New to Motorboating

[woodenman]

Hi
I'm just about to take the plunge and buy a little weekend cruiser for the family. I can't for the life of me find anywhere to berth it, so will need to trailer it.
Does anyone have any experience trailering a 24-26ft weekender cruiser and launching in Devon? I live near Exeter and I'm not sure if the slipways round here will take a boat like that.
Any tips or experiences would be most welcome. Thought I would take the plunge at the boat show next week, but unless I know I can actually get the thing in the water, I might not.

Does anyone have experience of estruary moorings? It's a little boat so can't really tie up a tender at the back.
Thanks in advance

 

[landlockedpirate]

I have always trailed my boats, including a 24ft Bayliner and a 26ft Four Winns. Trailing a boat of this size does require a fair bit of planning, but its straightforward with the right car and trailer combination.

Try www.boatlaunch.co.uk for lots of launching info. Launching in the South West is straight forward, theres an excellent council owned slipway in Torquay and lots of choice at various marinas.

 

[GrowingLad]

My boat is around 22ft in old money.. but she's getting a bit long in the tooth so she weighs around the 1.5 ton mark.

Several things, you are going to need a pretty heavy long wheel based 4x4 with low ratio gear box....If you are haven't got one already you can pick up old Disco's for a few shekels.

Also I find the Bull-Dog anti snake devices a must. Someone on here recommended one to me a couple of years back and they make things so so so much easier and safer.

Finally, not sure what experience of boats you have but definitely look at some RYA training. I went for Day Skipper which some might say is a bit too much and you could get away with Power Boat 2. Original plan was to do PB2, then I got talking to a pro skipper who said go for Day Skipper, if you are taking the family out you want as much training as you can get your hands on....must admit, I enjoyed the course and I know it's helped me immensely with my first steps in being responsible for a boat and others.

Also, you may want to shop around...perhaps with the current climate you may be able to find a year or two old model for a very good price.

Finally welcome...good bunch here and extremely helpful..

Cheers,
Simon.

 

[gjgm]

this might sound odd, but dont take the plunge.
There are so may pitfalls and mistakes, all of which can result in your money being wasted. The season will be drawing to a close shortly, so they days get shorter, colder and the sea more variable. Yes, there is boating to be done, but for most people the vast bulk of it lies between April and Sept.
Some people trade up/sell up at the end of the season so there might be a better supply of boats now than in the Spring, but its not that defined.
I d say look at lots of boats, makes ,models,styles,layouts,engines.. the question of tow weights, launch sites, training... there's plenty to do before buying a boat. And there is plenty of knowledge and advice on here from people who have made or avoided costly errors. Remember, the dealer is trying to sell you the boat he has, not necessarily the one you actually need .
Unless you a re remarkably knowledgeable about what you want, taking the plunge with a first boat is almost certainly going to mean you changing boat by July ! With a big fat loss. By all means use the boat show, draw up some short lists etc, ask on here...Basically, I reckon you are looking at storage and insurance charges for 6 months, and a few outings where the family think its cold and not much fun !
And then they dont want to do it again!
Suggest a budget,what sort of boating, age of the family, and you ll get some feedback as to what people have found did, and didnt, suit them.

 

[PCUK]

You might like to look at Watchet Marina near Minehead for a berth. Half the cost of South coast marinas and a very friendly place. About an hours drive from where you are depending on which side of Exeter you live.

 

[MVP]

I agree with Gjgm

Your 1st boat will quickly determine what you want in your second boat.

We know someone who has just taken delivery, and regretted it already.

Work out the type of boat you think you want, then speak to people who already own the same model, and if you can, blag a trip on it.

MVP