S38 or SC29?

[wattsn]

We currently have a Sealine S38 which was purchased (as an upgrade from our Targa 30) with the intention of going further afield. However, in the few months since purchase we have now bought a business (deli and coffee shop on the side of the marina where we keep the boat) and so don't think we will have the time in the next few years to venture further afield in the boat and therefore do not need the cabin space.

Knowing we want to keep a boat (it's in our blood ) the dilemma is do we sell ours (we have an interested party) and downsize to an SC29, we also like the idea of the roof system, or keep the S38? The overall difference in cost (finance, berthing and insurance) will be about £160 per month and I'm guessing servicing costs will be roughly similar (still 2 engines and 2 outdrives). Looking at prices, it seems an SC29 will be about just £15k less than our S38. Does not seem a lot of difference for what is quite a smaller boat but recognise there are other factors like the roof system etc.

So, do we go through the hassle of selling ours and then looking for a downgrade or just stick with what we have? I realise any decision is pretty subjective but just wondering if anyone has any thoughts before I send ours on its way to the South Coast tomorrow.

Indeed, if anyone has a nicely speeced SC29 that they would like to p/ex against a stunning S38 then plese do get in touch.

Cheers

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Tricky one this. We went through a similar thing ourselves in the late 90's when we built our own house and the costs escalated way beyond our budget. We downsized twice going from 47ft to 37ft but in reality the amount of cash it released was fairly small once brokerage fees had been taken out and considering the fact that it's almost impossible to buy any boat, new or secondhand, without splashing money on it to make it how you want it. But it goes beyond straight money considerations IMHO. In my case, I just felt more at ease having a smaller boat when I was splurging cash on our moneypit house.
In your case going from a S38 to a SC29 doesn't seem to generate a great deal of cash or save you a great deal of monthly outgoings and some of that saving might be swallowed by brokerage fees on the S38 and getting the SC29 right. I suppose if you can find someone who will do a swap plus cash to you without going thru a broker it might be worthwile but I think it's really down to what would make you feel most at ease. Of course I guess the most prudent action would be to sell the S38 and put the cash in the bank for a few months until you're confident the new business is running well. Can you not do without a boat over the winter months?

 

[wattsn]

Hi Mike

Thanks for your reply. We could do without a boat through the winter although some of our best days last year were in November and December. I do often do things too quickly and am wondering if I have done the same here in arranging the sale of ours so quickly.

Ah well, we can always buy another.

 

[CHI]

S38 or SC29

Hi Neil .
I know you have been very pleased with her , and you did buy at a very good price.

Unless you wish to have the extra cash in your pocket overall, i feel that the benefit for selling and buying a SC29 ( after brokerage fees, VAT etc) is fairly small. As you said we do get some fantastic days in the winter to enjoy our hobby.

Hope you are feeling better now.

Keith

 

[Nautorius]

If I was in your shoes (and I have been) I would look at a different style of Boat. Why not go for a single engined Scandi HT boat? This will reduce running costs (Half servicing) reduce fuel and yet give you a nice secure day boat with overnighting capabilities. The Aquador 26HT would fit perfectly and although there would be a cash saving on swopping it would not be big. However your running costs (10m berth) single engine etc do make a big difference.

Just think laterally...I did and it did pay off!

Paul

 

[Markus]

Hy, I would coose a SC 35. Because the salon and all the floor size in the 29 is verry smal, he 35 is absolutley top in it's size.
Best regards
Markus
Berlin/Germany

 

[gimmesunshine]

why not get a single engine d6 sc29 ?
you'll get 2k year saving in berthing, and half your servicing costs and get a faster boat
i've been seriously put off d3 boats due to reliability issues, seem my recent thread.
really like the sc29 and can understand why you would consider it, the cockpit and roof are great

 

[wattsn]

why not get a single engine d6 sc29 ?
you'll get 2k year saving in berthing, and half your servicing costs and get a faster boat
i've been seriously put off d3 boats due to reliability issues, seem my recent thread.
really like the sc29 and can understand why you would consider it, the cockpit and roof are great

Thanks. Not seen any second hand single engine SC29s though and no way can I justify buying new (ie paying more money to downgrade). Also like the manoevrability of twin engines. Berthing costs would be just £300 per year less where we are....Really. The S38 costs just £2000 per annum whereas an SC29 would be £1700.

