Looking for first (in a long time!) boat. Advice please. :)

Sealine S23. Go for diesel if you can get one in your budget.
I’d definitely like to go for one of those. Not found anything for sale in budget though…of course, if anyone knows of one for sale around 25k, even stretch to 30k, let me know! Everything diesel of that class seems to be way out of budget or just not available. There doesn’t seem to be much around at the moment!
 
That does look good indeed! Twins would almost definitely blow the maintenance budget Though!
All of these GM petrol engines are dirt cheap to maintain Marcus. Honestly so cheap to service. But with older carb twins like those…you’ll need a few Bob to run them for sure. I’d think these days and with a decent budget like yours…if you were to consider anything petrol powered…it had to be mpi/gxi engines for sure.
 
All of these GM petrol engines are dirt cheap to maintain Marcus. Honestly so cheap to service. But with older carb twins like those…you’ll need a few Bob to run them for sure. I’d think these days and with a decent budget like yours…if you were to consider anything petrol powered…it had to be mpi/gxi engines for sure.
Hi QBhoy. Maybe I need to redo my research. I seem to remember looking a few months back and concluding that servicing would be around 1k/year if I average out an annual engine service and an out drive service every 2 years (Per engine). At that price, I can cope with one engine. The thought of 2k/year starts to make me cringe a little. My problem is that I’m so new to all of this, I really don’t know what I’m looking at. My head‘s in somewhat of a spin!
Thanks for the info
 
Hi QBhoy. Maybe I need to redo my research. I seem to remember looking a few months back and concluding that servicing would be around 1k/year if I average out an annual engine service and an out drive service every 2 years (Per engine). At that price, I can cope with one engine. The thought of 2k/year starts to make me cringe a little. My problem is that I’m so new to all of this, I really don’t know what I’m looking at. My head‘s in somewhat of a spin!
Thanks for the info
Hi Marcus. It would depend if you get a dealer to do it or not. But you’d be nothing anywhere near that for one of these otherwise. Even with a dealer. Nothing close. I’ve an mpi V8 mercruiser in one of my boats. Even using OEM parts and oil etc…for an annual service, most years you would not spend any more than £100-150 on consumables. If your in the salt and doing things by the book. You’d be about £500/600 for manifolds every 4/5 years to make sure (but these are safe risers on the mpi anyway…so when they go, they don’t usually damage anything). Every few years you’d be about £80 for spark plugs. They are iridium spec. But last a good few years at least easy. Impeller, bellows etc every 4/5 years (perhaps less for impeller) would be about £150-200 at most.
I could send you actual accurate numbers from my service file if you need exact details…but pennies to maintain and so easy to do yourself too. Once you’ve done it once…you’d never pay for anyone to do it thereafter. So easy with basic ability and tooling. Distributor cap is the only thing that really bothers these things. They need done every couple of years to keep reliable. They gather moisture and can cause bother. Other than that. Amazing things. So powerful and frugal for what they are. Also can be monitored fully with a wee gadget on your phone that works via Bluetooth. All data etc. Wee picture below of mine cruising. Be using about 17/18 litres an hour at that and no more for sure.
 

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Hi Marcus. It would depend if you get a dealer to do it or not. But you’d be nothing anywhere near that for one of these otherwise. Even with a dealer. Nothing close. I’ve an mpi V8 mercruiser in one of my boats. Even using OEM parts and oil etc…for an annual service, most years you would not spend any more than £100-150 on consumables. If your in the salt and doing things by the book. You’d be about £500/600 for manifolds every 4/5 years to make sure (but these are safe risers on the mpi anyway…so when they go, they don’t usually damage anything). Every few years you’d be about £80 for spark plugs. They are iridium spec. But last a good few years at least easy. Impeller, bellows etc every 4/5 years (perhaps less for impeller) would be about £150-200 at most.
I could send you actual accurate numbers from my service file if you need exact details…but pennies to maintain and so easy to do yourself too. Once you’ve done it once…you’d never pay for anyone to do it thereafter. So easy with basic ability and tooling. Distributor cap is the only thing that really bothers these things. They need done every couple of years to keep reliable. They gather moisture and can cause bother. Other than that. Amazing things. So powerful and frugal for what they are. Also can be monitored fully with a wee gadget on your phone that works via Bluetooth. All data etc.
Hi QBhoy. Thanks again for the info. My previous estimates that led me my 1k conclusion were from one of the Marine service yards associated with Weymouth marina (where I currently plan to keep the boat). To be honest, I can remember the exact figures they quoted, so may need to revisit them. I may be getting confused/scared with all the pound signs that I keep seeing!!
One issue I do have is that I’ve nowhere to store a boat in order to carry out annual maintenance myself. The plan was (maybe I’ll rethink) to keep the boat at Weymouth marina full time, getting it taken out of the water at the end of the season to have maintenance carried out (everything; engines, outdrives, anti fouling etc) and put back into the water once completed (Possibly storing at the yard for a couple of months before going back in the water).
If you happen to have listed maintenance costs already available, I’d certainly be interested to see a copy, but wouldn’t want you to go out of your way.
I like the sound of the Bluetooth gadget, especially if it can give live fuel burn rates!
Thanks again.
 
