please help with first boat purchase

[lewismorganphillips]

Hi All,

I’m have very limited knowledge of boats (however am keen to learn) so please ignore my ignorance if my question seems silly.

I’m moving to Lisbon for a gap 18months out of work and plan on going fishing and relaxing with wife a few times a week on a boat 9that i will purchase)

I’m looking for a small motor boat under 5m long which i intend on keeping in a marina permanently.

My budget is about 6k for a second hand boat (not bothered of the age, but would like something that looks nice/cool or could be worked on to look nice i.e facelift)

I’ve looked at a few boats that i liked the look of: (some of which are £10k - was hoping to find older for cheaper?)
Bayliner
Maxum 2100 SC
Chaparal Sig
Four Wings 205 sundowner
Montereg Montura 218 LSC
Rinker 232 Captua Cuddy

I’m looking for the most fuel efficient, however will not be taking it far only local areas in Lisbon. I’m good with my hands and some maintenance would be fine (after all i will have every day to potter)

Any other boat recommendations would be useful.

On another note - how much more expensive will boats be to purchase in Lisbon than GB.

thanks for the advice , and again apologies for any naivety shown.

 

[gravygraham]

On another note - how much more expensive will boats be to purchase in Lisbon than GB.

Welcome to the forum. I'm not able to recommend any boats but, if you buy in the UK you'll obviously need to trailer it to Portugal so factor in the fuel cost of driving south, fitting a tow bar (unless of course already fitted), and the cost of a trailer that you'll never use again if the boat's in a marina. Obvious stuff perhaps but it's easy to get misty eyed when shopping for a new toy. Good luck.

 

[carlton]

Hmm... just wondering what you're budgeting for, for a six month stay in a marina? Could be quite a percentage of your intended boat purchase cost. Might be better to trailer the boat and use the slipway as and when.

Or possibly, buy the boat and trailer in Portugal. Then if you've gone off the idea you could flog it to some poor unsuspecting soul, or alternatively if you find you enjoy the boating experience you could then tow it home or whatever.

Could also be an idea to check whether or not there are regulations/registrations/minimum competency standards required/applicable in Portugal. (I'm not saying there are - I don't know...)

Hope it works out for you anyways.

 

[hlb]

But all the boats that you've looked at are all high speed sports boats, the fuel burn will be quite horific. Oh, I give up.

 

[Sandyman]

Learn to sail like proper sailors & buy yourself a proper sailing boat with sails.

 

[Spi D]

To stay with the OP:

Being new to this isn't easy

Step one is definately to know your budget - and possible excess . Budget is twopart: Investment and operating costs (berth, insurance, running, gear & equipment etc.). It takes some investigating to identify cost of repair/service that may be needed before taking it out at all!

Once you know the definate limit you can narrow your search. Keep in mind that a 5m boat looks large on land but seems like a tub when out there
Things like stability, useable features, room etc. very soon will lead to '2-foot disease', when you realise that you should have bought a slightly larger boat.

No boat (or engine) is better than TLC it has received. Ofcourse high age, like a high number of previous owners, increases the risc of maintenance omission...

At the budget around 6k your options are limited, but once you identify the segment your next step is to visit marinas and talk to owners. Most are happy to share and although some are outside scope, info is always useful.

You will compromise. Good for fishing and 'nice/cool looks' depends on taste but tend to draw in different directions.

Almost every extraordinairy offer has it's reason. Blemished gelcoat and faults that should fix by polishing hardly ever does - as the seller would then have done it before putting up for sale

Minor mechanical repairs often cost-a-lot before you know.

Getting one while down there sounds smart. Local selection will fit local conditions better and you'll have more time to think.
Meanwhile renting for occasional outings will add to your experience and may prevent bad decisions (££££).

If you get a road trailer you have to make a budget for that as well. Takes maintenance to keep sound and roadworthy. Adn proper size of towing vehicle to be legal - and, not least - capable.
A trailer for use within marina limits (launch/recover only) can be 'anything'.

Inspiration

 

[lewismorganphillips]

Hmm... just wondering what you're budgeting for, for a six month stay in a marina? Could be quite a percentage of your intended boat purchase cost. Might be better to trailer the boat and use the slipway as and when.

