My first boat - buying tomorrow fingers crossed (advice pls)

[TonyBerkshire]

I'd be very careful checking the trailer tyres and ensuring correct pressure. Wouldn't want a blowout. Also a trolley jack so you can spin the wheels and check the bearings aren't going to give out on the way home, probably best to take it steady.

I've made errors regarding covers, many are not that durable, my last one was made out of Oxford 600D material that only lasted a few months before going brittle due to sun damage. I wasn't sure a Ducksback would have been much better. I ended up using a simple PVC tarpaulin (same material used for ribs and lorry curtainsides), and fold the corners at the bow. Heavy but works really well, available in various sizes (EBay) and I think it will last years. Held down to the trailer with about 20 bungees.

Hope it goes well for you. Enjoy the experience.

Ok. Shall be asking the engineer to check the trailer out as well as the boat. Will be using a specialist company to transport it down south to me.

.. and oh dear.... where does one go to start looking to buy a durable cover? Was thinking I would have to start looking at USA to get bits and bobs made for this boat? ... assuming proper branded covers would be more aesthetically pleasing than a PVC tarpaulin no?

 

[limecc]

Ok. Shall be asking the engineer to check the trailer out as well as the boat. Will be using a specialist company to transport it down south to me.

.. and oh dear.... where does one go to start looking to buy a durable cover? Was thinking I would have to start looking at USA to get bits and bobs made for this boat? ... assuming proper branded covers would be more aesthetically pleasing than a PVC tarpaulin no?

You need a trolley jack always in case you need to change a wheel. Leave it hooked to the car when jacking and I always use a bit of wood or ply so it's not metal on metal.

I was going to get my tarpaulin adjusted to the boat's shape but I'm happy with how it is actually and won't bother. I would have used PVC glue and replaced the brass eyelets. I used 40mm polypropylene pipe to prevent pooling. The material's too heavy to flap in the wind and I have straps from the previous fitted cover but the bungees are faster and better. Total cost £150.

 

[TonyBerkshire]

You need a trolley jack always in case you need to change a wheel. Leave it hooked to the car when jacking and I always use a bit of wood or ply so it's not metal on metal.

I was going to get my tarpaulin 'adjusted' to the boat's shape but I'm happy with how it is actually and won't bother. I would have used PVC glue and added the brass eyelets again. I used 40mm polypropylene pipe to prevent pooling.

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Looks good and does the job. Nice idea with with pipework... can you buy proper frames to do this or do I have a DIY job to do? Looks like a simple job with a few compression fit couplers and elbows?

 

[limecc]

Looks good and does the job. Nice idea with with pipework... can you buy proper frames to do this or do I have a DIY job to do? Looks like a simple job with a few compression fit couplers and elbows?

Correct easy to make, push-fit fittings from B&Q. I bent the pipe with a heat gun and optionally used 32mm pipe inside to reinforce the straight joins, a sliding fit. I remove the docking arms and drop the tubes into where they go.

I purchased mine knowing the trailer suspension was shot. AlKo axle no longer available, but surprisingly cheap to get one made. When asked they made it out of 70mm box giving me a free 250kg reserve capacity. It now glides over potholes.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi there. Although I’m a little confused by the talk of bowrider. The first link I opened was a cuddy type thing. If that’s the boat you are going for…the absolute first thing I’ve noticed is that it says 1990. The boat may well be…but that engine is certainly and absolutely not. That’s from the 70’s. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the picture of the engine alone…with the ancient distributor on the front end like that…would be from a 70’s boat and even from a shaft drive v drive (where the engine has its drive end in a forwards set up..v drive, then back onto a shaft drive). Something not right about it at all. Either way…that engine is defo not a 1990 or even within a decade of it. I had an old 79 fletcher with a mercruiser with the same style as that.

 

[TonyBerkshire]

Hi there. Although I’m a little confused by the talk of bowrider. The first link I opened was a cuddy type thing. If that’s the boat you are going for…the absolute first thing I’ve noticed is that it says 1990. The boat may well be…but that engine is certainly and absolutely not. That’s from the 70’s. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the picture of the engine alone…with the ancient distributor on the front end like that…would be from a 70’s boat and even from a shaft drive v drive (where the engine has its drive end in a forwards set up..v drive, then back onto a shaft drive). Something not right about it at all. Either way…that engine is defo not a 1990 or even within a decade of it. I had an old 79 fletcher with a mercruiser with the same style as that.

