Goodl boat for channel crossing and use on French canals?

[Jaguar 25]

Appreciate that this could be a "how long is a piece of string" question. However, I am contemplating moving from sailing to a motor cruiser (cheapish - £10 to 20k) and would like it to be capable of Channel crossing as well as being iused on the French canals.

What would be a good choice?

Regards,

 

[volvopaul]

You might find a princess 33 for 20k , low air draught and ok to cross channel in.

 

[PCUK]

A Seamaster 30 would be my first choice but I think it will be just outside your budget as people hang on to them now.

 

[boatmike]

Depends on your priorities. If you are thinking of staying on the canals and only channel crossing in good weather there are many "river boats" that will do the crossing. These will have a single, relatively small non-turbo engine and be much more economical. If you want a good seaboat that can tolerate a certain amount of canal work, my choice was an Aquastar 33 with twin engines. The disadvantage of twin engines however is that you must be careful not to ground a prop on shallow canal sides. Running 2 200HP turbocharged engines at slow speed isn't ideal either. You will find boats designed for river work are also cheaper to buy. You just have to think of perhaps creeping up the coast to Dover and making the crossing from there on a good day.......

 

[Jaguar 25]

Thanks for the replies. They have given me food for thought.

Probably looking to buy next year if we sell our french house and may buy the boat in France. However, I would like to be able to get it over to the UK if possible/viable.

Cheers,

Bill