I read Sletti's sticky about 'O/T' threads, but given this has nothing to with horses or other halves, I figured it might be worthy... I'm getting nicely warmed up to buying a boat... my current thinking extends to... New/Used Princess 42 New/Used Sealine F42/5 Used Sealine T52 (<4 yr old) Used Princess 50 (<4 yr old) I'm wondering if anybody here has boat experience (come on Steve F) and can offer some opinion on the above. I'm particularly interested in the following... 1. Merits of new vs. used - I only have experience of car buying - is new/used significantly different for boats? 2. Sealine vs. Princess - most people say Princess, but, to my eye Sealine looks good on space and innovation. 3. Practicalities of touring in a 50ft+ vs. a 42ft boat - twice the deisel? Harder to turn up at harbour and expect a berth??? Apologies for the off topic nature, but I know there are some boat people here and some of the boat forums can be a bit snooty to newbies. Bad news - will need to sell the 360 Spider to cover some of the cost. Thanks, LWR
A m8 at work has one of these, afraid i know nothing about them http://www.cranchiusa.com/ . Big Moose on here has a 100 ft Princess. sure he can help...
No problem with O/T posts as long as they're clearly marked which this one is. Ask boating questions to your hearts content
buy a used boat as nobody uses them much so you will get a good as new boat loaded with extras that somebody else has blown all the money on princess sunseeker or fairline are the most popular better resale when you want out depends where you want to use the boat uk france spain mallorca have you any experiance i have had boats since 1981 on lakes but out a sea is different matter and while a boat is parked up it costs money a ferrari is cheaper to run you can pay a grand a month to park it up and every harbour you go in they charge by the foot and there is more boats than moorings most boats are used a a gin palace on water you cant just turn up at a harbour as the tide has to be right and they will need plenty of room to accomadate you and boy do they charge if you have not had a boat before charter one in mallorca with a skipper and see if you like it first will cost £4000 a week my opinoin is my mates bought a new fairline 65 squadrom and berthed it in mallorca after 6 months they had had enough if it was me would buy an appartment in mallorca and have a 33 ft formula powerboat kept out of the water put in when you get there will accomadate over night stop blast about then back to the appartment as i would get sick of staying on a boat all the time[sea gypsy] not my scene
Running a boat makes running a Ferrari look like pocket money. "Thanks for the day out, we'll fill it up for you" ... ... ... £450 later! Boat ownership is for serious millionaires. Steve is right, put the money into an apartment or villa and get a small power boat. I still can't get over the fact that he spelt Mallorca correctly too!!!
Right if you drive a ferrari you only buy Sunseeker!!! Get a predator!!! awesome.. Although, seriously their Portofino 35 is a fantastic boat, check it out on the web, fantastic use of space and also very practical. Although if your gonna buy an older one maybe a few years old, look at maybe a 2000 Carmargue 46 or 44, can't remember but it's a tool, and it even has a jetski bay!! Don't buy Sealine or Princess, their finish is not as good as sunseeker. The Crianchi is another great bought....but don't know them as well. Paul CUE99T
Sunseekers aren't that respected in the yachting community. They're very good looking, but the build quality is rubbish. However, a friend of the family who buys a new one every year swears by them and is a big fan. Pop down to Poole and check out the factories and look around a few.
Don't want to sound rude, but he didn't ask for yacht opinions he asked for boat opinions. If you want yacht then try an Beneteau or an Ocean I think it's called, they have nice stuff in the 30-40 feet category. I think Sunseeker are the Ferrari of the boat world IMO. Paul CUE99T
Then you obviously haven't played with a Riva And if you look hard enough, there are some SERIOUS bargains to be had
LWR It all depends on what you want to use it for Obviously the bigger the boat the more it will cost to moor. With regards to second hand or new:get second hand, princess or sealine can't really say, but have a look at what they are new and see what the difference in price is between both second hand, that will give you more of an idea of which one is holding their value better. Obvioulsy by the 2 models you mentioned you are looking for a 6/8 birth flybridge motor cruiser. Not as fast as a sportscruiser but a lot more practical as there is more cover from the elements. aslo consider fairline,cranchi and sea ray. Sunseekers look better but cost a lot more(but boy do they look good! also sunseekers seem to hole their value more) Not sure if you have used boats before but if not as SteveF says best choice is to charter one first and see if you like it or not try someone like www.yachtcharteruk.com or W G Yacht Charters there are many others out there, this will give you a feel of what its like. Look at http://www.zinio.com/express?issue=105144556 for buyers guide or http://www.yourmotorboat.com/your_motor_boat/index.html If you need any other advice let me know and I will try and help
True, we have a 25ft Larson (American Sports Cruiser). Even that costs £375 to fill it up and drinks like Barney off the Simpsons! But, it's such a world away, nothing better than turning up in the Ferrari and cruising all day on the rivers! ATB
Hi LWR, You don`t say in your post whether you have any boating experience which would be a factor in the type and size of boat to go for. Any qualifications? radio licence? Where would you be thinking of cruising? In Uk or are you thinking of Med? Do you see yourself anchored under blue skies or wrapped up in wet gear on the flybridge in wind over tide 5/6 trying to get home? I have had boats for 10 years starting on the river and like most people slowly getting more adventuress graduating to tidal, coastal and France, Belgium. For friendship and camaraderie there is nothing to compare with boating. I have met and become friendly with so many people that it becomes a way of life if you want to stick at it in this country. The BIG downside is the English weather which can send you almost bonkers as you sit in harbour listening to endless weather forecasts waiting for the right moment to go out! For value, boats can be pretty good on depreciation. If you buy a 2 year old Princess / sealine you will save a good amount but it will still be falling. If you buy a 8 / 9 year old it will have bottomed out and keep its value for years. Generally it is recognised that you should allow 10% of the boat cost per annum to cover annual costs. The downside of ALL boats (apart from the mooring, insurance and licences) is the maintenance. Not just the costs, but being certain any work done has been carried out correctly. The general calibre of marine engineers is poor and I know of numerous incidents due to incompetence. You need to be familiar with all mechanical aspects of the boat as problems can occur at any time. Not trying to put you off the idea but I am trying to point out some of the areas that need consideration before casting off! If you want any more assistance I am very happy to help. Chris
A wise man once said to me... "The two happiest moments in a man's life. First, when he gets his boat. Second, when he sells it." Speaking as an ex boat owner (only a little powerboat that is) I am inclined to agree. It was great when out and about, but the running costs make Ferrari ownership seem reasonable, and it is difficult to get enough use out of it to justify the capital outlay, maintenance, berthing etc. The UK climate is pants, so it has to be in the Med, which means flights, etc and takes the spontaneity out of it. I'd say chartering is the way to go.
