How to get Expert Advice on Boats

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wavering

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This is my first post so forgive me if I cover old ground.

I am likely to be leaving the UK to go and live somewhere warm, small and surrounded by water. Possibly in the mediterranean or the Channel Islands. Being 60+ this will be semi retirement accompanied by my younger girlfriend who is happy at the idea of boats and much healthier than me.

So, we will get a house or flat and then need a boat. What I need is a website or a book (or a real expert) to help me decide on what type, size of boat. I have endlessly gone in circles round pure motor boat (Hatteras 40?) through Motor Sailor (Nauticat 44?) through Cats and so on. I suspect that a formal list of questions would help me decide eg
Q. Could you climb a mast in a gale?
Q. Do you like comfort or excitement?
Q. Do you want to cruise overnight?

This is not so much about my problem but whether such a website/book exists or who I should pay for an opinion (free advice can be very helpful but if you were buying a house you would discuss with Surveyors/Solicitors) and I guess boats can cause more problems than houses - they can kill you!
 
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What I need is a website or a book (or a real expert) to help me decide on what type, size of boat.

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I see this chap offers such a service. He is a bit "A-list" and so probably expensive. But he is certainly experienced with your sort of question.
 
Forgive me if this advice is wide of the mark, but it seems to me that you may be able to make this decision yourself and the problem may be lack of experience.

If this is right, then can I suggest that you charter a boat or two and perhaps get in some crewing experience and that will enable to make your own mind up.

I say this because what we want from a boat is so subjective and individual that its difficult for a third party to make a recommendation for you. Once you have decided the type of sailing and boat you are looking for then someone can give you some help and advice.

Good luck with your plans and your retirement
 
Thanks everybody! I may well talk to the people suggested. I have actually had a bit of experience of both sailing and motoring and the most fundamental problem is Gin Palace v Motor Sailer (sail boats are, I suspect, no cheaper even allowing for the cost of diesel). I love the idea of sails and for any distance you actually need them. But on the other hand I love the idea of twin engines, nice WC and shower, double bed, bowthrusters, airconditioning, etc etc

I think some brutal questions would probably force me into what is the right route but I am not sure I can do that myself - a few quid spent on advice would probably do the trick. This is almost like a man trying to decide between a motorbike and a car ...
 
Exactly, and what you want is unbiased advice. Both Martin and Tom (they are friends!) will give you just that. With a vast experience of discovering just what people really want, not always what you think it is(!), they have helped many of our friends and acquaintances to come to a decision that, to my knowlege, has done away with any buyers remorse.
..well maybe most of it!

I am a great believer in taking advice from anyone with more experience than me, learning from somebody else's mistakes is always a cheaper option!

Good luck!

www.gerryantics.blogspot.com
 
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I love the idea of sails and for any distance you actually need them. But on the other hand I love the idea of twin engines, nice WC and shower, double bed, bowthrusters, airconditioning, etc etc

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I know somebody is going to disagree, but if that description does not fit a catamaran, I dont know what does.
 
I found Nigel Calder's Technical and Cruising Manual invaluable in deciding type of boat and desirable systems on board. It is also a fount of other useful info for any boat owner /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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... if that description does not fit a catamaran, I don't know what does.

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Somebody I spoke to this afternoon who is a real sailor tells me I am too old and decrepit (64 y/o, only one working arm, damaged hip) to handle sails. Would a cat be easier?
 
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Somebody I spoke to this afternoon who is a real sailor tells me I am too old and decrepit (64 y/o, only one working arm, damaged hip) to handle sails. Would a cat be easier?

[/ QUOTE ]Absolutely! Cats are no problem at all to handle. An occasional stroke, maybe a saucer of milk...
 
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... if that description does not fit a catamaran, I don't know what does.

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Somebody I spoke to this afternoon who is a real sailor tells me I am too old and decrepit (64 y/o, only one working arm, damaged hip) to handle sails. Would a cat be easier?

[/ QUOTE ]Cat is a lot easier to move around in because life is on the level. real decision is normally about what boat is best in a harbour, and a cat might be more expensive alongside, but it is much more comfortable at anchor, you also have better view of the outside from the saloon than either mobos or sailing boats. Only one working arm and damaged hip would suggest a boat modified with electric self tailing winches. Modern cats have 2 engines, and some of them even have electric drives that are charged by solar, self-generation when sailing, or a generator (needed for the air con anyway!) Plus a cat has much more space for solar panels.

From the sound of it you are in somewhat better nick than tristan jones, and he found that a multihull was a lot easier - although he did go for a tri-maran - faster, but not so much space.
Dont take my word for it, have a look at a privelidge (sp) or broadblue and try a charter holiday in one.
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
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Absolutely! Cats are no problem at all to handle. An occasional stroke, maybe a saucer of milk...

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Amusing, I'll grant you, but not terribly helpful! Any general observations on the handling of catamarans by the elderly and infirm?
 
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