I want to buy a second hand boat - Overwhelmed

asingrang · 09-08-2014 10:40pm #1

So I decided a couple of weeks ago that I would like to buy a second hand boat.
I thought it would be easy to figure out something nice and easy to start with, but the more I look, the more I realize I havent a clue.

Im looking to spend about 5k - 7k and hoping to get a nice river or sea boat that a family of three could spend the weekend on (sleeping on the boat, cooking etc).

Is it even possible to get a boat that would fit those criteria?

Ive seen a few that sleep 2 but not sure where to go for slightly bigger in my price range.

I would also be looking for the price to include a trailer if possible.

So far Ive only been able to see them from outside a Marina. What would help is if there are show rooms with boats that I could have a look at. I dont really want to be calling in wasting peoples time who are selling boats yet though, until i know what I want.

Im based in Dublin, but would travel if there was somewhere i could have a walk around and look at different boats, so long as i wasnt annoying a salesman at this point.

Can anyone help me narrow down my options on even if there are boats that would suit within my budget.

Was looking at something like this, but it might be too small for 3 people to sleep on. And it doesnt seem to have a cover, but i dont know if it would be expensive to get one.

apolloduck.ie/display.phtml?aid=37447

Lord Arsraptor · 09-08-2014 10:56pm

asingrang wrote: »

...

Could this be appropriate?

www(dot)leinsterboats(dot)ie/boat.php?id=75
Cant post URLS as I'm a new user

The thing is, you don't really seem to be spoiled for choice. I can only really find zodiac rigs, and used ones at that, for your price range.
Best of luck anyways

asingrang · 10-08-2014 12:28am

Yeah I think I may be looking for a while.

Just one more question. Since its a motor cruiser that I am planning on getting, is there any beginner course that I could do, just to make sure im competent before i even think about taking the family out on one?

Around Dublin would be the best if there is one, and how much would it cost?

fergal.b · 10-08-2014 12:56am

Something like the shetland family 4 would suit your needs, most marinas will have a sales office and would welcome anyone coming in with a few quid to spend so don't feel like your putting anyone out, instead of going for the coast I would head inland to somewhere like Athlone where the boat has been used in fresh water and you have a few marinas to pick from.

A powerboat course will teach you all the basics and if you want you can go on from there http://www.powerboatschool.ie/

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Glenalla · 10-08-2014 11:18am

asingrang wrote: »

So I decided a couple of weeks ago that I would like to buy a second hand boat.
I thought it would be easy to figure out something nice and easy to start with, but the more I look, the more I realize I havent a clue.

Im looking to spend about 5k - 7k and hoping to get a nice river or sea boat that a family of three could spend the weekend on (sleeping on the boat, cooking etc).

Is it even possible to get a boat that would fit those criteria?

Ive seen a few that sleep 2 but not sure where to go for slightly bigger in my price range.

I would also be looking for the price to include a trailer if possible.

So far Ive only been able to see them from outside a Marina. What would help is if there are show rooms with boats that I could have a look at. I dont really want to be calling in wasting peoples time who are selling boats yet though, until i know what I want.

Im based in Dublin, but would travel if there was somewhere i could have a walk around and look at different boats, so long as i wasnt annoying a salesman at this point.

Can anyone help me narrow down my options on even if there are boats that would suit within my budget.

Was looking at something like this, but it might be too small for 3 people to sleep on. And it doesnt seem to have a cover, but i dont know if it would be expensive to get one.

apolloduck.ie/display.phtml?aid=37447

Call Ronan at Leinster boats, he not only sells boats but will also advise you on what would be most suitable for your needs.
He will also be able to recommend a surveyor who shall look at the boat prior to purchase and asses its seaworthiness and condition. This can be invaluable in determining whether the boat is fit for purpose or not.

asingrang · 10-08-2014 11:19am

Thanks for the help guys.
Im going to do that course first anyway.
Safety first

fergal.b · 10-08-2014 11:47am

asingrang wrote: »

Thanks for the help guys.
Im going to do that course first anyway.
Safety first

If you can get a few guys/girls together you can get a good deal on the course.
Best of luck it's well worth the few quid and will also stand to you when you go to get insurance.

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asingrang · 10-08-2014 12:17pm

fergal.b wrote: »

If you can get a few guys/girls together you can get a good deal on the course.
Best of luck it's well worth the few quid and will also stand to you when you go to get insurance.

.

