My Dad wants a boat!

[robmatheson]

Hello. My Dad (now in his mid seventies) has decided he's going to do what he's always wanted and buy a boat. My problem is - he has absolutely no experience. He wants a four-berth minimum, with a toilet/shower. He's looking to spend up to £40,000. So far he's looked at a Rinker Vee, a Bayliner 2455 (which was my favourite - although I have even less experience than he does!) and has been recommended a Merry Fisher 805 - which is slightly too high for his price bracket. I think he should go for a single-diesel, smaller boat which will make it more manageable, definitely comfort over speed. And something which is comparatively easy to maintain. He's quite keen on a wooden hulled boat with teak decking, but it's a 1971 and I think that's too old. Can ANYONE help me out with recommendations? Because the sales staff at the yards - although very pleasant - will simply sell him the biggest boat they can. I would love him to get something he will adore - not something he'll regret! Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Dave_Seager]

Where does he plan to use the boat?

 

[SilverTT]

So does mine.

/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[gjgm]

depends if he wants to spend another £40k on keeping it going...
He really does not want a USA style sportsboat, unless he is as agile as a teenager ! Have a look at Marex (if you can find one). Actually, he might just love an older Windy 7800,8800 models.. not sure of the current prices

 

[Whitelighter]

You have to think about how he will use it. My dad is also in his 70's, and while he is quite active doing lots of things on a boat can be quite strenous for him. Are you going to always be with him as crew, or is he going to want to be able to go for a potter on his own? The Bayliner and boats like it are great, but think if he wants to be climbing through the screen to do fordeck work, or using the slim bathing platforms that these boats have to increase the internal and cockpit areas.

You are right to be concerned about an older boat. they look fantastic, and he may well remember them from his younger years but they do require a lot more love in comparison to modern GRP boats.

If I had to make a reccomendation, I would look for somethig that has easy access to all the important areas, easy to board and that has good hull both at speed and at a gentle potter.

The Merry Fisher is not a bad suggestion, as they are solid boats and very practicle but from what you have said already I suspect he fancies something with a more classical look to it.

I would consider something along these lines:

Aquador 26 Hard Top - £47k

Ok, so right away I am over budget with this one, but dont forget you can haggle. It has a diesel power plant, so will be efficient, the four berths you require plus it has a more classical look than the US boats, and even has some nice teak on the stern and bow. OK, so it is in Ireland, but its a start. Full add here


ACM Heritage 26 - £40k

Ok, so this is a german boat but there are some for sale in the UK for similar money. A bit quirky, and not well known over here they are good boats non the less. A more classic style that would probably appeal to your dad with a single diesel that will be very efficient. OK, so not the last word in terms of sleek styling or out and out performance but a great comfortable boat with loads of practicle touches. Full ad here


Sea Saga 26 HT - £40k

Sea Saga are good solid boats, and a bit like the ACM above. Loads of trad styling here, with deep wood finishes and no nonsesnse dash boards and joinery. This one is actually in Poole to, so easy to have a look at. Fairly low power in this one, so it is definitly no speed demon, but a nice boat all the same. Full ad here


Those are just my thoughts for boats which seem to match what you have described your dad (though perhaps not you) might one. Hope it is useful.

 

[gjgm]

Yep, Sea Saga could be good...

 

[David of Essex]

They call it SKI ''spending the kids inhertitance''
Dave

 

[Nick_H]

Some excellent advice from Jez, much more suitable I think than the boats you have so far considered.

BTW, its a good idea to respond back to the posts from time to time, that way people know you're looking at the advice and they're not wasting their time. It also puts it back at the top for most people, so they read it again

 

[mm1]

Hi try looking @Hardy&orkadian boats good quality,easy to handle& around your price,talk to opal marine in a couple of weeks they should have a nice orkadian&trailer .regards m m 1.

 

[lazyliz]

Got to be a 2004 Monterey 250CR with trailer and Honda tender at £40000.......Guess what?????

 

[gravygraham]

The Merryfisher is not a bad starting point. Wooden hulls and teak topping do look fab but demand a serious quantity of time and expense to keep looking good. Get him (and yourself) on a powerboat course - it'll be fun, you'll learn lots, and it will help you know what to look for with your purchase. Good luck and enjoy the sport.
P.S. Budget up to 10% of the boats value per year for running costs.

 

[geardownthreegreens]

"BTW, its a good idea to respond back to the posts from time to time, that way people know you're looking at the advice and they're not wasting their time. It also puts it back at the top for most people, so they read it again"

Looks like you've wasted your time giving the advise as he's not responded to your replies,shame really dont you think.

 

[gravygraham]

With sarky comments like that the poor chap probably thinks we're all a bunch of jerks.

 

[jimg]

What is sarky about it? It is good advice, if he does acknowledge the responses then he is likely to keep them flowing. At the moment it could seem pointless adding any more responses?

 

[geardownthreegreens]

The very least he could have done Graham,was to acknowledge peoples thoughts and ideas out of gratitude.
There was nothing "sarky" about my comment thankyou very much !!!!

 

[Lakesailor]

It may be that he, if he's been on other inferior forums, doesn't expect answers that quickly and hasn't checked back yet.

On the other hand it often is the case that people don't acknowledge the help they are given.

We'll have to wait and see.

 

[robmatheson]

Right. Firstly - thank you for all your help. I'm sorry if some of you have been offended by me not replying. This is NOT because I didn't value your input. Actually the first couple of replies were so helpful, I forgot to check back as I didn't think anyone else would have something to add. Secondly - Dad went for a Sealine 218. About 20 years old, with the AQ205 hp engine which gets her onto the plane around 10 mph and picks up from there. So - thank you again.

 

[[2068]]

I'm hoping he didn't use up all the £40k budget on a Sealine 218 /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[robmatheson]

Hahaha! No I managed to pesuade him to spend a lot less than that. We've just moved her, in fact, from Ardlui on Loch Lomond to Rhu Marina on the Clyde. Sooo - the learning starts all over again!