would you buy a boat right now ?

[ashtead]

I guess it depends on what bits and pieces but assume the £1.5k embraces lifting blocking off wash down, a hull polish ,engine service, anode change and a percentage for rigging and engine bits and equipment failure over time . I guess sails and such like need replacing along with covers . That said it might be a bit high but not by much as an average unless we are talking a old centaur which never die and owners don’t seem to let rot away in yards.

 

[Dino]

The best way to screw those ratios is to do the work yourself. Doesn’t suit everyone and some marinas don’t like or allow it. There’s nothing like a Saturday in March/April antifouling the boat and drinking a well earned pint afterwards.

 

[Easticks28]

If you are looking for a boat to use on the Broads don't buy on the Broads !
For some odd reason, the prices are considerably inflated locally. It would appear based on the experience of a friend that looking on the Thames will bag a craft at a significantly lower price than those offered locally, and the savings will significatly more than outweigh the costs of transport here.
This was true six years ago, he has just sold and is looking to buy again (but something a little smaller).
He is interested in a Broom Ocean 31, There are two of exactly the same spec, age , similar engine hours etc. Both on brokerage. The Norfolk one is offerd at £2k more than the Thames example !

 

[oldgit]

I agree not a sound investment in the sense that money put in is never fully recovered.
However owning and using a boat has for both the chief office and myself been the best thing we ever put money into . It has been an antidote to the stress of work and the means /source of most of our holidays over the last several years as well as being a hobby we enjoy together.
So the return has been benefit to our wellbeing rather than money. In that sense a very good investment.

100 % Agree.

Always raised a wry smile when the word "Spreadsheet" came into the conversation a few short years ago and it actually appeared to be able to influence wether a boat appeared or not.
Two groups of boaters. Those who thought the acquisition of boat must be considered as an investment, things could even be decided via some computer logarithm, would the money give a better return if left in the bank. The other lot , those who simply wanted to be on or near the water whenever possible and believed that buying any boat was simply a means to an end.
Meeting new folks and expanding your circle of friends can never enter into any computer programme.
The challenge of going outside your comfort zone from time to time and the sense of achievement afterwards.
Also what about wasting time finding new people to argue with in the Lounge

 

[Greg2]

If you are looking for a boat to use on the Broads don't buy on the Broads !
For some odd reason, the prices are considerably inflated locally. It would appear based on the experience of a friend that looking on the Thames will bag a craft at a significantly lower price than those offered locally, and the savings will significatly more than outweigh the costs of transport here.
This was true six years ago, he has just sold and is looking to buy again (but something a little smaller).
He is interested in a Broom Ocean 31, There are two of exactly the same spec, age , similar engine hours etc. Both on brokerage. The Norfolk one is offerd at £2k more than the Thames example !

Actually, my experience is entirely the opposite. We are Broads based and on our sixth boat. We have, many times, travelled to the Thames to look at boats and every time have concluded that making the effort to do was was the triumph of optimism over experience. This is because boats on the Thames have had a general tendency to to in poorer condition and not looked after so well. Clearly a generalism that won’t apply to all but it has been our experience. Also, as sea going boaters, there is no ability to do speed trials on the Thames and many boats there have not seen the salty stuff or speeds above 5-6 knots for many years.
.

 

[Momac]

Perhaps south coast boats with renewal on very expensive mooring contracts in January might see vendors under pressure to sell in December ?

 

[South Coast]

Actually, my experience is entirely the opposite. We are Broads based and on our sixth boat. We have, many times, travelled to the Thames to look at boats and every time have concluded that making the effort to do was was the triumph of optimism over experience. This is because boats on the Thames have had a general tendency to to in poorer condition and not looked after so well. Clearly a generalism that won’t apply to all but it has been our experience. Also, as sea going boaters, there is no ability to do speed trials on the Thames and many boats there have not seen the salty stuff or speeds above 5-6 knots for many years.
.

I think you will find osmosis more likely in boats kept in fresh water so a good examination is required.

 

[Bigplumbs]

When I bought our Sealine S24 it was on the broads and I also found it seemed cheaper to buy on the broads. The broads are nice but it is nowt like crashing through the waves out to see in a rib or speed boat

 

[ari]

ari said:

I agree 100% with you. Financially it makes no sense, but unless your goal in life is to arrive at your grave with as much money as possible stuffed in your pockets, so what? Life is for enjoying.

I have never understood the desire to die in poverty ☹

Then here's a crazy notion for you. Maybe don't spend all of it..?

 

[Halsey]

I agree not a sound investment in the sense that money put in is never fully recovered.
However owning and using a boat has for both the chief officer and myself been the best thing we ever put money into . It has been an antidote to the stress of work and the means /source of most of our holidays over the last several years as well as being a hobby we enjoy together.
So the return has been benefit to our wellbeing rather than money. In that sense a very good investment.

TOTALLY agree.........well put

 

[Halsey]

Actually, from an accounting viewpoint the only way to make a profit in life is to die in debt.

AND don't declare yourself bankrupt under £1m