Test drive of motor boats

[Zipper42]

I have had a little 4m 40Hp engined RIB in Falmouth for many years and want something much more substantial for coastal cruising and one night sleepers. So I have a fairly good idea of what I want - probably something like a Sealine S23. My estate car won't trailer that though but I can get round that. A cuddy may be sufficient of course. In practice I could even go for something that you can't put on a trailer.

My problem is - will I feel comfortable handling a boat of 22', 25' or longer? I am *very* likely to go for the S23 mind you. Will I find it too slow after the fun I have had in my RIB? Will I find it comfortable or dippy in open water?

So how do I go about finding boats that I can (pay) to try out? Looking at the Second Hand market the dealers (e.g. Ancasta) say you only get to test out a boat after agreeing a deal and placing a 10% deposit.

Thanks

Grahame

 

[nyx2k]

if you fill out your profile so we know who you are and where you live then you maybe able to meet a few local forum users and get to see a few different types of boats etc and you may even be lucky enough to be invited for a quick spin around the local area.

ps welcome to the forumi

 

[Zipper42]

Thank for the reply. I have filled out my profile a little - in short I live in Herts but have a house in Falmouth, Cornwall where I do my boating. I'm happy to drive anywhere in the South if possible if anyone would feel like obliging - I'll bring the champagne and fuel money to compensate!

How did others go about trying out boats to see what suited them?

Thanks again

Grahame

 

[Chas25]

I've bought 4 boats and had seatrials in a fair number more and not paid for any.. ok so 4 successfully sold boats!

If you can find a dealer with a stock boat they may be happier to give you a seatrial than a broker with customer boats, ring round a few dealers explaining what your after and see if they can help you!

 

[PCUK]

My boat is for sale (not what you are looking for!) and I would be happy to take prospective buyers out for £50 instead of waiting for the usual deposit.