Or possibly, buy the boat and trailer in Portugal. Then if you've gone off the idea you could flog it to some poor unsuspecting soul, or alternatively if you find you enjoy the boating experience you could then tow it home or whatever.

Could also be an idea to check whether or not there are regulations/registrations/minimum competency standards required/applicable in Portugal. (I'm not saying there are - I don't know...)

Hope it works out for you anyways.[/QUOTE

think it will be at least a year in the marina. I will not have a car with trailer over there. I have factored £1350 a year for moring costs.

thanks for your best wishes

 

[lewismorganphillips]

But all the boats that you've looked at are all high speed sports boats, the fuel burn will be quite horific. Oh, I give up.

what do you mean by horrific?, im not planning on going far in it. Im thinking of driving out about a mile and parking up with a book and sitting there for a few hours a day.. im thinking about £20 a day in fuel? am i way off? :S

thanks for the reply

 

[lewismorganphillips]

Learn to sail like proper sailors & buy yourself a proper sailing boat with sails.

Yeah i like the idea but just want to turn a key and go.

 

[lewismorganphillips]

Welcome to the forum. I'm not able to recommend any boats but, if you buy in the UK you'll obviously need to trailer it to Portugal so factor in the fuel cost of driving south, fitting a tow bar (unless of course already fitted), and the cost of a trailer that you'll never use again if the boat's in a marina. Obvious stuff perhaps but it's easy to get misty eyed when shopping for a new toy. Good luck.

thanks for the good luck, i think i may need it

 

[lewismorganphillips]

To stay with the OP:

Being new to this isn't easy

Step one is definately to know your budget - and possible excess . Budget is twopart: Investment and operating costs (berth, insurance, running, gear & equipment etc.). It takes some investigating to identify cost of repair/service that may be needed before taking it out at all!

Once you know the definate limit you can narrow your search. Keep in mind that a 5m boat looks large on land but seems like a tub when out there
Things like stability, useable features, room etc. very soon will lead to '2-foot disease', when you realise that you should have bought a slightly larger boat.

No boat (or engine) is better than TLC it has received. Ofcourse high age, like a high number of previous owners, increases the risc of maintenance omission...

At the budget around 6k your options are limited, but once you identify the segment your next step is to visit marinas and talk to owners. Most are happy to share and although some are outside scope, info is always useful.

You will compromise. Good for fishing and 'nice/cool looks' depends on taste but tend to draw in different directions.

Almost every extraordinairy offer has it's reason. Blemished gelcoat and faults that should fix by polishing hardly ever does - as the seller would then have done it before putting up for sale

Minor mechanical repairs often cost-a-lot before you know.

Getting one while down there sounds smart. Local selection will fit local conditions better and you'll have more time to think.
Meanwhile renting for occasional outings will add to your experience and may prevent bad decisions (££££).

If you get a road trailer you have to make a budget for that as well. Takes maintenance to keep sound and roadworthy. Adn proper size of towing vehicle to be legal - and, not least - capable.
A trailer for use within marina limits (launch/recover only) can be 'anything'.

Inspiration

cant really go above 5m as it goes into another bracket of cost on the marina and with only a 6k boat doesnt seem worthwhile, yes itl look tiny i know :S id love a larger boat but finances dont allow.

I am visiting the area next month and will talk to locals and check out sales there. Your advice is much apprechiated and taken in.

Its difficult to spend more and get a larger boat as convinsing my wife that this is suitable has already been a struggle and the money i have budgeted is there to use as a little fun, anymore and it involves loans ect which could be stressful.

forget the fising boat , i think i rather the nice looking boad, what would you reccomend or think i should look at. how much MPG do you think the boats io mention above will do on average.

thanks

lewis

 

[BarryH]

I had a boat once. Bought it and was over the moon with it. Kept it 10 years or so and it drained me finacially, physically and mentally. Then I sold it. Now I'm better off, in full health and sane.........well the first two. I'm not sure about the third yet! I'll get back to you on that.

