ingenious
Active member
It was the wood burning fireplace that appealled to meDefinitely. She has a transparent flagpole. A must have
Which boat? Version 2
- Thread starter ingenious
- Start date
Sticky Fingers
Well-known member
That’s fair. A log burner in a boat is a perfect idea. 
ingenious
Active member
Part 2b - France
Today’s boats:
2017 Nimbus 305
First boat I’d view that wasn't in the water but also first I've had to view in the rain.
Been onboard one of these in Gran Canaria and liked it. Been hull scrubbed and polished so looked OK
Interior upholstery a bit tired
Cabins not as roomy as I thought but thats probably from having seen other bigger boats
No service records except current of 3 owners (2022)
Broker didn't fill me with confidence though.
A second 305 in Antibes is now sold so wont be seeing that
2011 Fairline Targa 38
Even though I had decided I didn't want an open top boat, I wanted to have a look at this as it had been recommended by @Sticky Fingers and I wanted to see Fréjus port. I was very pleasantly surprised, I has a decent screen and side window height. Several other open boats i have seen have shorts screens and you are looking into a join to the soft top when at my normal seating position.
Very spacious with two good size cabins and excellent galley and heads.
Very long with extended bath platform and I forgot too measure air draft for canals and have mailed the broker asking him to check
2018 Bavaria 33 HT
Beautifully built but felt very small after the Fairline. Having no hard separation between the main cabin and lounge area would be OK if it was just be but not when guests are on. Extended bathing platform makes it longer than some nominally longer boats A definite “No" but gives me hope for the Bavaria 38 I am seeing tomorrow
Don't think I'd want to base myself in Fréjus or Hyères, very expensive and busy even at this time of year, what it must be like later...
And the traffic.
Today’s boats:
2017 Nimbus 305
First boat I’d view that wasn't in the water but also first I've had to view in the rain.
Been onboard one of these in Gran Canaria and liked it. Been hull scrubbed and polished so looked OK
Interior upholstery a bit tired
Cabins not as roomy as I thought but thats probably from having seen other bigger boats
No service records except current of 3 owners (2022)
Broker didn't fill me with confidence though.
A second 305 in Antibes is now sold so wont be seeing that
2011 Fairline Targa 38
Even though I had decided I didn't want an open top boat, I wanted to have a look at this as it had been recommended by @Sticky Fingers and I wanted to see Fréjus port. I was very pleasantly surprised, I has a decent screen and side window height. Several other open boats i have seen have shorts screens and you are looking into a join to the soft top when at my normal seating position.
Very spacious with two good size cabins and excellent galley and heads.
Very long with extended bath platform and I forgot too measure air draft for canals and have mailed the broker asking him to check
2018 Bavaria 33 HT
Beautifully built but felt very small after the Fairline. Having no hard separation between the main cabin and lounge area would be OK if it was just be but not when guests are on. Extended bathing platform makes it longer than some nominally longer boats A definite “No" but gives me hope for the Bavaria 38 I am seeing tomorrow
Don't think I'd want to base myself in Fréjus or Hyères, very expensive and busy even at this time of year, what it must be like later...
And the traffic.
Sticky Fingers
Well-known member
You’re making progress here I think, size matters IMHO so if you have the mooring and the budget then bigger boats will feel and be more comfortable all round. At this size, an extra 5’ of length makes a big difference to the accommodation.
ingenious
Active member
Today.
2018 Jeanneau NC33
This was a bit of a disappointment. It’s one of the newest, most expensive boats I’ve looked at and I expected a newer, better version of the NC11 I had looked at before. In some ways it is - helm on the right side which had much more modern equipment, more seating in the outside area, much better engine access but I hadn’t appreciated it was narrower beam which cuts space and it has lost a lot of the clever storage spaces the NC11 had. I had to turn sideways to pass between the helm and the seating on the left.
