Which boats to look at?

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?

Didn't roll excessively, has a reasonable keel.

I changed to a 4 blade prop and max speed was about 18kts, and that was pretty well loaded with fuel, dive gear etc.
 
Didn't roll excessively, has a reasonable keel.

I changed to a 4 blade prop and max speed was about 18kts, and that was pretty well loaded with fuel, dive gear etc.

Thanks; Those are good numbers, impressive performance for a 6 1/2 tons boat.

I've heard of the CI 22, which had a reputation for fantastic seakeeping.

Im going to have a look if I can find one nearby.
 
Thanks; Those are good numbers, impressive performance for a 6 1/2 tons boat.

I've heard of the CI 22, which had a reputation for fantastic seakeeping.

Im going to have a look if I can find one nearby.

Had a CI22 before moving up to the 32. Hard to beat for its size. Mine had a 140 horse engine and also did 18kts. Brilliant boat.
 
Maybe the first question is how much do you want to spend on fuel? Something like a Mitchell 31 might do but I suspect at 12kn it might be quite keen on diesel. Would a Seaward 23 be too small for you? They seem to have a good reputation for sea keeping. Aquabell? There is one for sale in Mallaig, no idea what it is like.
What about? http://www.findafishingboat.com/supercat-38-custom/ad-71925
 
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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.

Choice is very limited as the market in this size is dominated by Beneteau and Jeanneau. There are a few semi displacement boats such as the Seaward of C!s but few were built and they tend to be older. There is, however a good choice of Merry Fishers or Antares of 27-30' in the price range which would meet your basic requirements.
 
I have seen two boats I like on paper, both about 20 years old, the Nimbus 27 with a single 150 hp Volvo and a larger Skilso 975 with twin engines of about the same size, cruising speeds claimed seem to be about the same but can anyone give me any clues as to what to expect in fuel consumption from either at cruising speeds of 12-15 kts. I looked at the Merry Fisher but it seems to be more of a weekender than a cruiser and I can not image when you would use the 'bridge deck' up here.
I like the Skilso but it is much more boat than I planned to buy, there is also one with twin Yanmars, is this a better choice? One of the Skilsos is in Troon so fairly accessible but the English one look as if they are better kept.

A thing that surprises me is the low engine hours on most cruisers, we had over 1000 on our sailing boat after eight years, most of the 20 year olds have much less than that. is it a consequence of higher speed or high fuel costs?
 
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No offence but with those sort of hours sounds like you have actually been running a motor boat anyway!
Not quite the same as you are looking for but my boat, 8.5m deep vee hull, has twin 120 hp six cylinder Fords and uses about 40l/hour at 15-16 kn and about 6l/hour at 6-7 kn. I believe a MF uses about 30l/hour at 15 kn and Seaward claim 4gal/hour at 15 kn. Why a twin engined Seaward would use so much less than a single engined MF seems strange to me but I am not a naval architect!
 
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IA thing that surprises me is the low engine hours on most cruisers, we had over 1000 on our sailing boat after eight years, most of the 20 year olds have much less than that. is it a consequence of higher speed or high fuel costs?[/QUOTE]

Not really surprising.

100 nm passage 25 knts Motor Boat 4 hrs
100 nm passage [no wind] Sailing Boat 15 to 20 hrs.
 
Considered a motorsailer?

I'd suggest you stay away from boats with sterndrives. The suggested Scand 29 aka Wiking 28 aka Wikingboat 28 aka Fjord 880 is a great single engine shaft driven semi displacement boat that is available in a number of configurations. Some with hardtop but all with a large open cockpit.

I have 3 of them close by in our marina and owners like them a lot. Seem to keep up well even if not maintained to the highest of standards

For inspiratioin (pics) try
http://www.finn.no/finn/boat/used/browse1

Norwegian but you know what to do in search box..
http://www.finn.no/finn/boat/used/result?sort=1&keyword=wiking+28
 
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I tend to agree with Spi on this one.
I think a single shaft driven semi displacement would suit your needs perfectly.
And before I get into any hot water with modern MF Anatares etc owners on this forum.
Or for that matter sterndrives, remembering I am a Sealine owner myself..
I think the heavier build, older style of the CI 32 Aqua Star 27 Nimbus and Skilso, would probably suit your needs.

