n00b boat and mooring question

[britemp]

I posted a while ago asking about a Broom - many thanks to all who replied, it was very useful.

Unfortunately my work schedule over the next couple of years is looking pretty busy so I am thinking about something smaller and a bit more 'weekendy' to have some fun and learn in before I look again at a Broom when I have a bit more time to spare. So the questions are:

1. What would you recommend that is fun for weekending, goes well and costs between £60k and £80k? It must retain it's value well too. It doesn't need a huge cabin - enough for 2 hardy sorts and a Labrador. I like the Nimbus 250R which seems to have enough room, goes well and I like the walkaround bit. Any others I should look at?

2. Somewhere to moor it! I really want a pontoon mooring somewhere around the solent, but preferably without having to go through any locks etc and have looked at www.wicormarine.co.uk who have pontoon moorings which seem much better value than most I've looked at working out to £1404 a year for a 30 footer. Not really interested in onshore facilities, just somewhere decent to tie it up! Anyone any experience of them or can recommend others I should consider? I'm going to spend a day soon having a look round some to see which I like.

Any replies appreciated - I know noobs are a bore, but we eventually fill-in for the retirees from boating!

Britemp
(Must work out how to do a sig. . . . . . .)

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[hlb]

Naa NOObs arnt boring, It's just the ones that say they've got seven and sixpence saved up and want to tour France from Fleetwood..../forums/images/icons/smile.gif Cant answer your questions though. But look for good second hand.

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[martynwhiteley]

IMHO the current Aquador range look better built and better value than Nimbus, and when tested they all seem to perform well with a surprising turn of speed.

Their 25c is certainly within your price range, and they do one or two more 'walk around' jobbies as well.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mboat.org>http://www.mboat.org</A></font color=blue>

 

[jhr]

You'll find it hard to do better than a Nimbus, though you might also want to consider Aquador, who do a 25 ft walkaround (look at the site for details). A little above your stated price range, and not a walkaround, but a <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.berthongroup.co.uk/berthon/ec/html/main.php?area=3&template=ec#windy>Windy Mirage would also be near the top of my "most desirable list" at this size.

I've heard good reports of Wicormarine but there are 2 points to consider:

1) It's a long, long way up Portsmouth Harbour, I'd guess it's an hour to get to the Solent from there, and

2) I think it dries at low tide? Others may correct me. If true, it may well be more of a pain than you think, particularly if most of your boating will be of the impulsive, last minute type.

There are several yards at the top end of the Hamble that might be worth considering, mostly around Swanwick Bridge. Several posters here keep their boats there and it's not as expensive as the Hamble location might imply. Also several in Southampton, particularly up the Itchen and (a valuable added bonus) near St Mary's so you can pop in to watch the Saints.

Good luck!

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[Dave_Knowles]

I was down at Wicor only the other day and it all looked a very organised setup. The yard was tidy and they had all the facilities. From what I saw I would think it would be worth considering.

Barryg (see under items for sale Yeoman sport) keeps his boat there so it maybe worth sending him a PM.

<hr width=100% size=1>Take care.

Dave

Dave Knowles
Southampton - UK

http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk

 

[whisper]

No no no!! Just get yourself a Botnia Targa 25 and then change it for a larger model a couple of years later. ( I could be very interested in buying the 25 off you). Once you've had one of these you will never consider anything else - very practical and safe layout with the ability to maintain high speeds in inclement weather. Unless you are going to spend a lot of time on rivers that is. If so, the Broom, with its lace curtains and slipper locker will be more suitable. /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

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[Will_M]

echo whisper... take a very good look at the Botina Targa, these are a superb boat

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[JOHNOO]

If you look at an Aquador, check where they have fitted the raw water filter, the one I looked at you had to remove the saloon seating first!

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[Andrew_Fanner]

There is also Hayling Yacht Company, they have a website but I can't remember the URL. Friendly people but occasionally disorganised in the nicest possible way. Dries but acess is HW +/- 2 hours, in Mill Rythe Chi Harnour. Quay lane over at Hardway are also supposed to be a good lot and its a lot less far up Portsmouth Harbour

<hr width=100% size=1>Two beers please, my friend is paying.

 

[jhr]

Hayling Yacht Co.

Website <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.haylingyacht.co.uk/>here</A>.



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[britemp]

Re: Hayling Yacht Co.

Thanks for all that chaps - when I buy one you can all come along and laugh at me trying to moor up!

I will definitely have a look at the Aquador and Botnia Targa especially as I have an afinity for things that ugly! Let me know what spec you would like me to order Whisper etc, etc!

I'm going to Sea Ventures to have a look soon and then Wicormarine to see if their pontoon moorings dry or not as I really would like one thats wet 24/7. Oooeeerr! I'll also have a look at the other suggestions for moorings - sounds like saturday will be spent around the solent again!

PS - who's up for coming out and showing me how to drive it properly when I get it?

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