2011 Bavaria 38HT
This one is big. Nominally 11.8m but the extended bathing platform takes it well over 12m. It’s also 4m beam. So it has a huge amount of space inside. It also has nearly 2m headroom. It’s also the only boat I’ve been on that had a ladder to get down to the engines - you could have a party in there! Downsides are that the second cabin is a 1 + 1/2, it can be used as a double but not two singles, the bigger D4 engines will be heavier on fuel and the size takes it into a bigger berth category. Lastly, its air draft precludes getting onto the Canal du Midi past Capestang. I had thought the actual draft might be an issue too at 1.5m quoted on the ad but the official spec is 1m which is OK. Standing at the helm the extremities looked a long way away, not sure I’m comfortable handling something this big solo.
I’ll need to think about this one more.
2013 Jeanneau NC11
Another of a model I’ve already seen one of in Spain. This one has only done 60 hours in its 12 year life. It really is like new on the inside. On the outside the teak decking is very dried out but otherwise fine. One owner, maintenance invoices for nearly 20k Euro in that period. Berth available in Antibes but very expensive. Definite possibility but I have a newer one to look at tomorrow and a fourth the day after.
Now I'm going to have a few glasses of wine and watch the beautiful people of Cannes!
2018 Jeanneau NC33
This was a bit of a disappointment. It’s one of the newest, most expensive boats I’ve looked at and I expected a newer, better version of the NC11 I had looked at before. In some ways it is - helm on the right side which had much more modern equipment, more seating in the outside area, much better engine access but I hadn’t appreciated it was narrower beam which cuts space and it has lost a lot of the clever storage spaces the NC11 had. I had to turn sideways to pass between the helm and the seating on the left.
2011 Bavaria 38HT
This one is big. Nominally 11.8m but the extended bathing platform takes it well over 12m. It’s also 4m beam. So it has a huge amount of space inside. It also has nearly 2m headroom. It’s also the only boat I’ve been on that had a ladder to get down to the engines - you could have a party in there! Downsides are that the second cabin is a 1 + 1/2, it can be used as a double but not two singles, the bigger D4 engines will be heavier on fuel and the size takes it into a bigger berth category. Lastly, its air draft precludes getting onto the Canal du Midi past Capestang. I had thought the actual draft might be an issue too at 1.5m quoted on the ad but the official spec is 1m which is OK. Standing at the helm the extremities looked a long way away, not sure I’m comfortable handling something this big solo.
I’ll need to think about this one more.
2013 Jeanneau NC11
Another of a model I’ve already seen one of in Spain. This one has only done 60 hours in its 12 year life. It really is like new on the inside. On the outside the teak decking is very dried out but otherwise fine. One owner, maintenance invoices for nearly 20k Euro in that period. Berth available in Antibes but very expensive. Definite possibility but I have a newer one to look at tomorrow and a fourth the day after.
Now I'm going to have a few glasses of wine and watch the beautiful people of Cannes!
Last edited:
AllanG
Well-known member
To be fair, the NC37 is the replacement for the NC11, not the NC33, and that’s why the NC33 has a narrower beam than the NC11.
Anyway, good luck with your next viewings…..and enjoy your wine!!
Anyway, good luck with your next viewings…..and enjoy your wine!!
ingenious
Active member
I did, a lot of it. Spent the evening chatting to a very nice pair of Dutch ladies. But I'm too old for that lark so it's probably just as well they were gay :To be fair, the NC37 is the replacement for the NC11, not the NC33, and that’s why the NC33 has a narrower beam than the NC11.
Anyway, good luck with your next viewings…..and enjoy your wine!!
Sticky Fingers
Well-known member
Dutch ladies aside, have you now got a shortlist of say 2-3 that you particularly like?
ingenious
Active member
Yeah, the one I’m most comfortable with is the NC11. It’s very spacious for its size and has a lot of neat stuff. I just need to get assurance on maintenance costs. The view seems to be that the out drives can be very reliable if properly maintained, I just need to satisfy myself what that maintenance will cost. I am looking at a much newer one today (2018) and a 2014 one on Friday
I was very surprised and impressed with the Fairline but the height of the rear arch means it wouldn’t make it under some of the bridges on the canals. The broker said he was aware that some people had them converted to fold but didn’t know where or how much it would cost. Had a look on Fairline owners forum and same - aware of it being done but nothing about who or how much.
I did find this boat for sale and thought I might take a look just for interest although it’s much older than I want. https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/boat/2001-bavaria-380-sport-9499034/
It is in Port Camargue which is an option for berthing and maintenance, and also close to La Grande-motte where the last NC11 is.
