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

Brig Falcon 360 Sport RIB

How about a pretty little Brig Falcon 360 Sport RIB? Fitted with a centre console, this little boat is easy to handle and launch, light in weight and undemanding of its engine. Able to carry five people in relative comfort, this Brig is equally ideal as a tender to a larger boat or purely as a standalone plaything. Rigged with a Mercury 15hp outboard, a Brig 360 package will set you back around £5,300 but as a special offer, Boat Mart readers who buy before September 2010 can get the whole caboodle for a penny under this month’s budget. How’s that for a sweetener?
THM Watersports: www.brig-uk.com
Wolfe Rock Boat Company:
01548 855751, www.buyarib.com
Harbour Marine: 01758 701707 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Norman 23

For anyone looking for a boating bargain, our classified pages (p108) are probably the best place to start looking. Perhaps you’re one of those laid back people who believe that half the fun of boating is gently pottering down a river or canal, mug of tea in hand, or even just mucking about on a boat in the peace and quiet of a secluded boatyard. If so, an inland cruiser should fit the bill nicely - and even at this month’s budget there are bargains to be found. For example, how about a Norman 23 or even a Viking 24? Both were advertised in recent issues of Boat Mart and both are capable of giving you years of cruising. With a bit of elementary TLC, these craft could be transformed. You can find similar bargains on the Internet but whatever you do, make sure you go and have a proper look over any boat before you invest your hard earned cash in a surveyor.