Upgrading from small RIB

[citygent111]

Hi everyone,

We are considering upgrading from a 3.8m rib which has grown too small (well, our son has grown too big!) for the family. Budget constraints mean we can't spend a lot, but we've seen a 2003 Bayliner bowrider that needs a bit of TLC (cosmetic only) and we're really tempted.

3.0 Mercruiser looks in good condition. And there's the issue....

Please could I ask your advice on what we should be looking at when we go visit the boat? It's on land so can't take it for a trial run out, but we should be able to ask for the engine to be started up for us yes? I'm no mechanic though - so what should we be listening out for?!!

Carpets need a good clean (who puts carpets in a boat?) but structurally it looks ok.

Another really odd question! It has a flat stern panel/transom with a small platform on the starboard side. Is there any way we could add a swim platform here? Am I mad? Is it just too old to even find one? I have always wanted a boat with a platform at the back!

Thanks in advance all

 

[stelican]

If you want a full width platform keep searching SeaRay,Regal etc but they are quite narrow until the Regal 1900.
Not much point in running engine whilst ashore if you are purchasing subject to satisfactory to you sea trial.
Not sure if above are within budget but bet you will soon move up, Bayliner are good budget boats we use to sell hundreds in the 1980's

 

[citygent111]

Thanks Stelican - food for thought! Might stop worrying about the platform then, so it's just the engine to think about now...

You're not far off actually - this is only to see us through the next 2 years at which point I should be able to finally get my hands on my pension pot, and plan to buy something bigger/newer!

Cheers

 

[limecc]

If you have budget constraints to buy why consider such a boat to run? 3.0L or 5.0L inboard petrol + outdrive will cost bigly. Bowriders were designed for American lakes, calm waters, cheap gas.

For me it has to be outboard powered and an open console boat fits the bill nicely. More deck area than the same size rib and many have huge self draining decks and boarding ladders. No carpets lol but Seadek is better.

There's plenty of Ranieri or similar boats for sale cheap. I look enviously at Saxdor and whether I'd prefer one over a Cabin cruiser or Pilothouse boat for the same money but they are too new to find many secondhand.

 

[citygent111]

HI Limecc, I guess it boils down to 2 things - firstly the Mrs wants a "proper" boat with proper seats (!) and secondly, as the lad has got bigger we wanted something we can tow him properly with. His big brother (19yo) came over a couple of weeks ago and we tried towing him on the ringo - the boat honestly did NOT move!

With a budget of below £10k and the above requirements, is there any particular make/model you'd recommend we look at instead? I've seen Saxdor before - they are lovely!!

Cheers

 

[Scubadoo]

Have a look at the Fletcher boat range from 14ft to say 24ft with inboards and outboards, great british boat in my opinion. I had a 16ft Outboard which was a very capable sea boat for many years.

For petrol, I would also focus on an outboard rather than inboard, much easier to maintain and takes up less room.

 

[Paul1962]

I had a Bayliner 2052 Capri - it has cabin for shelter and ablutions etc - it also has a full width stern platform and convertible seating. Around mid to late 90's but I see there is a nice one
3.0 Litre one for sale in Brighton.

Regards

 

[citygent111]

Have a look at the Fletcher boat range from 14ft to say 24ft with inboards and outboards, great british boat in my opinion. I had a 16ft Outboard which was a very capable sea boat for many years.

For petrol, I would also focus on an outboard rather than inboard, much easier to maintain and takes up less room.

Must admit, I do prefer outboard - easier to access and as you say, leaves more internal space for us.

 

[citygent111]

I had a Bayliner 2052 Capri - it has cabin for shelter and ablutions etc - it also has a full width stern platform and convertible seating. Around mid to late 90's but I see there is a nice one
3.0 Litre one for sale in Brighton.

Regards

Cheers Paul, I found this one but it's sold. Bayliner 2052 Capri | Brighton Boat Sales

Would the condition of the engine on this (as an example) concern you?

