Buying New

What Will £8K Buy You?

Thursday, 14 October 2010 09:59

Mid to late autumn is always a good time to grab a boating bargain, as most dealers are eager to make winter deals. Indeed, many private sellers are also hoping to sell their current craft at this time of year, often in order to upgrade for next season. Either way, there are usually some stunning ex-demo boats to be found and some ‘end of season’ 2010 models being offered at outrageously tempting prices to make way for next year’s models. All you have to do is look around and one of the best places to start is right here in the pages of Boat Mart magazine. We did exactly that and what follows are some of the best around . . .

Avon 340 Rover

No ‘what-can-you-buy’ feature would be complete without mentioning a RIB - and there are now literally hundreds to choose from, in virtually every conceivable format, style and colour. However, just to buck the trend of hybrid lifestyle RIBs, why not go back to basics and take a look at the very latest Avon 340 Rover? There are probably more little Avons gracing the decks of larger craft, or dashing around the world’s harbours, than any other brand under the sun. With big chunky tubes, bombproof hulls and a proven safety record stretching back several decades, Avon RIBs have long been the benchmark by which others tend to be judged. While the majority of small Avons are used with tiller control, this month’s budget allows for a little leeway and some added luxury. Cue the Avon 340 Rover. Fitted with the excellent Yamaha F20, plus a two-man jockey seat and steering, you can have the whole caboodle ready to go on a roller trailer for just £7,800. That means you could get yourself a couple of new lifejackets and a few fenders and still have a bit of change out of this month’s budget to buy yourself a celebratory pint. Outstanding value.

BHG Marine
08451 188181
www.avoninflatables.co.uk

To find out what else £8K will buy you pick up a copy of the November issue of Boat Mart or subscribe today

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What Will £6,000 Buy You?

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Thursday, 19 August 2010 06:58

rib

Ribeye T-Series 350

In recent months, Ribeye has caused something of a storm with its ultra-lightweight aluminium-hulled tenders. In fact, we’ve not been able to get our hands on one for a test because every boat imported has already been sold. However, for the UIM Formula Future Continental Championships held at Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club (14-15 August), Ribeye has donated four T-series 350 tender RIBs, fitted with console-mounted remote control and quick (but very frugal) Yamaha 15hp four-stoke outboards - and you can buy exactly the same spec of boat at just a smidgeon over this month’s budget. It will carry six people safely and efficiently and, if you don’t mind tiller control, you could even upgrade to the larger four-metre version for the same sort of money. Ah, choices, choices . . .

Ribeye
01803 832 060
www.ribeye.co.uk

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WHAT WILL £5000 BUY YOU?

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Thursday, 22 July 2010 13:10

(6 votes, average 2.50 out of 5)

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

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What Will £3K Buy You?

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Thursday, 27 May 2010 19:28

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 . . .

Puff ‘n go

Getting back to basics is always a good idea and, naturally, craft that give endless hours of fun without resorting to engines and fuel have always been popular. There are literally hundreds of different sailing dinghies out there to choose from but in recent years those from Laser Performance have gained a huge following worldwide.
Obviously our budget does not allow us to get a new high-performance racing craft but, as everybody has to start somewhere, perhaps a Laser Pico might just tempt you. Manufactured in roto-moulded polyethylene, these almost indestructible 3.5-metre craft are extremely stable and great fun to sail. Equipped with a removable jib and reefing main sail, the little boat is roomy enough for a couple of adults and an ideal craft for kids to learn the basics of handling a sail craft. Light and easy to launch and transport, a Pico comes with everything needed to enjoy yourself. At around £2,450 for the boat you should be able to get a road trailer and even a couple of life jackets within this month’s budget. All you have to add is water and wind.
Laser Performance: 01327 841600
www.laserperformance.com

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Your First Dinghy - Part 1

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Thursday, 27 May 2010 15:29

In the first of a new four-part series on buying a starter boat, David Webber looks at specific dinghies for different uses and different locations.

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...

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