First powerboat - Need to pick your brains!

Burnett · 05-10-2005, 11:32 PM

Hi All.

Well, having done my ICC and decided that I definitely need to buy my first boat, I need the help of all you experts out there with regard to few things, so if anyone wants to contribute a word or two, I'd be very grateful!

I've pretty much decided on a Phantom or Ring 18 with a decent outboard. I reckon this would give me all the fun I can handle for a few years and be an all round good bet for a first purchase. Guys who know about these things on here have been kind enough to PM me and have confirmed that I'm thinking along the right lines, so that's always reassuring. Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts and expertise. Much appreciated.

My main problem, at least initially, is that I live in Hertfordshire, which is not exactly renowned for it's proximity to the sea. The fact that I live in a flat doesn't help either! So, I need some advice on places to rent storage space either locally, or at any place with easy access to the sea (I guess I'll be looking at sea area 4 around Essex or East Anglia, which is only an hour or so's drive from home.) I've tried numerous storage places for caravans, etc, and got nowhere so far. Any suggestions?

I don't envisage any problem with towing, as I have quite a substantial car, so I think I should be okay with an 18 footer. Seem about right?

What about insurance? I would imagine I'll need some sort of fire and theft cover for the boat, and third party liability cover for any damage I may do to anyone else out there. Anyone suggest any good brokers or policies? How does it work, is it like cars and bikes for example, with the cost worked out on size and horsepower? I'll only be buying something under five grand, so value won't be too much of an issue.

Finally, anyone know of a good place around North London to do my Marine VHF/SRC course? There's loads of places on the RYA website, but a personal recommendation is always better in my book.

I initially did my course for Level 2 Powerboat with a view to using it as an introduction to boating so that I could cruise around on inland waterways, but having tried the sea, the though of pottering along at walking speed on a river, stopping only to untangle weed, fishing tackle and carrier bags from the props doesn't really appeal anymore!

Well, thanks for reading this essay! I'll look forward to any replies with the greatest of interest!

Cheers Guys. Great site too, by the way.

sinkunit0 · 06-10-2005, 04:50 AM

buy my phantom 18 its on ebay cheap cheap

Burnett · 06-10-2005, 06:56 PM

Is it on ebay dude? I didn't see it! To be honest, I'm surprised you haven't shifted it yet. 200 brake and clean looking, all for £1650? There's gotta be a catch!

Burnett · 06-10-2005, 07:05 PM

Ah! Now I see why it's so cheap! Powered by....er...four bolt holes!

Not sure I could row fast enough to get it up on the plane though! :0)

sinkunit0 · 06-10-2005, 07:27 PM

its even cheaper its £1500 not £1650 that what i had it on boats &outboards for. i,ll even throw in a silver centry outboard. that runs. i tired of all the email from foregin lands and nobbas who have been smoking thier socks so on ebay it went or hopefully.

Burnett · 06-10-2005, 08:05 PM

I know what you mean mate. I've sold cars and motorbikes on there, and they number of tw*ts who email you trying on scams is just unreal. I start every listing now with:

'If you're gonna try and scam me, don't bother. I know them all and I don't go for any of them. Go and waste someone else's time and listing fee'

So far, it seems to have worked. Seen that 'Goldeneye' one on there? Nice!

John G · 13-10-2005, 11:35 PM

Some of you guys live darn Essex / East Anglia way - can anyone help Don Burnett out with suggestions on launch sites or storage places??

MrRob · 14-10-2005, 09:22 AM

Decided what boat your having?

Burnett · 15-10-2005, 10:59 PM

Right. Storage is sorted now folks. Got a local 'Friend of a friend of an ex-customer' to rent me some space in a barn on his farm.
Just gotta find a way to keep the bloody mice out of the interior now!!

I've decided on a Ring/Phantom 18 or a Picton 180 GTS. Whichever comes along first at the right price. I'm waiting to hear about a new job that I've applied for, so if I get that I can afford to up my budget a bit, which would be nice.

Cheers for all the replies and the advice though. Lots to think about!!

sinkunit0 · 15-10-2005, 11:14 PM

buy mine its on ebay for a grand .i,m been threatened with them charging me for the storage

Burnett · 15-10-2005, 11:44 PM

You really are desperate to shift that one, aren't ya??

To be honest, I don't get the time to faff around with engines/steering/paint, etc. I'm after something I can just fire up and use then clean, polish, mantain and put away until next time.

