Fletcher 21 Millenium

[JVaughan]

Have seen one with a 210hp sterndrive (Alpha One Leg)

Looks really nice for only £10,000

anyone have any bad things to say regarding fletcher's ?

I really want a Mariah Z250 but cannot tow the damn thing with a 2 lite mondeo

[MOTORVATOR]

JVaughan said:

anyone have any bad things to say regarding fletcher's ?

Depends very much on it's age.

Those built while Norman had the company are some of the best built boats ever. However he went to the wall and those who bought him out built a much shabbier product. Cue another change of hands and worse standards still. Another change and they were back to decent quality. God only knows where they are now.

Things to watch for are delamination of the gel coats and underlaying layup, poor bonding of bearers, transoms and cross members, zero bonding between top and bottom, fuel tanks that leak like a sieve whilst being fully bonded in with no access.

I personally wouldn't buy one at that sort of money without a full survey. 250 quid for peace of mind is well spent.

[JVaughan]

Hmm thanks for that snippit.

The boat in question was made in 2000 hence the millennium name.Its basically a 21 GTS

http://www.boatsandoutboards.com/view/F191311

either that or the 19 GTO or the 19 GTS( I quite prefer an outboard than a stern drive because maintenance is easier)

GTS pictured here
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/BS011974

GTO Here
http://www.boats-for-sale.com/cHZ0MjE0NjMwfnB2dA==...

[richardxjr]

I think they'll still be a handful to tow with a Mondeo.

Had a 19' cuddy before, briefly. Now you mention pref for outboards have you considered a RIB? Lighter, faster, better handling in more weather.

I was looking for 6.5m/150hp around your budget then stumbled across this monster http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F190177

[Essential]

I had one new in 2000.

Had a whole load of boats from Fletcher 16 to 70ft Sunseekers and have to say we probally had more fun with the Fletcher 21 GTS and without a doubt some great memories.

Bought mine new from the dealer on the Thames by Richmond way I think. Towed it down using a Landrover 90 and berthed it in Poole boat park dry stack. Im sure we paid about 20k new, sold 3yrs later for 15k. Had the larger 5.7V8 petrol.

What about a cranchi 21 or the Turchessa 24 (I cant spell it)

Only problem with Cranchi was that they looked down their nose at me when I popped into their Salterns dealership and asked for a price and options list. Wasnt that fussed so bought a new superhawk instead.

From what I gather the cuddy on teh 18/19 is better than the 21 but the 21 looks better imo.

[BigLepton]

JVaughan said:

Have seen one with a 210hp sterndrive (Alpha One Leg)

Looks really nice for only £10,000

anyone have any bad things to say regarding fletcher's ?

I really want a Mariah Z250 but cannot tow the damn thing with a 2 lite mondeo

The Fletcher is a pretty good boat for the money, but check out the outdrive very carefully when purchasing. As for the towing bit, even if your Mondeo can cope and legally tow it on the road, launching and recovering it will be another matter. Your chances of getting it back up a green slime slipway are probably nil. Maybe you could budget another couple of grand for an old Discovery to tow it with?

[BigBazza]

JVaughan said:

Have seen one with a 210hp sterndrive (Alpha One Leg)

Looks really nice for only £10,000

anyone have any bad things to say regarding fletcher's ?

I really want a Mariah Z250 but cannot tow the damn thing with a 2 lite mondeo

Sorry to rain on your parade but you won't tow or launch recover the 21GTS with your Mondeo. As others have already said.

I would be looking at a 19 with an outboard or you need an old Disco or any of the bigger Jap 4X4s

[JVaughan]

Launching and recovery isnt an issue. I have a mate with a Disco, one with a Navara and another with a defender 90.

Tow weight is within the cars quoted capacity (2100kg) so as long as I keep within 70% of that, Ill be fine
As for recovery up a slippery slope, that is what a tow rope is for. have done it before.

Regarding Comments on a RIB, Yes, I regularly skipper and tow / launch / recover our dive clubs 6.5 Meter Tornado RIB with full dive gear and Maringer 115 on the back. Never failed to launch or recover.
The only problem with a RIb is protection for the passengers. its great fun but you ideally want dry suites on or waterproofs as a minimum to travel at speed. Plus there is no where to go if it starts to rain.
The attraction of a Cuddy is we "could" visit another port for a night and sleep aboard, the baby could sleep with us, plus, if taking the boat out in the winter can keep the camper top up and put heater on.

... Line up on slip way, brakes on, un-hitch tailer, pull forward, attach tow rope to trailer and tow bar. slowly back boat down slip to take up the slack and then back the car down slowly to launch.

... Repear as above but in reverse. If traction becomes an issue, turn car around and use front towing eye and a shackle. Transfer the boat weight onto the front wheels and use reverse gear.


Oooo Really like the look of the Caranchi 21 .. has that "right" cuddy shape.
I assume you can get a "A" frame or the like to mount radar reflector, nav lights / floor light/ VHF , UHF & FM ariels on

Edited by JVaughan on Thursday 2nd October 14:32

[richardxjr]

Rinker sports boats have good sea hulls.

I really rate the 232, but this yr2000 212 looks good value:

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F179801

(I had a 2001 272, 'twas a good boat)

[Rum Runner]

If you can go for the outboard model , fletchers are decent hulls .
They do a really good version
http://wales.boatshed.com/fletcher_19_gto-boat-416...

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/cHZ0MjE0NjMwfnB2dA==-F...

Lots room decent cabin , good full bimini , sink , and bog space .Much lighter and easier less problematic than stern a drive.

Edited by Rum Runner on Thursday 2nd October 18:47

[WTFWT]

Sea Ray also make very solid speedboats... £10k really does give you a world of choice