Haven’t discounted the Nimbus although the one here wasn’t great. There are several in Northern Europe but an estimate I got from a broker in Netherlands was around €9500 to ship it on top of a €220k price.
Neil1300r
Member
I have a folding radar arch on my Sealine S34. Done by a previous owner back in 2016 cost was ~£3000.00
ingenious
Active member
Well, I'm 95% decided on a 2014 Jeanneau NC11, one of four I’ve looked at in France (As well as one in Spain)
There wasn't a lot to chose between them they are all in very good condition, ages ranging from 2011 to 2018, price from 137k to 198k Euro, all low hours run (lowest 60, highest just under 1000)
The one I've gone for is in the middle price-wise and hours-wise (440) and the only one that had a generator and a tender although curiously no outboard. It also has the Active Corrosion Protection which I understand was an expensive option? It has an electric induction hob and microwave rather than gas on the others.
It is in a berth I can take over for at least a month but probably longer if I want, in a marina that is one of the lower costs I've looked at. It is also within 60 mins of the house I am probably going to buy and 15 mins from the airport.
Just a few last minute questions:
It didn't have a canopy fitted when I saw it but the broker showed me a picture of it fitted with one that is with it. He described it as a “winter cover” and its clearly not intended to be use used rolled down while under way. He says the current owners only used it when it was stored, otherwise just leaving it open. Do you think thats a reasonable plan? Any idea how much a new canopy with windows would cost? Apologies for the poor quality pic, it is me taking a picture of a printed photo!
The teak on all four boats looked very dried out. All four brokers gave the typical Gallic shrug - “it's the sunshine, it's the way it is” implying that treatment is a waste of time. As far as I can see there is no actual rot or damage. This boat does not have teak on side decks or bow as one of the others did.
The service records for this boat in current ownership (2018) seem very comprehensive with check sheets and invoices for each year except during lockdown - It has been lifted out at the end of the season, bottom cleaned and engines and drives serviced. In October 2024 both sterndrives had bellows, seals replaced and bearings and alignment checked since when it has done 40 hours with only a visual check and oil change in Sept 2025. Each year was under 1000 Euros (the lift out is part of the port agreement) apart from the 2024 one which was 2670 Euro and a previous one including bellows at slightly less.
There are warranty receipts for repair to the throttle assembly and for a leak in one of the windows.
I couldn't find any record of servicing to the generator but it looks like new and has only 42 hours running
All the electronics are original - Raymarine E97 Display, RD418D radar and autopilot (which I neglected to write down the model number of but looks like this ). I guess are pretty old compared to some I've seen on other boats but seemed pretty intuitive to use. Is there an easy upgrade path on these for the future?
I am talking to two surveyors at the moment and, I know there was a thread about using one recommended by the broker, but he sounded a lot more convincing than the other guy (who was recommended by a broker for one of the other boats I looked at).
Looking at houses over the weekend and said I’d give the broker a yes/no on Monday and arrange survey if yes.
There wasn't a lot to chose between them they are all in very good condition, ages ranging from 2011 to 2018, price from 137k to 198k Euro, all low hours run (lowest 60, highest just under 1000)
The one I've gone for is in the middle price-wise and hours-wise (440) and the only one that had a generator and a tender although curiously no outboard. It also has the Active Corrosion Protection which I understand was an expensive option? It has an electric induction hob and microwave rather than gas on the others.
It is in a berth I can take over for at least a month but probably longer if I want, in a marina that is one of the lower costs I've looked at. It is also within 60 mins of the house I am probably going to buy and 15 mins from the airport.
Just a few last minute questions:
It didn't have a canopy fitted when I saw it but the broker showed me a picture of it fitted with one that is with it. He described it as a “winter cover” and its clearly not intended to be use used rolled down while under way. He says the current owners only used it when it was stored, otherwise just leaving it open. Do you think thats a reasonable plan? Any idea how much a new canopy with windows would cost? Apologies for the poor quality pic, it is me taking a picture of a printed photo!
