RIB to motorboat

[SR4]

Having owned various small boats over the last 10 years the time has come to buy something a little bigger... a boat that has some shelter, room to crash if required etc. Just sold the RIB and I am looking for a new boat. As we will be using the boat on the west coast of Scotland I would like to find a good sea boat in the 20-24ft range. The budget for the boat and engine is £20,000. Is there much difference in stability and sea keeping between a newer lighter boat with an outboard and an older, heavier boat (2-2.5t) with an inboard diesel?

We plan to keep the boat in the water so the ability to trailer the boat is not required.

Have always liked the more traditional looking boats rather than the latest designs. Any suggestions? Found an Orkadian 23 and Channel Islands 22 that both look the part and are within the budget. Will view them soon. Not after speed, more comfort. We had plenty of speed with the RIB... but not much comfort. The idea of putting the kettle on, sitting at anchor to enjoy the scenery and peace is what is appealing these days.

 

[Kawasaki]

The Channel Island 22 is a great sea boat
More later!

 

[longjohnsilver]

The Channel Island 22 is a great sea boat
More later!

Agreed, Kwackers and I both used to own one, I had mine for about 9 years, never let me down and we were out diving in it in all weathers. Mine had a single Mermaid 140 and after I re propped it with a 4 bladder it would do the best part of 18kts flat out and cruise quite happily at 12-14kts, and that was usually with 3-4 divers and their kit. Loved it and would have one again in an instant.

The main downside was that because you are almost sat on the engine, it was a bit noisy, and of course the wheelhouse is open so we had to take down the electronics and put them away. But both these aspects were a small price to pay for a really great sea boat that would chug through anything. They were made iirc in Guernsey and every one of them was delivered by sea, regardless of the time of year! They stopped making them about 15 years ago so all are getting a bit long in the tooth so do check any you see out carefully. Another to consider is a Seaward 23, very similar to the CI22 but slightly more modern (& invariably more expensive).

 

[Firefly625]

Chanel island 22 good boat, could also look at Mitchell 22 - http://mitchell31.com/boats/22seaangler.html

 

[SR4]

Thanks for the replies, very useful. We narrowed it down to boats like the Orkney 23 and Channel Islands 22 as we liked the idea of the open backed wheelhouse and an enclosed space forward to shelter, stow gear etc as required. Still want plenty of fresh air and that feeling of being outdoors that the RIB gave us.

Would we notice much difference with the heavier inboard diesel boat compared to the lighter, outboard powered Orkney in terms of sea keeping and stability? 10-14 knots would be good so speed itself is not the issue. The Seaward 23 looks great too although they appear to be outside the budget at this time. It looks like our best options are between a slightly newer Orkney 23 with a modern outboard and a mid 80s Channel Islands 22 with an inboard set up. Still looking though so open to suggestions, of course. Want a traditional looking boat with some character.

 

[[2068]]

How about something like this?
Inboard Engine new in 2012.
And you'd have a few grand left over for cosmetic refurbishment.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/...orkney-orkadian-23/111800#t6O8fFFDMsTaDYdT.97


Or a Seaward 23 for £17.5k
http://www.mourneboatsales.co.uk/pages/index.asp?title=Seaward_23_diesel_cruiser

Slightly over budget, twin engines, you could try offering £21k and see what happened?
http://poole.boatshed.com/seaward_23-boat-210702.html

 

[Kawasaki]

Thanks L John, well posted! Saved me some typing
To add though
I think you are looking at a good option ref Seawards and CI 22's
The one Flower Power posted looks good and worth a bid at your budget imho
Both of the above will keep you safe when it gets a bit choppy
True semi displacement that will cruise through most stuff at 10/12 kts
The Orkadian/Orkney/Merry Fisher types are perfectly good vessels but will 'bang' a bit more in a bit of a sea
As you will know from your rib days bigger is not always better (sr4 for instance) if I needed a smallish hard boat again I would definately go for a Seawrd or CI 22
Where you want to operate from you need the capability of 16 kts flat out to be able to punch the tide but most of the time I reckon 10 kts will be sufficient, plus you won't break the bank ref fuel consumption
If you could get the likes of that Seaward within your budget, I would go for it!

 

[SR4]

Thanks for all the input and suggestions, very much appreciated. We are going to look at the Seaward 23, Channel Islands 22 and also the Orkeny 23 options and see what feels best. Based on the information provided here, I do think the slightly heavier semi-displacement hulls would suit our needs better and provide a little more comfort in a choppy sea. Would prefer shafts or an outboard over a stern drive too.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Alway amuses me when max speed is overstated, 22kts my arse with a 140hp engine. And never heard of a Seawood before.......but still worth a look, just ignore the brokerage build droppings.

 

[hlb]

Thanks L John, well posted! Saved me some typing
To add though
I think you are looking at a good option ref Seawards and CI 22's
The one Flower Power posted looks good and worth a bid at your budget imho
Both of the above will keep you safe when it gets a bit choppy
True semi displacement that will cruise through most stuff at 10/12 kts
The Orkadian/Orkney/Merry Fisher types are perfectly good vessels but will 'bang' a bit more in a bit of a sea
As you will know from your rib days bigger is not always better (sr4 for instance) if I needed a smallish hard boat again I would definately go for a Seawrd or CI 22
Where you want to operate from you need the capability of 16 kts flat out to be able to punch the tide but most of the time I reckon 10 kts will be sufficient, plus you won't break the bank ref fuel consumption
If you could get the likes of that Seaward within your budget, I would go for it!

Kwackers. Folk are asking where sea rush is. Have you any idea or can you contact him.

 

[Canopy Locked]

Thanks for all the input and suggestions, very much appreciated. We are going to look at the Seaward 23, Channel Islands 22 and also the Orkeny 23 options and see what feels best. Based on the information provided here, I do think the slightly heavier semi-displacement hulls would suit our needs better and provide a little more comfort in a choppy sea. Would prefer shafts or an outboard over a stern drive too.

This might be worth a look - close to you as well http://www.findafishingboat.com/newhaven-sea-warrior/ad-75349

 

[SR4]

Cheers, will take a look!

 

[Jim@sea]

Alway amuses me when max speed is overstated, 22kts my arse with a 140hp engine. And never heard of a Seawood before.......but still worth a look, just ignore the brokerage build droppings.

I had a 23ft Skibsplast with a 140 Yanmar and it would do 25knots. I wish I had it now as I can buy red diesel for under 50p a litre.