was a French type Fisher and we looked at the quicksilver weekender but it wasn't right either. There's to much choice that's the problem
Click to expand...
There is a bunch of Scandi boats, like Flipper at one end to Botnia at the other. 31 ft fly is probably a compromise too far. Probably OK on a river or lake, but may not be too secure on the coast. An example http://www.whyboats.com/used-boat-d...mkii-miskin-used-fiberglass-id_191215504.aspx
 
Last edited:
rafiki_ said:
There is a bunch of Scandi boats, like Flipper at one end to Botnia at the other. 31 ft fly is probably a compromise too far. Probably OK on a river or lake, but may not be too secure on the coast. An example http://www.whyboats.com/used-boat-d...mkii-miskin-used-fiberglass-id_191215504.aspx
Click to expand...

Thanks rafiki I looked at flippers but wasn't overly keen, there's a finnmaster 7600 in Edinburgh I was going to hopefully see at the weekend with the Volvo d4 for 45k. Is there any other brands you recommend looking at along those lines? Many thanks
 
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