Hello everyone

Southern_Lad

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1 Jun 2007
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Totness
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Hi all,

I have been reading this forum for few weeks as I am looking at getting a boat in the next year or so. I have been to the London boat show and had a good look at everything on display but I am starting to confuse myself as there is so much choice, so I thought I would ask the experts.

Both myself and my partner want a boat that we can comfortably manage with just the two of us, but big enough to have some friends on board occasionally. Also, we would prefer to buy new as neither of us are very hands on when it comes to fixing things. We want to be based on the south coast, cornwall or Devon areas and want something fun.

I have been looking at everything, but around 34-36 feet seems to be the best layout. Budget wise we want to spend about £125k.

I would appreciate your suggestions.

Terry
 
Thanks davido - I really want new though, not second hand if I can help it.

One of the boats that caught my eye was the Sealine 29, but not the one with the green house on top. The Sealine 34 was out of budget
 
hi there im new on this site ... now i have a question to ask and post but not sure how to do it plz could some one be kind enuff to help me out thxs very much mike2k2
 
First are you in Totnes or Totness?
New boats can be more troublesome than second hand! I have had 4 new boats and 5 boats secondhand, and there have been as many problems with the new boats as the older ones.
You need to decide what you want the boat for, is it for day trips and none or very few overnight stays; or will it also be used a weekend retreat and so accommodation is important?
Your intended use will influence what is best for your needs.
If you are in Totnes I would be happy to walk you around the local marinas and point out the pro's and con's of the different types.
PM me if you are interested.
 
Har! Buying a new boat doesn't mean that things don't break, it just means that you get to be on the phone for the first year chasing people to fix them for you, the difference being that you don't write the cheques each time.

Ideal purchase is a 1-year old boat, if you can, as someone else will have done all this for you.

The Sealine S29 is a seriously good boat, although tight on acommodation for the money. Also, have a look at Cranchi, Sessa, Bavaria (although I'm not keen on their 30, the 32 is more like it) etc.

dv.
 
[ QUOTE ]
hi there im new on this site ... now i have a question to ask and post but not sure how to do it plz could some one be kind enuff to help me out thxs very much mike2k2

[/ QUOTE ]

You just have asked a question! If you want to start a new thread, go back to the Motorboat forum and click Post Thread
 
Mike , to make a new post , click on the forum you want to make it in , then click 'Post' and fill in the blanks , welcome to both of you by the way /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Yes, the S29 looked really nice but I didn't want to loose the seating when friends stay on board. I really liked the 34 Sealine but they chap at the Boat Show quoted me £189k for one, which I can't afford

Terry
 
Thanks, I am in Totnes - typing error.

I think we want to go places at the weekend, and stay overnight. I have never had a boat, so I don't know what is possible but that is waht we would like.

Is a boat like a car? Does the warrenty when new mean you can just get it fixed? Do they really go worng alot?
 
The warranty is car-like in it's coverage, although different people will turn up to fix different things. E.g. Fibreglass Man for anything white and shiny, Engine Man for the green oily bits, Raymarine Man for plotters and Radar, and so on. A good dealer will organise this for you as needed to make the process transparent (ish).

And yes, things do go wrong, as boats aren't mass produced in their thousands, unlike cars, although modern marine engines are better in a "not blowing up" kind of way, but worse in a "funny electronic error code" way. Most owners don't have major problems: it's silly litttle things like leaky pipes, dodgy switches, non-functioning ancillaries.

dv.
 
I agree with others, you get less hassle and better value for money with a 1-2 yr old boat, cos someone else has fixed the problems and taken the hit on depreciation. Its unusual to get it right first time with boats, so I would stick with well known brands and up to date models to ensure there'll be a ready market for it if you want to sell. If you can stretch to the extra capital and running costs of a 34 footer, you'll find it much more comfortable in terms of seakeeping and accommodation. Finally IMO you can't beat twin diesels to help you stay relaxed when the seas up and you're some way from home.
 
New or old boats, break on nearly a daily basis, mostly just little things, like the bog got blocked. Or what twat left that rope in the water, and wrapped round the prop.

Cant see where your going to get a new 35ft boat for a hundred grand or so. But you will get a very good 10-15 year old boat for that amount. 35 ft will take you just about anywhere within reason. CI's France, or even further with a few refills.
 
Also, you will make a lot of berthing mistakes in the first year or two. And you need to learn about maintenance etc. And you need to learn which accesories you need, and which ones just get in the way. So a new boat as a first boat doesn't make much sense.

Drive a nearly new one for a year or two and then buy your fancy.
 
I see what you are saying. I just like the idea of buying new. I have never bought a used car because I like to know it has not been abused etc. Maybe I am wrong and boats are different. Thank uou for the advice though. Seems this might be harder than I thought.
 
Thank you HLB. I saw that the Sealine 34 was £150k but soon with the options the sales guy reccomended it was 190K. He said I should have two diesels, but these seem much more than petrol. I had hoped to get some discount down to maybe £135k! I really don't fancy one 10 or 15 years old.

Are not all boats two engines then?
 
My boats 19 years old, and running better than the day I bought it.

Mind I've just bought a 4 year old car and will probably keep it for 8 years or so. Hardly ever known one to break down.

I like to know, someone else has lost alot of money on buyig new, so I can come along and buy for less than half price, and keep loads of dosh in my piggy bank. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
I would look at a boat 2 to 3 years old and then offer 20% below the asking price. You will have a full survey and then the seller will be asked to fix any problems or reduce the price.
Buying a boat is a bit more like buying a house rather than a car.

Have a look at these sites:-
http://www.ancasta.com/ They have an office in Kingswear
or
http://www.yachtworld.com/
 
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