The teak on all four boats looked very dried out. All four brokers gave the typical Gallic shrug - “it's the sunshine, it's the way it is” implying that treatment is a waste of time. As far as I can see there is no actual rot or damage. This boat does not have teak on side decks or bow as one of the others did.
The service records for this boat in current ownership (2018) seem very comprehensive with check sheets and invoices for each year except during lockdown - It has been lifted out at the end of the season, bottom cleaned and engines and drives serviced. In October 2024 both sterndrives had bellows, seals replaced and bearings and alignment checked since when it has done 40 hours with only a visual check and oil change in Sept 2025. Each year was under 1000 Euros (the lift out is part of the port agreement) apart from the 2024 one which was 2670 Euro and a previous one including bellows at slightly less.
There are warranty receipts for repair to the throttle assembly and for a leak in one of the windows.
I couldn't find any record of servicing to the generator but it looks like new and has only 42 hours running
All the electronics are original - Raymarine E97 Display, RD418D radar and autopilot (which I neglected to write down the model number of but looks like this ). I guess are pretty old compared to some I've seen on other boats but seemed pretty intuitive to use. Is there an easy upgrade path on these for the future?
I am talking to two surveyors at the moment and, I know there was a thread about using one recommended by the broker, but he sounded a lot more convincing than the other guy (who was recommended by a broker for one of the other boats I looked at).
Looking at houses over the weekend and said I’d give the broker a yes/no on Monday and arrange survey if yes.
Boaty_Pete
New member
At 10% running costs, I'd like to be able to just afford the running cost, even if she was gifted to me
Greg2
Well-known member
Good that you are closing in on one you like 
To answer your questions:
Canopy - the current owners may use it as a winter only canopy but in the U.K. that would probably be the type of canopy used all year round to provide useable space in our climate - a different matter for you in the Med. If you decide you want a canopy for use when on the boat then if there is seating along the transom you might want to have a stainless frame fabricated to extend the cabin roof overhang with a small section of canopy that would enable the back panel to be vertical, which will improve headroom when seated. Might be best to use the boat first to see if you think a canopy is required - it may well not be in the Med unless it would help with shade. Can’t comment on costs where you are but in our part of the U.K. I would expect to spend £2-3k including the stainless work.
Teak - some like to clean and treat using cleaner and brightner such as the West twin pack and Semco sealer. Others like to let it go silver/grey and to lightly scrub using saltwater only. We have done both and my preference is the natural grey. Be aware that scrubbing should be very light, ideally with a soft brush and a not going with the grain. Be aware that the teak is likely to be a relatively thin veneer and getting over enthusiastic on the cleaning could wear through to the ply underneath. Not sure what is best in the Med as the broker is right about the sun!
Electronics - not particularly ancient and if working correctly no need to upgrade unless you want to. We did because ours were 20 years old but even then I kept the original autopilot because it works just fine. Upgrading to current Raymarine likely to be very straightforward.
.
To answer your questions:
Canopy - the current owners may use it as a winter only canopy but in the U.K. that would probably be the type of canopy used all year round to provide useable space in our climate - a different matter for you in the Med. If you decide you want a canopy for use when on the boat then if there is seating along the transom you might want to have a stainless frame fabricated to extend the cabin roof overhang with a small section of canopy that would enable the back panel to be vertical, which will improve headroom when seated. Might be best to use the boat first to see if you think a canopy is required - it may well not be in the Med unless it would help with shade. Can’t comment on costs where you are but in our part of the U.K. I would expect to spend £2-3k including the stainless work.
Teak - some like to clean and treat using cleaner and brightner such as the West twin pack and Semco sealer. Others like to let it go silver/grey and to lightly scrub using saltwater only. We have done both and my preference is the natural grey. Be aware that scrubbing should be very light, ideally with a soft brush and a not going with the grain. Be aware that the teak is likely to be a relatively thin veneer and getting over enthusiastic on the cleaning could wear through to the ply underneath. Not sure what is best in the Med as the broker is right about the sun!
Electronics - not particularly ancient and if working correctly no need to upgrade unless you want to. We did because ours were 20 years old but even then I kept the original autopilot because it works just fine. Upgrading to current Raymarine likely to be very straightforward.
.