Look up SKIBSPLAST 700D. I had one and it was a brilliant boat, The Yanmar 130 diesel engine would push it to 28 knots. At tickover it would do around 4knots, runs all day on cheap red diesel. It used so little diesel that I started putting white diesel in it. Its shaft drive with a big 4 blade propeller, some have a smaller engine with a smaller 3 blade propeller.
Quality construction from Norway. Quite lite to tow on a trailer. Having Trim Tabs helps with adjusting spped on the plane.
You have to b careful with Service History. To change the water pump impeller is a time consuming job and the one I bought had not had the impeller changed in 10 years.
Wish I had it now.
 
Look up SKIBSPLAST 700D. I had one and it was a brilliant boat, The Yanmar 130 diesel engine would push it to 28 knots. At tickover it would do around 4knots, runs all day on cheap red diesel. It used so little diesel that I started putting white diesel in it. Its shaft drive with a big 4 blade propeller, some have a smaller engine with a smaller 3 blade propeller.
Quality construction from Norway. Quite lite to tow on a trailer. Having Trim Tabs helps with adjusting spped on the plane.
You have to b careful with Service History. To change the water pump impeller is a time consuming job and the one I bought had not had the impeller changed in 10 years.
Wish I had it now.
Hi Jim. Can’t say I’ve heard of those before. Just had a quick Google search and they do look quite nice. I’ve certainly not stumbled across one for sale in my searches. I’ll keep a look out!
Thanks
 
Sunseeker San Remo 33 Used Boat for Sale 1986

We started out in a similar position and looked at a San Remo 33 which is a cracking boat. This one looks too cheap, there is no indication on the ad as to why, it looks like it could use some sympathetic updating but if that is all then bargain!
Hi Nito. Definitely a nice looking boat. Probably a little too much of a stretch for the budget, particularly at its size and having twin diesels. With berthing costs being as astronomical as they are, I’ve been trying not to exceed 8m!
 
I’d definitely like to go for one of those. Not found anything for sale in budget though…of course, if anyone knows of one for sale around 25k, even stretch to 30k, let me know! Everything diesel of that class seems to be way out of budget or just not available. There doesn’t seem to be much around at the moment!
I've been keeping an eye on the market for sometime, for the right boat to upgrade to.

I'm pretty sure S23s with diesel were in the £30ks before the covid hike in prices, so I think you would be hard pressed to find one in your budget now I'm afraid.
I saw a S25 is available, but that is 42k
Southampton Waters have a Sealine 270S, older model of sealine with the great AD41 diesel engine for £29k. Loks like it might need a bit of TLC.
 
I've been keeping an eye on the market for sometime, for the right boat to upgrade to.

I'm pretty sure S23s with diesel were in the £30ks before the covid hike in prices, so I think you would be hard pressed to find one in your budget now I'm afraid.
I saw a S25 is available, but that is 42k
Southampton Waters have a Sealine 270S, older model of sealine with the great AD41 diesel engine for £29k. Loks like it might need a bit of TLC.
Hi Chillee. I’ve a feeling I’ve seen that 270S. Whilst there’s a chance I could stretch the budget that far for the right boat, that’s really top whack and wouldn’t have anything left for any TLC!
 
How many beds do you need. 4 or would 2 be ok ?
4 Would definitely be a plus but may consider just 2. Really depends on the boat. Appreciating there are always compromises, and of course there are lots of wish list features, but I’ll consider anything with space for min 5 without being too on top of each other, separate heads compartment, some lounging space and ”turnkey ready” (although obviously don’t mind a boat that comes in a few grand under budget that needs a few grands worth of quick fix item!)
Sleeping for 4 is fairly high up the wish list, but then again so are things like bow thruster, windlass etc etc and my Budget is not exactly a big one!!
 
as others have said, I think you will struggle to get a diesel in your price bracket. But one might pop up.
There is an Sealine s24 I see also up for sale on yachtmarket, a bit above your budget , but looks again like it needs some TLC.

I've got a Hardy Seawings 254 - 25ft. Great boat, with a single 150HP diesel.

These would likely come in around your budget, but don't come up very often, and might be a bit underpowered with 5 people unless some are lightweight.
 
as others have said, I think you will struggle to get a diesel in your price bracket. But one might pop up.
There is an Sealine s24 I see also up for sale on yachtmarket, a bit above your budget , but looks again like it needs some TLC.

I've got a Hardy Seawings 254 - 25ft. Great boat, with a single 150HP diesel.

These would likely come in around your budget, but don't come up very often, and might be a bit underpowered with 5 people unless some are lightweight.
Hi Chillee,
Thanks for the info. Just had a very quick internet search and couldn’t see any available at the moment. There is one 277 for sale that is advertised for 29,999 which may be worth a look if still available, particularly if offers are considered!
I’ll keep my eyes open!
 
Hi Chillee,
Thanks for the info. Just had a very quick internet search and couldn’t see any available at the moment. There is one 277 for sale that is advertised for 29,999 which may be worth a look if still available, particularly if offers are considered!
I’ll keep my eyes open!
277 would be better for 5 of you too. Well built boats, and a great hull.
 
Not a fast boat but what about a Seaward 23 or similar? I believe the rear seat could convert to a bed giving four berths.
I agree, get you home in most weather without all your fillings dropping out. Top speed of around 20 knots, and not too costly on fuel.
Judging by this video Tom Cunliffe either owns one, or has use of one.
 
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