Buying New

Smartwave AV3500

When it comes to budget boats that really perform (and which are absolutely bombproof) you have to go a long way to beat the Kiwi-built Smartwave craft. In just a few years, these roto-moulded polyethylene boats have attracted a strong following – and for good reason. For about £50 under this month’s budget, you can have a 2010 model Smartwave AV3500, complete with Suzuki DF15, trailer, oars, and even an overall cover. And if you think 15 horsepower is a little bit tame, think again. Rigged like this, the easy-planing Smartwave will go like stink, and even tow a water toy or skier. True, it’s not the lightest boat for its length and, with build like this, it was never going to be, but it gives you robust, dependable, virtually maintenance-free boating straight out of the box - and for not much money at all.

Marine Revolution
01382 552555
www.marinerevolution.com

For more pick up your copy of the August 2010 issue of Boat Mart

With this month’s budget reaching £3,000 the scope for new boats inevitably gets a little wider. What follows are three of the very best ways of getting afloat on a modest budget . . .

Kiwi (and even idiot) proof!

Our final suggestion is the Smartwave 3500, an all-purpose craft from Marine Revolution. We can assure you that these Kiwi-built poly boats are the nearest thing you will find to a completely indestructible craft for the leisure market. The only maintenance they need is a wash down with a bucket of water every now and again. But the joy of these craft is not so much that they are tough, or even that they are unsinkable. It’s the fact they only need low horsepower engines to go like stink. For instance, a Smartwave 3500 will happily plane with two people aboard, with just a 6hp Tohatsu outboard on the transom. On the other hand, you could fit a 15hp outboard and enjoy sufficient performance to pull a skier.

Back in the realms of everyday common sense, a Smartwave 3500, ready to go (complete with the latest cushion kit and a 6hp Tohatsu), could be yours for £2,795. That even saves you enough money to put a big chunk towards a trailer. What more can you ask? Take a look at the boat in action via the video link on the Marine Revolution website. Chances are you’ll be impressed.

Marine Revolution: 01382 552 555 / www.marinerevolution.com

If this is your first boat, you are in for a real treat. Dinghies can be used on our rivers and estuaries, at the beach or for cruising the Great British coastline. Imagine the scene on a warm summer’s day - you fill your boat with a picnic, load up the kids and the dog and cruise a few miles along the coast for a great day on some deserted beach that landlubbers are unable to reach. What a fantastic day out, and all for the cost of a couple of litres of fuel...

When choosing a boat many aspects need to be taken into account: what length, which motor, is it easy to maintain, will it suit my mooring and, if is to be towed, will my car tow it? The following are a few tips to guide you towards a boat that would suit you and your type of fishing.

If the boat is to be parked at home on its trailer, you should be looking at boats from 16 to 18ft in length, and if your towing vehicle is a family saloon or a van, an open boat is probably all it will handle without strain, especially on sloping slipways or launching over sand or gravel. A four wheel drive vehicle with its extra power will handle heavier boats with cabins up to about 18 or 20ft.

For those anglers with boating experience and a mooring or a marina berth the choice is endless, so the depth of your pocket comes into the equation, but more importantly is where you fish and your experience with handling bigger boats. For coastal fishing, within about five miles of the coast, Warrior Boats have proven boats including the Warrior 175.

Boats with the Mediterranean look have also become firm favourites, such as the Quicksilver models. A boat suited to wreck or reef fishing, for the experienced boat angler, where distance and weather conditions have to be considered would be something like the Arvor 250.

Don’t forget to include the cost of all your kit when you budget for your boat!