What boat?

[GaryHarkin]

Hi All,

I am situated in Bangor Northern Ireland and I have only been boating for a year.
I sold my larson at the end of last season and I am looking to purchase a similiar sized one this year.
I am going to Wales and England this week to look at a Sealine S23, Regal 2465, Aquador 23 and a Four Winns 248 Vista.
I thought it best to join a forum and seek advice from experienced boaters........ok I tell a lie, my wife thought it best that I join a forum.
Your help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks
Gary

 

[lanason]

Buy Ali's Sealine - cus it's great and been well looked after, and it even has a trailer. See HERE

By the way welcome to the forum. . . . . . you have just joined the madhouse

 

[alt]

I was in the same situation as you last year, I looked at Sealine S23's but was put off by the few structural problems etc. (Having said that the S23 is supposed to be a great boat, but I didn't want to risk something happening 1/2 years down the road that was gonna cost mega bucks to fix)

I ended up buying a Lema Gold. I was able to get a high spec one for the same price as a basic spec S23 (Electric windlass, electric sea toilet, fridge, sink, shower, radar arch with lighting, fishfinder, gps, vhf, full stereo system, 2 x batteries with split diode charging, shore power) etc. etc.

She was used on fresh water all her life, except for when I took her to the West Cost of Ireland for 4 weeks last summer. I was surprised that it handled the swell pretty good, I got caught out a few windy days and never felt unsafe, although I did have to throttle back to 18knots (barely planing) as opposed to my usual 25knots (30 knots max)

She has a KAD32 and WOW i love them. Definately sticking with the KAD series engines for as long as possible

I'm currently in the process of upgrading again, this time i'm going for a 28ft sports cruiser

PM me if you have any questions. My ad for the my own Lema Gold is on apolloduck.ie if you want to get an idea of what she looks like. The one thing I didnt like was the colour of the interior, so I stripped it out and have now replaced the whole thing with Dark blue fabric, it looks lovely

 

[Nautorius]

Hi Gary,

You are either looking for a comfortable sportscruiser or a sportsboat that can handle the sea better and compromises accomodation.

The Aquador 23Ht is such a compromise. They are amazing sea boats, handle far more than their size should, are well built and great to be on-board. However the downside is reduced accommodation. I had a 23HT for 2 years and it was a great day boat/ weekend boat but we strugled to stay on her for longer. The benefit of the Aquador is the Hull, engine package which is amazing and the Hard Top....which is just so good!

On the other hand you can put comfort and livability first which means a petrol engined sportscruiser such as Chaparral 240 Signature, Fourwinns 248, Monterey 250, Regal 2460, doral 250 Monticello and Sealine S23/25. All are a great compromise on sea handling but can still do the basics well and have good accomodation. Of course a few of the above models come with a diesel...but you pay a high premium that may not be worth it.

Then there are the best value sportscruisers that give you the best 'bang for your book' but are a compromise all round. Such as larson, Glastron 249, Maxum 240 and possibly Bayliner (dependent upon age).

Have a look at plenty, decide if sea handling is important, check petrol availablity and then look at as many as possible!

Feel Free to ask questions.

BTW, I have Owned a Glastron, a Maxum, 2 Chaparrals, a Regal and an Aquador! For me Handling is high up there!

 

[db631018]

Hi Gary

I have a friend in your neck of the woods that has a Sealine S25 for sale. I believe it is in great condition

If you would like his details PM me.

Duncan

 

[Whitelighter]

It depends on what you want to do with the boat really. Serious all weather boating with one or two, or fully loaded family bpoating but only in the calm of the summer.