You all seem to have loads to spend on boats but....

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kgwanchos

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I was pretty much ignored last time I mentioned looking for a safe family estuary cruiser for around 5- 6000 pounds but one helpful person put me onto the Shetland boats. The 570 and the Family four + 2 seem to fit the bill and look like very good value. Would anyone recommend anything else in this ballpark or could suggest a more suitable "average wage" kind of forum where people might have experience of boating in this bracket.

many thanks
 
Shetland 570 / Kestrel

I started with a Shetland Kestrel

Well built and easy to maintain. make sure you get the right engine for your needs.

We had many many hours of fun.
 
I know it's probably heresy to suggest on this forum, but have you considered going for a boat with a stick and flappy things. Think they are called yachts or sometimes sailing boats.

You get a lot more for your money, probably lower running costs as well, and I can see the attraction. Sort of half thinking about it myself, although I doubt I'll ever have the courage to sell up and take the plunge.
 
Yes Geoffs we currently have a a boat with a stick and flappy things , trident 24, but new baby and lack of time forces sale of sail as it were.... we would like something safer that we would feel more confident taking a toddler on as we dont consider ourselves to be confident sailers yet. Also my assumption is that the right cruiser could be used in more varied conditions than the yacht.... as for running cost the trident has cost me plenty !... that stick and flappy thing can cost alot to keep safe.....
 
Ah ok, see where you are coming from. Should have looked at your profile.

As already advised, the Shetland is a great boat. You may find a Fletcher 18 GTS for the money you mentioned. Probably a better sea boat, although maybe not quite so good accommodation, but comfortable. Get an inboard engine, my preference, and for it's size, a good hull. I had a 19 for many years, same hull, different superstructure. Just a thought.
 
kgwanchos said:
I was pretty much ignored last time I mentioned looking for a safe family estuary cruiser for around 5- 6000 pounds but one helpful person put me onto the Shetland boats. The 570 and the Family four + 2 seem to fit the bill and look like very good value. Would anyone recommend anything else in this ballpark or could suggest a more suitable "average wage" kind of forum where people might have experience of boating in this bracket.

many thanks
Click to expand...

Tetchy blokes get short shrift around here and anyway last time you posted your maximum price was £4k

Maybe no-one could think of anything suitable but you got SOME advice.:D
 
I´m not entirely convinced a Fletcher 18/19 is suitable for a family with a young child. There is a cuddy cabin you could theoretically shove the baby in, but if they are at the stage of crawling/climbing on things, you will soon find them trying to climb over the side. Maybe you could rig a fence round the back and sides of the boat, but otherwise it is not a relaxing way to go out on a boat.
 
Just thinking some more about shoving the baby in the cuddy cabin; if you cleared it out of all the junk that tends to accumalate, put in the infils to make a big flat soft surface and put a few toys in there, it might make a nice play area for a baby/toddler. Although how long before the screaming starts is anyone´s guess :)
 
Suitable boats for £4-5K

Sorry, never saw your last post but I doubt you would have been ignored, just time of the season, formites are out boating when the weather allows.

Regarding affordable alternatives to shetland, I would be looking for an older Sealine 220, 195 or 22 etc.
If your not affraid of a bit of TLC then these models will be in your price bracket if your good at negotiation.

You need to post up your intended usage as Tidal or non-tidal will alter the recomendations.

To start you off with an alternative Forum dedicated to a little DIY & starter market try here:
http://www.boatmart.co.uk/forum/

There are not too many new posts but some good info all the same.

Most people here including myself started with hummble smaller craft & when luck allowed moved up a bit, you can have as much fun in anything.
Please dont be put off posting once you find your ideal boat, there will be someone who would love to be able to do what you are doing now!
 
kgwanchos said:
I was pretty much ignored last time I mentioned looking for a safe family estuary cruiser for around 5- 6000 pounds but one helpful person put me onto the Shetland boats. The 570 and the Family four + 2 seem to fit the bill and look like very good value. Would anyone recommend anything else in this ballpark or could suggest a more suitable "average wage" kind of forum where people might have experience of boating in this bracket.

many thanks
Click to expand...

This may seem heretical to the cruising fraternity here but can't you find a good local boat no longer working economically in commercial fishing and adopt that? It may not be flash but will be suited to the waters around you, i.e. sea-safe, and have space to form a camping area? Just a thought as my dream would be to live where you do and boat in those same waters!
 
Hey apologises all round.... you have all given me some great advice here this time for which Im very grateful.....I was just stirring a tiny wafer thin bit of controversy in to get the juices flowing ;-) ... thanks again everyone and I will let you know how I get on... BTw she will be used on the Fal in Cornwall and going out as far as the Manacales .....
 
Family Four or 570 will do You fine as a starter boat.
Better sea boats than peeps give them credit for too.

I really hanckered after a F Four some years ago.
HAD 3 nippers at the time.

Nearly signed on the 'dotted' for a new one at the Earls Court show.
About 1988!

2 more pints at the Guiness stand and I would of!:)

Anyway, since then I have driven a few 570's and F Fours.

Handy little boats imho.

Oh and by the by.
Well, you know now.
But.
£500 to £500.000 boats the Peeps on ere are OK.

But watch out for 'The Raggies':eek:;):D
 
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