Downsizing and upspeeding!

[PCUK]

After owning my 12 metre steel flybridge cruiser for 26 years (from new) It is time for a change. Having relocated to the Bristol Channel her semi-displacement speed is no longer suitable bearing in mind the tides and our lack of time to spend on board. When we had unlimited time we could work the tides and come and go at leisure but now with spare time limited to two or three days at a time maximum we need to get where-ever we are going at speed to sometimes overcome tidal direction. I want something trailable that can be taken home and put in the shed for the winter so this limits us to a about 26 foot maximum. I still want two double berths and some semblance of privacy, diesel power for the convenience of refueling (I don't mind re-engining a suitable boat if the price is right) and I don't want to pay more than about 25K. Any suggestions for suitable craft to consider?

 

[trying]

We have a Bayliner 2455 which later became 245. Similar in layout etc is the Maxum 2400. Tick the boxes you mention. These will be the biggest you'll get to fit the trailerable bit. You'll need a tow car which can tow 3500kg. It would be worth checking the weights of the newer boats in case they are heavier.

Keep us posted

 

[PCUK]

Thanks Trying, I'll look into these.

 

[wakeup]

You might try one of these.

Beneteau Ombrine

 

[CX54WEK]

Sealine S23/25

Cracking boats and i reckon you would struggle to find a better 25ft boat at reasonable cost (but then again i am a little biased) Again you would need a car with a 3500kg towing capacity.

Ah just noticed you want diesel though. That may put it out of your price bracket. The cheapest S23 we have seen was 30k with a petrol. The S24's were the model before and plenty of people are happy with those. They come a little cheaper.

 

[wakeup]

Outside the budget otherwise I would have recommended the s25/23 as well but as you say a late Sealine 240 could be the way to go and may be get a diesel one for under £30k.

 

[CX54WEK]

Noticed that as i was typing. Worth the mention but as you say the S24's or 240's may be a safe bet.

 

[PCUK]

Sealine sounds good. There must be one somewhere with a blown engine!!!

 

[CX54WEK]

Neednt have a blown engine

http://www.burtonwaters.co.uk/lincoln/se...;searchtype=buy

Sold her now and she didnt hang around long

 

[apollo]

I owned a Sealine 218 in the past, was a great boat and lots of fun (still miss the performance even now)
They predominantly have 205 Petrol, but its such a light boat, often got 4-5mpg out of it.
Prices have always stayed around the 18K mark.
Spend the rest on a new trailer?

 

[wakeup]

Well for you budget you might get a good one without a blown engine.

See

Sealine 240 senator

Another 240 Senator - under £20k

 

[CX54WEK]

Just posted the top one!!!!

 

[pentane]

Hi
I've still got my 'first' mobo a Maxum 2400SCR that is available at significantly under your budget, but it does have a V8 petrol, so plenty of scope to re-engine.
Send me a PM if you want more info.
Tim

 

[PCUK]

The Sealine looks attractive, what is the hull like in rough weather - smooth riding etc.?
I'll have to get start getting some detailed spec's.
I've got the trailer already - a 3500kg that I bought new several years ago and it's only run about 1500 miles in total and never been immersed so I only need the boat to put on it!

 

[PCUK]

Thanks for the offer Tim, but I've got to sell this one first unless you are interested in a Part/Ex!
I am currently just seing what's available for when the cheque rolls in!

 

[CX54WEK]

Cant comment on the S24 or 240 im afraid. Im sure someone on here will have one though. Not had an issue with our S23 but then again the roughest water we have attempted so far has been the Humber!

 

[jhr]

[ QUOTE ]
what is the hull like in rough weather

[/ QUOTE ] I think the answer to this is probably "OK but nothing more". I'd go for something fairly Deep-Vee - how about an old Draco or similar, which you can re-engine?

Then there's always a small Sea Ray - but I would say that, wouldn't I? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[PCUK]

Sea Ray has always appealed. The accommodation on the S24 is pretty much what I need but I'd like something with a soft riding hull to add to the wish list.

 

[wakeup]

Sealine will be better than the maxum, the maxum has very low dead rise 15-16 degrees so will slam a LOT. then most boats at this length won't be great in rough.

 

[jhr]

In my entirely unbiassed opinion, a 240 Sundancer would tick lots of your boxes. One here for nineteen grand plus VAT but I'm sure you could knock that down. Almost all small Sea Rays are petrol engined, of course (diesel versions are rarer than rocking-horse poo), but at (say) eighteen grand including VAT you would still have enough to re-engine her and could probably get a few bob for her existing lump, which can't be entirely shot.

Go on; you know you want to. The alternative is a Windy Mirage, but if you could buy one for 25 grand, I'd have one already....