Thanks. If it was just me id probably just jump in, but when the family will be on the boat its better to be safe and get some lessons i think.

I think you guys are right about the rivers and lakes too. I probably dont want to be going out on the sea just yet.

miss no stars · 10-08-2014 7:09pm

You could always put up a wanted ad.

pH · 11-08-2014 1:04pm

asingrang wrote: »

So I decided a couple of weeks ago that I would like to buy a second hand boat.
I thought it would be easy to figure out something nice and easy to start with, but the more I look, the more I realize I havent a clue.

Im looking to spend about 5k - 7k and hoping to get a nice river or sea boat that a family of three could spend the weekend on (sleeping on the boat, cooking etc).

Is it even possible to get a boat that would fit those criteria?

First you probably need to decide what would suit you and your family. Decide on inland cruising or sea and buy based on that decision. Also you need to make a decision whether you are having a trailer based boat (ie pretty much launch to use) or a boat moored in a marina. The marina option adds cost obviously but depending on your home and grounds storing a boat on a trailer could be hassle, towing needs a car/van suitable for the job and don't underestimate how much hassle launching/recovering a larger boat could be for a novice.

It certainly would be possible to get a smaller river cruiser for this sort of money, capable of sleeping 2 adults and a child. with cooker/toilet etc. However you will be buying at the older/tattier end of the market, and they most likely won't come with a trailer nor are the really suitable for launching as needed.

Something like this:
http://www.donedeal.ie/boats-for-sale/boat-for-sale/7095138

But the boat purchase is just the start! Boats need constant maintenance and money spent on them, some of the cost can be mitigated if you care handy yourself and enjoy doing the work, but Ireland is littered with half finished "boat projects" and sad neglected boats that the owner no longer had time/money/interest for.

Ferris · 13-08-2014 5:11pm

I have been looking around for something similar and I think you'll struggle to find something for that money that accomodates 3 while being suitable for sea/coastal use. The Shetland Family 4 is about as good as it gets but you would require a large enough engine which will have associated costs.

However if you stick to canal/river/lake use there are a number of diesel powered cruisers that suit. I always liked the Elysian 27's with a centre or aft cockpit:

http://www.donedeal.ie/boats-for-sale/elysian-cruiser/7438898

http://www.donedeal.ie/boats-for-sale/elysian-27-for-sale/7424876

Also search for seamaster 27's

http://www.apolloduck.ie/feature.phtml?id=357820

Eastwood 24s, freeman 23's and 26's etc.

All of these will sleep 4 and most will offer a full galley, pump out W/C and shower. All are pretty old however so a survey is recommended.

The inland waterways are a great safe place to learn the basics. The Grand Canal is a bit boring but the Barrow is beautiful. The royal canal is supposed to be lovely and the Shannon/Erne is great.

fergal.b · 13-08-2014 5:19pm

This one also looks good and it's mooring is paid till next may.http://www.donedeal.ie/boats-for-sale/boat-sea-master/7478023

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yobbo · 14-08-2014 10:49am

Long time reader, first time poster here.

I grew up with a freeman 23. It was a great boat to learn the basics on. Could easily sleep 3 and had been out in it in some terrible conditions.

It had a perkins 4108 which was a lovely engine and brilliant for learning the basics on. Have since moved on to a bigger boat but often think back to this and what a great boat it was.

asingrang · 14-08-2014 8:26pm

fergal.b wrote: »

This one also looks good and it's mooring is paid till next may.

.

Thanks for that.
Its decided now by the mrs that i am to do that course first before i buy a boat

so looking forward to it.

Roughly, How much would that mooring cost for the whole year if i was to keep a boat there after buying it?
What would it cost to store the boat out of the water for the winter?

fergal.b · 14-08-2014 8:40pm

asingrang wrote: »

Thanks for that.
Its decided now by the mrs that i am to do that course first before i buy a boat
so looking forward to it.

Roughly, How much would that mooring cost for the whole year if i was to keep a boat there after buying it?
What would it cost to store the boat out of the water for the winter?

In and around €1000 a year, it will depend on how big the boat is and what marina you use.

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asingrang · 15-08-2014 8:16pm

fergal.b wrote: »

In and around €1000 a year, it will depend on how big the boat is and what marina you use.

.

Wow, that isnt cheap

fergal.b · 15-08-2014 9:17pm

It depends on how you look at it, if you have to tow a heavy boat a lot to get to the water it will cost a few quid in fuel you will also have the handiness of having the boat ready to go whenever you feel like going.

