Hello all, a quick hello!

[SolentDavid]

Hello all,

I wanted to say hello here and give a quick introduction as I couldn't find a forum section dedicated to new members.

When growing up, my parents had boats. First a 12 foot Picton with a 40hp Mercury. That went like the clappers and we had so much fun with it. We then traded up to a Shetland (I think Blackhawk) about 18 feet, with a Mercury 75 I think. Then we gave sailing a try with an 18 foot Hurley,

I'm 42 now, and, with losing the best part of half a year thanks to Covid, have decided now is the time to start looking at getting back into boating as the 'ideal time' will never happen. I hope to buy something in the middle part of next year as I promised my wife that we will get some other things done before getting the boat.

I'm looking at an offshore cruiser, around 28-30 foot, twin diesel. Probably a Targa 29. Don't want anything smaller as I don't think my wife would enjoy it as much, and no bigger as I have some berthing options that mean this would be my limit. Maybe a few feet larger in the future though.

Anyway, hope to chat here, gain knowledge and maybe meet in the future. As my name suggests, I'm near the Solent, just north of Portsmouth.

 

[BruceK]

Welcome to the forum! Targa 29 is a great choice but make sure you have all the mechanicals thoroughly checked out when surveying. I was looking for one a good while back but struggled to find a diesel one that was in satisfactory condition. The engines seemed marginal. Conversely there were many petrol engined ones that were mint and cheaper. You should touch bases with @LBRodders who refitted it's predecessor the Sunfury recently. That boat goes rather well and has excellent sea manners

 

[SolentDavid]

Thank you for the welcome BruceK.

I'll definitely have a survey done when I find the one want. I know I want the KAD32 diesel option as the extra power helps to get it planing, especially when theres a few adults and fuel/water/gear onboard. The better economy over petrol models will keep my wife happier too!

I'll also use your contact when I do find one, as I value recommendations highly, so thank you again for that.

I have seen slightly newer, diesel powered boats of a similar size, but, I prefer the looks, build quality and reports of the Targa. But who knows when it actually comes to it, hopefully next year at some point!

I'll keep reading these and other forums for advice over the coming months and also chatting to others over a drink at marinas soon hopefully.

Thanks again for the welcome.

 

[Sneds]

Hi
Nothing wrong with the Targa but try and keep an open mind and don't dismiss other marques, like Sealine for instance, without taking a look first
You may find something you like more
Good luck

 

[SolentDavid]

Hi Sneds

I am still looking at all options. I know the rough size and I want twin diesel. So far, the Targa is my favourite, but I have been looking at others.

This is something I've been looking at for a few years as I always knew I wanted to get back into boating, but the lockdown has made my mind up to do it sooner now, as the 'right time' will never come.

I've always liked Sealines from when I was young, so would always look at them and others. But it's the timeless looks, and build quality as well as the seakeeping performance that attracts me to the Targa.

But closer to the time you never know what will appear on the market at a price that attracts me! It will be fun searching and trying out, thats for sure!

 

[Sticky Fingers]

You'll find that the old axiom is true... "When making recommendation, forum members typically recommend what they themselves already have"...

 

[BruceK]

Just had a look online at Targa 29 with KAD32 on realising that my thoughts last night were actually on the Targa 27 with AD31's. That's a nice boat! I hadn't realised Fairline had kept making them for so long.
Sale Pending 1998 Fairline Targa 29 - Boats.co.uk

 

[BruceK]

You'll find that the old axiom is true... "When making recommendation, forum members typically recommend what they themselves already have"...

I dont believe I have ever recommended anybody buy a Formula. Though of course they should. Especially when it's mine and time to sell up.

 

[SolentDavid]

Very true Scala. The same as when deciding on a car brand, or an area to live......!

With my budget, and requirements, I see a lot of options, but, I keep being drawn back to the Targa and to me, if I can find the right one this time or so next year, I will hopefully go for it. Provided I have done the other things I said to my wife I would get done!

In the meantime, I'm going to do some courses like a day skipper, classroom and practical tuition, to get my skills back that I will have lost since I was last boating into my teens., and to be back out enjoying it again.

 

[SolentDavid]

Just had a look online at Targa 29 with KAD32 on realising that my thoughts last night were actually on the Targa 27 with AD31's. That's a nice boat! I hadn't realised Fairline had kept making them for so long.
Sale Pending 1998 Fairline Targa 29 - Boats.co.uk

Yes, I've seen a few T29's with the KAD32's over the last few years, so I've had my heart set on that set-up, with a bow thruster, for a few years now. I don't even mind on the colour, but do prefer the blue.

 

[SolentDavid]

I dont believe I have ever recommended anybody buy a Formula. Though of course they should. Especially when it's mine and time to sell up.

