Which boats to look at?

[Quandary]

It looks as if our sailing yacht has been sold, price agreed and survey done but I have too look after her until after launch next spring. We had decided that was the end but already I am starting to feel bereft, I had a look at camper vans but could not work up any enthusiasm so I am starting to consider a motor boat, I know nothing about them except they seem awfully expensive. I am hoping that if I list my intentions someone might be able to tell me what to look at.
Sailing area is Scotland West Coast, Kintyre to Sutherland but mainly in relative shelter, Inner sound, Skye, Small Isles, Sound of Mull etc. not too exposed.
Cruising range per day perhaps 20-40 miles then a couple of days at anchor exploring ashore, (not many marinas out here!) Trips around 2-3 weeks
Two people and a dog sleeping and eating aboard. Perhaps occasional room for two more. Reasonable galley facilities, one hob will not cut it with the cook.
Cruising speed about 12 knots or so (semi displacement?) I would like trips to be quicker than on our sailboat but still have time to look around.
Able to cope with the occasional blowy day (Scottish climate)
Not bigger than about 9 metres or much less than 7.5. Older Nimbus 27or Saga????
The killer is the budget, my half of the proceeds of sale limits it to around £30-40k the rest will probably be wasted on a Morgan.
A few recommendations with their attributes and shortcomings and advice about how to start searching would be very welcome, after 40 years sailing I am venturing in to the unknown.

 

[Whitelighter]

A Nimbus was my first thought, but you mentioned that.

A Storbero Royal Commander 32 would also be an excellent choice and likely under budget.

Another option would be a Jeanneau Merry Fisher 925 or a Beneteau Antares Serie 9. Both are single engine and you'd get a boat around 10-12 years old.

 

[Mrnotming]

Some sort of superior RIB with an inboard engine or two might satisfy your desire to have islands at your disposal quickly?

 

[Divemaster1]

You could also look at the Norwegian built Scand 29 Baltic ... excellent build and plenty of space for 2 ... and occasional separate cabins if 4... Single or twin installations ... this one is single and should fit your bill ...

http://www.boat24.com/uk/Power+Boats/Scand/Scand+29+Baltic+HT/detail/148033/

 

[chuzzlewit]

I (and dog and wife ) moved from a 35' sailing boat to a 27' Merry Fisher 805. Very happy with it.

 

[DavidJ]

the rest will probably be wasted on a Morgan..

"Wasted" is the word, I used to have one. You forget how much cars have moved on. Very nostalgic but incredibly uncomfortable.
Put more money into the boat would be my advice.

 

[Quandary]

"Wasted" is the word, I used to have one. You forget how much cars have moved on. Very nostalgic but incredibly uncomfortable.
Put more money into the boat would be my advice.

No chance. It not for me, her indoors has been driving the same MX5 since 2002, she has not come to terms with the idea of another boat, much happier driving than boating, she really fancies a Caterham but you have to draw the line somewhere.

 

[Oscar24]

No chance. It not for me, her indoors has been driving the same MX5 since 2002, she has not come to terms with the idea of another boat, much happier driving than boating, she really fancies a Caterham but you have to draw the line somewhere.

Forget the Caterham, I have one and the handbrake is a right pain.
Get a Honda S2000 or Boxter for the open air driving fix

Anyway, back to boats and the Merry Fisher 805 or 925 is worth a look and in budget.

 

[Tranona]

"Wasted" is the word, I used to have one. You forget how much cars have moved on. Very nostalgic but incredibly uncomfortable.
Put more money into the boat would be my advice.

Not wasted at all. Just been out in mine this afternoon and had a lovely run in the Dorset countryside yesterday afternoon.

Recently had to make a choice between a new Aero8 (in my dreams!) and a new boat - both around the same price. The Aero8 would not fit my garage nor could I imagine how I would use it, so the new boat won and I kept my 4/4.

 

[Sneds]

I drove a Morgan once, after a factory visit and can't think of any reason why anyone would want one.
Horrendously uncomfortable and lousy brakes, looks nice but that about it.
Each to their own of course but I'd Buy a modern sports car.
Antares 9, may suit the boat requirements?

 

[Dill et Bound]

Each to their own of course but I'd Buy a modern sports car.
Antares 9, may suit the boat requirements?

I test drove the new MX 5 last week.
Keep the 2002 model.
Nowhere to put anything, and not as roomy as my 2002 model

As for the boat, I would like to propose the very trusty Aquastar 27 Pacesetter.
Maybe old but they are a great design for Scottish waters,
And as a sailor you will find the handling and proportions to your liking I am sure.
They are well constructed and many hulls have been fitted out for commercial applications.

 

[Greg2]

I test drove the new MX 5 last week.
Keep the 2002 model.
Nowhere to put anything, and not as roomy as my 2002 model
.

