Is there a boat that fits the bill......

[LadyJ]

Here is the situation, I'm currently in full time employment but in the next 4 years plan on shifting into a flexible arrangement that will allow me to boat on a more regular and extended period.
Here is the plan. I'm based on the West Coast of Scotland and looking for a boat I can-
* Handle Single Handed
* Live in for a period of Weeks (I don't need acres of space at all)
* Mainly have myself and wife on board but the odd guest couple
* Spend time going round the UK and Ireland but also have the ability to head down to France/Spain when time allows
* Be fast enough to get out of trouble (mid 20 knots) but frugal enough not to break the bank
* Have a flybridge and place for a decent tender (that I can put a c. 10hp outboard on)
* Be able to maintain either by myself or in most locations without expensive parts

I don't have a lot of cash so c. £150k but higher or lower works for the right boat.

Not sure the perfect boat exists but thoughts on the above appreciated.

 

[kashurst]

how about a sealine F43. should be quite a few around at around 120K. Lots have volvo 63P engines which is a very good engine and easy to DIY service. It has an aft cabin with separate shower and loo, which is great for living on long term and very quiet. A UK spec boat will be relatively simple in all other respects. Alternatively a Fairline Phantom 43. Master cabin is in the bow but engine access (volvo 74P )is very good.

 

[LadyJ]

how about a sealine F43. should be quite a few around at around 120K. Lots have volvo 63P engines which is a very good engine and easy to DIY service. It has an aft cabin with separate shower and loo, which is great for living on long term and very quiet. A UK spec boat will be relatively simple in all other respects. Alternatively a Fairline Phantom 43. Master cabin is in the bow but engine access (volvo 74P )is very good.

Thanks and I lovely boat with good accomodation. I suspect my first concern would be single handing without a side door, any experience?

 

[Richard.C]

A Beneteau Swift 42 maybe?

Doesn't have the accommodation of conventional flybridges but has a side door and tender goes up on aft end of flybridge so is out of the way.

 

[Whitelighter]

Thanks and I lovely boat with good accomodation. I suspect my first concern would be single handing without a side door, any experience?

To be honest you'll find when single handing you'll want to be on the flybridge anyway for better visibility/situational awareness. I rigged mid ships line both sides is all you need to get on a pontoon from there.

In answer to your original question, there are dozens of boats that meet your basic criteria, so you need to be more specific:

Do you mind guests in the saloon, or should they have their own cabin?
If a cabin, are two singles fine, or even bunk beds?
What do you consider adequate tender storage? Some are happy with snap davits on the stern and the motor in the locker, others want the fully rigged tender on the flybridge with a crane to deploy.
When you say 'head down to france/spain' do you mean through the canals (draft, air draft issues) or do you mean via Biscay? Or do you just mean on a ship but suitable for med use (A/C, Passerelle etc)?

My immediate thought was a Swift trawler - the 34 would be very new or an older 42. Another boat which might suit is the Nimbus 370/380 Commander. But again, there are dozens more and people will keep offering their preferences without any further info from you

 

[LadyJ]

To be honest you'll find when single handing you'll want to be on the flybridge anyway for better visibility/situational awareness. I rigged mid ships line both sides is all you need to get on a pontoon from there.

In answer to your original question, there are dozens of boats that meet your basic criteria, so you need to be more specific:

Do you mind guests in the saloon, or should they have their own cabin?
If a cabin, are two singles fine, or even bunk beds?
What do you consider adequate tender storage? Some are happy with snap davits on the stern and the motor in the locker, others want the fully rigged tender on the flybridge with a crane to deploy.
When you say 'head down to france/spain' do you mean through the canals (draft, air draft issues) or do you mean via Biscay? Or do you just mean on a ship but suitable for med use (A/C, Passerelle etc)?

My immediate thought was a Swift trawler - the 34 would be very new or an older 42. Another boat which might suit is the Nimbus 370/380 Commander. But again, there are dozens more and people will keep offering their preferences without any further info from you

Appreciate the thoughts and challenge.
To give more information I will solo cruise for c. 40% of the time with the next 40% with my wife on board the remaining time will be either my two children (late teens early 20s by the time this happens) or another couple and would want them to have a cabin but singles or bunks are ok. For the odd occasion we have two couples I'd live with using the salon area for a double bed but not ideal for more than night or so.
Air draft is less of an issue as the preferred route to sunnier places would be via the Bay of Biscay so seaworthiness more of a consideration than overal height. That said the 'Spain' scenario would be a month out of 12 and the rest of the 11 month would be UK and predominately Scotland/Ireland with the weather that comes with it so a/c not an absolute requirement but a good downstairs helm more of a need as weather may force you off the flybridge.
My thought on the tender is to have one that is always ready even with outboard on it so either a crane from the flybridge or off the stern rather than davits. Storage for bikes etc in lazarrette would be something I'd want.

The Swift Trawlers are of interest but didn't want to default to them if Corvette or more traditional flybridge had benefits I'd not concidered. I also was unsure if the ST34 with the single engine and overal size would be good for the Bay of Biscay or the changeable Hebrides / Pentland Firth type waters? Also was hoping for views on semi displacement or planing for expended cruising from a comfort/economic perspective.

As I mentioned I would lean to the Swift Trawlers but perhaps only because they are popular in my marina so am I being unfairly biased, I also prob prefer the look of the more traditional Sealine F43 types but would the Corvette/Swift Trawler actually be a better sea boat for what I need on expended cruising and with the convenience of the side door.

Lastly on a budget would a newer ST34 be strongly better than a 10/15 year old Sealine or Fairline type marque...

I accept that I prob want too much from one style of boat but keen to glean from experience on the forum to narrow the list.

 

[Machaseo]

Hi,
I single hand quite often on a 2001 Princess 38.
Single handing doesnt need to be difficult, Its all about preparing for the next manouvre.
I have an auto pilot which helps when rigging / stowing lines and fenders and a remote control for the bowthruster.
I work from the flybridge when berthing, put the boat alongside, step off the swim platform with the stern line and make fast, controlling the bow with the remote control then secure the bow / spring lines, no dramas.
I,ve been through the Crinan canal a few times single handed without any issues.
My boat has the 63p engines which I have found to be very reliable and provide more than enough power.
Its also,for sale at the moment and spot on your budget.
Regards
Barry
In