Thank you and that was the Regal... one of the two boats I was looking to procure but I hit that one on the head. Someone on here mentioned that also in respect to the engine and I was surprised as it was via a reputable broker.

Went with the 1999 sea ray 180 bow rider instead... happy with the decision... told my girls what I bought after I picked them up from school today and they were mega excited #bestdaddy

 

[QBhoy]

Thank you and that was the Regal... one of the two boats I was looking to procure but I hit that one on the head. Someone on here mentioned that also in respect to the engine and I was surprised as it was via a reputable broker.

Went with the 1999 sea ray 180 bow rider instead... happy with the decision... told my girls what I bought after I picked them up from school today and they were mega excited #bestdaddy

Ah. Excellent. Just looked back (as I should have done previously). And saw the searay. I’d say you won’t go too far wrong with that. Especially with the current market. Not a bargain, but not expensive either. The 3.0 is an excellent wee engine. Well known to be the most successful and numerous engine ever put in a boat, worldwide. Been about for at least 4 decades that I know of…and still going. Good on fuel, robust, pennies to service too. Only slight criticism might be that they are a little coarse running and not entirely pleasant on the ear after a full day out. Usually guys are delighted with their 3.0 boats like this…until they go out in one with a 4.3…but they cost more to buy…and a little more to run. Anyway..rattling on here…overall…you’ve done so well with that boat and that price. Kids will love it. So cheap to run too. Best of luck and happy boating !

 

[TonyBerkshire]

Ah. Excellent. Just looked back (as I should have done previously). And saw the searay. I’d say you won’t go too far wrong with that. Especially with the current market. Not a bargain, but not expensive either. The 3.0 is an excellent wee engine. Well known to be the most successful and numerous engine ever put in a boat, worldwide. Been about for at least 4 decades that I know of…and still going. Good on fuel, robust, pennies to service too. Only slight criticism might be that they are a little coarse running and not entirely pleasant on the ear after a full day out. Usually guys are delighted with their 3.0 boats like this…until they go out in one with a 4.3…but they cost more to buy…and a little more to run. Anyway..rattling on here…overall…you’ve done so well with that boat and that price. Kids will love it. So cheap to run too. Best of luck and happy boating !

Brill and thank you. Just need to find a place to get some RYA powerboat training now.

 

[TonyBerkshire]

Hi all,

Nice to meet you boat fanatics and thank you for making me feel welcome to the forum and for the EPIC advice so far. Have received a few additional photos by email from the seller as appended.

A) Looks like a little damage to the boat on the port side?
B) Keel look ok? (underside --- I think that's what its called?)

I think the engine "looks" ok?

I now need to find: -

1) a reputable marine engineer in near Driffield
2) an RYA powerboat trainer and figure out which level training I need?

My daughters want to put LOL and Barbie doll stickers on it... how do I say NO HANDS OFF delicately??!!!

 

[QBhoy]

Brill and thank you. Just need to find a place to get some RYA powerboat training now.

Not a bad idea…and a good start…but I’d think going out with an experienced boating friend in your own boat would of the most use. Take it easy and stay away from the edges…use your common sense and other god given senses and you won’t go far wrong. Best of luck.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi all,

Nice to meet you boat fanatics and thank you for making me feel welcome to the forum and for the EPIC advice so far. Have received a few additional photos by email from the seller as appended.

A) Looks like a little damage to the boat on the port side?
B) Keel look ok? (underside --- I think that's what its called?)

I think the engine "looks" ok?

I now need to find: -

1) a reputable marine engineer in near Driffield
2) an RYA powerboat trainer and figure out which level training I need?

My daughters want to put LOL and Barbie doll stickers on it... how do I say NO HANDS OFF delicately??!!!

