Valient 18" yacht, 5 hp outboard

[Nairn-sailor]

Hi there I have seen a valient 18" yacht with a honda 5 hp outboard and as I don't know much about boats wS wondering what people thought about this being a first boat. I have two kids and have always wanted a boat to take them mackerel fishing or see the Dolphins in the moray firth and have looked at lots of boats. I realise this is a cheap boat as no electrics or toilet but thought it might be a good first boat. Thanks James

 

[ProDave]

This might be better in Scuttlebut, this being a sailing boat and all that?

A 5HP motor on an 18ft sailing boat is plenty. Mine has a 4HP and that will push the boat at hull speed (5 knots) comfortably.

I'm not a fishing person myself (why is it the first question people ask when they find you have a boat is "do you fish"?) but those that do fish will prbably tell you a sail boat is not the best fishing boat.

You will probably want to install some 12V electrics. I would say a fish finder (depth gauge), VHF radio, and GPS are all pretty desirable, and they will run from a simple 12V battery topped up from a solar panel or from the OB if it has a charging output.

You mention Moray Firth so where are you? can't be far from me. Have you found a home to keep the boat yet? I might be able to offer some suggestions.

EDIT: I should have looked at your user name. I think I can now deduce where you are.

 

[Nairn-sailor]

Hi there I have waited for a berth in Nairn for 5 years!! I was looking for a boat with an engine but nothing really has come along. I have now seen a 22 foot yacht for £1900 with everything you will ever need and good walkways around it for the kids. I never thought a yacht might not be good for fishing off! Seeing the cheap boat tomorrow and the better one seems such a better boat with 4 beds and all electrics. Thanks James

 

[ProDave]

Reading your other thread, I thought you wanted something faster than 4-5 knots?

 

[C08]

I had a 18 ft Pirate, a similar size to the Valiant (which I also sailed on at Bala andby no means a bad boat). Although the Pirate sailed extremely well it always felt like a big dinghy and I think in open water particularly with your kids aboard the extra safety and stability of a 22ft boat, which behaves more like a small yacht than a big dinghy would be better and safer and with more room to accommodate several people and heads and better galley.