Spanish makers

neil01403

neil01403

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Joined
29 Dec 2005
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Costa Del Sol
www.roadblockpublications.com
We all know that Rodman have a good name but has anyone out there got experience of the less well known Spanish brands (Astinor, Astondoa, Doqueve) in the 40 to 50 foot range? They seem to offer tremendous value for money but my UK boat maintenance people seem a bit "sniffy" about them on the basis that they are not British built. If we take a boat back to basics it's a GRP shell with engines, electronics and some cabinetry all of varying quality. To my eye they seem solid and tremendous value for the med but input would be much appreciated if you have relevant (or totally irrelevant!) knowledge.

Many thanks
 
If you are looking in the med then don't worry about what a load of Brits think.
They'd be a nightmare to sell here but then that's not the plan

Astondoa are the premium maker out of those three - they make/made some seriously big multi million pound stuff, over 100ft some of it. The smaller stuff was contracted out to Moa Technica/Garin and eventually those models were made under their own brand.

Astinor are a cruiser/fisher hybrid. I nearly bought one, or at least thought hard about it. They are quite traditional inside and use a lot of wood. Very well constructed, with a very good level of joinery. Externally the super structures are a bit dated maybe but I'd have no worries owning one.

Doqueve are the boats I'd probably be most cautious of. The yard has/had gone through quite a few reboots and the boats were trying to be more modern and compete with the Italian and British stuff and doing so in price to attract buyers. Not a Strachey that worked and JD want to survey one thoroughly and be cautious.

Of course engines, electronics, hardware are all generic. The real thing about these boats is resale. You won't sell one over here and unless something changes the Spanish and Portuguese don't have any cash. So as long as you buy it well and are happy to keep it for ever or long enough that mentally you write its value down to zero them they would make a good option for a big comfy med boat
 
Thanks for the input Whitelighter. I have looked at an Astondoa and I'm due to visit an Astinor but there is nothing about the brand on the web apart from a few comments that they build rugged solid fishing boats for use in the Atlantic. The Astondoa I viewed was well screwed together albeit a bit Spanish in style inside with loads of wood and OTT leather, the Astinor looks similar in the pics. I agree about the superstructure and the thoughts about resale. I might have to rethink a bit if I write down to zero!
 
No experience with the makes but actually own an Ocqueteau (French) that doesn't rank high in the UK either. Fortunately I don't care :rolleyes:
Regardless of make and model the engines, drive lines and other gear will be the same.

It is not until you sell again the cost of owning can be calcultated - just like cars.
If a less expensive boat meet your requirements, hold less of your hard earned money and reduce the need for financing (if any) you might get a great ROI but if your happiness depends on owning a high status brand there is no way about it.

At the point of selling the market most likely will be different. Sale abroad might be an option.
 
If a less expensive boat meet your requirements, hold less of your hard earned money and reduce the need for financing (if any) you might get a great ROI but if your happiness depends on owning a high status brand there is no way about it.

Thankfully I am not brand conscious, my logic is why pay for all the hype and marketing? Previously I have owned Sealines (The Ford Mondeo of boating) and I don't have a problem with switching to Peugeot or Seat. I will think carefully about the resale value ....possibly even zero but then again I'm only paying half as much as I would for an older Fairline or Princess.
 
neil01403 said:
I will think carefully about the resale value ....possibly even zero but then again I'm only paying half as much as I would for an older Fairline or Princess.
Click to expand...

My point exactly. Not a lot of true benefit from getting a high price if the net loss is larger.

On cars the avg. depreciation is constant within a narrow range for all but the weird/exotic/cult (-ish).
Collectors items or true classics are more expensive on the right day - if you can find a buyer
 
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