Haha! I've seen some Formulas while searching the ads. They look very nice. Sounds like you have a great area to use her in too.

 

[BruceK]

Provided I have done the other things I said to my wife I would get done!

Can I give you a great tip? Concrete fences, plastic lawn, no perennials and no flower beds. Paint the house now.

 

[SolentDavid]

Can I give you a great tip? Concrete fences, plastic lawn, no perennials and no flower beds. Paint the house now.

I've had the fences put up, with concrete posts. We have our painter around here now painting the panels. It will be a patio and corner shed/bar at the far end, a paved walkway either side of the garden with hanging chairs, and a nation and dining area to the rear of the house. So only a small lawn area to worry about, and I prefer the real thing to stripe it! Done flowers, beds, only some planters with easy shrubs/plants in. Anything else is wasting beer/boat time!

And our painter will do the house and garage when re-rendered at the back. That will be it for a few years then!

Great minds!

 

[BruceK]

Haha! I've seen some Formulas while searching the ads. They look very nice. Sounds like you have a great area to use her in too.

Of course. Despite what Scala implies we hit the jackpot on both counts

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I dont believe I have ever recommended anybody buy a Formula. Though of course they should. Especially when it's mine and time to sell up.

Of course. Despite what Scala implies we hit the jackpot on both counts

It's a great looking boat Bruce, not heard of them before I commented on that pic in the other thread.

 

[BruceK]

It's the original all others emulate Scala. Bet you didn't know that

 

[SolentDavid]

Well, they say imitation is the highest form of flattery!

 

[Sticky Fingers]

It's the original all others emulate Scala. Bet you didn't know that

Nope. But happy to be better informed

 

[LBRodders]

David,

First things first - I hope you are a Pompey fan!



The Fairline Targa 29 [or 27] is a lovely boat. We have the predecessor to the 27, the Sunfury - although I think at some point they were making both models.
The hulls and layouts are pretty much identical with a bit of styling differences here and there.

What we realised on our search is at a certain price you are paying an awful lot for an old boat. I call it the no man's land budget, applies to cars too! Serious man maths is required in this sector!

We laid our priorities bare, and realised that it was better for us to have a reliable old boat than a less reliable newer/less old one.
With me working away, and us living a distance to the sea, we wanted to turn up and go enjoy the weekend with as little stress as possible.

So in short we purchased the best hull and interior we could find knowing we were going to drop a new engine in. By our logic and for what we wanted - we got 'a new boat' for not new boat money. Far from cheap, but it was an experience we enjoyed.

With new electrics and mechanicals, we know and own the history [plus warranty]. A nice feeling that is impossible to price, and is more valuable to some than others.

It's all horses for courses, but my 2p is that 20-30 year mechanicals that have [predominantly] lived in sea water are close to their end of life. A stress free, cheap maintenance life anyway! *Times two in a twin engine boat!

Enjoy looking, its the best bit. With the media portraying that we are all doomed and the impending hike in diesel price at the water - doing nothing maybe a good thing for now.

Here is a short compilation of photos and videos of our first season.

Hopefully some food for thought.

 

[Seastoke]

David,

First things first - I hope you are a Pompey fan!



The Fairline Targa 29 [or 27] is a lovely boat. We have the predecessor to the 27, the Sunfury - although I think at some point they were making both models.
The hulls and layouts are pretty much identical with a bit of styling differences here and there.

What we realised on our search is at a certain price you are paying an awful lot for an old boat. I call it the no man's land budget, applies to cars too! Serious man maths is required in this sector!

We laid our priorities bare, and realised that it was better for us to have a reliable old boat than a less reliable newer/less old one.
With me working away, and us living a distance to the sea, we wanted to turn up and go enjoy the weekend with as little stress as possible.

So in short we purchased the best hull and interior we could find knowing we were going to drop a new engine in. By our logic and for what we wanted - we got 'a new boat' for not new boat money. Far from cheap, but it was an experience we enjoyed.

With new electrics and mechanicals, we know and own the history [plus warranty]. A nice feeling that is impossible to price, and is more valuable to some than others.

It's all horses for courses, but my 2p is that 20-30 year mechanicals that have [predominantly] lived in sea water are close to their end of life. A stress free, cheap maintenance life anyway! *Times two in a twin engine boat!

Enjoy looking, its the best bit. With the media portraying that we are all doomed and the impending hike in diesel price at the water - doing nothing maybe a good thing for now.

Here is a short compilation of photos and videos of our first season.

Hopefully some food for thought.

I went in pompey club shop last season , I went to the counter and offered a £50 note and said two please , the guy replied forwards or defenders.