New Boat Guidance

[Guest]

New to boating but hoping to take the plunge very shortly. I have about a 15k budget for the boat and want something under 21'6" with a cuddy cabin and no more than about 2 years old. Currently looking at the Fletcher 19 GTS. Main use will be coastal day cruising so looking to berth possibly at Brighton. Any comments re. choice of boat or alternative, or any helpful info would be very much appreciated.

 

[Geoffs]

Hi mao,

There's quite a bit around in the size/price bracket you are looking at. I run a 19GTS and found it a very practical little boat. Mine is dry berthed in Poole, which I find very suitable, and we potter up and down the Hampshire, Dorset Coasts and Isle of Wight, and even stay aboard for the odd night, it'd be nice to be able to cross the channel, but that's asking a bit much from a 19.

Petrol boats are rather expensive to run, but the 3 litre Mercruiser in the 19 gives about 4 to 5 mpg, depending on load and sea state. This is quite economical as boats go.

I know of a 1997 boat for sale, at the moment, I think it's about 12K. Always been dry berthed, and not used much. It's not mine, not a sales pitch! Or there are a couple of brand new ones on stock at about 20K.

 

[BarryH]

whats wrong with crossing the channel in your boat. I've only got a Tremlett 21 and have found no problems with hopping over to france. Its like anything, just pick your weather window, brush up the navigation, fuel, engine and all the usual stuff, basically its all planning. I use the boat in poole, if your up for it we'll make a trip over this summer

 

[hlb]

Well first you will need a Flag or Burgee. Then we will know who you are. Then when bought one and still have money left for boat. you'll have some where to stick it!!

Haydn

 

[Geoffs]

Well, OK, if we can pick a weather window, I'm up for it, give it a go! Range has always worried me a bit, 100 litres on board, that's about 80 miles allowing for contingency. Its, what, 70 miles from the Bar Buoy to Cherbourg, just about OK. I can carry another 30 or 40 litres though.

Better get some more charts!

 

[Guest]

Try and find a Crownline 210 or a Searay 215....... with 15k or so to spend you may be able to pick a 'three year older' up ....... more room than a Fletcher, more style too...... but thats only my opinion.

Happy hunting.

 

[DavidJ]

I had a Sealine 195 for a few years and it was a good 'dry' weekender boat. There should be a few good ones around in your price range.
best of luck
David

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the info Geoffs. Sounds like overall you find it a reliable boat which is good to hear. A couple of questions. Is it ok space wise for the odd overnighter and what size/range does the fuel tank give you. Any details on the boats you mentioned would be good to take a look at.

 

[Geoffs]

Certainly the boat/engine package has never let me down, or given any cause for concern in 3 years.

I can't pretend the cabin is enormous, but it's reasonably comfortable for 2 adults for the occasional over night stay. We usually stop off in a marina somewhere, so there are shore facilities, and it's fine.

The fuel tank is 100 litres, and I reckon on average to use about a litre per mile, cruising at about 20 knots, which about 3,000rpm on the engine. Usual to allow about 20% for contingencies, unexpected high fuel consumption for some reason, eg rough seas, so practical range probably about 80 miles.I also carry some spare fuel in a locker under the cockpit floor.

This thread sparked off a dialog between BarryH and myself, so might try a cross channel sprint this year.

I'll send you a Pivate Message regarding the boats I mentioned.

Hope this helps, all the best.

PS. Tried to send you a Private Message, but system says you're not receiving them, maybe a set up in your personal profile, or perhaps you'd like to give me an email address.

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Geoffs on Sat Mar 16 13:34:52 2002 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Guest]

Geoffs,
Now set up for a private mail.