Very new newbie - Boat Help please

[ShoreRam]

Hi all,

Very new to this boating world, myself and a friend are looking to buy a boat for somewhere in the region of £10-15k (watch out Abramovic!), and being as ill-educated as we are are looking for some advice.

We're wanting to do some cruising out of Shoreham-by-Sea, maybe a couple of weekends away, (France?), and do a little fishing. There appears to be a lot of choice out there and it's not always obvious what you get for how much. We've joined the local yacht club with the aim of getting to know what's what and ultimately use the mooring facilities. So what are the things that we should be looking out for when buying the first boat.

Many thanks in advance.

Micheal

 

[Cliveshep]

Something like this would be ideal: http://www.findafishingboat.com/detail.php?aid=22056 or the same thing somewhat larger. Not fast but sea kindly and has an auxiliary engine as a get-you-home and is well within your budget.

Or there's this, not so sea kindly but probably fun in decent conditions: http://www.findafishingboat.com/detail.php?aid=21601

These are popular and are twin engined with good accommodation for cruising and generally within your budget: http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F207188

Getting yourself some training might well save your life, you can go to sea inexperienced in Abramovic's yacht and get into fatal trouble, or with training survive in a rubber dinghy.(You just might not be as comfortable).

 

[ShoreRam]

Thanks for taking the time out to respond, really appreciate it, I will take a look at the links, not going to buy immediately, but it gives an indication. We definitely plan to take at least the level 1, level 2 and ICC training, also hopefully get some experience on others' boats. That's the plan anyway.

Cheers

 

[gjgm]

Theres lots to do and see along our coast, rather than head for France. In a smaller boat you might find it daunting, but also a bloody boring trip.
Good idea not to rush in, but the better part of the season is Spring Autumn of course, so its worth getting out there looking before the best boats get sold for the coming season.
Have a look about the yards,moorings etc,chat to owners and see whats popular, at least in terms of design for where you intend to use the boat. Also, write down ten things you really really hope to do with the boat..fishing,anchoring,eating,brew-up,taking a leak, sleeping...whatever YOU hope to do. You wont get all of them, but you ll enjoy the boat alot more if you' ve made sure it actually does most of what you want.
Its quite common to buy a boat bcz it looks nice, and then in actual use discover its not what you wanted!
Oh, and the engine will be much of the value of the boat. Cosmetics you can touch up.. engines can be big bills.

 

[Philiz]

Training is definitely worth investing in, I'd recommend you do Powerboat level 2 for a starter, you'll cover good basic boat handling and the rudaments of navigation and it includes ICC. Plus if you drop on a good instructor (like we did) you'll get invaluable advise regarding boats which suit your requirements. Good luck with your forthcoming boating fun, keep us posted on your progress!

 

[ShoreRam]

Thanks for taking the time to respond, it's very useful. I'll be sure to let you know how we get on, and don't be suprised if I pop back for some more questions


cheers