Help! maybe buying my first boat......

[m0ssy]

I'm looking to get a boat.

I live in the Kingston area so have good access to the Thames.

Have a bit of experience boating so have used both a 'Birchwood' and a 'Plane hull' (cruiser) on the waterways on the Thames near Kingston so can operate something that is meant for the river and something meant for the sea but on the river.

I can get hold of mooring so no problem there, just wondering which type of boat to get?

Would be nice to get something that 2 couples could sleep on (at least a curtain seperating the sleeping areas but preferably different parts of the boat), something that is reasonable on fuel, something that has the power to go out into tidal waters and possibly the channel, but yet something that can also potter about on the non tidal waterways.

Interior layout and entertaining area is most important, ideally would like a hot/cold water, shower, karzi, cooking area and fridge, an outside table and inside with decent seating, I don't mind improving exterior, varnish, paint etc....

Something under £10k as that is what I wish to spend.... blimey, not asking much am I?

Any guidance greatly appreciated

[Simpo Two]

Wot fun! I took the plunge (not literally!) last year and bought a classic Freeman.

Inland and offshore are two very different things; I'm strictly an inland type and being a non-swimmer enjoy the fact that if water starts pouring through the floorboards I can put the hammer down and reach the bank in about 15 seconds! (Can't be doing with mudflats, tides, GPS and being run over by a supertanker)

A few pointers. Owning and being responsible for a boat is very different from using someone else's; I found there was lot to learn. So often the answer to 'What's the worst that could happen?' is 'It sinks'. Which tends to focus the mind!

Given your needs for entertaining inside and out I'd say you need to be looking in the 30' range. Running-cost-wise the least expensive option will be a single diesel. Twins are better for offshore (in case one packs up you don't end up in Holland) but that's twice the fuel and twice the maintenance.

I think a 30' boat under £10K is pushing it a bit but have a look here: www.jonesboatyard.co.uk/boat-sales/

Although not on the Thames it's a goldmine for info on all kinds of boats - and if you find your perfect boat on another waterway, you can always get it trailered over for a few hundred.

HTH!

[Simpo Two]

Just me then?

[maser_spyder]

Yup!

Can't do much exciting rag-and-sticking on a river!

[PlaneFan]

I would have thought that it would be virtually impossible to get what you are wanting for £10k. I'm further up the river to you, in Chertsey backing onto the Thames, and the boats on sale at the nearby Bates Wharf Marine seem to be much more than the budget. Looking at the website listed above, there are some great value boats to be bought, but consider the running costs, and the mooring costs (if you have to pay mooring fees).

Let us know how you get on.

[m0ssy]

Thanks for all the info Simpo Two

Sorry for a delay in reply but flat out so made the cardinal sin of starting a thread then not following it cloesly

My thoughts are that there are bargains to be had. The country as a whole is still in recession and as with buying a car the dealers out there are keeping prices inflated. Some boats have been advertised for a long time, so owners are obviously not that desperate for the cash but people who need to sell will, their prices will reflect but no time to dither as they are snapped up quick.

I am looking at the usual suspects; Freemans, Elysians, Seamasters and Birchwoods.... can anyone think of any others?

Also I know i shouldn't even be thinking of it but I am continually drawn to the big white plastic boats with the white leather with a large petrol engine.... they look the part, great for entertaining and are really cheap however I know are completely unsuitable for the river, difficult to manouver, drink petrol like its water and petrol is not a widely available on the river as diesel but yet I am still tempted..... shame on me

There are a few more coppers in the pot, but wanted to give the Tiv a few quid to keep it happy otherwise it will feel neglected and teach me a lesson like last time! (It dropped the contents of my clutch slave on the road)

[GreatGranny]

This seems a lot of boat for the money and has had a decent amount spent on it.

Sleeps 5-7 as well.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/PAA20485

[m0ssy]

GreatGranny said:

This seems a lot of boat for the money and has had a decent amount spent on it.

Sleeps 5-7 as well.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/PAA20485

Thanks for the tip , looks interesting, will email the owner

[Simpo Two]

m0ssy said:

Some boats have been advertised for a long time, so owners are obviously not that desperate for the cash but people who need to sell will, their prices will reflect but no time to dither as they are snapped up quick.

They are indeed; from experience I can tell you that a Freeman in good original order at a sensible price goes almost immediately. One difference from cars is that there's no depreciation ticking away in the background. As ever, if you are vigilant and have cash ready you can pounce if required.

m0ssy said:

I am looking at the usual suspects; Freemans, Elysians, Seamasters and Birchwoods.... can anyone think of any others?

Fairline, eg a Fairline Mirage, is worth a look. You could do worse than take a day out and go to Jones; they have a big 'sales' jetty and you can just take the keys and have a good old snout round as many boats as you like without being pestered. Take a camera and clipboard so you can make notes of what you like and what you don't. The owners are very patient types and happy to answer questions.

m0ssy said:

Also I know i shouldn't even be thinking of it but I am continually drawn to the big white plastic boats with the white leather with a large petrol engine.... they look the part, great for entertaining and are really cheap however I know are completely unsuitable for the river, difficult to manouver, drink petrol like its water and petrol is not a widely available on the river as diesel

Actually most cabin cruisers manouver very well, far better than narrowboats. GRP is much more practical than wood and far lighter than steel - Freemans are famous for being able to spin on a sixpence.