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pH · 16-08-2014 11:15am

asingrang wrote: »

Wow, that isnt cheap

The absolute cheapest quote I could get for the summer mooring and winter lift, hard standing and relaunch was 1250. If the boat needs anti foul and winerizing by a professional marine mechanic this would obviously cost more. Also factor in that on these older boats things will be going wrong all the time, pumps, electrics,lights, fridges, ropes fenders, engines, stern gear etc. if you are the DIY type theses costs can be reduced, but otherwise they all add up to quite a bit.

However, anything much bigger than a speedboat will be very difficult to launch and recover yourself every weekend, and also factor into it where you can securely store the boat and trailer when not in use.

asingrang · 17-08-2014 11:24am

So my neighbour has been following my dipping the toe into boating, and am coming round to the idea of starting small and practising first.

And it turns out he has a friend who had a very nice little 15ft speedboat for sale in Waterford, which i collected yesterday (I wont be going too fast to start with).

Now i am faced with the problem of finding a place to bring it down to the see next weekend or the weekend after.

I live in Meath, so i was thinking Skerries or Balbriggan for my first launch.

I know i can park the car in skerries, but what do i do with the trailer while the boat is out.

Or is there a slip any further North that I could use that would be both easy to launch and retrieve the boat and with free parking for the car and trailer while i am out.

Glenalla · 17-08-2014 11:37am

Fergal.b would know the best area to launch and recover around there.
Also please make sure the boat is fully tested before you head out to sea, engine running and pumping water (if in doubt have a local mechanic check it over), anchor and rope on board, oars for pushing off the beach and life jackets for everyone on board. It would also be a good idea to buy a chart of the local area and study where is safe to go. Happy boating!

HeidiHeidi · 17-08-2014 11:46am

Glenalla wrote: »

Fergal.b would know the best area to launch and recover around there.
Also please make sure the boat is fully tested before you head out to sea, engine running and pumping water (if in doubt have a local mechanic check it over), anchor and rope on board, oars for pushing off the beach and life jackets for everyone on board. It would also be a good idea to buy a chart of the local area and study where is safe to go. Happy boating!

A handheld VHF radio (and a course in using it) would be a good idea also.

fergal.b · 17-08-2014 11:48am

Balbriggan is very tide dependent and is a very messy slip you may also come back from your day out and find a car parked on the slip :eek:
Skerries is a lot better but they don't allow speedboats

if your not messing about and causing trouble you should be ok " I didn't say that"

you will need someone to hold the boat while you park the trailer as there is nowhere to tie up, I usually park up at red island. The RNLI in Skerries are a good bunch of guy's and if you ask nicely they will give your boat a safety check and you can let them know where you are going and when you will be back. It might also be worth putting this on your phone http://www.sailing.ie/Cruising/ISASafeTrx.aspx

Ferris · 17-08-2014 1:19pm

You could try broadmeadows estuary in malahide. There's a couple of slips near malahide and swords sailing clubs and they're generally not busy. It's a shallow estuary and pretty sheltered so perfect to get used to the boat.

Congrats on the purchase, this thread needs pictures!

Stheno · 17-08-2014 3:27pm

Ferris wrote: »

You could try broadmeadows estuary in malahide. There's a couple of slips near malahide and swords sailing clubs and they're generally not busy. It's a shallow estuary and pretty sheltered so perfect to get used to the boat.

Congrats on the purchase, this thread needs pictures!

Speed boats and jet skis are prohibited on the estuary

lockmaster · 17-08-2014 3:38pm

go up to enniskillen in co fermanagh there are plenty of boat companys up there to get the right boat . and plenty of mooring sites at the best price you are going to get any where in ireland it,s only a 2 hour drive . as you know i spent time researching this and found the best place to keep a boat is in enniskillen and i am not the only dublin guy there . here,s a few photo,s of where i have my boat . it in castle archdale co fermanagh . if you need any more advice just let me know .they say co fermanagh is the boating capital of ireland so there is a lot of morring sites that are looking for your custom i hear last week the a mooring site right in the heart of enniskillen was sending out flyer,s for mooring your boat in his mooring it was only 5 pound a week .

asingrang · 17-08-2014 6:28pm

lockmaster wrote: »

go up to enniskillen in co fermanagh there are plenty of boat companys up there to get the right boat . and plenty of mooring sites at the best price you are going to get any where in ireland it,s only a 2 hour drive . as you know i spent time researching this and found the best place to keep a boat is in enniskillen and i am not the only dublin guy there . here,s a few photo,s of where i have my boat . it in castle archdale co fermanagh . if you need any more advice just let me know .they say co fermanagh is the boating capital of ireland so there is a lot of morring sites that are looking for your custom i hear last week the a mooring site right in the heart of enniskillen was sending out flyer,s for mooring your boat in his mooring it was only 5 pound a week .

