Engine size question

[Wilfred123]

Hello all, I have been reading these forums for a while now and I thought this might be the ideal place to ask the following question and gauge the opinion of forum users.
I current have a Shetland 4+2 (21 ft) with a 15hp outboard which I keep on the lower Thames I have had her now for about 6 years and have had many great holidays and trips. As usual at this time of year, I start looking at larger boats with a few more home comforts and I came across a second hand Antaris 720 at Bushnalls Marine which I like a lot.

However, I thought that the engine at 33hp may be a little too small and underpowered. I would mainly be using the boat on the non tidal Thames although perhaps the odd trip down to St Kats.

What would you guys think?

 

[Hugh Foulis]

Wilfred, welcome to the forum as a poster (one who has posted upon here, not a large picture).

Had a look at the advert and it seems a nice boat.

I have a bigger boat with a slightly more powerful engine at 40 hp. I have never used the boat at wide open throttle on the Thames, never needed to. Bare in mind the river speed limit, the fact you are supposed to be relaxing and not in a ripping hurry, the need not to spill your tea, coffee, wine or beer.

In short, I would be perfectly happy with that combination on the Thames.

If you do go ahead, I wish you happy days.

HF

 

[Gavi]

The Antaris 720 is a lovely boat. We have looked at them several times and pondered....

It was designed for river use and the 33hp engine is a conscious decision by the Dutch boat builders.

I'd go for it.

 

[No Regrets]

Yep, it follows on from the tired and trusted Princess 25/ Birchwood 25/ Freeman/ Seamaster style, and your 33hp will suffice.

It won't like strong tides, expect around 4mph against it on the way to St Kats, but easy enough to avoid those!

You could get a larger flybridge boat for the 40K budget it's likely to cost though, and a nice one too, which will keep you happier for longer IMHO....

 

[No Regrets]

Sorry...'Tried' and trusted....

 

[TrueBlue]

Sorry...'Tried' and trusted....

And there I thought you were having a go......

 

[No Regrets]

Just a typo in this case, honest!

 

[Loggo]

You may find that a few flybridge types. behind you into the lock, will forget the speed limit and surge past in a rush for the next lock. You will be laughing at their fuel cost though It seems a nice boat and a good step forward.

My advice is to moor and open a bottle of wine

 

[No Regrets]

Not all flybridge boats are fuel guzzling liners mate!!

Mine averages just over half a gallon per hour on the river, and that equates to around 5mpg on a combined tidal/ non-tidal trip to St Kats at a 7-8 knot cruising speed where allowed.

Single 50hp Perkins on a shaft drive. 30 foot and around 6 tonnes.

 

[Brayman]

Not all flybridge boats are fuel guzzling liners mate!!

Mine averages just over half a gallon per hour on the river, and that equates to around 5mpg on a combined tidal/ non-tidal trip to St Kats at a 7-8 knot cruising speed where allowed.

Single 50hp Perkins on a shaft drive. 30 foot and around 6 tonnes.

He's talking about fly bridge boats!

 

[dash300]

My neighbour has always borrowed my 'beer boat' (not pretty) for a trip to the pubs downstream. He bought a new Antaris 570 Spitsgat from Bushnells in the summer for the same purpose as well as day trips out. Massive price but fantastic quality throughout. You get what you pay for and his Antaris has almost a commercial lay up thickness with teak decks and quality fittings.
It has a pedigree to be admired.
If you like the layout and size and can afford the price you can be assured the quality and workmanship I have seen as described above is first class.