Sports cruiser with social cockpit

intoodeep said:
Thanks for all your thoughts...they are much appreciated. I am finding it is very easy in this game to keep adding 10K to the budget to get to the next boat... but think I need to set myself a hard limit of £75k and post 2000. I am also reluctant to go over 30ft due to the added expense across the board and I also want to be able to nip out for a couple hours or on my own without it becoming a big thing or too daunting. I think what I am looking for really is the most well thought out cockpit space within these parameters... i.e a convertible helm position or other forward facing seating which joins the table/faces the rest of the cockpit when not underway. Basically, I am trying to avoid having 'wasted' seating which wouldn't be considered sociable to the main cockpit space. My last boat had seating for 7 but could not have been a less sociable layout, so trying to avoid that.

The SC29 looks very intriguing and the one above is for sale at the same place as the only targa 30 in the country, so will take a trip up there this weekend I think.

As a side thought and admittedly from very little actual experience, its a shame nobody seems to be building boats like the San Remo 33 or Portofino 32 any more, especially in this country where you aren't probably wanting to get in and out of the water every 5 minutes.
Click to expand...

From memory of being on a friends SC29 it will be more cramped than the FL. Does sound like the SS is better for you. Old doesnt always mean more grief, can mind, but there will be well maintained ones out there and will be much cheaper for your budget.

Be careful about asking about what form the twin engines should be!! The shaft vs. outdrive debate will only depress you.

Search well and get inspections on whatever you make an offer on
 
Probably the best 30ft cockpit boat I have been on was a Princess 286 Riviera

But they are older than the OP prefers and I suspect they may only come with petrol engines

The downside of the SC29 is the d3 engines which is where the low tech of older boats starts to look attractive.
 
Last edited:
MartynG said:
If 30ft is the limit the SC29 comes close - the reversible helm seat helps
View attachment 127956
Click to expand...

Planning on looking at one this weekend. Have watched a video where they suggest you can get 6 around the table and then two on the chaise longue... maybe not in complete luxury but would do for the odd occasion and no one would feel too out the way. Thanks for the recommend. Sliding roof will probably come in handy too.
 
MartynG said:
Probably the best 30ft cockpit boat I have been on was a Princess 286 Riviera

But they are older than the OP prefers and I suspect they may only come with petrol engines

The downside of the SC29 is the d3 engines which is where the low tech of older boats starts to look attractive.
Click to expand...

Oh dear... I was assuming the newer engines would be one of the plus points. Smoother, quieter and more economical... but I guess there is much more to go wrong? Do they have a bad reputation?
 
stelican said:
Will you need to cook for 8 or is it snacks
Click to expand...

Just snacks... maybe grill up a few burgers, but nothing more than that. I should add that I am not expecting to have 8 on all the time, just would be good to accommodate that many for a sunset run out and few drinks at times. I expect half the time it will just be me and she (and the dog).
 
DavidJ said:
So the SC29 didn’t quite do it, the 37‘s suggested were too big so I suggest the Sealine S34. Well proven boat, in your price range and a good compromise for your needs.
There are quite a few on this forum with these.
eg
Sealine S34 Used Boat for Sale 2000
Click to expand...


Hi David,

I think the SC29 would probably be good for my needs but that S34 does look very tempting. I had them at nearer 90-100K, but that one does look good value. A lot of boat for the money. I will try and get to view one.

Thanks
 
intoodeep said:
Hi David,

I think the SC29 would probably be good for my needs but that S34 does look very tempting. I had them at nearer 90-100K, but that one does look good value. A lot of boat for the money. I will try and get to view one.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Boat prices seem to have gone through the roof.
A couple of years back I would have been OK to accept £100k for my 2002 S37 but not any more.
Do some research on the D3 engine for the SC29 because it describes 2 different engines, one a marinised Volvo car engine and the other a totally new unit. I believe some turbo problems with the car engine derivative.
Others will know more.
 
DavidJ said:
Do some research on the D3 engine for the SC29 because it describes 2 different engines, one a marinised Volvo car engine and the other a totally new unit. I believe some turbo problems with the car engine derivative.
Others will know more.
Click to expand...
It's the older engine known as D3 in the SC29. 190 or 160hp. Variable vane turbo.
 
intoodeep said:
Just snacks... maybe grill up a few burgers, but nothing more than that. I should add that I am not expecting to have 8 on all the time, just would be good to accommodate that many for a sunset run out and few drinks at times. I expect half the time it will just be me and she (and the dog).
Click to expand...
I had a Targa 30 and I don't think I'd want to take out 8 people on it.

In fact, I've got a Targa 34 now and even that would be a bit tight, but doable.
 
intoodeep said:
Hi David,

I think the SC29 would probably be good for my needs but that S34 does look very tempting. I had them at nearer 90-100K, but that one does look good value. A lot of boat for the money. I will try and get to view one.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Now im pretty sure that the helm seat on that doesnt flip. That might change your thoughts.
Sat on a mates S34 when i had my T34 (moored opposite) and sealine was much smaller cockpit
 
Lesson 1 take friends out when it is choppy
lesson 2 ask for fuel money
lesson 3 say no drinking
lesson 4 enjoy wife and dog.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top