New to boating but what boat to buy

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A2THEK101

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Hi all, I'd really appreciate any advice regarding what boat may be best to buy. I've always loved boats and take trips whenever on holiday etc. I recently completed a level 2 in powerboats and live 10mins from Whitstable. Other than that course I've had no previous driving experience. I'm really after some advice on what might be the best starter boat to buy up to £30k max. I don't want a rib as I do like the idea of being able to relax on it also and possibly take it to France on a trailer. Any suggestions or recommendations would be welcome. PS I have 2 young kids also
 
Assuming there's 4 of you that need to sleep on board then you probably want something around 24ft, which will the max size you can tow (although you'll need a hefty towing vehicle not a Ford Focus)!

Others can tell you if the following can be towed...

Sealine S23/S25 (same boat)
Sealine S24 (earlier versions)
Sear Ray 240 Sundancer
Jeanneau Leader 805
 
Thank you for the advice all. I do appreciate it. Think I might go to the boat show in September to get some face to face info also. Do you think it would be best to always take it out of the water in the winter?
 
Hi, I bit the bullet this year and bought my first ‘ proper’ boat - a Fairline Sprint- which I keep at Conyer Creek, just past Faversham. ( I live in Herne Bay). As other posters have said a larger boat would be better for overnighting etc but you will need a large vehicle to tow. I faced this when I bought mine and opted to keep a bigger boat on a mooring. Launch facilities around here are limited. I plan to take my boat out over the winter to do small jobs although bellows etc were done this summer. Swale Marina is well worth a look. Cheers
 
Thanks regarding the marina. It would be my preference to have it moored as saves a lot of hassle. Was unaware of this. When I did the level 2, the instructor explained that channel can be difficult to navigate with the tides and few boats get stuck
 
Hi, yes you do need a good chart and depth gauge but it is generally well marked and it is more of an issue to larger vessels. I draw just less than a meter, I ran a bit close to the edge of a channel once but just lifted the leg a bit and got back on course. Just close trips initially- overnight at Queenborough and planning a trip to overnight at Chatham Marina before the end of the season.
 
Whitelighter said:
Another good option would be a Jeanneau Cap Canarat 755.
Outboard posted and a great weekender
Click to expand...

Good SHOUT Whitelighter
Handy vessel
A2THEK101
Consider with a 'Sports Boat' like the Sealine 23's and even bigger ones and types like that
Not just Sealines but that ilk of boat
Going forward on to the foredeck means you have to go through the 'middle/centre' windscreen
Onto a deck that is not condusive to moving about comfortably
IE - handrails are low and one feels rather 'perched' on a sloping kinda deck
A bit hard for Her Indoors or whoever your Crew may be to assist when leaving a berth or returning
The Cap Camarat as mentioned is a good starter boat
Walk around decks in safety and with an outboard
Modern outboards give good mpg are easier to maintain than outdrives and IMHO, give less trouble because of the nature of their design
 
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