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Likely been a salt water boat, by the looks. But looks decent enough. Would take an age to run through all the things to be aware of, but generally;
The exhaust manifold can be prone to corrosion after a few years in the salt. Considered a consumable part anyway
Check the rubber bellows on the outdrive (the gear shift thinner one can sink a boat)
Check the gear oil is looking well and still green or blue in colour…there is a magnet on the drain plug that will show some metal wear particles…but never show excessive
The gear oil header tank on the engine in the picture there looks a little low.
The picture also might suggest it’s secured to the trailer at the rear with straps on the rear quarter of the boat…I’d be careful there. Often that can compress the hull too much and damage it.
make sure she is winterised too. She’s a a raw water cooled engine and will have water in there that will freeze over winter

 

[Bigplumbs]

I'd be very careful checking the trailer tyres and ensuring correct pressure. Wouldn't want a blowout. Also a trolley jack so you can spin the wheels and check the bearings aren't going to give out on the way home, probably best to take it steady.

I've made errors regarding covers, many are not that durable, my last one was made out of Oxford 600D material that only lasted a few months before going brittle due to sun damage. I wasn't sure a Ducksback would have been much better. I ended up using a simple PVC tarpaulin (same material used for ribs and lorry curtainsides), and fold the corners at the bow. Heavy but works really well, available in various sizes (EBay) and I think it will last years. Held down to the trailer with about 20 bungees.

Hope it goes well for you. Enjoy the experience.

Ducks backs are excellent I currently have 7 or so in use. Always better to listen to people with real experience rather than those who just speculate. It’s called trying things before you comment

 

[TonyBerkshire]

Ducks backs are excellent I currently have 7 or so in use. Always better to listen to people with real experience rather than those who just speculate. It’s called trying things before you comment

Cover for Rib / Sports boats - Boat Covers | Outboard Engine Covers | Ducks Back

this one? Only £89 bargain

 

[Bigplumbs]

Cover for Rib / Sports boats - Boat Covers | Outboard Engine Covers | Ducks Back

this one? Only £89 bargain

Yes those are the ones they are without a doubt the best boat cover for the money. Make sure you thread the supplied tie downs correctly so you just pull them down and it tightens the cover. Mine like that last about 4 years they are a very good fabric light and a bit stretchy

 

[Bigplumbs]

Have you bought the boat because somthing like you are looking at but with an outboard motor rather than an inboard would be better

somthing like this

 

[Bigplumbs]

Outboards especially 2 strokes are far cheaper to maintain and far less hassle than inboards

 

[limecc]

Ducks backs are excellent I currently have 7 or so in use. Always better to listen to people with real experience rather than those who just speculate. It’s called trying things before you comment

No - it's called doing my homework before I buy and I went on two people's experience on another forum. Glad yours are ok.

 

[Portland Billy]

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to boating.
We started out like you with an open 14ft boat and growing family plus dog. Only lasted a couple of years.
Now have a 42 ft money pit. But love it !
If starting on the Thames why not give Bisham Abbey RYA a call. They have an excellent beginners boat handling course and you can use your own boat.

 

[Bigplumbs]

No - it's called doing my homework before I buy and I went on two people's experience on another forum. Glad yours are ok.
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So not using your own experience as I said

 

[Nito]

Hi all,

Nice to meet you boat fanatics and thank you for making me feel welcome to the forum and for the EPIC advice so far. Have received a few additional photos by email from the seller as appended.

Keel look ok? (underside --- I think that's what its called?)

My daughters want to put LOL and Barbie doll stickers on it... how do I say NO HANDS OFF delicately??!!!

View attachment 128203View attachment 128205

The darker colour below the waterline is the antifoul coating. Where there is some missing etc is where it would appear it has been in sea use. When stood for a period barnacles and other sea growth can attach to it. Boats in seawater are generally pulled out of the water maybe once a year to have the hull jetwashed and the growth scraped off. At that point it looks like yours does. At some point you’ll want to run some green frog tape where the line is now, rough up/key up the old surface below the waterline with some wet and dry, clean with fresh water and when dry re-apply some antifouling.

With regards to your daughters ‘decorating’ the boat, I reckon they can do whatever they like so long as they clean it ?