 

[Jim@sea]

If you are UK based and will return here with the boat you should consider using UK Boat Insurance. In the unlikely event that your boat will be stolen while in Portugal, UK based Insurance Companies will be easier to deal with. Certainly a UK wheel clamp (Like a Bulldog Titan) will help to ensure that when you park overnight in a French Motorway Services where thieves know that when people stay overnight that they consider that because the boat is still attached to the car that it is safe.

I would have thought that boats in the UK are cheaper, there is probably more for sale.
You may have to get a RYA Powerboat 2 Certificate which allows you to get an International Certificate of Competence. I had to get one to in France.

 

[lewismorganphillips]

I will not be brining it back to the UK,would sell when leaving. Yes have looked into the RYA course, will need this yea.

Thanks for the info, would you happen to know which boat would be most efficient out of the ones I mention above? Thanks Lewis

 

[Spi D]

cant really go above 5m.... only a 6k boat .. finances dont allow...visiting the area..difficult to spend..convinsing my wife has already been a struggle..how much MPG do you think the boats io mention above will do on average

In all honesty, and respect, I'd suggest you do not buy a boat. Investigate rentals and tickets for charter boats, save the money and take the wife out on a number of occasions first. Make sure she feels safe and confident - then think own boat.

Once she becomes clear on her degree of boating involvement you'll know how to negotiate the situation. How much easier will it be, if wife is not a struggle?

Boats more than often does things to couples: Split or bond.

 

[Spi D]

Of the boats you mention none are 5m


Maxum 2100 SC
Chaparal Sig
Four Wings 205 sundowner
Montereg Montura 218 LSC
Rinker 232 Captua Cuddy

All 6+ meter. When old enough to cost 6k they'll be pretty old & used.

Those are likely to have approx 200 hp so expect to burn from 20-40 liter per hour when cruising.

 

[PlanB]

Try and find out from someone what the "normal" sea state is a mile off your chosen marina.
A small motor boat can quickly make you queasy when stationary in anything other than dead calm. That would quite spoil your vision of sitting with a book.

 

[Galia]

I have a 5.3m daycruiser with a 75hp mercury outboard that I trailer to where I wish to boat. With regard to fuel consumption, I am either idling a long at 5kts or less or on the plane at 18kts (both the most economical speeds allegedly). My average consumption would be 5mpg. Proper boaters talk about fuel burn but as a novice/numpty (delete as applicable) mpg means more to me. As a newbie I found the actual running costs of boating are much more expensive than you are used to from running, for example a car.

 

[colhel]

I know this may not be the done thing on the Mobo forum, but from what the OP has said he wants to use the boat for, ie pottering around and reading his book, with the budget he has in mind and he wants to "turn the key and go" a sailing boat ticks all the boxes. I think most newcomers to the hobby consider propulsion with sails a black art, but it aint (even I can roughly near the place I aim for).
For 6K a 23ish footer with diesel inboard, cooker, bog, sink and a bed.

 

[Sheppy]

Hi,

Just been reading your post and you seem to have a number of confusing replies. Personally, I would look to buy when you're over there – no tax issues. I'm assuming you've researched marina costs in Lisbon, so you know what you're looking at there. The other thing to consider is that boats (love them or hate them) will cost you double what you think, or budget for – it’s as simple as that.

If you're mainly fishing, the only strong suggestion I'd make is to get a pilothouse boat - it might cost you a little more than you've budgeted but also remember resale will be higher too. The weather there isn't always sunny and you can easily get caught out in massive downpours and strong waves when the weather breaks. The waves won't be too much of an issue because you can race back to port as they slowly get worse but being dry and out of the wind will make all the difference – believe me, you’re wife will appreciate it! Also give thought to heads (sea toilet or portaloo).

None of the boats you've listed seem to make ideal fishing boats. I have a small Sports Cruiser and would never fish from her because the activity would ultimately ruin the boat - the damage to upholstery, the smell and stains! Just get a simple boat that can be easily cleaned and washed out when you get back to port. The other option is a simple 18/20' Dory with a decent bimini cover to keep the rain off.

Good luck, you lucky sod.

John