Looking for advice :)

Mark_P · 14-10-2009, 04:09 PM

Hi All,

Completely new to boating, and am looking to buy first boat.

I am going to take the RYA stage 1 & 2 before buying, but am looking for some general advice...

Boat will be used mainly inshore coastal/estuary, and will be moored in the esturary.

Looking for a nice quick boat for fun. I've been thinking of between 17' -> 19'

Is this reasonable?

Also, what size outboard would be recommended - no need for huge speed (not skiing of anything), so would 70-90Hp be enough?

As this is my first boat, I am thinking a budget of about £2,000 (boat and outboard - I have additional funds for other equipment etc.).

What boats would be good buys in this price range?

What should I be looking for?

Any help appreciated!!

Cookee · 15-10-2009, 08:57 AM

Sounds about right for what you want - of course the bigger the boat the slower you go with the same motor but you give up the ability to go out in bigger waves with a smaller boat - where in Devon are you?

The Docta · 15-10-2009, 10:51 AM

Cant go wrong with a little fletcher.

Or maybe a driver / glastron / plancraft / broom?

Could go a phantom / ring 18 or crusader 19 with a 90 yam. These would be a bit more lively though.

Might struggle to find something clean and reliable though for only a couple of K. Fletchers always go for strong money and you will struggle to find something with a decent motor for only a couple of grand. Always a chance of grabbing a winter bargain though.

If it were me id be looking for something with a yam 90 preferably and would avoid old evinrudes and johnsons.

Mark_P · 15-10-2009, 02:39 PM

Thanks for the advice... I have been looking, and as you say £2k doesn't get you a lot!

Cookee - I'm in Exmouth, so woul dbe using on the Exe, and venturing out into Lyme/Tor Bay

Paul E · 15-10-2009, 02:44 PM

my advice to you would be to take your time, and don't just buy the first boat you see that fits your budget. You have all winter to find something suitable, as it'll be 6 months until you'll be able to enjoy it most. There are some bargains out there, and there are some sheds too!! Do you know anyone in the trade that can have a look at any potential buys?

Cookee · 15-10-2009, 04:57 PM

Dave Cockman knows everyone over there - he is on here and might know someone who has something that would suit you - of course if you get talking to him and that lot you will end up doing the fun runs, then the Poker runs, then racing ............. it's a never ending spiral!