Old or New

[enterprise]

We are considering our next boat, the dillemma was what to look for?

I thought we had it worked out, as all boats are somewhat a compromise we had decided on a newer but same size boat as we already have, although we longed for the next step up in size our budget meant that it was either newer or bigger.

Just when we had thought we had made up our mind & shortlisted for SBS an older but bigger boat turns up with sparkling new engines & running gear. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Now what would you do?

Size is right, engines & drives are right but it's older, or forget about it & go to the show.

 

[andyball]

what will you enjoy or appreciate more - older or bigger? choose that one.

Older is fine mostly, unless old enuff for constant fixing of course; but umm newer means constant cleaning instead fro my observations, so maybe swings n roundabouts; except a mildly grubby boat can still get out on the water.

Anyway, so long as you don't buy some old wreck of a thing, reliability etc will be fine; so go bigger, you know it's the right thing to do /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[silver_boy]

It depends how much older it is really. If it is an older but still quite modern boat it will be fine and you wont take as much of a hit with depreciation etc...

We have been doing lots of bits and pieces to our 25yo boat and she is now looking great both inside and out. Plus we got an awful lot more space going for the older boat than a newer one at the same sort of price.

 

[hlb]

Suppose it depends on what sort of boating you do.

Like, long distance cruising, having to live off your own power much of the time. Living without marinas.

Or just plodding marina to marina.

To be self sufficient, and still have proper facilities, you need a reasonably big boat. The thing about older, there usually much bigger, for same hull length.

Dont think theres anything more unreliable about older boats. Yes there are things that need replacing, or mending. But in my experience, things go pop after 12 months or go on for ever.

Dont forget bigger also means more mooring costs and more maintainance. On the flip side, mooring whilst cruising, is fine on a buoy or at anchor. I find no need for marinas.

Think I'd summerise into, day trips, or 2/3 days, smaller newer. Week/2 week trips/ bigger older.

 

[rubberduck]

Me thinks hlb has got it spot on. But we only go out for a few hours and still got bigger /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Have spent most of this season getting everything running right, so next year, weather permitting!

 

[enterprise]

Thanks guys,
the boat we are looking at has been out of production for a while but still a very popular model with good residual value's.

It's had a swap out for new diesels, professionaly done by the local VP dealers (expensive too) inc new legs.
The paperwork all checks out but apart from the engines the boat itself is a bit tatty, requiring new canopy & a good compound polish, now don't laugh but when I said old it was built in 1994.

The price is right for her age & compares well with the others on the market but with a major advantage, warrantied engines (checked out with dealer).

Our usage consists of mainly daytrips but we do stop onboard for upto two weeks at a time, so the extra space is welcome.
Reliabillity is a major factor in our decission to change hence the desire to buy newer, but older with new engines & drives.....?, you can see the dilemma

 

[Whitelighter]

Come on then , what is the make and model?

FWIW I would go older and bigger

 

[Sultans_Kapitein]

Read what Haydn says and read it again, he knows what he is talking about (Just search some of his posts) and I do not think you will go far wrong taking his advise. Besides with a bigger boat there will be times when you would get some use out her, where with a smaller boat you would 'stay at home'
Mal
p.s. Just read this again, Haydn is hlb for those that do not know !
MF

 

[enterprise]

Sorry, thought it might change the opininion if I told make & model, but I know it shouldn't.

It's a Targa 28, white hull, green interior, new KAD32's & DP drives, but does that make a difference to the question as I could be looking at any boat with newer engines?

 

[Whitelighter]

Well, a good brand like Fairline does add to the case for getting it. I was just interested that is all.

I would go for it. Still small enough to be used as a sports boat, but will be much more comfy for longer trips when you go away. New engines and drives are the things that wear, GRP doesnt really.

 

[Sneds]

Got to agree with Jez, she has new motors and drives (££££s) and all you gain by getting newer is newer! (and depreciation)
If you need more space.....? Bit of a no brainer really.
Would you buy a 2nd hand Merc or a new Fiesta?

 

[enterprise]

I appreciate the input & reading between the lines I think you have confirmed the older boat with newer running gear is the one to be looking into.

I suppose I can restore another boat to it's former glory & have a lot of fun when I get tired of polishing.

I will keep you posted, survey is next week! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif