First boat advice requested.

[schoe]

Hi. I would like to dip my toe into the world of motor boat ownership.
My objective would be to use it for the occasional night at anchor with my two 11 year old kids. Do some fishing on it and some coastal cruising around the SW of England.
My budget would be around 25k.
I don't know where to park it as yet (told you I was new) possibly either Portishead or Torquay. ? What are the other options, boatyards?
I have looked at the Leader 805 but not many available ATM inspired by MBY and Nick Burnham.
An Antares 980 would be perfect but out of my budget for now.
Any other suggestions?
Many thanks.

 

[schoe]

Forgot to say diesel would be my preferred option to keep the costs down.

 

[Bajansailor]

Try doing an 'advanced' search on Yachtworld and see what 'comes up'?

I did a search for boats under GBP 25,000 (but over 20k) in Britain - here are a few that popped up :

The accommodation on this might be a bit too basic for three of you, as it is more of a fishing boat -
2012 Starfish 28 Power New and Used Boats for Sale - www.yachtworld.co.uk

With this Nimbus, you (or your boys) can have your own cabin -
1985 Nimbus 2600 Power New and Used Boats for Sale - www.yachtworld.co.uk

This Harley 25 has a proven hull form, but she also only has 2 berths, and on top of that she has an outdrive leg, rather than shaft drive.
2004 Harley 25 Power New and Used Boats for Sale - www.yachtworld.co.uk

 

[schoe]

Thanks Bajan. All a bit out dated. I will keep my eye out for a Leader 805 or Merry Fisher. Cabin heating would be good and a bow thruster. I can stretch the budget and am not in a hurry.

 

[ST840]

Well if you can stretch your budget then why not just start with that ! You won’t get much in the way of a more “modern” boat for £25k. Especially not a diesel that can sleep 3/4 .
So what is your exact maximum ?
whatever it is, look at boats £10k over that then negotiate the price down.

 

[schoe]

I could go 10k more so you think I can get 10k off the asking price off a 45k boat?

 

[ST840]

I could go 10k more so you think I can get 10k off the asking price off a 45k boat?

Maybe not £10k but if your a cash buyer and on the right boat with cash in your pocket £5-8k !

 

[schoe]

Yes i'm a cash buyer. I will keep looking. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Bajansailor]

Thanks Bajan. All a bit out dated. I will keep my eye out for a Leader 805 or Merry Fisher. Cabin heating would be good and a bow thruster. I can stretch the budget and am not in a hurry.

There are 11 Leader 805s for sale here, all with asking prices under 45k.
leader 805 (Power) Boats For Sale

And 8 Merry Fisher 805's for sale here -
merry fisher 805 (Power) Boats For Sale

 

[schoe]

Thanks I think I have seen most of them. Nothing quite perfect as yet. I was just looking at a very nice Rodman Fly priced at 43k only thing missing was heating.

 

[ST840]

Here you go

Beneteau - ANTARES SERIE 9 in , Toulon | Boats and Outboards

 

[ST840]

All you need is to fit one of these 402322468906 (on eBay) . I put one in my boat this season, they are very effective !

 

[schoe]

Useful info on the heating thanks.
I was quite excited by that Antares until I realised it doesn't have controls on the fly and my French is hopeless

 

[ST840]

Don’t let distance or language be a barrier.