 

[limecc]

Comes in under budget with a brand new engine:
Ranieri Azzurra | 5m | 2002 - Devon | Boats and Outboards

Also another 17', £2K cheaper, just £8000:
Ranieri Azzurra | 5m | 2001 - Dorset | Boats and Outboards

Both include trailer.

 

[limecc]

Thing is, a 1600cc 90hp outboard will probably blow away any 3.0L Mercruiser and be more economic to boot. 70hp gets mine to 35 knots (2.1 nm/L cruising) so those should be good for 40 knots? Plenty of storage. Bowrider might have nice seats, but does it have a sunbathing pad?

Those Bayliners are nice but at least double your budget and I'd call the 2052 a cabin cruiser not a Bowrider.

 

[bowler]

Cheers Paul, I found this one but it's sold. Bayliner 2052 Capri | Brighton Boat Sales

Would the condition of the engine on this (as an example) concern you?

The 3.0ltr is not alot of power in a boat that size. I had one in a 17ft bowrider years ago and even it struggled to plane with 4 peeps on board. Bayliner sold many boats with too small an engine to keep the price down. The bigger v6 or v8 mercruisers would be better!

 

[citygent111]

Have a look at the Fletcher boat range from 14ft to say 24ft with inboards and outboards, great british boat in my opinion. I had a 16ft Outboard which was a very capable sea boat for many years.

For petrol, I would also focus on an outboard rather than inboard, much easier to maintain and takes up less room.

Totally going off on a tangent now - we've seen a lovely restored Fletcher Sportscruiser 18ft. It's a1996 model but the guy has done a load of work. Engine practically rebuilt, new transom, refurbished trailer etc etc...

Bit concerned about its age, but I guess the bits that matter have been sorted so we're having a look at it this week

Curious to know, how much do you think is a fair price for it? I won't say what he's asking, but it really does look in great condition.

Thanks!

 

[stelican]

Don't think it's been asked or quoted but where will you be using the next boat.

 

[limecc]

Totally going off on a tangent now - we've seen a lovely restored Fletcher Sportscruiser 18ft. It's a1996 model but the guy has done a load of work. Engine practically rebuilt, new transom, refurbished trailer etc etc...

Bit concerned about its age, but I guess the bits that matter have been sorted so we're having a look at it this week

Curious to know, how much do you think is a fair price for it? I won't say what he's asking, but it really does look in great condition.

Thanks!

@Bigplumbs is your man

 

[Kawasaki]

If your on a budget don’t buy a boat with an outdrive

 

[citygent111]

Don't think it's been asked or quoted but where will you be using the next boat.

Mostly around Anglesey with the odd lake visit.

 

[Hot Property]

I had a Fletcher 19 sports cruiser with an outboard.

Brilliant boat and good seakeeping.

Avoid sterndrive versions, the 130hp mercruiser is heavy. Rated up to 135hp with an outboard.

Rare find (probably 1 in 10) but worth waiting for. Its the more modern version of the 18 you are looking at.

Oh yes, towing! I could tow the Fletcher 19 with a braked single axle trailer with a mondeo. The Sterndrive version requires a twin axle trailer and a bigger tow car - costs to be factored in.

As previously mentioned Dennis (bigplumbs) is your man to discuss with.....

 

[ontheplane]

bigplums probably has about 25 boats he could sell him!

 

[Straker]

HI Limecc, I guess it boils down to 2 things - firstly the Mrs wants a "proper" boat with proper seats (!) and secondly, as the lad has got bigger we wanted something we can tow him properly with. His big brother (19yo) came over a couple of weeks ago and we tried towing him on the ringo - the boat honestly did NOT move!

With a budget of below £10k and the above requirements, is there any particular make/model you'd recommend we look at instead? I've seen Saxdor before - they are lovely!!

Cheers

There's a 2006 Kelt Azura 600 for sale on the south coast. Made in France, 19 feet long, cuddy cabin, trailer, and comes with two four-stroke Suzuki outboards - a 115 and a 4hp auxiliary. The seller is asking for £10.5K so there should be some room for negotiation.