Upgrade ‘imminent’ having bought a boat that was far too small.

mil1194 said:
Hi guys,
After a few years out of the water i jumped back on in February for a little Searay 240 Sundancer thinking it would be a fun thing to get us into the water. We then had horrendous weather, then two weeks lock lockdown due to maintenance then of course we’ve had CV19. However since some lifting of the rules we’ve been out 3 times in two weeks and I wish we’d bought a bigger boat....

Today I have been on a Turbo 36 and was amazed by the interior space and have been searching Europe tonight for something that might replace/ go along side the little Searay. I know the turbo 36’ has a lovely a cabin and comes with either the 225 or the 306VP, I would instinctively go for the 306 unless there’s a very good reason why not to. These are available from 45-65k. There are also 36 Sedans available for the same sort of money which I think are a much better looking boat but I gather you loose the aft cabin. Having not seen the Sedan in person what happens to that space?
I have also been looking at various Birchwoods from 37 to 55 and have seen some beauties up to 55ft for around the 80k mark although with Different engine configs. I’ve seen some bizarre engine configs - tiny petrol 4 cylinders which I have dismissed straight away - and I’ve seen later VP diesels with up to 370 each side. I’ve also seen the Detroit’s within this bracket for the Birchwood within the 80k with reasonable hours etc.

I am struggling with the beauty of the 36 Sedan, taking the age onboard and keeping it for 10yrs plus and spend spend spend on maintenance and wishful thinking would be that there would be no depreciation or spending another 30k and getting either a more recent Birchwood or a much larger Birchwood of a similar age and just spend on maintenance.

Am I missing something important or does my reasoning make sense? Having bought a boat that is far too small for our family needs (8-15people) I am keen not to make the same mistake again but I had to start little to get everyone ‘onboard’,

Any comments welcome - even rude ones!


PS. This will be berthed in Swansea marina if that makes a difference .
Click to expand...
Another great thread :)

I'd be surprised if a Turbo 36 for all its well-deserved reputation of spaciousness would accommodate more than 6 of you in comfort for any time. If you don't want another quick boat change then you need a bigger boat or fewer friends :)

Fairline 50
Princess 50 or 55
 
Last edited:
oldgit said:
The down side , you will always see skippers helming from above , no matter what ever the weather. You can hardly see anything out the front down stairs while on the plane and bugger all out the back no matter what speed.
Click to expand...
Had same problem with mine and only being a shortarse. It helped enormously once I had fitted nearly double size trim tabs.
 
Well guys. Brilliant feedback, pics and stories of loyal owners - many thanks. Interesting (maybe?) having looked online/research etc the. It may still not be big enough - teenage boys here at the moment and I can’t see it being very long before they ‘get attached’ in one way or the other and I don’t fancy changing again in the next few years so have seen a couple of Birchwood TS54 online which may fit the bill. I’ll also look at the Princess 50/55 and Fairline 50 as recommended. Thanks again
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top