That's the real crux of it, the cost savings are really not that great which is why I am struggling to justify on other grounds.

 

[wattsn]

If I was in your shoes (and I have been) I would look at a different style of Boat. Why not go for a single engined Scandi HT boat? This will reduce running costs (Half servicing) reduce fuel and yet give you a nice secure day boat with overnighting capabilities. The Aquador 26HT would fit perfectly and although there would be a cash saving on swopping it would not be big. However your running costs (10m berth) single engine etc do make a big difference.

Just think laterally...I did and it did pay off!

Paul

Good idea. We would need to get some demos in though and if I let ours go tomorrow then I will be committed to having to like something else. Had not expected ours to get serious interest so quickly which has really thrown me as no time to give serious consideration to anything else. Therefore should I hold and spend tiome looking or take the chance and sell and hope we will find something else suitable that we like.

The other issue is we got this one at a great price and very unlikely to get another at the same cost especailly as brokers are telling me good second hand boats are now in short supply hence prices are stabilising or even increasing slightly.

The plan was that I thought we would not get serious interest in ours until next spring/Easter giving time to look about etc. The immediate interest has completely thrown me.

 

[Nick1150]

I've been there in the past..... my advise is never downgrade if you are happy with your boat.

Your boat will be there for you when you need her (near to your business as you said)... There will always be a day off for you to cruise with her. With the right equipment (canvas) you can go all year long.

If you are happy with her, don't downgrade... we people find free time with one way or another. We need it. After all we all miss one or a half of a meter in our boats...

Just my opinion because I have downgraded my self too in the past.

Nick

 

[poltergeist]

I agree with Nick1150, and feel that the SC29 will never capture your affections like the S38. I used to own a S28, and have upgraded to a bigger Sealine, and wouldn't want to go back to a smaller boat unless it was an absolute neccesity, and the money saved was considerable.

 

[wattsn]

Thanks all. Advice much appreciated.

Well, due to the weather today I cancelled the transport last last night (as would have had to hang around in open water for 3 hours waiting for the hoist) which gives me longer to think about it. Not heard back from broker today so guess the interested party may be looking elsewhere. If so then will almost certainly keep her till next season as we all love the boat.

 

[poltergeist]

If so then will almost certainly keep her till next season as we all love the boat.

If boating is a passion of yours, and it appears it is, then that sounds like a better plan. The S38 is a cracking boat, with that big boat ride quality. Now you have experienced that, it is really doubtful a SC29 will cut it as a replacement.

 

[wattsn]

If boating is a passion of yours, and it appears it is, then that sounds like a better plan. The S38 is a cracking boat, with that big boat ride quality. Now you have experienced that, it is really doubtful a SC29 will cut it as a replacement.

Thanks, and agreed. How's the C39? Considered one of those before we got the S38 but was unsure about losing that wind in your hair feeling

 

[poltergeist]

How's the C39?

It's great, and feel that it fits in better with the dire British Climate. The sunroof opens things up to the point that it doesnt feel totally enclosed, it handles like a dream & it feels so much bigger than the S28, and will make it more comfortable for those cold winter days.

In summary, it has more than lived up to our expectations.

 

[CHI]

Thanks all. Advice much appreciated.

Well, due to the weather today I cancelled the transport last last night (as would have had to hang around in open water for 3 hours waiting for the hoist) which gives me longer to think about it. Not heard back from broker today so guess the interested party may be looking elsewhere. If so then will almost certainly keep her till next season as we all love the boat.

Well Done Neil. I am sure you have made the correct decision.

Cheers

Keith

 

[Switch]

I agree; i really think you'll regret down sizing...i had an S38 in Menorca for a weeks charter a couple of years ago...cracking boat!!