First Boat

[landlockedpirate]

Channel crossings are possible in much smaller boats, we did one in company with a 21ft cuddy and included the channel islands as well. But as others have said, weather, condition of the boat and experience of the crew are much more important.

As Gary said, its a great idea to list your needs in order of priority. A 23ft cuddy will make a fantastic dayboat, and will keep going in poor conditions long after the crew have given up. You can even overnight on them, 2 is comfortable and a family of 4 is possible.

But if you are looking to actually cruise and even holiday on board, you need a few more creature comforts (and beds !). Your budget will buy you a decent 24ft sportscruiser, 4 berth, shower, toilet, small galley etc

 

[rafiki_]

I'm going to go a bit off message from others here, and suggest you look at a sports cruiser rather than a cuddy. There are many 25 ft ish American boats in your budget, and you will also find some Sealine 23's.

All of these will have a decent cockpit, plus the real opportunity to overnight/weekend. Very comfortable for 2, and not bad for 4 for shorter stays on board. These will all have toilets/showers, that you can use discretely, unlike a cuddy. We had a Sea Ray cuddy as our first boat, and were not really able to use it as such, as neither SWMBO or I are contortionists. We changed her after 3 months for a Cruiser, and had many great trips on board.

The Sealine will have a decent turn of speed, able to pull a ski. It will not be so fast as a bow rider or cuddy with an equivalent engine. but will be good for high 20's knots, which will be fast enough if you have passengers on board.

The only real downside is a 25 footer is on the limit of sensible towing. Some people do, but I was not confident with mine, and was a bit of a slow hazard on M ways, even behind a 4 litre Discovery.

 

[CX54WEK]

I'm going to go a bit off message from others here, and suggest you look at a sports cruiser rather than a cuddy. There are many 25 ft ish American boats in your budget, and you will also find some Sealine 23's.

All of these will have a decent cockpit, plus the real opportunity to overnight/weekend. Very comfortable for 2, and not bad for 4 for shorter stays on board. These will all have toilets/showers, that you can use discretely, unlike a cuddy. We had a Sea Ray cuddy as our first boat, and were not really able to use it as such, as neither SWMBO or I are contortionists. We changed her after 3 months for a Cruiser, and had many great trips on board.

The Sealine will have a decent turn of speed, able to pull a ski. It will not be so fast as a bow rider or cuddy with an equivalent engine. but will be good for high 20's knots, which will be fast enough if you have passengers on board.

The only real downside is a 25 footer is on the limit of sensible towing. Some people do, but I was not confident with mine, and was a bit of a slow hazard on M ways, even behind a 4 litre Discovery.

You may be lucky and find an S23 but you would most likely pick up a decent S24 for the OP's budget.

We bought our Sealine S23 three years ago and have been incredibly happy with it and have no plans to change her yet despite all the ususal warnings when we bought her that we would change the boat within six months etc.

Sit down with your family and draw up a list of your most important requirements then visit as many brokerages as possible looking at all of the likely candidates. Spend as much time as possible looking through the boats until you find one that feels right.

If towing is a priority the 25ft Sealines can be towed, just, but they are heavy.

 

[neale]

I've been across the Channel a few times in my 25ft Bayliner. Not sure I'd want to do it in a bow rider but a cuddy would be ok as long as you have the range, the right kit and the right weather.

If you fancy trying a 25ft sportscruiser and seeing how you get on I know where there is a capable one with a newish diesel engine, bowthruster, diesel heating plus more, for a long way below your budget.

 

[Warpa]

Plenty of cover on a bowrider if needed Shamelessly robbed from another forum this is my next project as it will make my bowrider a lot more useable, not sure if i would change from the bowrider next time around...only time will tell.

http://www.maxumownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php/2911-1800sr3-Full-Canvas-Cover-Pack-Sunbrella

 

[lovezoo]

If you fancy trying a 25ft sportscruiser and seeing how you get on I know where there is a capable one with a newish diesel engine, bowthruster, diesel heating plus more, for a long way below your budget.

And at a bit of a bargain price, by the look of it.

 

[Scubadoo]

Welcome

I would go for a Sports Cruiser rather than a cuddy, it will give you so many more options e.g more comfort for a few nights away.

You should be able get a Sealine 240 or S24 (updated model) for your budget and that may be with a diesel, but if you want to ski then go for a petrol. You may find an S23 which is again an updated model of the S24, all around 24ft.

They weigh up to 3tons so really on the limit of towing, but many do it without much hassle.

 

[beejay190]

Hi All,
.

I'm looking for a day boat that will most probably be used on the Solent around Southampton, Bournemouth and Poole for general cruising, fishing and maybe some skiing. I'
James

I started with a bowrider, soon moved to a cuddy and now have a 30ft sports cruiser. I think it pays to set your sights high at the outset (which i did not do ).

Take a look at the popular Sealine S23-just right for general crusing around the Solent , down to Weymouth and beyond. Comes with a seperate heads ; i would not recommend a porta potti a cos they are a pain when it comes to emptying them,plus they do not hold a vast quantity !!

Possibly slightly above your budget but there are deals to be done. Ancasts Poole currently have two on brokerage , well worth having a look.

 

[AndieMac]

If you fancy trying a 25ft sportscruiser and seeing how you get on I know where there is a capable one with a newish diesel engine, bowthruster, diesel heating plus more, for a long way below your budget.

It looks more like a gift at that money, I'm amazed that hasn't been snapped up!

 

[neale]

And at a bit of a bargain price, by the look of it.

It looks more like a gift at that money, I'm amazed that hasn't been snapped up!

I'm not really marketing it at the moment but it will be properly up for sale shortly. Hopefully I am being realistic about the price in these tough times. It's a shame really as the engine cost me about that much in 2006 . Don't really want to get rid of it, but two boats is one more than I need