Dilemma - beneteau/jeanneau/arvor/inboard/outboard!!!

[Bluemac]

I want to do more fishing, but my Sealine S34 is too big for comfortable single handed use when swmbo or family or friends do not wish to come along. So I have been thinking about getting another smaller boat that I can cope with on my own. I seem to have spent hours reading mags (inc the 'fisher king' comparison of small sportfishers in MBM May 2004) and trawling the internet, and end up non the wiser about my ideal small comfortable fishing boat. I seem to have narrowed it down to Beneteau Antares 650 outboard, Antares 620 inboard, Jeanneau Merry Fisher 625 outboard or 635 inboard, and the Arvor 615 inboard. I am a bit suspicious of the Arvor as it did not do as well in the comparison (and I have heard mutterings of quality problems with Polish built boats - particularly Quicksilver which I believe is the same group) but it seems to be the best looking and most spacious boat for my purpose.

Also the inboard / outboard question seems inconclusive either way. The boat will be kept in the marina and not trailed.

Has anyone any experience of any of these variations, and what is their impression of their craft please??

 

[RobWales]

IMHO forget all of the ones you have named and go for a Leeward 18 outboard version,a proper little ship with superb seakeeping qualities(the seventh and by far the best circa 20ft fishing vessel I've owned)it will handle all sorts of weather and is without doubt the most stable fishing platform you will find without having to fund a cat!
I know as I used to own one,see link below to Amble the manufacturer's and if if interested speak to Dave the salesman who is a real nice genuine guy.
Mine hade a 90hp Evinrude ficht 2 stroke inj and was more than capable of 35 knotts,plenty to get you home if the situation requires.
http://www.ambleboat.co.uk/constr_leeward18.htm
Regards
Rob
PS Go for the full cabin version as you still get masses of deck space plus an ideal sized cabin for storage and shelter if needed.
Good luck.

 

[Major Catastrophe]

[ QUOTE ]
go for a Leeward 18 outboard

[/ QUOTE ] and when it rains you can huddle together in the 'cabin'.

Get a fisher with a proper wheelhouse/loo/cooker/sink/bed/table/seats as have any of the ones you mentioned. Fishing is not fun if you are uncomfortable.

 

[Bluemac]

Blimey Rob, that came right out of the blue! I'd never even heard of a Leeward but will now have a look at the link you posted. Thanks for the tip.

 

[RobWales]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
go for a Leeward 18 outboard

[/ QUOTE ] and when it rains you can huddle together in the 'cabin'.

Get a fisher with a proper wheelhouse/loo/cooker/sink/bed/table/seats as have any of the ones you mentioned. Fishing is not fun if you are uncomfortable.

[/ QUOTE ]

EEEERM! plenty of room in the cabin my friend!
Have you ever been in one?
Full length berth to port ,helmsman seating starboard and more lockers than you need............so there! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

PS No rock n roll either!

 

[Major Catastrophe]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
go for a Leeward 18 outboard

[/ QUOTE ] and when it rains you can huddle together in the 'cabin'.

Get a fisher with a proper wheelhouse/loo/cooker/sink/bed/table/seats as have any of the ones you mentioned. Fishing is not fun if you are uncomfortable.

[/ QUOTE ]

EEEERM! plenty of room in the cabin my friend!
Have you ever been in one?
Full length berth to port ,helmsman seating starboard and more lockers than you need............so there! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

PS No rock n roll either!

[/ QUOTE ]

Apologies. The Amble Boat Company's webshite is to blame. Under Leeward 18, they show this picture:

Which doesn't appear to offer much comfort. Only after a bit of reading does it become clear that you can stick just about anything on the standard hull. Looking around the site, they still seem pretty basic and not conducive to when SWMBO and family want to come along.

 

[Canopy Locked]

Hi Bluemac

you have a PM...

regards
rob

 

[SilverTT]

The arvor is made to a cheap price. Have a carefull look at the build. Good boat at the price.

 

[AHoy2]

The Arvor/Quicksilver boats are good value and the build quality issues should not be a concern, there are plenty of satisfied owners about. Some problems on a couple of boats got a lot of internet exposure, but appear to have had a good response from the manufacturer. QS come with a 3 year hull warranty. I think you will find that some of the other boats you list are also manufactured in Poland.

An outboard engine choice would seem the best option on both purchase cost and ongoing economics unless you expect to do very high engine hours.

I have a QS640 which I mainly use single-handed for fishing and general mobo trips and find it a good package. It also copes with 3 or 4 folk on board and has a lot of under-deck storage capacity. Also not too "pretty" (i.e. basic) and so easy to keep clean for the use you have in mind. The boat is kept afloat and used all year round - 50 engine hours since February this year, holiday trips still to come (when it is quieter).

Any of your short list at the right package/price should be ok.

AHoy2.