Last edited:
ingenious
Active member
Thanks for this.Good that you are closing in on one you like
To answer your questions:
Canopy - the current owners may use it as a winter only canopy but in the U.K. that would probably be the type of canopy used all year round to provide useable space in our climate - a different matter for you in the Med. If you decide you want a canopy for use when on the boat then if there is seating along the transom you might want to have a stainless frame fabricated to extend the cabin roof overhang with a small section of canopy that would enable the back panel to be vertical, which will improve headroom when seated. Might be best to use the boat first to see if you think a canopy is required - it may well not be in the Med unless it would help with shade. Can’t comment on costs where you are but in our part of the U.K. I would expect to spend £2-3k including the stainless work.
Teak - some like to clean and treat using cleaner and brightner such as the West twin pack and Semco sealer. Others like to let it go silver/grey and to lightly scrub using saltwater only. We have done both and my preference is the natural grey. Be aware that scrubbing should be very light, ideally with a soft brush and a not going with the grain. Be aware that the teak is likely to be a relatively thin veneer and getting over enthusiastic on the cleaning could wear through to the ply underneath. Not sure what is best in the Med as the broker is right about the sun!
Electronics - not particularly ancient and if working correctly no need to upgrade unless you want to. We did because ours were 20 years old but even then I kept the original autopilot because it works just fine. Upgrading to current Raymarine likely to be very straightforward.
.
Amazingly I got a reply from Jeanneau today as I had emailed about a cover and they have quoted €5500, 8 weeks. It's a frame that can be used as a Bimini or a full cover, five windows,each section rolls separately. I leave it and see how I get on.
Also got a message from the broker that the owner delivered a new Suzuki 2.5HP outboard to the boat, apparently the original was stolen.
Barring any last minute problems, I'm going to go for this. Also saw a house today I'm very keen on but there is some discussion to be had there on price, terms and timings.
My bank is going to get serious hits in the next few days!
Sticky Fingers
Well-known member
I’m sure you could get a third party canopy specialist to provide something at least as good as the OEM if not better, for half that.
Boaty_Pete
New member
€5500, seems steep to me. I would agreed with sentiments above. A third party (ask for recommendations, and examine examples) would be cheaper and just as good if not better in some cases. Then do as mentioned, and keep that one for winter/when the boat is known to be neglected for a while, maybe due to other commitments.
No point leaving the weather to idly attack your new canopy when you're away for 10 weeks doing something else (if that occurs)
We like to use wessex 2 part but really like the semco ak sealer mentioned above. However there are different 'tones' to choose from, and 'natural' actually isn't, for that they call it 'cleartone' natural is quite orange. We prefer cleartone.
Been using it for 10yrs. However I respect others who choose the silver look, each to his own. I do find untreated it shows marks and spillages where semco less so, and when not old, repels quite well.
Good luck
No point leaving the weather to idly attack your new canopy when you're away for 10 weeks doing something else (if that occurs)
We like to use wessex 2 part but really like the semco ak sealer mentioned above. However there are different 'tones' to choose from, and 'natural' actually isn't, for that they call it 'cleartone' natural is quite orange. We prefer cleartone.
Been using it for 10yrs. However I respect others who choose the silver look, each to his own. I do find untreated it shows marks and spillages where semco less so, and when not old, repels quite well.
Good luck
Bouba
Well-known member
My boat is a similar size....and I got the full canvas option...at great expense....after a couple of weeks I removed it....and years later it’s still sitting in a box in my spare room...and I use the boat year round. So the advice of living with the boat for a little while before you invest a large sum in canvas...is good advice
ingenious
Active member
Oh. I'm sure they would. It's the sort of thing I'll look into when I get a bit more familiar with suppliers here. I only just realised there is a huge marina complex with workshops right behind where I am staying at the moment in Guissan Plage. I'll go and have a look round them when I get time.
I've been browsing online and, as far as I can tell this is what Jeanneau are offering. Each panel can be rolled up or unzipped.
dunedin
Well-known member
Perfect for Scotland ……. but perhaps a greenhouse in the Mediterranean?
Sticky Fingers
Well-known member
Agree, necessary in the UK but a liability in hot climates. Maybe a good if you’re leaving the boat for long periods.
