What would you buy?

Hi All, thanks for the advice.

I did look at the Searay 215, I really like the boat but the 5.0l petrol really puts me off. The Crownline is now an option, I still like the Sealines, Karnic and Fletcher 19's. I have spoken to the boss and she thinks that although she is up for the occasional over nighter, it won't be a regular occurance so the accomodation is now a lower priority. Seaworthiness, ease of single handed use and fuel/maintanance costs are the main drivers. Based on that, my preference has swung to:

1. Karnic 2050 - will a 90 4stroke be much more economical than a 3.0l or 4.3l inboard petrol of the other boats, or would the difference be negligable?
2. Fletcher 19
3 Crownline
4. Sealine 200s
5. Searay 215


Andy
 
Re fuel economy figures - my Fletcher 19 with the 4.3EFI inboard, cruises very nicely at around 20-30mph and uses an average of 1 litre of fuel per mile. Top speed is 50mph.

There is plenty of room on the boat for two people to laze around, but I wouldn't really want to spend too many nights on board.

BTW having the bigger engine option allows me to have a bigger (21" Laser II) prop on the boat, which means fewer revs for any given speed. So a bigger engine doesn't necessarily mean higher fuel consumption.
 
Nautorius said:
In your possition I would get a Searay 215 weekender. Lots about in your price range and brilliant pocket cruiser that looks and feels like a cuddy! they look like this one
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/fishing-boats/searay-215-PBY428

Paul
Click to expand...

Wonderful boats :D

We get about 1.5 litres per mile at 3,500 rpm (about 22-23 knots) with the 5 litre efi, though she develops more of a thirst if you lean much harder on the loud pedal. Excellent sea boat and the accommodation, though snug, works suprisingly well, particularly if you have a camper canopy for the cockpit.

Of the craft on the OPs original list, I'd go for the Fletcher. Lovely little boats.
 
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Some good boats on your list. I would go for either the Karnic or the Fletcher.

Both have pros and cons. The Karnic is bigger, more deck space and will be cheaper to run and service. But it doesn't have much seating and no sun pad, and although they are developing a good reputation the Fletcher will be easier to sell on.

The fletcher is smaller, more like a mini cruiser, good sociable seating and handles well. The engine will cost more to run and service. I have always said you need a 4.3 in the Fletcher, but it is a very heavy engine for the boat and a lot of its power is used up just shifting its own bulk. It would be tempted by a 3.0 if the price and condition were right.

Go and have a look at both boats, see which one you prefer.
 
I've owned a Fletcher, Sea Ray and Karnic in my time. All three are good boats but currently have a Karnic 2250 as it's such a good all rounder. I can't overestimate how useful it is to have walkaround side decks for anchoring, berthing, maintenance etc (so much easier than climbing through the windscreen, particulalry if your partner will be helping out).
The cuddy is perfect for clobber, kids and the occasional overnight but not much more than that.
I'm also a big fan of outboards as you can keep the drive clear of the water when berthed to prevent fouling and it's less prone to corrosion/flooding than a sterndrive. It should also be quieter, cleaner, more efficient and easier/cheaper to maintain than a 4.3-litre V6.
The cockpit is very practical, easy to clean and self-draining for extra safety in rough weather or in the event of bilge pump failure. You can also get side benches made for the cockpit which increases the seating capacity and creates a more sociable layout.
 
if you do decide to go for the Fletcher and this is all it's made out to be, I'd say there's a bargain to be had.. no connection, just an ex Flecther 19GTS who sold his for a lot more than this

Click Me
 
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