Looking To Buy a Boat

[ChrisBelfast]

Hi, I would like to buy a small boat for offshore sailing around the coast in County Donegal in Ireland. The boat will be used primarily for cruising around the coast for short periods primarily during the summer months. Not looking for anything too fancy and we don't plan too fish. Can you please suggest what type of boat would be suitable in terms of specification? Many thanks, Chris.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

some of the euro folk will be along shortly to comment. folks like @QBhoy are boating in Scotland.

however, if I recall, the water can get quite brutal. I would be looking for something at least 25'+ (8M)

 

[mr 88]

A lot of blanks to be filled in. Budget ? Normal amount of people you plan on taking ? You stated sailing which indicates a sailboat , then you said cruising ,which may mean a powerboat , which is it ? Plan on slipping it or trailering it ? If at slip do you need a trailer or will it be kept year round at marina. If powered do you need to go diesel because of the cost of fuel in your area or are you good with a gasoline powered vessel ? Have you ever owned and maintained a boat and if so what is your operating budget for a year ? "We " could suggest anything from a 18' sailboat to a 36 express cruiser with what info you gave us . " Small " might mean 18' to a guy that owns a 24' boat now and 36 to a guy that owns a 55' rig.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi there

what’s the budget. Do you mean actual sailing or motoring ?
You’ll need something fairly Hardy to do it safely around there. As you’ll know.

 

[ChrisBelfast]

Hi, my budget is between £3000 and £5000 and I’ve never owned or maintained a boat before. I’m looking for a motor boat that could fit about 5 people and I’m planning on trailering it.

 

[mr 88]

Hi, my budget is between £3000 and £5000 and I’ve never owned or maintained a boat before. I’m looking for a motor boat that could fit about 5 people and I’m planning on trailering it.

What do you have for a tow vehicle and do you know the towing capacity of it ? Any other restrictions ,as in , it won't fit in my garage or driveway if the combined length of boat and trailer is over X amount of feet/meters.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Hi, my budget is between £3000 and £5000 and I’ve never owned or maintained a boat before. I’m looking for a motor boat that could fit about 5 people and I’m planning on trailering it.

Just so you know, budgets that low normally mean project boats. I would consider a RIB or SIB

 

[QBhoy]

Hi, my budget is between £3000 and £5000 and I’ve never owned or maintained a boat before. I’m looking for a motor boat that could fit about 5 people and I’m planning on trailering it.

I’d look for a good Shetland family 4 with a healthy outboard on it perhaps. Tried and tested wee things for such use. Or a Hardy 18 with a good outboard. Or if you don’t need shelter or a cabin...there isn’t a better boat than a good fletcher for rough waters like this. Prices high just now, as you’ll know. If it’s just an open boat you want...get a fletcher. Seriously good hulls and you’ll never lose money on one. Check the transom is good though.