Help me choose a first boat - please!

crofty1984

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24 Apr 2011
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Hi all, I've been boating for years with my family and think it's time I stopped stealing theirs and got my own. :)
I've had a look about and have some in mind but I'm open to suggestions!

Budget: about £4k. Preferably less. £3.5k would be ideal. Don't mind looking at £5k boats in the hope that either a bargain or a desperate seller comes along.

Size: I'd like to sleep 4. Preferably all in the main cabin, but I won't immediately discount 2+2. Looking at 19-23 ft. I definitely prefer 7ft+ beam. I like the "v birth + table folding down to double arrangements". But again, in my price range I can't be too fussy.

Type of boating: Norfolk broads. Maybe with the occasional (2-3 times a year) jaunt out to sea in very good weather. Gt Yarmouth-Lowestoft hops I'd imagine.
You know the drill, get a couple of mates on board, take off for the weekend type thing. Like floaty camping. Hence wanting a fair bit of accommodation.

Condition: Minter would be lovely. Being realistic I accept that's not going to happen. Don't want a restoration job, but something that needs a good clean, service, tarting up I don't mind. "Recommissioning" I guess.

When: looking to buy in about a month. Moving house at the moment so that's taking priority.

Engine: Probably predictable, but in order of preference: Diesel -> 4stroke outboard -> 2stroke outboard -> inboard petrol

So far I've looked at:
Shetland 4+2 - Out of my price range, which is a shame as they seem ideal.
Seamaster 23 - Similar. I've seen one or 2 nearer 4k but I think I'd end up needing to do too much work on one.
Shetland 610 - really strong contender. I'd like a good look round one
Freeman 22 - Nice. Not particularly modern, which I don't mind but the inboard petrol Anglia moter is a bit of a turn off.
Teal/Weston/Nelson 20 - I like the "open plan" nature of the aftcabin/wheelhouse, but they're a bit narrow. Also, prefer the "pram-type" canopies
Hardy 18 - Answers the "sea boat" question perfectly, but I'd like more accommodation
Hardy 20 - too pricey
Mayland 18 - Too small
Birchwood 22 - A little expensive but seem really good. Like the 610, If one came around at a good price I'd be seriously interested.
Shetland 570 and 535 - See Mayland 18.

Sorry for the rambling post, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dan
 
To be perfectly honest, I think you are going to have to narrow down your list of wants/needs. £5k does not buy a lot of well maintained boat. A 20" ish cuddy is going to be best part of £10k if in good order, and there really is not much accom in one of these. You might find a goodish oldish fletcher open cockpit sports boat with an outboard for this money, and use a cheap hotel/B&B for accom.
 
As mentioned above, your list is very tough on your budget. Try looking around canal boat sites, ,a large proprtion of your budget will be to pay for a big engine. Smaller engine like on a canal based boat will allow a better boat. I have seen Shetland 4+2 's for sub 5k with older Yamaha 9.9hp 4 strokes.
 
As mentioned above, your list is very tough on your budget. Try looking around canal boat sites, ,a large proprtion of your budget will be to pay for a big engine. Smaller engine like on a canal based boat will allow a better boat. I have seen Shetland 4+2 's for sub 5k with older Yamaha 9.9hp 4 strokes.

Really? That'd be awesome if I could find one.
The speed limit on most of the broads is only about 6 knots anyway.
I know what people are saying about I'll not get something that meets all my criteria for that money. Just wondering what nearly meets it then seeing what to compromise on.

Thanks for the replys so far guys!
 
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