Ideal First Boat (Part 2)

[gr1mb0]

Thanks to Duncan, jhr, hlb and others for their thoughts on my ideal first boat. Sounds like I'm on the right lines -- though interestingly, no-one had a specific view on my favoured Draco Crystal (or its Windy and Scand siblings).

I like the Searay 215/225, but I've seen one or two and thought I'd be struggling to get 8 in the cockpit... maybe there were other optional seating arrangements -- I'll keep looking.

Also like the smaller (and given my budget, necessarily older) Sealines -- again though, I'm struggling to find one with a large enough cockpit -- looks like this may end up being the point on which to compromise.

I'll take a look at a couple of smaller Cranchis too.....

I'm still thinking I'll get best value with an 'up together' older boat -- but heeding hlb's warning re: maintenance costs "unless I get a good'un" -- can anyone recommend a good marine surveyor (do I need an engineer too?) in the Poole area?

Then its just mooring/stacking, insurance, Seastart, lifejackets, flares, VHF, wet weather clothing, ringoes... etc. etc. and I'm away )

...and finally, thanks to Artie for the tip on prevaricating -- waiting for the ideal boat risks the family being too old to enjoy it when you find it!!


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[oldgit]

Re:Ahem......

Just a tiny note of caution.Would need to consider very carefully any trip I made with 8 souls on board.My boat is 33 feet long and weighs 5 tons.
Might consider it with 8 experienced forum posters who are well aware of possible probs,and only then if they have signed notes from their SHMBO./forums/images/icons/laugh.gif
Sure you will have buckets loads of fun with new hobby.

<hr width=100% size=1>If it aint broke fix it till it is.

 

[duncan]

Re:Ahem......

I can never get a signed note from swmbo to go boating so that lets me out but, with 8 forumites you also need to allow for beer, food etc they bring being such friendly souls!
I agree 8's too many for hanging around the cockpit in a boat that size (and even a bit bigger).

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[gr1mb0]

Re:Ahem......

Most likely to be fewer on most trips (e.g. 2 dads and 4 sons!)... but I was hoping that for a pootle around the harbour, we might be able to get two families on board, drop the anchor and have a picnic (nothing too challenging - or am I being very naive?).

But family safety is paramount, so I'll be getting plenty of practice before taking anyone out (and that's after the RYA powerboating course)... and everyone will be wearing flotation jackets (I understand crotch straps are de rigeur!).

Thanks for the heads-up though... perhaps my compromise on cockpit size may have a silver lining.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[gonfishing]

Good luck with the search!!
As for the Draco there is one moored a couple of boats away from me that is up for sale, Pm Me if interested and I will get the details for you, seems like a good boat with a reasonable cockpit area, but definately very thirsty!!! An engineers survey will not really tell you much more than the hull survey, so I would be inclined to save that money and hire an infra red heat sensor/ thermometer, or find a good Mechanic that has one in his tool box, then you can monitor each part of the the engine as it warms up and it will highlight hot spots,you can even tell when the thermostat is opening!!! individual cylinder temp etc Ideal to give some indication of exhaust riser temp (thinner the wall the higher the temp),and a sign of wear/ corrosion, this will definately be a piece of equipment I will have when I check out my next boat!!!!!!!!!


Regards
Julian

<hr width=100% size=1>