First timer seeks your experience and knowledge. Good home

[woodenman]

A lot of people responded to my post on being a first time buyer. I must say, this board is quite something. I'm used to investment bulletin boards and they are full of idiots! Every response I got here was helpful and constructive. I've never known that! Thank you.

Anyway, in attempt to stretch your generosity further I thought I would, as a few suggested, post my needs/wants/budget etc to solicit some views on where I might look, based on your own experiences and knowledge.


[*]Budget = up to c£40-45k - probably buy 1-2 years old
[*]Live in Devon, 20 mins from the sea
[*]2 Children, 8 and 3
[*]Own large 4x4
[*]Would like to waterski and maybe pull a ring now and then
[*]Usually use the boat for cove hopping and a bit of fishing
[*]Want to be able to warm food
[*]Would like to have somehwere to get out of elements (all of us)
[*]Ideally able to trailer (but never towed before) bright though!!!......
[*]Ideally something that is not just a flat sea craft. Although know it won't be ocean going...
[*]Reliable and well built
[*]Good residuals
[*]Space to carry 8 for when our friends can join
[*]Not sure on Diesel or Petrol (secondhand maybe Diesel?)

Don't want much really do I?

I know boats are expensive and I know it can get a whole lot worse if you let your heart rule your head and jump too soon. Already had some sound advice on here to hold on till we're going to use it and not force it during the dodgy months. Sounds very wise. Still, going to the boat show to look at what might be right next spring. Any thoughts very gratefully accepted.
Thank you

 

[landlockedpirate]

Heres a few to get you started:

Jeanneau Cap Camarat 755WA, modern design and meets the specs but has little protection for the people on the bow if it gets rough and wet.
http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/MjA3NDk3M35XTVNTMDg=-Jeanneau_Cap_Camarat_755WA.html

Maxum 2400 SC3, more enclosed speed boat, better protection for the crew, but less deckspace than Jeanneau.
http://www.boatshed.com/Maxum_2400_SC3-boat-72003.html

Aquador 21WA, Scandanavian style and build, a little smaller than the others.
http://www.apolloduck.com/feature.phtml?id=41925

Good websites for looking:

www.boatshop24.co.uk
www.apolloduck.co.uk
www.boatshed.co.uk
www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk
www.essexboatyards.co.uk

The best ides is to get out there and have a look around a few. Good luck

 

[AndieMac]

Woodenman

Hello and welcome... hope you and family enjoy the new boating lifestyle.

This question does get asked fairly frequently, and the section on petrol/diesel has got fairly intense from time to time, which may in fact discourage folks from replying.

 

[hlb]

Think your going to have to think a bit more. Towing says about 22 ft. 8 under shelter says 35ft?? Waterski, umm about 20ft or less. Stretch to 10 or twenty years old, loads of options and no less reliable.

 

[woodenman]

Fair comment on the 'it's been asked before'. Point taken.
Don't need 8 under cover, just to be able to sit them somewhere. I didn't realise skiing was unlikely on a cuddy. That might change it a bit then. Not as easy as you think all this is it?

 

[AndieMac]

Don't be discouraged, what ever you buy is going to be a compromise. It may well be after a season or two, the boat you bought, just doesn't do it for you anymore.

If trailering is a reasonably high priority, even with a large 4x4, IMO 23' is good size that works all round. If you think its a chore to get the boat out of the yard to play, well.... its too big. You can still ski and cruise comfortably, and they are usually licensed for 7-8 passengers.

 

[PCUK]

Have a look at the latest Regal 565. Just about within your budget with a diesel engine and just about towable. Ski-able if you are good at it. If you are on the South Coast then a petrol engine is viable, anywhere else you will have to make continual trips to the nearest garage for your fuel. Also as I said before, have a look Watchet marina for a permanent berth. Vastly cheaper than any South coast marinas.