Next boat - any suggestions?

[IotaUK]

We are looking to purchase a different boat after learning the craft from a 23 foot Shetland Black Prince.
We want something smaller (approx17ft), faster (max 30 knots), good handling on sea and river and able to carry 4.
Budget approx £10k.
Is inboard or outboard better?
Any suggestions for a used boat with these features, also boats to avoid.
Currently looking at Maxum 1800 (any comments?)
Cheers /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[BrokerBen]

Be careful of cheap american imports as many aren't CE Marked, and some that appear CE Marked are actually not.

Check for a CIN number on the transom, make sure if inboard the engine space isn't lined with carpet or foam and other common sense things. Another favourite is bilge pump of the impella type that have low to the water skin fittings and no means of stopping water coming in through the pump-out hole!

I would suggest looking at something like a Jeannea Cap Camarat if you can stretch to buying one, as it's from a known european manufacturer and compliant out of the box, with a good dealer network available to support you.

 

[Whitelighter]

Your comments are valid, but the majority of Maxum boats in the UK will have been officially imported and will be fully compliant with the CE requirements - though you are wise to check.

The Cap Camarats are good boats, but I reckon the budget would have to double to get one. The smaller CC also have less seating than the Maxum and, suprisingly, the Maxum has a pretty good hull.

 

[Alistairr]

You could get a pretty good Rib for £10k, and it would be excellent for river or Sea and well capable of carrying 4 or more people.

Cheers

Al.

 

[KCook]

I like Al's suggestion on a RIB. The little I/O bowriders from the US are good for lakes and rivers. But they can be out of their element at sea. Over here it's the "dual console" models by fish boat builders that are the bowriders preferred for the ocean. Typically with outboard power. Don't know what fishing brands of ours are available to you, but some popular ones are Key West, Sea Fox, Sea Hunt, Sea-Pro, and Seaswirl.

Kelly Cook

 

[Matteeboy]

Boston Whaler Montawk 17ft with a 90hp.
Almost indestructable, fast and understated.