Help selecting first boat

PeterAnd

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17 Apr 2007
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Hi, I want to buy my first second hand motor boat and would like to know if anyone out there could help me make a choice. I would like an off shore cruiser with a four berth so we can stay overnight on short trips. This will be a family boat and I am a beginner (apart from dingy sailing and river cruisers when I was younger), but I will take the necessary courses. For a budget I am looking at £10K to £20K. Any suggestions will be greatly received.
 

Caergybi_Man

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8 Nov 2005
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I have had a fairline mirage (see link) as my first boat for 4 years and done the thames, east coast and two cross-channel trips including a sortie on the french canals. Now looking to move up in size.
 

Nautorius

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Hi and welcome,

You should consider brands like Glastron 249, Fourwinns 238/248 Vista, Chaparral 240 Signature, Maxum 2400SCR, Bayliner 2455 and Sealine 240. All have their strengths and all have compromises. You need to look at a few and find out what accomodation you need/like. Then consider what option (invariably Petrol) engine, 4.3l, 5.0l or 5.7l and then what hull is best for your cruising range.

If you could fill us in on the regular crew (ages,) and where you intend to sail we may be able to help out in more specific terms.

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

tcm

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Hi there. Don't muck about - use the 20 grand as the 10% or even just 5% down payment on something fab and really decent! Yeehah! Yes, they might foreclose, not likely before end of season tho. But they can't take away the memories eh?

hope this helps
 

Genie

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Try having a look at the Lema Gold cruiser. 22ft, enclosed heads, basic stove, pressurised water system with sink, transom shower and a few other goodies.
You should be able to find one in that price range second hand.
The other brands mentioned above are also decent.
There should be plenty of choice for you out there - just don't grab the first boat, take your time and do your homework.
Best of luck!
Rob
 

JasonB

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20 Jun 2002
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Ireland
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Hi there,

For that money last year I was doing the rounds of the Brokers and we came up with a shortlist of:

SeaRay 220 DA
Bayliner 2655
Falcon 23

For going "offshore" I would try to get a diesel engined boat to make it easier to find fuel as you go cruising. For peace of mind I would have a "backup" outboard firmly attached to the transom/bathing platform.

Go around as many boats as you can and see how the family "fit" on board. In the end it was coming down to the Falcon V's the SeaRay and in the end we bought
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And in the end we bought a Trophy 2002 Walkaround fast fisher! - Go figure.

Enjoy the looking,

J.
 

dom_moore

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10 Dec 2006
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maybe try looking at some older boats on your search...if only on the internet at least

i was in a similar situation to yourself around new year, and was looking at 22ft boats late 90's era. as i asked around, people began to tell me that an older boat in good condition might better suit my needs...i was looking for something that would get me offshore around cornwall

maybe take a look at fairline, sunseeker and sealine boats from 1980 onwards. i settled for a sunseeker offshore 28 which i find pretty straightforward to manouvre about. the other boat i liked the look of was the fairline sunfury.

very happy with my choice and although haven't overnighted yet, there is plenty of space for four-five people to spend all day on her. we are actively planning our overnight trips now...just a matter of time!
 
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