That looks lovely. Nice pics.

asingrang · 17-08-2014 6:36pm

Can anyone tell me where to buy life jackets in Dublin.

Are there boat shops around that I could have a wander around?

Thanks for that app.

On Red Island do you just park the car and trailer beside each other in the normal car spaces?

If I chicken out of the "sea trials" are there any lakes with slipways that I could try out on.
I was in Malahide today just having a look around and the sea is looking scary.

Maybe ive missed the summer, i dont know if i'll have to work or not the next few weekends either.

Stheno · 17-08-2014 8:12pm

asingrang wrote: »

Can anyone tell me where to buy life jackets in Dublin.

Are there boat shops around that I could have a wander around?

Thanks for that app.

On Red Island do you just park the car and trailer beside each other in the normal car spaces?

If I chicken out of the "sea trials" are there any lakes with slipways that I could try out on.
I was in Malahide today just having a look around and the sea is looking scary.

Maybe ive missed the summer, i dont know if i'll have to work or not the next few weekends either.

There are a fair few places, Union Chandlery in Malahide, Sutton Marine in Sutton, Marine parts direct on the old airport road in Swords, just for starters.

I was thinking about slips in North County Dublin today, and think Howth would probably be your best bet, not sure if you need to be a member of HYC to use it though. That got me to thinking that if you are not familiar with boating, you should do some research/a course on the rules around boating, e.g. if you are a boat under power and you came across a pile of sailing boats under sail power, they have rights over you. Conversely if a giant ferry/commercial vessel is sailing into your path they have rights over you. Not knowing some of those rules, could be problematic. There's a few basic rules you'd want to be aware of.

I know nothing of rules for lakes/rivers, but I imagine the same would apply.

And definitely get a radio just in case.

HeidiHeidi · 17-08-2014 8:15pm

Stheno wrote: »

There are a fair few places, Union Chandlery in Malahide, Sutton Marine in Sutton, Marine parts direct on the old airport road in Swords, just for starters.

I was thinking about slips in North County Dublin today, and think Howth would probably be your best bet, not sure if you need to be a member of HYC to use it though. That got me to thinking that if you are not familiar with boating, you should do some research/a course on the rules around boating, e.g. if you are a boat under power and you came across a pile of sailing boats under sail power, they have rights over you. Conversely if a giant ferry/commercial vessel is sailing into your path they have rights over you. Not knowing some of those rules, could be problematic. There's a few basic rules you'd want to be aware of.

I know nothing of rules for lakes/rivers, but I imagine the same would apply.

And definitely get a radio just in case.

They *might* have rights over you

Depends on a lot of things.

But yes, learning the basics of the "rules of the (watery) road" would be a very good idea indeed.

Stheno · 17-08-2014 8:18pm

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

They *might* have rights over you

Depends on a lot of things.

But yes, learning the basics of the "rules of the (watery) road" would be a very good idea indeed.

God, I'm going to have to look that up

I was always told they'd rights regardless

HeidiHeidi · 17-08-2014 8:20pm

Stheno wrote: »

God, I'm going to have to look that up I was always told they'd rights regardless

Nope.

But if there's a great big ferry/tanker steaming in my general direction, regardless of rights in a game of chicken I'll usually blink first

:D:D

fergal.b · 17-08-2014 8:21pm

Marine parts in Swords http://marineparts.ie/ would be the handiest for you.
On Red island I back the trailer onto the grass and just take up one parking space.
The nearest inland place I use is Athlone, there is a slip across from the Houston bay hotel.
If you do go to Skerries let me know and if I can I'll drop down " thats a big if"

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Stheno · 17-08-2014 8:21pm

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Nope.

But if there's a great big ferry/tanker steaming in my general direction, in a game of chicken I'll usually blink first :D:D

I think most people take that approach

pedroeibar1 · 17-08-2014 9:06pm

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Nope.

