Hardy, Orkney, Merry Fisher?

[DoubleEnder]

Asking for a friend.

ex sailor, moving to the Western Isles. Would like a motor boat 20-22 feet for a bit of rod fishing and local cruising. Overnight accommodation for 1 or perhaps 2 people, so a loo would be good. Sheltered steering and the ability to use an autopilot. It would be kept on a mooring and towed home at the end of the season ( July hahaha) to go in the garage.

Comfortable motion and quietness more important than performance. I know that’s a challenge in a small motor boat. Budget up to about £16000.

Are the more traditional or old fashioned styles such as Orkney better than the pèche-promenade style, given that there is some quite open water and longish distances between harbours? I believe the latter are strong on modern comforts, and are faster so maybe get home before the weather deteriorates.....most people seem to go for the older style in these parts as far as I can make out

I’m assuming that at this price level a nice big modern outboard is the thing to go for. My friend only knows diesels but I think that current outboards are reliable, no?


I dunno. Opinions would be welcome.

 

[Oscar24]

I like Merry Fishers (have a 645) but the best advice i can give would be to check out what everyone else is using in the intended cruising area.

 

[wombat88]

As a not yet ex sailor I've just been through this, again.

Started by looking at Colvic Seaworkers but was put off in the end by big old marinised Ford engines, and the fact that ex fishing boats can be seriously 'used'. Ended up buying a Hardy Pilot with a newish Suzuki O/B.

This is the second time I've ended up with exactly the same combination which must mean something.

There is a significant difference between the Pilot and the later Bosun in terms of behaviour, the earlier one has a bit of a keel and the later one doesn't. Result predictable.

Observations? Don't underestimate the cost of replacing the rope fender. Don't expect speed. With 50 hp and trim tabs they will plane, sort of. With 75 they can do it quite respectably but it not really what they are about. They can be quite cheap, the interiors start to fall to bits after 35 years but the boat itself is a tough nut and newish big outboards are very well mannered, almost silent at tickover, quite motorbikey at full chat.

Again as someone used to sailing, it is a boat, much as I like the more expensive Merry Fishers, Arvors etc they don't feel so familiar. Again as a sailor boats without masts seem to be a lot more expensive than those with!

 

[jim.howes]

Hi try the BOATS AND OUTBOARDS website. Two boats(both Orknies) which look like what might suit you, one in particular. Orkney day angler21, looks to be very well fitted out and with a Diesel engine the other is an Orkadian 20 with a 50hp outboard also looks nicely fitted out. I hope you find what you want.Jim

 

[jim.howes]

I should have mentioned that i have an Orkney strikeliner myself its only 16' but a really nice little fishing boat. Jim

 

[jointventureII]

We've had a Day Angler 21 & 23 and you can't really sleep on them with any regularity but they'll tick all the other boxes and will handle a decent sized sea. Best mate had a DA20 and that was a bit better accomodation wise but not a lot.

Channel Island 22 maybe?

 

[Jamie Dundee]

Avoid an Orkadian with 50hp, badly under engined. If it’s the one I’m thinking of it’s been for sale for at least a couple of years.

 

[Bajansailor]

Channel Island 22 maybe?

I would second this suggestion - they are very nice wee boats.

I posted a copy of a catalogue for the C I 22 on this thread -
Channel islands 22 or seafarer 21

There is only one currently for sale on Yachtworld -
1979 Channel Island 22 Power New and Used Boats for Sale -

 

[Greenheart]

...Hardy Pilot with a newish Suzuki O/B...second time I've ended up with the same combination which must mean something.

Don't expect speed. With 50 hp and trim tabs they will plane, sort of. With 75 they can do it quite respectably but it is not really what they are about.

I'm tempted by the compact proportions of the Pilot 20, combined with the reputed seaworthiness, and the covered wheel position...

...but picking one of these, rather than the Hardy 20 motorsailer, would be based on rapid passage-making. Assuming I went for 75hp (or significantly bigger, as some owners claim to have done without any regrets), will the boat cruise happily at over 20 knots?

My impression is that the weight and solidity of this design probably spells depressing fuel thirst, driven hard, although doubtless 90hp would equally allow relaxed cruising at low or moderate revs...but just what is their intended optimum pace and usage?