opinions please - Aquador 23wa vs Sealine S25/S23 vs Regal 2250

[cazuk]

Ok - I appreciate that I'm not compairing apples with apples - but I'd be interested in people's thoughts on these. Basically I'm looking to purchase my second boat - currently have a 18ft bowrider. Want to upgrade really to something bigger with a cuddy so that I can use the boat more in the UK given our inclement weather. Use will be off south coast, day trips only and general messing around towing inflatables etc. I really like the Aquador - but am worried that this has a limited market when it comes to re-sale. The sealine on the other hand will be easier to re-sell but I don't really want/need the cabin facilities etc. The regal - well that would mean laying out a lot less money - but I feel like I want to spend more!!!

All opinions welcome!!!!!

 

[BarryH]

After being dragged round the sealine and aquador at a boatshow by the wife I'd go for the aquador. Just seem to be better built/quality.

 

[petem]

If you don't want the cabin space then why not go for something like a Nimbus Nova or perhaps reach a little further under the matress and go for a Windy Mirage 25?

 

[Roy]

Sealine for our climate - best by far for the money and hold price really well. Don't know the aquador at all, but doubt if its better than the sealine.

 

[fellatthelast]

The Sealine 25 would have more room but in terms of build quality and performance (on average) I would definately go for the Regal. I have a 2550 LSC and it really is the business. The fastrac hull really is a clever bit of kit and they put some really nice touches into the build. It's not as practical in some terms as the Aquador or as roomy down below as the Sealine but overall the Regal takes it for me. Mail me off list if you want some more info.

either way, any of these will put a big grin on your face.

Rossi

 

[btlynn]

I really like the Aquador. I currently have another Scandinavian boat, a Flipper 760 and think that they really know how to get the best out of space available.
Sealine is very much more popular but on a re-sale there are thousands of Sealines on the market, whereas the Aquador is far less flooded.
Aquador is growing in popularity so re-sale would be quite easy. I will be in the market for a 28ft ht myself, late autumn this year.
B

 

[whisper]

I'd go the Aquador way as well, out of these three. They appear to be beautifully finished and allegedly this is not skin deep.
Re. 28HT stand at the helm before you decide to buy one - poking one's head out of the roof in any sort of seaway is not to be recommended.

 

[woodie1000]

Cazuk.

Have you also had a look at the BMB range? They do a 25 (DC) that might fit the bill. We had one two years ago (34) and thought it was an excellent boat - good value for money, well built, good sea-keeping and handling. I think the reviews in the boating magazines of the smaller BMBs have also been very favourable.

No idea on pricing though (when we bought I think the BMB was a bit cheaper than the comparable Sealine).

Boats can be found on www.ancasta.co.uk.

 

[snappy]

We bought the Sealine last year, mainly because we liked the look of the boat best, but also because we got the best deal against our old boat and found the dealers very helpful (Prossers). We have four kids and a dog so a big open cockpit was a key feature for us but the adaptability of the layout and good finish below were also plus points. I did not get as far as a sea trial in the others you mention but I would certainly recommend the Sealine as an adaptable family fun boat.

 

[Elza_Skip]

For me I was really impressed by the Aquador and looked at the 23WA at the boat show.

I currently have a scandanavian boat and am well impressed by the build quality.

As for holding value, aquador are getting really good press and should be well enough known. Generally the Scandanavian boats hold their prices well.

At the end of the day though you need to prioritise your needs and find the boat that fulfills those. No good having a boat with good resale if she does not do what you want of her so dont use her!

 

[cfrew]

I strongly recommend that you get hold of a copy of the July 04 edition of Motor Boats Monthly, including the test report of the Bavaria 25 Sport and the Sealine S25.

contact the copy service on 01202 440832.

regards, Hugo Andreae, Editor

 

[vaderalan]

Hi

I have a 2001 Aquador 22 HT down at Portsmouth.

I think that these Auadors are becoming more popular, since we had ours about 12 months ago (the first in our marina) 3 others have appeared, 2 of which are due to our boat arriving. Once the people get over the style of the Aquadors they begin to appreciate the quality and practicallity of these boats. We have already had people expressing interest in buying our boat, and we are not even thinking of selling it yet, so we don`t see re-sale as a problem.

We are looking forward to the coming summer and a bit of rain will not be stopping us from getting out on the water.

We like the new 23HT model as it is the same as our 22HT but with a full height head. Single Volvo deisel is economic, maintainable and reliable, everything you need for coastal cruising.

Sea Ventures, the local agent/dealership for Aquador, have just opened an additional branch for Aquador so they must be looking additional interest in these boats.

 

[jimduncan1]

Just curious if you looked at the 25Cabin and what your view is on it. I'm currently looking at both a used 23HT and 25C. I understand that speeds are lower by about 5kts for the cabin version.

Any views or recommendation? Thanks.

 

[duncan]

Firstly have you considered the Leader 805? Would be my first choice in the sort of range you are looking for the trips you are suggesting.
Of the 3 you are considering the S23/4/5 will give the greatest accomadation (but you haven't listed weekending as you intention for the boat). Some great boats on brokerage with everything from central heating to electronics and few hours on the clock (25?!?), diesel and sub 50k.
Aquador is smart and combines a bit of acomadation with good deck space and the Regal is the sportsboat of the 3. Neither of these 2 would be great for regular weekending.
If there's just the 2 of you the the Regal, new, with the new D3 XPD drive (it's an option!) shouldn't be more that 40k over here (it's $55k via a US dealer for comparison).

 

[enterprise]

Aquador very impresive, although selling might be slightly harder than the sealine.

Very true about the sealine(regarding the amount of second hand stock around) but there are also plenty of buyers for this style of boat, typicaly a first time buyer or those trading from a speedboat.

Regal, might be more to your liking for performance, the others are ideal for lazy afternoons potering around the coast.

Regal - performance
Sealine - accomodation/price
Aquador - Build/ + they are little known, which makes them more interesting.

 

[cazuk]

Re: opinions please - Aquador 23wa vs Sealine S25/S23 vs Regal 2250 -

Hi - given all the gr8 and valuable input from this forum - thought I'd give you an update on what I finally bought. I bought the Aquador 23WA from Sea Ventures and took delivery at Easter. It's everything I wanted it to be and more! Given that I'm limited to w/ends, the sea state at Brighton and my own in-experience I've already clocked up over 20 hours! Considering the fog and wind that we've had over the past Month I'm quite proud of that!

I've also been really impressed with the after sales service from Sea Ventures in Brighton (again one of the deciding factors was the fact that the boat was to be moored in Brighton and that the dealership was on site)

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[BrendanS]

The Regal hull is not only performance (fastrac is excellent) but excellent get you home in any conditions rough weather hull. It's handling is superb, and the write up in one of the mags last year called the hull technically superb or summat like that.

Been on a lot of boats and the ability of the fastrac hull still continues to impress. A lot of people in my club have seen the way it performs/been on board, and as a result there have been several Regal purchases by people who are very experienced.

Only downside is Gibbs aftersales, though Regal themselves are wonderful.

 

[duncan]

Pleased you are pleased!

For what you say you want it for it's the right one from the list you presented but, and there's always one, if you decide you want to spend cruising time on the boat you will be upgrading quickly (probably to the same marque and through the same dealer though).

Have a good season and call us up if you get over to Poole - whoops that would be a cruise!