After it is all said and done.. Morgan wins over a modern example of sports car it seems.
 
I have seen two boats I like on paper, both about 20 years old, the Nimbus 27 with a single 150 hp Volvo and a larger Skilso 975 with twin engines of about the same size, cruising speeds claimed seem to be about the same but can anyone give me any clues as to what to expect in fuel consumption from either at cruising speeds of 12-15 kts. I looked at the Merry Fisher but it seems to be more of a weekender than a cruiser and I can not image when you would use the 'bridge deck' up here.
I like the Skilso but it is much more boat than I planned to buy, there is also one with twin Yanmars, is this a better choice? One of the Skilsos is in Troon so fairly accessible but the English one look as if they are better kept.

A thing that surprises me is the low engine hours on most cruisers, we had over 1000 on our sailing boat after eight years, most of the 20 year olds have much less than that. is it a consequence of higher speed or high fuel costs?

As a sailing person too I looked long and hard for a motorboat with similar characteristics to yours. I ended up with a Beneteau Antares 760 which I have now had for 18 months and very pleased with it. Good accommodation for two (and a dog?) and good seakeeping. I did look at the Seaward and the Channel Island but ......... It is nice to have a fully enclosed wheelhouse when the weather is bad.

Colin. Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk
 
Placed side by side you'd notice that not all use the same size of feet - or rather the way that measuring is done. Some go by the hull centre line, others include trim flaps, swim platforms, rails and pulpits - plus some. A Nimbus 27 is a great deal smaller than the Skilsø - more than the model number assumes...

Room inside of course relates also to height and width - which also dictate the need for berthing space, another cost driver.

If for any reason you desire twin engines the single engine boats looked at can be eliminated, and vice versa.
Regardless of reason the cost of running two (investment and opretaion) will be greater and be aware that Skilsø comes both sterndrive and shaft driven. 2 x sterndrives will cost-a-lot alone in scheduled servicing.

Apart from that the make of engine means less than condition and service history, as long as you consider the major suppliers. Personal experiences prevail (I guess) and mine does not favour green lumps although i appreciate many are happy with them.
 
You mentioned Saga in your first post which no-one has commented on. The Saga 26HT would in general meet your specifications - speed, budget, size.
Good sea boats for their size, semi-displacement, single shaft with bow thruster. Comfortable for 2 and okay for 3 (double and single quarter berth). Supposedly you can sleep another 2 in the cockpit area (if they are short!) but 5 on that size boat would be a real squeeze. Good use of wheelhouse - sociable with galley and seating area. Very well built and easy to maintain yourself. Economical to run.
Worth having a look at.
Oh, and coincidentally I do have one for sale but I would point out that is because I bought another Saga - the 315.
 
I had a dufour ACM Elite 31, round bilge semi displacement hull form with a 230hp 4cyl Yanmar, great wee boat and cruised the west of scotland from its base in kip. Happy cruising at anything from 7 to 20+ knots.
Rolled a bit in a beam sea but what doesnt at that size, nice flare on the bow so a very dry bot.
I sold it to a couple of top blokes from Orkney who sailed it to its new home in Stromness from Largs.
She is up for sale again due to bereavement I beleive, have a look on Apolloduck, she might still be advertised
Cheers Barry
 
Nice to hear good review of ACM Elite.
By the looks of the hull it seems flat-bottomed which provides for easy planning but also slamming in chopped seas.
 
Nimbus 31 at Tingdene on the Thames. Nice kit, good space. I reckon late-ish thirties would secure, then stick it on a lorry. Good coastal boat, as mentioned on here. Raggies approve.
 
Plenty of useful responses, thanks for taking the time. I neglected to search inshore at first but there seem to be suitable boats for sale in places like the Thames and Trent. Would it be reasonable to presume that a life on the river would be easier on the boat or would too much low speed running be bad for the engine?
 
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