Nosealegsyet
Well-Known Member
thanks martyn
Total newbie looking for tons of advice.
- Thread starter Nosealegsyet
- Start date
DazzyWoo
Well-Known Member
Welcome Nosealegs
I’d echo the comments about going to see lots of boats, checking out the layouts and see what you get for your money.
I’d suggest maybe get your family (aka crew) to do a ‘competent crew’ course to see if they like it, and get them trained in the basics. I’d go straight for Powerboat level 2, and skip level 1. Also try the RYA Helmsmen course to get a feel for twin engine boats. This will be valuable experience, and you can talk to the trainer, other people on the course, and people in marinas about their boats, and will start to get a feel for what is important to you. You should also need to do a VHF course.
Going to Cornwall / across the channel is not a light undertaking. The boat will probably be fine – you and your crew maybe another thing. Marinas often organise group cruises – and this would be a good way to build your confidence.
Do make sure any boat you are interested in have the Builder’s Certificate, the VAT invoice and complete trail of Bills of Sale – or make sure the price is suitably adjusted if these are not present, as you will find it harder to sell, and will get less money.
When you’ve found a boat, hire an independent marine engineer to accompany you on the sea trial, not someone the broker offers to provide. Volvo Paul is a fave on here, but I think he specialises in diesels. If you buy petrol – you will need someone else.
Buy a boat you can sell. This means buy one that is in good condition, is at a reasonable price, and is a brand that the UK market likes. A good litmus test for this is how many of them are around. E.g. the Uk market likes Fairline and Sealine cabin cruisers. Therefore there are lots for sale in the UK, and a tidy example will sell at the right price
It sounds as though you are settled on an overnight cabin cruiser. In which case I would consider:
Toilet arrangements (aka Heads) - you will almost certainly want a private toilet.
Kitchen arrangements (aka Galley) - Do you want a small fridge and hob for cups of tea and bacon sarnies?
Sleeping arrangements - Check out the sleeping arrangements and think about how much privacy you need.
Do you want to anchor up? If so, I would consider getting a boat with a windlass. This is a motor for lowering, and more importantly, raising the anchor. They can be quite heavy.
If this sounds like your kind of thing then American single engine ‘lake boats, like the Bayliner 285 might appeal. This was my first boat. They are very roomy; but they are a handful on a breezy day. We enjoyed the boat, but did have a few mishaps on windy days, and found the limited availability of petrol a pain in the area we were cruising. If you get something one you will want one with a bowthruster - this is a ‘get out of jail free card’. I would want one even on a twin engine model (but that is because I am not very good).
In hindsight I would have spent a bit more on my first boat and bought a Sealine S28 with twin diesels instead – which would just about be in your budget. Twins are much easier to manoeuvre. Diesel is much more readily available, and get the benefit of heating & discounted fuel.
This is an example picked at random to give an idea of the layout.. https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/...s-cruiser-3243584/?refSource=enhanced listing
Decisions decisions
Good luck
DW
I’d echo the comments about going to see lots of boats, checking out the layouts and see what you get for your money.
I’d suggest maybe get your family (aka crew) to do a ‘competent crew’ course to see if they like it, and get them trained in the basics. I’d go straight for Powerboat level 2, and skip level 1. Also try the RYA Helmsmen course to get a feel for twin engine boats. This will be valuable experience, and you can talk to the trainer, other people on the course, and people in marinas about their boats, and will start to get a feel for what is important to you. You should also need to do a VHF course.
Going to Cornwall / across the channel is not a light undertaking. The boat will probably be fine – you and your crew maybe another thing. Marinas often organise group cruises – and this would be a good way to build your confidence.
Do make sure any boat you are interested in have the Builder’s Certificate, the VAT invoice and complete trail of Bills of Sale – or make sure the price is suitably adjusted if these are not present, as you will find it harder to sell, and will get less money.
When you’ve found a boat, hire an independent marine engineer to accompany you on the sea trial, not someone the broker offers to provide. Volvo Paul is a fave on here, but I think he specialises in diesels. If you buy petrol – you will need someone else.
