New Boat

[charlumax]

I am thinking of purchasing a (second hand) motor cruiser. My plan is to use it poodling around the South Coast, mooring at Poole or similar between May and August, then taking her across the Channel following a coastal route along northern France, south past Portugal and eastwards along the Spanish coast, mooring for the remaining 7/8 months in Almerimar.
With a target price of 60 - 70K pounds (haven't told the wife yet.....) would something like a Sealine S28 or Targa 29 be suitable for this sort of thing or a bit small ???

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[hlb]

Yes the boat is a bit small for your endevers. However your intentions you will find, will be difficult to carry out in nearly any boat, unless financial restraints are not an issue.

<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

 

[Guest]

First part is OK - South coast, May-August, £60-70k, S28/T29 (I may have just the boat for you, BTW)... It all goes a bit pear shaped when you talk about crossing Biscay at the end of the season, I'm afraid. Unless you plan to put the boat on the ferry.

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[charlumax]

so those boats would be ok for the trip in Summer or not at all?
if they would be ok how long do you think it would take and which months are best?

tnks


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[tcm]

Re: med trip in a small boat

I think it is quite feasible. Biscay is seen as a huge barrier to brit boaters. But in fact, the Channel is quite dodgy anyway. Provided that you have the range, and are patient in waiting for good weather it should be ok. in fact, it wil be ok, mechanicals permitting. The main prob arrives when people just absolutely MUST go now. Also, record-breaking yotties waiting specificaily for massive wind minimum F6 - then we get the pix and say ooer. Bear in mind that in each of the marinas along the way there are smallish boats. Mind you, it will be cosy on a smaller boat - which is perhaps what you want. For a smooth time, just don't go out in F4+ is forecast, and only in F4 if it's following. With plenty of time to hang about and wait, you need never see a white horse. Spring and summer months best for better weather in atlantic as in uk - where we get it a day or so later.

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[Guest]

I wouldn't do it at all, personally. Others may disagree, but the main limiting factor is weather and fuel range. The S28/T29 are limited to a safe range of 150-175 miles, so you're talking about a lot of well planned stops for fuel, with a need for lots of bolt holes if the weather in Biscay turns foul. The raggies do it no problem, but I think even for them it's a summer pastime, and they don't have fuel constraints.

There is a shipping service now that takes UK boats to the med as deck cargo - I'd be tempted to use that, or keep one here and charter in the med as and when you need to.

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[Guest]

Re: med trip in a small boat

Yes, but admit it, you're barking mad, aren't you?

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[Renegade_Master]

Biscay is possible if you pick the weather. My two friends managed to cross 80% of the Bay
290nm (total about 350) by picking the weather huge high with wide isobars, this they managed
by doing 10 kts off the plane for 29 hrs. It was a Fairline 50 however. As tcm says if what wind
there is, is following, the Biscay can have a large swell, which picks you up and surfs the boat.
This I imagine is a lot nicer and easier to handle than the short cresting waves found in the channel.

Having said that I would advise smaller legs in a 29ft boat.


<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A>

 

[tcm]

Re: med trip in a small boat

Well, I was only making the point that if one had enough time (ie, like this chap, not bothered if he arrives one month or the next or the next after that) then it wd be alright. Woof! oops.

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[burgundyben]

Slowly it dawns on the forum....

...the mists clear to reveal that the great procrastinator TCM is barking mad.



<hr width=100% size=1>Sod the Healey - I think I'll buy an E-Type.

 

[Guest]

Re: Now, now!

As my mother always said: "Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit." I only pointed it out for the benefit of our newcomer...

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[hlb]

Re: med trip in a small boat

Ah but. I was thinking of the cost. May to August in a UK marina. Then weekly around Biscay. Cost a bloody fortune!!

<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