Expert advice needed

[bekasi]

Hi Guys,
A question from the newbie!
After all budget calculations and long term fuel considerations...I am planning the following:
1.Opt for small twin engines-John Deere 4045TFM75,135hp (101kw) @ 2600rpm
2.Choose a design from my NZ friends website,a 12.5m design (may reduce LOA/BOA) upon discussion.Shafts/props to be used.

http://www.maxwell-hall.com/portfolio.php?boatId=19

Its for leisure cruising around the islands.I sincerely hope to get 15 knots cruise BUt need expert advise on feasibility.The other option is reducing length to 11.5 and beam to around 3.5m-3.7m.Planning to keep boat as light as possible....possible sealium construction,no toys such as genset etc,simple gas hob ,single shower/toilet,one island berth etc.
Any suggestions/advise appreciated?
regards,
Bekasi

 

[timbartlett]

I don't pretend to be an expert on commissioning new boats, but someone has to answer...

Please don't.

If you really are a newbie, then don't even think about a custom built boat, far less try to concoct your own specification or pick a design based on a few computer graphics on a website.

Buy a decent second-hand boat from an established mainstream builder. Then, when you've got the hang of what works and what doesn't, you can take it from there. You will spend less money and you will have something that is basically OK, and which you will be able to sell at a sensible price if you find it isn't for you.

 

[sarabande]

Bekasi
I appreciate that you have put a lot of thought into the boat, but TimB is right. When you start boating, your learning curve is very quick, and you soon get to know what you want in terms of equipment, style of boat, and that experience will almost certainly change your whole approach to boating and where and how you use the boat.

Please consider how to use your growing experience wisely (and save lots of money lashing out on a new boat, which will depreciate more rapidly than a snowball in a volcano).

Start off with a decent second hand boat , run it for a year or so, then go a get a custom designed one. You will be a better and more informed customer for gaining the experience first.