One other thing - petrol boats may be cheaper than an identical diesel but have tighter BSS rules, for example you can't have a gas fridge, it has to be electric, which is a PITA since unless you have shore power you have to turn it off at night.

Also see if the steering position is enclosed or not. I like to have my head in the fresh air but many of the larger boats have fixed 'cabin tops' (like in the link above).

m0ssy said:

There are a few more coppers in the pot, but wanted to give the Tiv a few quid to keep it happy otherwise it will feel neglected and teach me a lesson like last time!

Fortunately mine isn't the jealous type!



Enjoy your shopping!

[HappySilver]

>I am looking at the usual suspects; Freemans, Elysians, Seamasters and Birchwoods.... can anyone think of any others?


Viking, not long sold my 22, kept it on the Thames at Wargrave/Sonning. Ideal for Thames cruising. Val Wyatt normally have few in stock as they are a Viking dealer. If you get a well speced one it can be a lot of boat for the money.

[m0ssy]

2000 miles travelled and dozen boats later I have made a purchase and she gets delivered to me next week, cant wait :




Although the budget of £10k was blown somewhat...

[Simpo Two]

Quite a beast for your first boat! Hope it's not twin petrol!

Now you just have to figure out how it all works... owning a boat is very different to just borrowing one. (At least you have a whole season ahead of you before you have to worry about 'winterising')

Enjoy

[m0ssy]

Simpo Two said:

Quite a beast for your first boat! Hope it's not twin petrol!

Now you just have to figure out how it all works... owning a boat is very different to just borrowing one. (At least you have a whole season ahead of you before you have to worry about 'winterising')

Enjoy

Thanks Simpo Two

She is twin diesel shaft drive. Purchase was subject to survey and she passed with flying colours.

Indeed I have plenty to learn, and plenty of expense in maintenance/ running costs, but am no stranger to expensive maintenance/ servicing and running cost as own the Tiv.

Luckily I had a boating expert look at all boats with me, he has 40 years experience in buying and selling and owning of boats so was in good hands (although he wasn't cheap!) but he will be advising me on running, the workings, providing contacts and even how to work the tides and various other tips, although he did inform me that he is always Captain when boarding

Am looking forward to enjoying relaxing days on the water, as relaxing days behind the wheel of the car are few and far between these days!

[PlaneFan]

Top stuff. Where will you be mooring?

[MOTORVATOR]

Well it looks kitted for sea trips Mossie. Radar, GPS, Reflector, Twin VHF Ariels. You might struggle with the odd bridge inland though.

Most importantly, has it got a drinks cabinet?

[m0ssy]

PlaneFan said:

Top stuff. Where will you be mooring?

Have a mooring sorted fairly close to Teddington Lock, so will have the choice of tidal/ non-tidal waters. (although the environment agency will charge me £400 a year for a license!)

MOTORVATOR said:

Well it looks kitted for sea trips Mossie. Radar, GPS, Reflector, Twin VHF Ariels. You might struggle with the odd bridge inland though.

Most importantly, has it got a drinks cabinet?

Thanks Motorvator, it has 2 fridges for beers and fizzy wine and a large shelving facilities for spirits

[Simpo Two]

MOTORVATOR said:

Most importantly, has it got a drinks cabinet?

Here's mine! (while I was still stocking up so rather empty) - sorry about thew crap photo:



The fire extinguiser has now been hidden away because it was too ugly.


But no fridge

[CraigVmax]

Mossy, I'm on the same stretch of water most days, look out for "lunacy" or "lunatic" and give me a toot, what will you be calling her?

Notable fun places to go locally by water, the swan, the Albany, The boaters Inn, then up to the Swan at Walton. You're going to have a good summer!

[MOTORVATOR]

m0ssy said:

Thanks Motorvator, it has 2 fridges for beers and fizzy wine and a large shelving facilities for spirits

Simpo Two said:

Here's mine! (while I was still stocking up so rather empty) - sorry about thew crap photo:



The fire extinguiser has now been hidden away because it was too ugly.


But no fridge

Now we're talking, most important part of a boat. I just converted the old tv enclosure on mine so I now have three drinks cabinets, an ice box, an ice maker and a dedicated cocktail / sink area.

If we have a good session and drink it dry the boat does an additional three knots.

PS. if anyone needs an icemaker I have a spare working unit that I replaced by mistake. :stoopidsmiley:

[m0ssy]

MOTORVATOR said:

PS. if anyone needs an icemaker I have a spare working unit that I replaced by mistake. :stoopidsmiley:

Ice maker? now there is a fine idea easy to fit?

CraigVmax said:

Mossy, I'm on the same stretch of water most days, look out for "lunacy" or "lunatic" and give me a toot, what will you be calling her?

Notable fun places to go locally by water, the swan, the Albany, The boaters Inn, then up to the Swan at Walton. You're going to have a good summer!

Her name is Velocity which I kindof like so have no plans to change. I will look out for you, do you have a pic you can whip up on here?

So many pubs to stop at and places to see..... I cannot wait yippee!