(Very) Newbie Advice Please

[ryanM]

Hi All,

A couple of friends and I have quite taken to the idea of buying a cheap power boat for occasional summer use - trips to the coast (Weston-s-Mare and Southampton probaby), watersports on lakes etc.

We're looking to spend up to £2.5k and were thinking something like a Fletcher Arrowsport or a Bayliner Capri...like these -

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/speed-boats/fletcher-arrowflyte-14-PYB6622

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/speed-boats/bayliner-capri-bowrider-capri-85-hp-PAA49337

We'll probably buy over the winter - hoping to get better value for money, but these are the sort of thing we're looking at. The 'Bayliner Capri' is more desirable to us because of the extra seating it has in the bow, however, I have seen other boats with a similar design. Is there anything similar out there for our price range? Can anyone also suggest some good websites to search used boats?

What I'm also looking for is general advice for new owners - I've looked up towing laws (think we're ok as long as the car/boat combination doesn't exceed 3.5t) and insurance (~£100/year each). But I've got no idea about what to look for in a boat, running costs, required maintenance, any required licenses etc.

So, to summarise; if anyone can steer us in the right direction as to a suitable boat model, where to buy and what to look for along with any general ownership advice; that would really be appreciated.

Thanks very much in advance,
Ryan.

 

[whisper]

Hi,
Think you'll get more response, or even some response, on the Motorboat forum within this site.
Good luck.

 

[Baddox]

At the trailer size, the boat is usually the reliable and relatively cheap bit. You need to pay close attention to the outboard engine and also check the trailer hubs are sound.
Don’t expect much more than 1 mile per litre of petrol, add in the cost of safety gear and essentials such as flares, VHF, life jackets, fishing rods, etc, etc.
Add launch fees, insurance, storage and more your budget.

Have fun, there’s nothing like having the freedom of the water on a calm sunny day.

 

[Seajet]

RB Coomer on the motor boat forum has a similar sort of boat and is a very decent guy, see if he replies to a thread there or you could PM him.

 

[Searush]

Go to the RNLI website for a good summary of safety eqt if you go on the sea - and it won't come amiss even if you have a problem on a lake!

Read up about tides, weather, charts & navigation marks too. The RYA publish loads of books about coastal navigation that you should be able to buy off Amazon or E-bay quite cheaply. This may seem like overkill, but the RNLI are pulling newbies back in every week who haven't taken similar basic precautions. That's how the phrase "Birmingham Navy" came about, small boats are lots of fun, but the sea is very different from the land - stay safe.

The type or make of boat is almost irrelevant provided it is used sensibly.

 

[davidej]

. That's how the phrase "Birmingham Navy" came about, small boats are lots of fun, but the sea is very different from the land - stay safe.

It is 'Romford navy' around our way.

We love you all and will genuinely try to help where we can, but, please, don't speed thru the moorings. There is plenty of open water so be kind to rowing dingies etc.

 

[Pleiades]

Small power boat

Hi ryanM,
As far as boat types is concerned, I recommend looking at a small rib - rigid inflatable boat - they are inherently far more seaworthy than the equivalent sized plastic speed boat - much more residual buoyancy even if totally swamped, very stable so less scary for family if everyone happens to go to the same side at once and can be driven with modest hp outboards. They can provide much fun but can bring out the speed beasty in the helmsman/woman so learn slow and proceed with care:-

I would spend what money was available on a basically sound boat but leave enough to have two engines. So if the boat comes with a big old outboard- say above 40hp, buy a good small auxiliary outboard - 6 hp would be enough to get you home if the big enginbe goes caput. You should be able to fit a pad to mount the auxiliary. A second source of propulsion is I think essential in all boats.
If you proceed with care so that you don't scare self, crew or other boaters you might in time appreciate the benefits of a proper boat - perhaps even one of the stick and rag jobs....
Good luck.

Robin
Pleiades of Birdham
MXWQ5

 

[William_H]

Speed boats

You need to decide where you want to go boating. A lot of places will have speed limit restrictions which make a speed boat a bit silly considering the compromises made for speed. The first one is really made for speed and water ski towing. It will be quite uncomfortable in slightly rough water and has little room.
The second one at least has a shelter under the awning and would I imagine be more comfortable in slightly rougher water. You will still be restrained to go slow because the motion at speed will be very violent.
A said mostly with the boat you get what you see and any problems will be obvious. The engine is another question and simply newer is better. The trailer will take a lot of maintenance especially the wheel bearings. All doable provided there is not a lot of damaging rust in the trailer. good luck olewill

 

[Lakesailor]

If you are based in the South presumably you know where there are some water-sport lakes to visit. I think you will be limited to old quarries etc. There aren't many natural bodies of water with no speed limit.
Those that have an established water sports operation may not allow self-launching or you may have to join a club.
Certain of the Broads have no speed limit at present. All the Lake District is speed-limited and you need to get as far as Loch Lomond to enjoy the power.

Estuaries and rivers may be unlimited, but the nature of them and the moorings and general river traffic make speeding a bit anti-social until in the clearer parts. Many mooring areas have speed limits (which seem to be routinely broken).

I would say to get the use from it you really need a boat capable of coastal running. A RIB would be a safer bet, but at the price you are looking it may have maintenance issues (leaking tubes for instance).
There is a big market on the 'net in speed boats and I often wonder where, or if at all, they get used. Maybe that's why people are always selling them.

Bashing down the coast between harbours in the UK isn't quite like slipping across from Amalfi to Capri in the Italian sunshine

 

[Searush]

(snip)
Bashing down the coast between harbours in the UK isn't quite like slipping across from Amalfi to Capri in the Italian sunshine

You're not kidding, Phil!

I once came across a young couple in a speed boat who had decided to zoom around Anglesey for the day.

It's quite doable, but probably about 50-60 miles of a mix of sheltered & very exposed water with strong tides & overfalls. They had done it, but taken a helluva battering & looked like drowned rats, shivering in wet shore clothes.

I think he had learned a lot about his boat, but I suspect she would never go out in it again!