New small boat

[jami]

Hi,
I’m completely new to this forum and I’d like to ask for your advice on choosing a boat. I’m not from the UK — I’m from the Czech Republic — but I absolutely love British boats. I used to own a British sea kayak (a Valley), and some time ago I bought a small sailing boat, a Wayfarer MK2.

Right now, I’m seriously thinking about buying a small motorboat. I have a fairly clear idea of what I need, but not quite sure which boat would fit those needs So I’d really appreciate your advice. I’m a beginner, and you know how it is when someone’s just starting out — every bit of good advice is valuable.

I’m most drawn to Orkney boats, especially the Longliner 16 (or Coastliner 14?), but maybe you can recommend something else.
Below is a list of points that are very important in my decision-making process:

1. Since we don’t have the sea here, I’ll be travelling a lot with the boat — Poland, Sweden, Croatia, and hopefully one day even to the UK. So the boat needs to be easy to transport on a trailer and simple to launch and recover. I already have a small unbraked trailer (up to 750 kg).
2. The boat should be economical to run — I don’t want an expensive, powerful engine or a large boat. Simplicity is key. A motor up to 25 hp would be enough for me.
3. I’d also like a light engine, because I’ll sometimes be using an electric motor (on our local reservoir, combustion engines are not allowed). So I’d either swap the motors or mount the electric one on a separate bracket.
4. I’d like a small cuddy to protect from rain and wind. Ideally, I’d also like to be able to make a simple canvas canopy myself so that I could sleep onboard occasionally, just with a sleeping bag and mat — no need for a proper bed.
5. Of course, I’m not a millionaire, so expensive boats are out of the question.
6. If the boat could carry four people, that would be perfect. Five would be great in an emergency, though I realise that might be asking too much. Most of the time, I’ll be on the boat either on my own or with one of my kids — my son or my daughter.
7. The main purpose is family trips, exploring inland and coastal waters. My son enjoys fishing, but the primary use would be general family outings.

Do you think the Longliner 16 would be the ideal boat for me? Or would you recommend something else?

I’d be truly grateful for any advice.
Thank you!
Jakub

 

[Bigplumbs]

In think in the small fishing boat range like the longliner with a 20 to 30 hp outboard would I think suit your purposes. There are many boats like that from a wide range of makers

 

[rafiki_]

Welcome to this forum. I hope you get some good advice here? This is not always the case. I’m not familiar with the boats you suggest, so I can’t help you, however, I don’t think your 750kg trailer will work for this size of boat?
Very best wishes.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Welcome to this forum. I hope you get some good advice here? This is not always the case. I’m not familiar with the boats you suggest, so I can’t help you, however, I don’t think your 750kg trailer will work for this size of boat?
Very best wishes.

It can if he sticks to about 14 - 15 foot

 

[Farmer Piles]

I think that your choice of a Longliner would be perfect, they are a great family boat but easy to handle. I agree, having some cover is also a good idea. Also look at the Warrior and Predator boats, also 16ft with a forward cuddy. They are a planing hull so often have bigger engines. Both these and the Orkney are very popular as family and angling boats here in the SW of England. They are good in choppy seas too, so very safe.