Rusty1
New Member
I really would appreciate some good advice from the experienced among us.
I want to buy a motor cruiser. I'm trying to go about it the right way - be sensible, do the research, think it through etc, etc. The trouble is, the more I look into it, the more difficult I'm finding it to narrow the choices down to a viable shortlist.
I can give you some parameters to go on:
I intend to live aboard full-time, so the boat will have to be substantial and well-equipped enough to permit this comfortably. I had in mind something around 35 -45 feet.
Initially, I will be based at an inland marina due to work reasons, but there will be some sea-going passages as well as the inland waterways and more extensive offshore cruising at a later date (Channel Islands, France, Scillies, West of Scotland, etc). Consequently I will need sensible fuel economy and decent seakeeping, so I'm looking at displacement or semi-displacement hulls. Ideally, would prefer a maximum draft of around 3ft3" to avoid restriction when inland etc.
I will be sailing single-handed or short-handed. I can see the advantages in twin diesels for reliability and a single diesel for economy???
Any helpful suggestions on the better models/makes that I should be looking at (and particularly, NOT looking at) would be very welcome.
Thanks.
Rusty1
I want to buy a motor cruiser. I'm trying to go about it the right way - be sensible, do the research, think it through etc, etc. The trouble is, the more I look into it, the more difficult I'm finding it to narrow the choices down to a viable shortlist.
I can give you some parameters to go on:
I intend to live aboard full-time, so the boat will have to be substantial and well-equipped enough to permit this comfortably. I had in mind something around 35 -45 feet.
Initially, I will be based at an inland marina due to work reasons, but there will be some sea-going passages as well as the inland waterways and more extensive offshore cruising at a later date (Channel Islands, France, Scillies, West of Scotland, etc). Consequently I will need sensible fuel economy and decent seakeeping, so I'm looking at displacement or semi-displacement hulls. Ideally, would prefer a maximum draft of around 3ft3" to avoid restriction when inland etc.
I will be sailing single-handed or short-handed. I can see the advantages in twin diesels for reliability and a single diesel for economy???
Any helpful suggestions on the better models/makes that I should be looking at (and particularly, NOT looking at) would be very welcome.
Thanks.
Rusty1
). Sensibly specced, they make great liveabords with loads of space (mainly achieved 'cos they're single engined) yet airdraft is compatible with most european waterways through the use of the hydraulicly lowering radar arch. Good heating system for our climate, and very nice sea boats. Economical, but do have the grunt for faster passages if needed (albeit not as fast as the typical planing boat of course).