Ideas for Boat purchase

[onleyb]

Hi,

reluctantly I have agreed to go for a larger motor cruiser over a sailing yacht but am wondering if anybody can give me some ideas for a boat that meets the following criteria.
1. Preferably diesel. preferably twn
2. Twin screw shaft rather than out drives
3. 4 berths but large cockpit for friends family etc
4. Sports cruiser type rather but with full size cooker and decent stowage.

I know this sounds a lot to ask but the modern "gin palaces" seem to have basic cooking facilities and no stowage. Also my budget of roughly 30k seems to be a hinderance so realise the boat I end up with will probably be pre 1990's. Also is it worth taking a special trip from Norfolk to the south coast as more potential to meet the criteria?

Cheers Bob

 

[jfm]

1-3 will be possible in your budget but not 4. No sub 30k boat will have a wow-wee kitchen. But, fairly easy to rip out the standard kitchen and fit whatever appliances you want.

Um, but surprised that you think a trip to S Coast from Norfolk is "special". You will almost cetainly have to look that far afield to get the best boat for your money. Alistairr found some excellent princess 33s and similar that would match your criteria, in places like Italy, La Rochelle, etc

 

[Chris_d]

Think you will be struggling to find shafts in a sports crusier unless you go for something much older and less sporty, how about these, 30K should just buy twin diesel versions;

Sealine 285
Fairline Targa 27
Falcon 27

 

[steverow]

Regrettably, that will put you into the late 70's or very early eighties in that price bracket.
There should be a lot to choose from in the cabin variety, but less in the sportscruisers market, particularly with shafts.
If you opt for outdrives then that opens up the market a bit.
Have a look at www.essexboatyards.com they might have something suitable.

Steve.

 

[hlb]

You will need to search far and wide for such a craft. But it is amaising what you can cook on a two burner stove, with a bit of inginuity!!

 

[trev]

Your criteria will be hard to meet, especially the sports cruiser with shafts bit.
I gather you are not absolutely hidebound on this and suggest:
Fairline Mirage, Profile 33, Fairline Targa 27, Freeman 32, Ocean 30, Moonraker Softrider, Sealine 285.
The 30k budget is the biggest drawback which really limits you to mid-seventies/mid eighties vessels.
Suggest you buy all the mags and have a good browse, but you need to seriously consider what you want the boat to do in both accommodation and cruising ability.

 

[whisper]

Welcome to the forum.
Why the reluctance to go to a motor boat. Do you really want to spend £30k on something that you may well not like ? It will probably be you that spends most time on the water anyway. Wives and children often tend to "wander" off and become disinterested in boating.

 

[apollo]

Princess 33 Mk1

 

[DAKA]

Try not to get too hung up with shaft drive, might not be the best option on a small boat.
Example
10 meter Corniche with twin 200 hp cruises 4 knots faster with legs and uses less fuel.

 

[danielbroad]

Yes, I can get my twin 200 outdrive Corniche up to 33 knots on a good day. The shaft drive versions are no where near that quick and use a whole lot more fuel.

If you cruise a lot the fuel savings will make a big contribution to the outdrive maintenance costs, and if we lose red diesel it will be cheaper to have outdrives.