Merry Fisher 530

Boomshanka

Boomshanka

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Eeekkk, trying to duck in here without the other lot noticing... Anyone know of any major things to look out for in a MF530 (I can't find any online reviews)?

I'm after something cheap to buy and run, days out with the kids for a bit of fishing/pottering in Solent, maybe runs over as far as Poole/Brighton weather depending, possible for one or two to rough it for a night, shelter if it starts to lash down (and also extend the season).

What's not to like on a MF530?... any experiences/thoughts most welcome before I part with the hard-earned
 
Boomshanka said:
Eeekkk, trying to duck in here without the other lot noticing... Anyone know of any major things to look out for in a MF530 (I can't find any online reviews)?

I'm after something cheap to buy and run, days out with the kids for a bit of fishing/pottering in Solent, maybe runs over as far as Poole/Brighton weather depending, possible for one or two to rough it for a night, shelter if it starts to lash down (and also extend the season).

What's not to like on a MF530?... any experiences/thoughts most welcome before I part with the hard-earned
Click to expand...

Hi Boomshanka, Have not had a 530, but did have a 625. That was a great little boat. Engine is the most important thing, try and get a Suzuki 4 stroke, on a 530 I guess a 60 or 70hp would be good... not sure what they are rated to. I didn't think a 530 had room for roughing it, seats aren't long enough but maybe wrong. Good sea boats but short hulls can get out there depth especially coming round Calshot with prevailing South Westerlies... basic boats with not much to go wrong... Suzuki engines also very economical... well my DF90 was anyhow. Try and get one with full canopies (if that is possible on a 530?) will give you greater all year round usability.
 
Good little boat that will do all you ask of her.
The cuddy is just about big enough for crashing out in. A bit like sleeping in a dome tent, but just doable if you don't mind camping.

I sold them for 8 years and have a little love affair with all the Merry Fishers. I own a 695 myself.
They are rather basic and have a few compromises, but for value, sea keeping and good steady performance there is little to beat them.

The 580 may give a fraction more room for very little more investment if you can find one.

The 585 will be a baby cruiser if your budget will stretch that far.

The 625 will extend the whole concept to a new level.

The 530 came as standard with a 50Hp Suzuki 4 stroke. This is OK, but won't provide higher performance. It will top out at +/- 20 knots, but may struggle a bit if you have the whole family, dog, picnic basket and fishing kit onboard.
The hull is rated to 70Hp and with the 70 she becomes a little speed boat hitting very close to 30 knots and having lively hole shots too.

The 580 and 585 came as standard with a 70Hp which gives in the region of 24 to 26 knots at WOT, but will also suffer a little once the guest list goes beyond 3.
Stick a 90Hp on there and she then acts like a scolded cat.

The 625 started life with either a 70Hp or a 90Hp when launched in 2003, but in about 2004 they started producing them with the 115Hp Suzuki 4 stroke for just £1,200 more and this took the boat to proper performances with the 90Hp struggling a little when loaded and being a bit juicy when cruising. The 115Hp crusies beautifully at 4000 rpm for about 20 or 22 knots and tops out at about 30knots.

Good luck hunting, you'll have a big smile on your face and feel nice and safe whatever Merry Fisher you go for (except the 480 which was horrible!).

Tom
 
Many thanks for your replies... just put a deposit on a MF585... can't wait to get behind the wheel... it'll be a big change not having to worry about wind direction or zig-zag my way from A to B :cool:
 
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