What 25' boat

[Drifter2406]

It uses 25 litres per hour at 20 knots. Interestingly at 24 knots it uses 30 litres an hour, which is actually exactly the same on a trip basis, 0.8 miles for each litre.

However don't make the mistake of working out how many hours you plan to be on the boat and multiplying it by (say) 25 litres because even when running, a lot is ticking over in and out of harbour, up and down rivers etc. I keep very accurate records and last year (as an example) it averaged out at 11.9 litres per engine run hour. We clocked up 62 hours running in total and that was about £1,000.

With regards to petrol or diesel, no way would I have a petrol boat again (I've had them in the past). Fuel is far less available dockside, many places only have diesel and when you can find it, it costs way more than road prices, like 50p a litre more last time I checked! Add in that they're less economical and it costs a lot more. With my petrol boat (which was way smaller, a Monterey 218LSC cuddy cabin speedboat) we'd have a lovely day out whizzing around and then the next day just anchor in a bay because it had cost so much. With this boat I never even think about it. Use it, enjoy it, about once a month fill it back up for a couple of hundred pounds.

Also don't make the mistake of thinking 'a petrol boat is £5K cheaper, that buys a lot of fuel' because you haven't actually saved that £5K to spend it on fuel, the boat is still worth £5K less when you sell it.

Thanks Nick, some great points there, I didn't know about the petrol prices being so steep if you can find it, this is beginning to sound like the ideal boat to be honest, with everything that's been said and your wealth of knowledge i would be a fool not to take notice, they do look stunning too. I already had petrol ruled out because of consumption but the extra price too makes it a definite no no, at what sort of speed does this get up on the plane, as i would rather spend a bit more time getting to my destination and saving a bit of money at the same time, especially if i plan to use it as much possible when i do get the time?

 

[JCG25]

What about a regal 2565 with a D3-190 in it? IMO they’re a good looking fairly modern sports cruiser & they’re very light down below due to the large windows

 

[Nick Burnham]

Thanks Nick, some great points there, I didn't know about the petrol prices being so steep if you can find it, this is beginning to sound like the ideal boat to be honest, with everything that's been said and your wealth of knowledge i would be a fool not to take notice, they do look stunning too. I already had petrol ruled out because of consumption but the extra price too makes it a definite no no, at what sort of speed does this get up on the plane, as i would rather spend a bit more time getting to my destination and saving a bit of money at the same time, especially if i plan to use it as much possible when i do get the time?

Take a look at this video of a choppy trip to Dartmouth to get the boat out - I was planing at 15 knots pretty much the whole way, I think at one point I was down to 12 knots, still (just about) planing.

It probably won't actually save you any fuel though - you'll use maybe 2/3 less per hour at 15 knots rather than at 22 knots but go 2/3 as far in that hour.

Honestly, I woudn't worry about fuel costs with a single diesel, it will be the least of your worries!

 

[paradave]

It’s a very strong case for the Leader 805!
I’m sure you’ve considered it but we absolutely love our MF805. Again, single Diesel engined but on a shaft instead. Previous boat was a Searay 225 and having the cabin house makes the boat soo much more comfortable we find. It’s not as fast as the leader though, most I’ve seen is 20knts on mine but seems very economical so far.

 

[Hot Property]

It uses 25 litres per hour at 20 knots. Interestingly at 24 knots it uses 30 litres an hour, which is actually exactly the same on a trip basis, 0.8 miles for each litre.

However don't make the mistake of working out how many hours you plan to be on the boat and multiplying it by (say) 25 litres because even when running, a lot is ticking over in and out of harbour, up and down rivers etc. I keep very accurate records and last year (as an example) it averaged out at 11.9 litres per engine run hour. We clocked up 62 hours running in total and that was about £1,000.

With regards to petrol or diesel, no way would I have a petrol boat again (I've had them in the past). Fuel is far less available dockside, many places only have diesel and when you can find it, it costs way more than road prices, like 50p a litre more last time I checked! Add in that they're less economical and it costs a lot more. With my petrol boat (which was way smaller, a Monterey 218LSC cuddy cabin speedboat) we'd have a lovely day out whizzing around and then the next day just anchor in a bay because it had cost so much. With this boat I never even think about it. Use it, enjoy it, about once a month fill it back up for a couple of hundred pounds.

Also don't make the mistake of thinking 'a petrol boat is £5K cheaper, that buys a lot of fuel' because you haven't actually saved that £5K to spend it on fuel, the boat is still worth £5K less when you sell it.

I agree availability of petrol is an issue when out of the Solent Nick,. If the OP is planning on long distance cruising then diesel is the only option.