+1
Why change from one of the best? Maybe worth a change to something a little newer (but same model) but they take some beating. SWMBO loves her 2004 model.

 

[rwoofer]

I test drove the new MX 5 last week.
Keep the 2002 model.
Nowhere to put anything, and not as roomy as my 2002 model
.

The old model was impossible to fit in (one of the few cars that is impossible to fit in, along with a caterham), so is the new one made for dwarfs?

 

[beejay190]

Not wasted at all. Just been out in mine this afternoon and had a lovely run in the Dorset countryside yesterday afternoon.

Recently had to make a choice between a new Aero8 (in my dreams!) and a new boat - both around the same price. The Aero8 would not fit my garage nor could I imagine how I would use it, so the new boat won and I kept my 4/4.

Very pleased to read your comments.

I sold my Nimbus Nova 27S three weeks ago and am considering spliiting the proceeds between a +4 to accompany my Cayman, with the remainder possibly to be spent on an MF755 in a year or so.

I will hire a Morgan for a day first.

 

[rustybarge]

Not wasted at all. Just been out in mine this afternoon and had a lovely run in the Dorset countryside yesterday afternoon.

Recently had to make a choice between a new Aero8 (in my dreams!) and a new boat - both around the same price. The Aero8 would not fit my garage nor could I imagine how I would use it, so the new boat won and I kept my 4/4.

Morgans are lovely cars, very traditional with steel chassis and wooden frames; the basic design can't be improved its so perfect!

Me and my sis have owned four 4/4's between us over the years, and the pride of ownership can't be beaten. You have to be a stoic to own one, but from all the pain and suffering comes a warm glow of satisfaction.

I think if them as a charming reflection of British eccentricity from a lost age; amateur garden shed engineering at its best.

Nelson pilot boats and Morgans: Nice.

 

[Tranona]

I drove a Morgan once, after a factory visit and can't think of any reason why anyone would want one.
Horrendously uncomfortable and lousy brakes, looks nice but that about it.
Each to their own of course but I'd Buy a modern sports car.
Antares 9, may suit the boat requirements?

The great thing about a Morgan is that they are far and away the cheapest way of having a toy. I bought mine new in 2003 for £20500 plus an MGB GT. Other than a new steering rack and a relay for the fan it has cost only servicing, which is around £400 if you go to a Morgan dealer. Done 19000 miles and still on original tyres and battery. Spare unused and hood has been up less than 10 times.

Would easily get £20k for it now. When we bought it the alternative under consideration was an MGF which was around the same price. That would now be worth around £2k - if it had survived.

Agree, not for everyone, but my regular late night drives from Gloucester to Poole in August are magic and could not be repeated in a modern car. Add to that there is nowhere on our roads where you can use the performance of a modern sports car (legally anyway).

 

[Tranona]

Very pleased to read your comments.



I will hire a Morgan for a day first.

That is exactly what I did, from the dealer in Exeter for a weekend. It was a new car and I bought it 2 days after I returned it.

 

[longjohnsilver]

There's a few boats I'd have a look at in addition to those already mentioned.

I had a Channel Islands 32 for about 10 years and would have another in an instant, great hull, spacious v berth with infill in bow, decent sized galley and heads and a good cockpit. I had a cockpit cover made which transformed the boat meaning all the cockpit also became living space. The wheelhouse is a good size with the seating pulling out to make a double berth. Mine had a single engine, 225hp and cruised easily and economically at 12 - 14kts. Should be able to find a decent example in budget.

I now share an Aquastar 27 as a dive boat, it's very much like a smaller version of the CI32 and I enjoy it almost as much. Again you should be able to find one well within budget.

 

[Quandary]

I made a tactical mistake in mentioning cars, taking the thread off in a tangent, but thanks to all of you who recommended boats to look at, my problem still is that I am dependent on advice regarding performance, sea keeping etc. as I do not have the experience to make a comparison so any comments on the issues to look for would still be very welcome.

 

[rustybarge]

There's a few boats I'd have a look at in addition to those already mentioned.

I had a Channel Islands 32 for about 10 years and would have another in an instant, great hull, spacious v berth with infill in bow, decent sized galley and heads and a good cockpit. I had a cockpit cover made which transformed the boat meaning all the cockpit also became living space. The wheelhouse is a good size with the seating pulling out to make a double berth. Mine had a single engine, 225hp and cruised easily and economically at 12 - 14kts. Should be able to find a decent example in budget.

I now share an Aquastar 27 as a dive boat, it's very much like a smaller version of the CI32 and I enjoy it almost as much. Again you should be able to find one well within budget.

The CI 32 looks like a very interesting boat, much nicer shape than the Mitchell 31.

Does it roll much, I notice it has a round bilge?

With 225hp single what's its max speed; 14kts?