Haven't you had any bids on that yet then dude?

sinkunit0 · 16-10-2005, 12:12 AM

to be honest i,m not really arsed if it goes or not it would be nice to have a grand to throw at the new boat if not it will just get wrapped up till january/feb. if it goes for a grand somebody will be having my eyes out . i could probley scrap the bits and trailer and hulll separatley for more. i have 3 boats at the minute and could do with reducing the fleet

Burnett · 16-10-2005, 12:40 AM

Glue 'em together and make a Tri-maran?

sinkunit0 · 16-10-2005, 12:57 AM

Why did'nt i think off that

Silversurfer · 16-10-2005, 05:47 PM

I have checked out all the launch sites round Southend if you are thinking of launching this way PM me.

My boat will be for sale soon due to baby on the way looking for £5,000 brand new powerhead being fitted in the next couple of weeks.

Phantom 20 (1986)
Martini Race colours matching seats
Hydraulic Steering (Sea Star)
Full Set of Instruments
Foot Throttle
Mercury Control Box replaced two years ago.
Passenger and Driver engine cut off switches
Fuel Cut off switch
Twin Tanks 22 gallon front and 18 gallon rear
Battery Isolator
Electric Bilge Pump
Interior Carpet

Mercury Xr2 (1992)
Brand new Power Head
Offshore Leg (LOUD exhaust)
Lightened flywheel, New Trim Pump (the metal one NOT the plastic one that breaks)
Nose cone flush kit
Ocean Racing Serviced and Built Race Motor
Laser II 23 pitch Stainless Prop

Trailer Included
Roller Coaster Trailer
New Wheels/Tyres and Axels last year
Now Painted with Black Hammerite and white (go faster!) stripe
Full boat cover which covers the top of the outboard as well.
Orange Prop Bag (new)

Extras Will Include:
Two Brand new Crash Helmets, used once for one race (orange)
Intercom set for driver and passenger in race communication
Race Retirement flag (orange)
Anchor and chain
Paddle(s)
Will chuck in quite a few Litres of quality Two stroke oil as well!

Performance: Max speed (current configuration) 64mph will go faster if you remove the front tank (68mph)

Additional info:
Ready to race or fast fun, this boat gets all the looks on the slipway and thats before you start it! (Race numbers have now been removed)
All the reciepts included with the sale

Some pictures and video can be seen here I also have some video of it racing.

http://www.stewartwatkins.com/2/phantom/index2.htm

Racing: http://www.stewartwatkins.com/downlo...s/DSCF0649.avi

Turn key rig just buy yourself a lifejacket and enjoy

Taz · 17-10-2005, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Silversurfer
I have checked out all the launch sites round Southend if you are thinking of launching this way PM me.

My boat will be for sale soon due to baby on the way looking for £5,000 brand new powerhead being fitted in the next couple of weeks.

Phantom 20 (1986)
Martini Race colours matching seats
Hydraulic Steering (Sea Star)
Full Set of Instruments
Foot Throttle
Mercury Control Box replaced two years ago.
Passenger and Driver engine cut off switches
Fuel Cut off switch
Twin Tanks 22 gallon front and 18 gallon rear
Battery Isolator
Electric Bilge Pump
Interior Carpet

Mercury Xr2 (1992)
Brand new Power Head
Offshore Leg (LOUD exhaust)
Lightened flywheel, New Trim Pump (the metal one NOT the plastic one that breaks)
Nose cone flush kit
Ocean Racing Serviced and Built Race Motor
Laser II 23 pitch Stainless Prop

Trailer Included
Roller Coaster Trailer
New Wheels/Tyres and Axels last year
Now Painted with Black Hammerite and white (go faster!) stripe
Full boat cover which covers the top of the outboard as well.
Orange Prop Bag (new)

Extras Will Include:
Two Brand new Crash Helmets, used once for one race (orange)
Intercom set for driver and passenger in race communication
Race Retirement flag (orange)
Anchor and chain
Paddle(s)
Will chuck in quite a few Litres of quality Two stroke oil as well!

Performance: Max speed (current configuration) 64mph will go faster if you remove the front tank (68mph)

Additional info:
Ready to race or fast fun, this boat gets all the looks on the slipway and thats before you start it! (Race numbers have now been removed)
All the reciepts included with the sale

Some pictures and video can be seen here I also have some video of it racing.

http://www.stewartwatkins.com/2/phantom/index2.htm

Racing: http://www.stewartwatkins.com/downlo...s/DSCF0649.avi

Turn key rig just buy yourself a lifejacket and enjoy

There you go a proper nice boat and im sure you could leave it stored where it is now!! In a proper boat yard with a private slip!

Burnett · 17-10-2005, 10:08 PM

Yep. I'm pretty well sold on this. What's the storage fees where it is then? Would certainly make more sense that trailering it around all the time.

Looks like a really nice piece of kit. Just what I need really. I'm in constant touch with 'Silversurfer' so we'll see what happens. I haven't found anything as nice for the money. Think it'll be a cracking first boat for me!