The impending loss of red diesel to leisure boaters will increase the cost though. . Additionally, a stern drive is like having another engine to service. Thirdly, VP spares can be an eye watering price!

So the difference in cost is less stark in my view.

I am a fan of outboards which are reliable, efficient and easy to service DIY. Anyway, my mooring costs at least double my fuel costs so not a great concern...

 

[Drifter2406]

Take a look at this video of a choppy trip to Dartmouth to get the boat out - I was planing at 15 knots pretty much the whole way, I think at one point I was down to 12 knots, still (just about) planing.

It probably won't actually save you any fuel though - you'll use maybe 2/3 less per hour at 15 knots rather than at 22 knots but go 2/3 as far in that hour.

Honestly, I woudn't worry about fuel costs with a single diesel, it will be the least of your worries!

Blimey that does look rough. On a completely different note and while your here, me being that sort of age and being a huge fan back in the day, how did it feel testing the Miami Vice boat? Sorry itching to know.

 

[Drifter2406]

It’s a very strong case for the Leader 805!
I’m sure you’ve considered it but we absolutely love our MF805. Again, single Diesel engined but on a shaft instead. Previous boat was a Searay 225 and having the cabin house makes the boat soo much more comfortable we find. It’s not as fast as the leader though, most I’ve seen is 20knts on mine but seems very economical so far.

Hello, yes i did look at these, As you say the cabin house makes it very appealing, the shaft was appealing too as les to go wrong, what do you consider very economical just out of interest, have you had any problems with it?

 

[Drifter2406]

What about a regal 2565 with a D3-190 in it? IMO they’re a good looking fairly modern sports cruiser & they’re very light down below due to the large windows
[/QUOTE

I have read a lot about ageing D3's turbo's going bad and destroying the engine, (please correct me if i am wrong) was it these that had a lot of problems with Hulls or am i thinking of the Bayliner?

 

[paradave]

Hello, yes i did look at these, As you say the cabin house makes it very appealing, the shaft was appealing too as les to go wrong, what do you consider very economical just out of interest, have you had any problems with it?

We only got ours this Easter and so far have only got through one tank of fuel but seems to be in the region of 10-15l/hour, a mix of speeds 7-20knots.

 

[Drifter2406]

We only got ours this Easter and so far have only got through one tank of fuel but seems to be in the region of 10-15l/hour, a mix of speeds 7-20knots.

I must admit the enclosed wheel house is very appealing, i was also looking at which has its similarities to yours and that's the Beneteau-Antares 8, has anyone got any views on these?

 

[paradave]

I considered the Antares 8 too and I seem to remember it’s the same hull from the same factory used on both Boats! Layout is very slightly different and the sun deck on the 805 gives that little bit extra space (we’ve used it a lot) outside. Good luck with your search, looking forward to seeing where it ends up.

 

[Nick Burnham]

I agree availability of petrol is an issue when out of the Solent Nick,. If the OP is planning on long distance cruising then diesel is the only option.

The impending loss of red diesel to leisure boaters will increase the cost though. . Additionally, a stern drive is like having another engine to service. Thirdly, VP spares can be an eye watering price!

So the difference in cost is less stark in my view.

I am a fan of outboards which are reliable, efficient and easy to service DIY. Anyway, my mooring costs at least double my fuel costs so not a great concern...

All fair points. I suspect (or perhaps hope) that the more ready availability of waterside diesel pumps will engender some price competition. Waterside petrol pumps can charge almost whatever they like as there is inevitably no competition - take it or leave it.

A stern drive does increase servicing costs of course, but a sterndrive service is half the cost or less of an engine service and is only done every other year, so a long way from having another engine to service on a cost basis - and some of that is recouped via the better fuel efficiency of a sterndrive compared to a shaft.

Personally I wouldn't have an outboard boat bigger than a speedboat. I tested a Jeanneau Leader 33 last year with twin outboards and another with twin sterndrive diesels. The outboard boat suffered exhaust fumes at tickover (enough to give me a headache), way noisier at planing speeds, and I worked out the fuel costs (based on UK fuel dockside prices) to be triple the diesel version! It also puts a lot of weight high up and over the transom compared with diesels nestled deep in the hull and further forward. And you lose the bathing platform, one of our favourite places to sit, right by the water, at anchor. I do like the fact that you can trim them completely clear of the water (but even then, you'll get charged extra by the marina for doing it and you probably won't be able to reverse into the berth if you do).

 

[Nick Burnham]

Blimey that does look rough. On a completely different note and while your here, me being that sort of age and being a huge fan back in the day, how did it feel testing the Miami Vice boat? Sorry itching to know.

