Newbie boat advise

[hutt]

Hello,

I’m looking for a budget <£4K cuddy/cabin cruiser to use on the Dart. I’d love to be able to take to sea in her for a spot of fishing now and then, and in an ideal world sleep 2 adults in separate beds for some overnights. However, I’m most keen to keep things cheap in terms of running costs for day trips of my young family of 4. So I have been looking at small displacement cuddy boats and with a small 4 stroke outboard but am unsure which of them is best. I’m not sure I can cover all bases for my budget but would love some opinions. TIA

 

[madabouttheboat]

You won’t get much for £4K in the current inflated market but something like a Shetland would fit the bill. At this price point it’s all about the engine. Better to get a smaller modern engine than a big old one and sacrifice speed for reliability. Look for a Shetland family four, would be my advice.

 

[Seastoke]

Do you intend to trail her.

 

[hutt]

No I don’t, she’ll be on a summer mooring and boat parked over winter.

 

[Rappey]

Do you want the boat to plane or happy with displacement and great economy ?

 

[hutt]

The darts a 6 knot limit so primarily want a first boat that’s cheap and easy to use; so it will get used. Moored at Totnes a shallow draft helps too.

 

[Seastoke]

The darts a 6 knot limit so primarily want a first boat that’s cheap and easy to use; so it will get used. Moored at Totnes a shallow draft helps too.

shetland on flea bay new engine needs tidying 5k