I think I want the impossible......

[Bluemac]

I have recently returned from a fantastic three week holiday on a friend's catamaran in on the Aegean and Ionian seas. The spaciousness and comfort of the vessel was superb and (thankfully) we didn't use the flappy things very much at all. But I was amazed how frugal the two 40hp Volvos were when driving us along at a graceful 6.5knots just sipping fuel with barely any noise. Unfortunately it got me thinking 'am I really happy with my Merry Fisher 805 based on the south coast and just used for local fishing trips?'

My wife and I have previously had Sealine 36ft and 34ft cruisers and had some good cruising holidays, but we eventually downsized to the MF 805 when SWMBO's enthusiasm began to wane upon taking up beekeeping! But now I've got the itch again and am dreaming of taking a boat to the Med (and ultimately to Greece?) via the French canals. But I will need a comfortable and ECONOMICAL vessel - now that I have been spoiled. I am thinking up to 35feet, twin engines, good sea keeping, 4/6 berths. I am now happy to trundle along at 6 or 7 knots but must have good mpg. Oh and I'm afraid the budget is now circa £60,000 since I have spent all the cash from our last downsize! I have been looking online at the likes of Corvette 32, Aquastar 33, and maybe Princess 35, but I am not sure how many litres per hour they might consume at say 6kts.

Anyone any ideas please, or is this just a fantasy........

 

[CLB]

My 2 cents worth would be: Forget buying a boat like a Princess 35. If you want a slow economical boat for the inland waterways, buy one that was designed for the job. IN fact, why bother with two engines? Something steel with a single engine would be perfect would it not?

 

[Whitelighter]

Ok, so this rules out the canal route BUT

You did like the ragie cat

http://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1051996/?searchid=8460833&page=1

 

[Bluemac]

That's a good shout whitelighter, funnily enough it is a Fontaine Pajot 42 footer that our friends have. Unfortunately I'm not in a position yet to move forward on this. I am amazed though that a 2007 vessel is available for that asking price.

 

[Bluemac]

Thanks for the input CLB but the canal part is really just a means to an end, just to get to the Med. Hence the need for a sea going boat.

 

[SLC]

That's a good shout whitelighter, funnily enough it is a Fontaine Pajot 42 footer that our friends have. Unfortunately I'm not in a position yet to move forward on this. I am amazed though that a 2007 vessel is available for that asking price.

Especially as the same boats and vintage seem to be roughly £50k more expensive.