Buy a boat you can sell. This means buy one that is in good condition, is at a reasonable price, and is a brand that the UK market likes. A good litmus test for this is how many of them are around. E.g. the Uk market likes Fairline and Sealine cabin cruisers. Therefore there are lots for sale in the UK, and a tidy example will sell at the right price
It sounds as though you are settled on an overnight cabin cruiser. In which case I would consider:
Toilet arrangements (aka Heads) - you will almost certainly want a private toilet.
Kitchen arrangements (aka Galley) - Do you want a small fridge and hob for cups of tea and bacon sarnies?
Sleeping arrangements - Check out the sleeping arrangements and think about how much privacy you need.
Do you want to anchor up? If so, I would consider getting a boat with a windlass. This is a motor for lowering, and more importantly, raising the anchor. They can be quite heavy.
If this sounds like your kind of thing then American single engine ‘lake boats, like the Bayliner 285 might appeal. This was my first boat. They are very roomy; but they are a handful on a breezy day. We enjoyed the boat, but did have a few mishaps on windy days, and found the limited availability of petrol a pain in the area we were cruising. If you get something one you will want one with a bowthruster - this is a ‘get out of jail free card’. I would want one even on a twin engine model (but that is because I am not very good).
In hindsight I would have spent a bit more on my first boat and bought a Sealine S28 with twin diesels instead – which would just about be in your budget. Twins are much easier to manoeuvre. Diesel is much more readily available, and get the benefit of heating & discounted fuel.
This is an example picked at random to give an idea of the layout.. https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/...s-cruiser-3243584/?refSource=enhanced listing
Decisions decisions
Good luck
DW
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Nosealegsyet
Well-Known Member
Thank you so much for all that helpful advice. I didn't know what a 'head' was. I was going to ask but felt an idiot. Ive susses the gallery, and didn't know what the windlass was either. Thankyou!!!1. That boat is gorgeous, absolutely, I think ive decided not to tow, so one that size would be fine, and I would go upto around 50k. Im going to spend all of this year doing courses, and trying to find out as much information as I can, so I don't make the wrong decisions. Going out in a group I would really love that .And knowing that others were closeby would be so reassuring, I think that would definatley be the way to go. Do you keep your boat in water all the time? Do people generally keep larger boats in the water all the time? With the boat being a twin diesel does that mean it uses twice as much fuel?
DazzyWoo
Well-Known Member
I've just sold mine
I started off in a dry stack, then decided I was better off in a marina. I kept boat afloat most of year - with a haul out for annual service . Many do, many opt for winter ashore (on the hard).
I'm not an expert but I don't think its quite that simple. E.g. you are getting twice the power - so would a better question be how much more fuel would it use than an engine twice the size? see http://www.ybw.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-400035.html
Honestly - the fuel costs wont break the bank on a boat that size. Check out marina fees - they will exceed the fuel bill by a margin. It will mean twice the servicing costs.
DW
DavidJ
Well-Known Member
I mean I had it lifted in and out by a crane. Not cheap around €100 each lift.
Momac
Well-Known Member
I wouldn't have a Bayliner nor any American boat with through the window access to the bow and electric only cooking.
Also only consider diesel engined boats if you have ambitions to travel far.
I think we made a good choice with the S23 as a first boat.
Also only consider diesel engined boats if you have ambitions to travel far.
I think we made a good choice with the S23 as a first boat.
Nosealegsyet
Well-Known Member
got it! doh!
Nosealegsyet
Well-Known Member
Yes i think ive decided on diesel, so are you saying all american boats will only have the option for electric cooking? As opposed to what? .I saw some that said alcholol? What does that mean?What do you mean by through the window access to the bow.Is this the window that is on the front of the boat? Whats bad about that?Sorry for all the questions, as you can see i know very little.
Bbroomlea
Well-Known Member
We started out boating on a Sealine S24. Perfect to learn the ropes so to speak. Drawbacks were petrol, single engine handling and a bit tippy/unstable when getting on and off.
