What do need?

[Guest]

I am looking to but a fairline phantom 37, any tips and holes I must avoid?

My first boat and am excited but wooried it will turn into a complete disaster

NPK

 

[steve_cronin]

Well where do we start.....

FGirst thing you will become aware of is the xenophobia exhibited by both sides. That is Sail boaters and Motor boaters. But if you slow down for sailboats rather than make a huge wash that throws them on their beam ends you will be greeted with a friendly smile and a wave. Charge by at speed and they will regard you as just another ignorant stink-boater.

In my experience power boaters are generally very good seamen, rarely getting into handling difficulties in harbour or mooring up with incompetence or lack of consideration. Sailboat people can expect too much sometimes. Some regard permanently flat water as a God-given right!

That boat has if I remember rightly almighty big engines so I would recommend some sort of tuition. John Goode's or the Churchill Motor Cruiser School being well founded and reliable.

Holes to avoid? Well you are buying an expensive "hole in the water" into which you will be pouring a large chunk of your wealth!

Good Luck

Steve Cronin

 

[Guest]

Re: does it exist?

Do you mean a (flybridge) phantom 38? Or an (open) targa 37? Didn't think there was a phantom 37. The phantoms are roomy and good for uk boating with indoor pilot position. Targa a bit more med-style, good for open air living, easier to handle for novice crew - less windage and you can get around the boat and back to the helm easily, and if u have young kids so see the whole boat from the helm.

A primary requirment, as SC says, is a reasonable pile of cash. A number of people will be changing boats arnd this time so look out for stuff on the for sale forum. Also get a bloke to come on board for a week or so to help and teach if u are complete novice.

 

[AndrewB]

What you need ...

... is a yacht surveyor, one with qualifications and professional insurance. He will be able to reassure you about the condition and the value of the yacht.

The RYA put out some excellent advice for first time buyers, "Buying a New Yacht" Ref G10/00; or "Buying a Second-hand Yacht - The Legal Aspects. G21/00; both £4.70, and worth every penny. See http://www.rya.org.uk for details. You need to be particularly careful if this is a private sale, without a broker.

For such a large yacht training is a must of course, I guess you've sorted that.