Suggestions for a Boat

[ontheplane]

Hi there,

In a while I would like to get a small boat to tow behind a motorhome.

Because of this it needs to be light (around 1000kg max) and small enough to manually move around when not on the hitch.

I also want to seat around 4 people in it and be able to do river, light coastal, skiiing etc in it, and for it not to cost the earth to buy and run.

Budget is up to £3500 - £4000 all up with trailer engine and so forth.

I have seen these:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120601374463#ht_684wt_930

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180539065000#ht_1604wt_930

Also, seen these and they kind of appeal (but not seen one for sale yet):- http://www.shetlandboats.co.uk/range/20.php

and wondered if people could point me in the direction of any other makes / models I need to have on my radar for this kind of fun - bearing the budget in mind.

Ta

 

[sarabande]

Walker Bay have a good following as zippy tenders amongst the moboists here.

http://walkerbay.com/


Dunno about the prices, though.

 

[ontheplane]

Look a bit new and a bit pricey, plus just open, no protection from wind or spray at all.

I want something a bit more like the ones in the question - small cuddy for protection but "Open plan" layout.

Thanks for idea though - keep em coming

 

[dingdongs]

Have you ever thought about whether you can launch a ton boat with your camper.I wouldn't want to put it anywhere near salt water.A rib may be a good bet which can be man handled as public ramps are normally for 4x4's,especially as one or both adults will be getting wet in launch and recovery.

 

[ontheplane]

Yep had thought of that.

Was looking at these:- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Powerful-12V-...60293038223?pt=UK_Trailers_Transporters_Parts

It might be a bit slow... but it should do the job...

Also, I would use a long length of rope to launch to keep m/home on flat level ground.

 

[Bojangles]

Yep had thought of that.

Was looking at these:- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Powerful-12V-...60293038223?pt=UK_Trailers_Transporters_Parts

It might be a bit slow... but it should do the job...

Also, I would use a long length of rope to launch to keep m/home on flat level ground.

I don't think you'll be very popular at the slip if theres a queue waiting, plus a winch will not help you reverse the trailer down to the water.

 

[Coaster]

Was looking at these:- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Powerful-12V-...60293038223?pt=UK_Trailers_Transporters_Parts

I suggest you take a good look at various boats being launched from their trailers, on slips. The idea of parking a motorhome at the top of a typical slip and trying to control a trailer carrying a one ton boat by means of the winch you refer to seems rather impractical. For a start you'd be likely to be moving the trailer a lot more than 40' (the length of the winch cable) so there would be chocking on potentially slippery surfaces, untying and retying of rope etc.

May I recommend you consider a 14' - 16' fishing boat with a cuddy. Your budget might buy an old, smaller Orkney or similar, such as this one, and forget the skiing. To be frank, a boat capable of comfortably carrying 4 people, with shelter, adequate power for skiing and a suitable trailer will either be a lot more expensive than the stated budget or it will probably be seriously defective - or stolen!