Fletcher Bravo

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Marcus daniel

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19 Apr 2012
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Hi all, just joined the forum, hope to learn a lot from you guys here, am Just about to buy a Fletcher Bravo, it appears in very good condition, going to view it at the week end and the guy selling seems very genuine. Are there any key questions I should ask when viewing this boat.

Any help or advice will be really appreciated.

Many Thanks
 
No known faults with Fletcher, apart from the odd 'Friday' boat built around the times the went into receivership.

They are all hand built, so you need to have a really good look around. They get used a lot for watersports, so check the state of the floor for rot from wet carpets.

Which boat are you looking at ? The Bravo refers to the trim level rather than the model, inboard or out board ?
 
Fletcher

Hi Marcus,

Great boats and would echo the comments above. The engine's the most expensive bit, so see it running on muffs or in a tub and any evidence it's been well looked after. Second the floors too... :rolleyes: Once water gets into the buoyancy foam, it's there to stay and won't dry out so rotten floor = lots of work! Check steering is free all through it's travel as some of these cable steering systems get neglected and once salt-water gets inside the cable it will rust. A stiff of rough system will very likely need replacing - not that expensive, but potentially dangerous if ignored so factor in.

Most small boat trailers are dunked in salt-water regularly because such boats are rarely left on berths or moorings and thus they also need regular maintenance (but don't always get it...) Pay extra attention to wheel bearings if you are towing any distance home or it could end in tears! Trailer integrity is also very important in that if it fell apart on your way home it could be fatal - likewise securing the boat to the trailer. Brakes marginally less important if towing with a 'proper' 4x4, but consider the legalities if it's over 750kg with boat. They become much more important if the tow vehicle is a family car as this will have much less weight and proportional stopping ability. Everything else can either be fixed there and then or when you get home. Personally, I always take my own trailer board and extension cable if towing as I know it works beforehand rather than risk getting stopped for something not working.

Finally, have a look at the Fletcher Forum too www.fletcher-boats.ning.com - much more specific information and knowledge. Signing up also qualifies you for 10% off parts etc from Fletcher ;) I have to add however, it's nothing like as busy nor impartial as the YBW forums - the knowledge and helpful, friendly advice here is second to none! (And I'm not just saying that! :D)

Good luck with your purchase, I'm sure you'll love it! And don't forget if you get it, we like lots of pictures!!!! :D:D:D

Regards,

Robin
 
Wiggo said:
Engine service history, and look at the general state of the trailer.
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In the last month I have looked at 2 boats and the trailers put me off. I of the trailers had no chassis plate so would have been un-insurable and the other where the boat was too heavy for the boat it was carrying.
When I went to see the boat I bought (yesterday) I took at trolly jack and jacked the wheels up to see if the wheels spun freely and if there was any wear in the bearings. as I once bought a 20ft boat and a bearing collapsed after 10 miles.
And if you buy the boat get a good wheel clamp. carry a spare set of wheel bearings. And buy a spare wheel if it hasent got one.
 
Jim@sea said:
In the last month I have looked at 2 boats and the trailers put me off. I of the trailers had no chassis plate so would have been un-insurable and the other where the boat was too heavy for the boat it was carrying.
When I went to see the boat I bought (yesterday) I took at trolly jack and jacked the wheels up to see if the wheels spun freely and if there was any wear in the bearings. as I once bought a 20ft boat and a bearing collapsed after 10 miles.
And if you buy the boat get a good wheel clamp. carry a spare set of wheel bearings. And buy a spare wheel if it hasent got one.
Click to expand...

Hey, you kept that under your hat - where's the 'new boat' thread then? :D

I wouldn't be put off by a trailer if the boat is the right one and the price negotiated reflects condition. You can always replace the trailer with money saved. That said, the trailer should be safe to tow to new home and if it isn't then hire one and make another trip!
 
Thanks guys for all the good advice so far, after a long drive to view the boat, it wasn't in very good condition, nor did I fall in love with it anyway. However...the boat dream isn't over, we found just down the road from the Fletcher, a Bayliner 2050 LS, this boat is in good condition and the engine is currently in the workshop being serviced. I have decided to buy this boat as the feeling was right and as said in good condition. My only concern is that it is currently on a launching trailer, so will not be able to bring it home on that trailer, any idea's guys?

Many thanks
 
Marcus daniel said:
Thanks guys for all the good advice so far, after a long drive to view the boat, it wasn't in very good condition, nor did I fall in love with it anyway. However...the boat dream isn't over, we found just down the road from the Fletcher, a Bayliner 2050 LS, this boat is in good condition and the engine is currently in the workshop being serviced. I have decided to buy this boat as the feeling was right and as said in good condition. My only concern is that it is currently on a launching trailer, so will not be able to bring it home on that trailer, any idea's guys?

Many thanks
Click to expand...


Do you mean that the engine is out of the boat and in the workshop ? If thats the case its having a lot more than just a service.

Options to get it home are on the back of a flat bed truck, piggy back on a flat bed trailer or buy a new trailer.

If you are going to have to move it by road in the future then the obvious answer is a new trailer. Budget around 2k new or 1k 2nd hand if you can find one.

The 2050 is a great boat, is it a bowrider or closed bow ?
 
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