Moving to the dark side

[Stemar]

Can recommend to P33.Loads around and prices for decent one not outrageous.
For gods sake if you want to stay sane and solvent stay away from outdrive versions.

My gut feeling is that outdrives on any boat are likely to be problematic once they attain the level of "maturity" imposed by my budget, which is why I'd rather have shafts.

You might consider going Dutch for the type of craft your after.
http://www.marktplaats.nl/z/watersport-en-boten/motorboten-en-motorjachten.html?categoryId=989 is an e-bay like site for the Netherlands only, so mostly private sales with deals to be had.
Most Dutch will understand English, so no problems there.
As the pound is doing very well against the Euro you might be able to find something that suites your budget.

Thanks for the link. A few tasty boats there. I think that if I was ready to buy I'd be booking a ticket to look at this one in particular: https://www.yachtfocus.com/gebruikt...kelaardij-friesland/93855/pedro-950-gsak.html

OK, She's steel, with attendant risks of corrosion but, with a good survey, why wouldn't she be perfect for a retired couple who don't mind cruising at 5-6 knots?

 

[newWave]

Glad the link was usefull, let me know if you need some translation.
If it is no longer owned by a private person, but by the "Schepenkring Jachtmakelaardij Friesland", make sure it is being sold under the HISWA rules/warranties as this will offer some protection and some warranties.

Unfortunately it's a three hour drive from where I am and I am not scheduled to head that way the next couple of weeks.

 

[Stemar]

No point in looking closer at the boat, as I won't be in a position to punish the plastic for at least 6 months - just an attack of the "I want it all and I want it now" lurgy!

For now, it's just a case of fact finding, looking around and seeing what's out there - internet tyre kicking, which does at least have the advantage that I'm not wasting anyone's time!