Moved on to a Sealine S28. A far better boat and if you have £50K in your budget you will get a very nice one. They are well built, spacious and can be used to just sit and relax around the marina as much as putting to sea. The S28 will give for a better ride at sea than a smaller S23/24/25 etc. if the weather turns.
Our old one is up for sale with NYA and I can vouch that she is in immaculate condition: https://www.nya.co.uk/boats-for-sale/sealine-s28-14/
You will need to keep a boat this size in a marina, lift out once a year for a quick underwater scrub and service of outdrives (most people I know do those every other year). Other than that it will be in your berth and ready to go when you are.
Moved on to a Sealine S28. A far better boat and if you have £50K in your budget you will get a very nice one. They are well built, spacious and can be used to just sit and relax around the marina as much as putting to sea. The S28 will give for a better ride at sea than a smaller S23/24/25 etc. if the weather turns.
Our old one is up for sale with NYA and I can vouch that she is in immaculate condition: https://www.nya.co.uk/boats-for-sale/sealine-s28-14/
You will need to keep a boat this size in a marina, lift out once a year for a quick underwater scrub and service of outdrives (most people I know do those every other year). Other than that it will be in your berth and ready to go when you are.
lisilou
Well-Known Member
I meant various locations of slipway lol. Can’t advise you on using slipways i’m afraid as we drystack.
L
DazzyWoo
Well-Known Member
That is a tidy looking boat - go and see that as a benchmark - but don't sign anything !
Glenlivet
Well-Known Member
More aimed at boats for angling but loads of good info/terminology in the free book available for download on the link below.
http://www.boat-angling.co.uk/free-downloads/
http://www.boat-angling.co.uk/free-downloads/
Nosealegsyet
Well-Known Member
Its gorgeous.Ii want one now! However i want to do all the courses first and get some practice under my belt, so im looking jan feb next year for purchasing 'my baby'. Can you change the name of a boat? Ive heard people say that its unlucky?
Nosealegsyet
Well-Known Member
Brilliant, all downloaded and sent to my family as well. Thankyou!
Bbroomlea
Well-Known Member
The S28 in that link is on her 4th name - we gave it Double Trouble as we bought it for more space when our twins were born.
I was told to rename out of the water to suppress any suspicious stuff
thesaintlyone
Well-Known Member
Firstly go do amotorboating course and you will be able to ask lots of questions and get a better feel. How many people would be sleeping on it at a time a towable boat will not be large probably a Cuddy or Bowrider depending on your overnighting requirements. Iyour budget tbf will get you alot of Trailer able boats.and even new boats. What is the towing capacity of your Motorhome. If you plan to tow the boat that will limit choice. To be honest if I was in your shoes I would but a small 18-20ft Cuddy cabin for about 5-10k including trailer which will give you a towable boat and then if you were happy with that size you could upgrade to a newer boat either bigger or similar.
DavidJ
Well-Known Member
Love it!I was told to rename out of the water to suppress any suspicious stuff
It’s like a superstition to counteract a superstition.
I’ll remember that one.
Nosealegsyet
Well-Known Member
The S28 in that link is on her 4th name - we gave it Double Trouble as we bought it for more space when our twins were born.
I was told to rename out of the water to suppress any suspicious stuff
lol!. I would want to give her my own name, then i would really beleive she was mine if you see what i mean.
Nosealegsyet
Well-Known Member
Looking at boats and listening to people advice on here, im not going down the towing route now. In reality on dry land the boats look far bigger than they are in the water, so im knocking the towing on the head.So now i can afford to go for something bigger. I looked at an S28 today at Littlehampton, that was right up my street, however it was well used, and i dont want one that is.I am going to have to increase my budget for sure, but at least i have more options now.
ST840
Well-Known Member
Well used is not always a bad thing, I’d rather have a boat with 1000 hours and a full service history than a 300 hour boat with none.
I used to have an s28, budget £2k a year for servicing costs.
After years of different boats and engine types, s shaft drive boat is definitely the way forward as far as I’m concerned !