Is now the time to buy?

[gibbowolfie]

Last year I decided to sell my RIB, save a bit of money and buy a motor cruiser for the 2007 season. Short listed was a used Aquador 23HT, used Finnmaster 7050 or a new Finnmaster cruiser somwhere further down than a 7050. After seeing the Flipper 705 I sort of added that too.

All of these are diesel powered. With the situation as it is I'm not uncertain whether now is the right time or if Petrol/LPG might be a better option for the future.

I've read a fair bit about the subject but most editorial seems to be targetted at current owners rather than what's going to be bnetter if you are making a purchase. It's a slightly different issue.

Looking at it another way can I use the situation to my advantage in getting a good deal as the unfortunate part with thier pride and joy?

I certainly need a boat for next season so I could end up with either another small RIB or another fun dayboat and consider the situation again next year but that could end up being costly to me.

Any thoughts?

Thanks Steve.

 

[Nautorius]

Hi Steve,

This year I decided to plunge into the Scandanavian Hard top market and bought a 2003 Aquador 23HT with a single Kad32. We love it and the economy is amazing. The package is great and we are going to SIBS to upgrade on Thursday. Why? well we got the Aquador after moving away from family and not seeing them much. When we bought it they all started coming down again. It is a great dayboat for entertaining but a bit cramped for 4+ people to sleep on. If you are in the Thames region you I am happy to let you nose around mine, or feel free to ask any other info as I highly recomend the move,

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Even if diesel was the same price as petrol, it would still be the better option for economy, safety and availability reasons but even so red diesel will still be around for a few months or years even if the derogation goes. IMHO, if red diesel does go, there may be some owners looking to sell out but I dont think it will dramatically affect used diesel boat values because diesel will still have advantages over petrol
The best time to buy a boat is Nov/Dec time when the market is flat and some sellers are getting desperate to sell. The same goes for dealers who may be keen to sell existing stock boats before they have to pay for next years stock

 

[gibbowolfie]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi Steve,

If you are in the Thames region you I am happy to let you nose around mine, or feel free to ask any other info as I highly recomend the move,


[/ QUOTE ]

Paul,

Thanks for info. Majority of use would be two up, but I might let friends join us if they contribute towards fuel;-)

I happen to be based at Royal Docks in East London where are you? I would indeed welcome the chance to visit, if nothing more than to have a chat about your views on the 23HT. I'd be interested in the fuel economy and cruising speeds you were getting.

Off to the SIBS tomorrow to look at my options although there don't seem to be that many 23ft model at the show. ho hum.

Did you look at any other Scandanavian HTs?

Oh last question what are you upgrading to?

Steve.

 

[gibbowolfie]

[ QUOTE ]
Even if diesel was the same price as petrol, it would still be the better option for economy, safety and availability reasons ...

[/ QUOTE ]

Quite. £ for £ petrol vs no red D would be in the same ball park but fuel economy should be still better I hope.

[ QUOTE ]
The best time to buy a boat is Nov/Dec time when the market is flat and some sellers are getting desperate to sell. The same goes for dealers who may be keen to sell existing stock boats before they have to pay for next years stock

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for that. You think I can wait until Nov/Dec after no boat for 12 months?;-) lol Yes I imagined the slack period might reap the best deals.

 

[Nautorius]

Hi Steve, happy to help

Feel free to PM me, I am based in West London for work so can pop in to town for a beer to update you. I did all the Scandanavian stands and liked the Flipper 705 (first production boat) and a scaled down 23HT. Also looked at the new Yamarin range (Yamaha) all built in Scandanavia and very nice as were them all. The Aquadors have the 25WAE, 26HT,28c and 32C on Display.

all in all a good show for that size of boat...but vthese Scananavians know how to charge,

As for economy, 45hrs of mixed coastal and river use cost £75 to replenish the diesel......yep it is as cheap as chips to run and the new Volvo D3 even cheaper. Since June when I got her I have done 60hrs of fault free motoring!

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[cowbridge]

Petrol V Diesel -- watch a can of petrol burn, see how easily it egnites, think how damp effects car engines, there is only on choice Diesel. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[gjgm]

not for those reasons... but I d guess single engined diesels are going to become very popular if red diesels goes.