It was AWESOME! Off the scale in so many ways. The boat has has an astonishingly thorough restoration and is like new, and exactly as it was in the series. It was such a thrill. It drove brilliantly too, a real thoroughbred. My only regret is that at the time I knew nothing about videoing, I just borrowed a camcorder and waved it about a bit. Also lost all the running shots of it. I'd love to do it again now I'm a bit more experienced on the video front.

 

[Drifter2406]

It was AWESOME! Off the scale in so many ways. The boat has has an astonishingly thorough restoration and is like new, and exactly as it was in the series. It was such a thrill. It drove brilliantly too, a real thoroughbred. My only regret is that at the time I knew nothing about videoing, I just borrowed a camcorder and waved it about a bit. Also lost all the running shots of it. I'd love to do it again now I'm a bit more experienced on the video front.

That would have been one of my dreams come true. One of the most saddest things about that series and i'm not sure that i should admit this is that i still watch them now ?

 

[Nick Burnham]

That would have been one of my dreams come true. One of the most saddest things about that series and i'm not sure that i should admit this is that i still watch them now ?

It could be worse, you could have every episode on DVD and have named your boat after an episode title in matching Miami Vice style! Ahem...

 

[Drifter2406]

?? I had noticed, and yes i have got the DVD set too!

 

[Mike k]

This of any interest Drifter 2406?Google MMSI 235055025 2005 boat 7.5 m 450hours and as you will see I take it easy and not hammered by speed.

 

[LBRodders]

Why are you looking at 25' ? Is it a trailer constraint or berthing constraint? The reason being is a small jump to 28 foot or even 32 foot would really open up your choices.

Some good advice on this thread.

Id agree with @BruceK, the additional 3 foot is probably the best gain per foot on the boat spectrum.
You (+2) wont be sleeping in comfort on a 25' boat and it wont be luxurious on a 28' boat. Its all relative and a compromise, but a 28' boat with separate cabin is a no brainer.

The most important thing is to get a boat what suits you and your family and always have rainy cold windy days in your mind. Any boat is fun in a heatwave!

With the fluidity of today's world and cheaper diesel soon to be a thing of the past, I doubt the boats you will be looking at are going to be rocketing in price over the next 12-18 months. Take your time and enjoy viewing lots of boats. Because when you buy one, the boring bit starts of cleaning, maintaining and paying for it! Good luck!

 

[Drifter2406]

Some good advice on this thread.

Id agree with @BruceK, the additional 3 foot is probably the best gain per foot on the boat spectrum.
You (+2) wont be sleeping in comfort on a 25' boat and it wont be luxurious on a 28' boat. Its all relative and a compromise, but a 28' boat with separate cabin is a no brainer.

The most important thing is to get a boat what suits you and your family and always have rainy cold windy days in your mind. Any boat is fun in a heatwave!

With the fluidity of today's world and cheaper diesel soon to be a thing of the past, I doubt the boats you will be looking at are going to be rocketing in price over the next 12-18 months. Take your time and enjoy viewing lots of boats. Because when you buy one, the boring bit starts of cleaning, maintaining and paying for it! Good luck!

Thanks for the info, yes i will be looking at and getting the feel of a lot of boats before i take the plunge, the three of us are two adults and a German Shepherd so we don't need two berths made up. Yes i am looking forward to the whole process, when i am alowed out properly that is.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

All fair points. I suspect (or perhaps hope) that the more ready availability of waterside diesel pumps will engender some price competition. Waterside petrol pumps can charge almost whatever they like as there is inevitably no competition - take it or leave it.

A stern drive does increase servicing costs of course, but a sterndrive service is half the cost or less of an engine service and is only done every other year, so a long way from having another engine to service on a cost basis - and some of that is recouped via the better fuel efficiency of a sterndrive compared to a shaft.

Personally I wouldn't have an outboard boat bigger than a speedboat. I tested a Jeanneau Leader 33 last year with twin outboards and another with twin sterndrive diesels. The outboard boat suffered exhaust fumes at tickover (enough to give me a headache), way noisier at planing speeds, and I worked out the fuel costs (based on UK fuel dockside prices) to be triple the diesel version! It also puts a lot of weight high up and over the transom compared with diesels nestled deep in the hull and further forward. And you lose the bathing platform, one of our favourite places to sit, right by the water, at anchor. I do like the fact that you can trim them completely clear of the water (but even then, you'll get charged extra by the marina for doing it and you probably won't be able to reverse into the berth if you do).

I agree with all of this. We looked at loads of OB boats last September at SIBS and came to the conclusion that the compromises were not where we wanted to be, and ended up buying a diesel boat.