But if there's a great big ferry/tanker steaming in my general direction, regardless of rights in a game of chicken I'll usually blink first :D:D

It would be foolish to push it. Situations - approaching on reciprocal, overtaking and crossing.
In general,
Approaching & crossing – port to port and "If to starboard red appear, 'tis your duty to keep clear"
Overtaking vessel must keep clear
The ‘give-way’ vessel must take early and sufficient action to keep clear.
The ‘stand-on’ vessel should maintain course and speed but should take action if necessary to avoid collision.
Sailing – Port gives way to starboard; Windward gives way to leeward.
A sailing vessel must give way to a power vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre (that includes vessels in a channel or under tow or fishing.) It also can include vessels steaming in shipping lanes where there is tight separation. Take the bigger vessels draught into consideration even if there appears to be room.

In general on a passage in open waters I always stayed as far as I could from any ship as they inevitably were on autopilot and with poor/no lookout.

miss no stars · 17-08-2014 9:47pm

Stheno wrote: »

I was thinking about slips in North County Dublin today, and think Howth would probably be your best bet, not sure if you need to be a member of HYC to use it though.

there's a public slip beside the lifeboat house.

Stheno · 17-08-2014 10:24pm

miss no stars wrote: »

there's a public slip beside the lifeboat house.

Thanks, that's the one I was thinking of, didn't know whether or not it was part of HYC or not

Ferris · 18-08-2014 8:02am

Stheno wrote: »

Speed boats and jet skis are prohibited on the estuary

Didn't know that, thanks.

asingrang · 21-08-2014 11:36pm

A friend of mine was up at the house and saw my new speedboat sitting outside.
So now he thinks im an expert on boats

and was asking me questions and i hadnt a clue.
I told him id ask here if anyone can answer me.

He wants to buy a river cruiser.
And wants to know do you need a license or anything to drive a boat on the shannon or the canals.
Also if he buys a 2nd hand boat does he need to make sure it has a safety cert or other documents or checks, or can he buy a boat without those things and still be allowed to drive it?

If anyone knows the answers i'll pass the answers on.

Thanks again for all your help

fergal.b · 21-08-2014 11:49pm

NO to question 1 but it is worth registering the boat with http://www.waterwaysireland.org/Pages/Boating/Boat-Registration-and-Permits.aspx it's free and you get a nice welcome pack to introduce you to the waterways. And no to question 2 but depending on how much he wants to spend it might be worth getting a survey done also if it's over 10 years old the insurance companies might request one to be done to make sure it's seaworthy.

.

Schindlers Pissed · 21-09-2014 6:11pm

Hello people, this is a very informative thread and lots of knowledge. This is my first time to post on this board, so I hope I'm welcome!

Like asingrang I'm stupid when it comes to boats and I'm itching to get into it. I'm looking to buy something like a Bayliner 2455 but I've been told that's it's mostly for rivers etc. My question is this.....I'd be mostly down around the South East (I'm based in Kilkenny). I'd be looking at mooring it in New Ross and going either upstream to Graiguenamanagh, or downstream to Waterford. I'd like to be able to take it around the Hook and over to Kilmore Quay.......would this type of boat be okay for coastal cruising? I'd be staying between Kilmore and the Saltees.

We don't have kids and I just like the look of the Bayliners. I like the sport cruiser shape.

I'm a bit concerned because I heard the low draught isn't the best on open water.

Also, diesel models are scarce enough.....are the petrol engines gas guzzlers, or is it economical enough if you aren't flogging it?

I would have about €15k to spend.......any help on the above would be appreciated.

Sorry for hijacking the thread asingrang!

fergal.b · 21-09-2014 6:45pm

Schindlers Pissed wrote: »

Hello people, this is a very informative thread and lots of knowledge. This is my first time to post on this board, so I hope I'm welcome!

Like asingrang I'm stupid when it comes to boats and I'm itching to get into it. I'm looking to buy something like a Bayliner 2455 but I've been told that's it's mostly for rivers etc. My question is this.....I'd be mostly down around the South East (I'm based in Kilkenny). I'd be looking at mooring it in New Ross and going either upstream to Graiguenamanagh, or downstream to Waterford. I'd like to be able to take it around the Hook and over to Kilmore Quay.......would this type of boat be okay for coastal cruising? I'd be staying between Kilmore and the Saltees.

We don't have kids and I just like the look of the Bayliners. I like the sport cruiser shape.

I'm a bit concerned because I heard the low draught isn't the best on open water.

Also, diesel models are scarce enough.....are the petrol engines gas guzzlers, or is it economical enough if you aren't flogging it?

