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

Ultra lightweight RIB

In recent weeks our old friends at Ribeye have introduced a fine new range of ultra lightweight RIBs which are ideal either as tenders to larger craft or as family boats. There’s a range of no fewer than ten different models, ranging from 2.4 to 4.8 metres in length, with some offering the option of centre console control.
However, the model that catches our eye is the TS310. It comes complete with Hypertex two-tone tubes, a removable thwart seat, heavy-duty keel rubbing strake, a full floor and a self-draining hull. Remarkably, owing to its precision-moulded powder-coated aluminium hull, weighs only 50kg and yet it can carry five people. Fitted with a lightweight and bombproof Yamaha 6hp engine, the package would cost you £2,859 which, for an extremely portable craft able to take a whole family, is pretty good value.
Ribeye: 01803 832060
www.ribeye.co.uk

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