I would have about €15k to spend.......any help on the above would be appreciated.

Sorry for hijacking the thread asingrang!

Welcome to the forum

The Bayliner 2455 will be fine for what you want they have a good deep V hull and can handle a bit of chop I don't think you will be heading out in a storm force :eek: I had a 2655 with a 5.7 V8 petrol and found as long as your not giving full throttle all the time it's not too bad on fuel.

.

Schindlers Pissed · 21-09-2014 8:43pm

Thanks for that Fergal, there's too much info out there......that's why I said I'd ask on here.

Feel free to post any good examples of them for sale!

I'm looking for something that we could do an overnight on.

What kind of money are you talking for a yearly service/upkeep? And what's the fuel capacity of a 2455? Ta.

fergal.b · 21-09-2014 9:07pm

This will give you an idea of fuel economy depending on the engine type.http://www.boat-fuel-economy.com/bayliner-fuel-consumption

Most of the servicing you could do yourself or if you know someone thats handy with cars they will have no problem as it's more or less the same fuel filter, oil filter and water filter, for bigger jobs like the impeller "water pump" you might need a mechanic the part is very cheep so you will be paying for the amount of time it takes more than anything.
I can't see any for sale at the moment but will keep an eye out

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Schindlers Pissed · 21-09-2014 9:23pm

I can't post attachments.......I was looking at an ad on done deal, but it's €18k.....fairly pricey. If you see it maybe you might throw your eye over it and see what you think? It's in Leitrim. If you don't mind.

miss no stars · 21-09-2014 9:25pm

http://www.donedeal.ie/boats-for-sale/2001-bayliner-24th-motor-boat-cruiser/7520911

Schindlers Pissed · 21-09-2014 9:34pm

That's her, thanks.

fergal.b · 21-09-2014 9:51pm

Looks nice, I would be a bit worried about the American trailer as it may not be legal on our roads so worth checking out if you are going to be towing it.

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Glenalla · 22-09-2014 9:36am

Schindlers Pissed wrote: »

Hello people, this is a very informative thread and lots of knowledge. This is my first time to post on this board, so I hope I'm welcome!

Like asingrang I'm stupid when it comes to boats and I'm itching to get into it. I'm looking to buy something like a Bayliner 2455 but I've been told that's it's mostly for rivers etc. My question is this.....I'd be mostly down around the South East (I'm based in Kilkenny). I'd be looking at mooring it in New Ross and going either upstream to Graiguenamanagh, or downstream to Waterford. I'd like to be able to take it around the Hook and over to Kilmore Quay.......would this type of boat be okay for coastal cruising? I'd be staying between Kilmore and the Saltees.

We don't have kids and I just like the look of the Bayliners. I like the sport cruiser shape.

I'm a bit concerned because I heard the low draught isn't the best on open water.

Also, diesel models are scarce enough.....are the petrol engines gas guzzlers, or is it economical enough if you aren't flogging it?

I would have about €15k to spend.......any help on the above would be appreciated.

Sorry for hijacking the thread asingrang!

Hi, can I suggest you call Ronan at Leinster Boats, www.leinsterboats.ie, he has a close association with the guys in New Ross Boat Yard and would be able to advise you on what boat would suit and what is for sale in the area. The guys at New Ross, Stephen and Michael, are also great guys to deal with and will have a selection of boats for sale in the yard. Get as much advice from professionals as possible before making a decision.

Unless you have deep pockets be wary of large petrol engines, filling the petrol tank weekly can take the fun out of your boating.

Happy boating.

Glenalla · 22-09-2014 9:41am

fergal.b wrote: »

Looks nice, I would be a bit worried about the American trailer as it may not be legal on our roads so worth checking out if you are going to be towing it.

.

Hi, if you are buying a boat with an american trailer be aware the ball hitch socket is 2" on an american trailer and our standard is 50mm. The difference in size allows the trailer to come off in some circumstances. Do not tow an american trailer unless the ball hitch socket has been changed to a standard 50mm unit, the consequences of a trailer coming off at high speed doesn't bear thinking of.

Schindlers Pissed · 22-09-2014 5:32pm

So basically it's just a matter of changing the hitch mechanism, that's the only difference?

Thanks for all the quick replies lads.....much appreciated.

fergal.b · 22-09-2014 5:43pm

Some of them are also wider and don't come with a braking system as they are used as launching trollies or for just transporting the boats here.

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I want to buy a second hand boat - Overwhelmed

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