You may think that spending £4,000 when buying a new boat is quite a large investment, but in today’s world you could easily pay more than that for a wristwatch. In short, a good boat for £4,000 is a great way to get started in boating. It’s enough to buy genuine quality and to flirt with new boats as well as the used market. Boat Mart sent Stuart Field out to investigate some of your boat buying options . . .

Ribeye T350

For those seeking an ultra lightweight tender, or a small boat in which to potter around harbours, explore secluded waters (or purely in which to let the kiddies get safe boating experience afloat) the T-Series RIBs from Ribeye are superb. These new T-series tenders feature precision-made epoxy-coated aluminium hulls and two-tone Hypartex tubes.

Remarkably, a complete T-series 350 tender (without the engine) weighs in at around 60kg - lighter than many similar sized inflatables and much lighter than conventional GRP hulled RIBs. Simple to carry on a roof rack, load onto a mother boat, or launch yourself, it will carry five people and, when fitted with a console and remote controls, can be matched with engines of up to 25hp.

It is equally happy, however, being used for general tender and run-about use and will perform well for such duties on just an 8hp outboard. A turnkey package with a tiller control Yamaha F8 outboard is just £3,899 - and that is a genuine steal.

RibEye
01803 832060
www.ribeye.co.uk

Linder 335 Sportsman

The Linder 355 Sportsman is a little boat that will last you a lifetime, without any greater maintenance than the occasional wipe over with a sponge. Light, easy to launch and simple to transport, the 355 Sportsman is a stylish Scandinavian alternative to an inflatable or a more traditional small craft. BHG Marine in Lymington offers these super little boats, complete with a Yamaha F6 outboard engine, a Bramber roller trailer with winch, and even tie down straps and lighting board, all for a pound inside our budget. Apparently, if you ask BHG nicely, you will get their special ‘Show package’, which includes a wooden floorboard set, two buoyancy aids, ropes and fenders, and even an anchor with chain and warp. They may even chuck-in a fishing bucket in which to carry your freshly caught breakfast. For £3,999, it can’t be bad.

BHG Marine
01590 613600
www.bhg-marine.co.uk

Kruger Lamda

Finally, having hunted around for an unusual little boat at this month’s budget, our good friends at ABC Marine have come up with an absolute gem of an offer. How do you fancy a brand spanking new 3.6-metre dinghy with a very high, family-friendly freeboard? How does traditional rope fendering, a striking dark blue hull, and trendy new upholstery sound? What if you could also get a shiny new trailer plus an equally new Mariner 5hp outboard engine and still remain inside this month’s budget?

Well if you buy a Kruger Lamda, ready to go at just £3,750, you will even have enough change out of your £4,000 to buy your family new buoyancy aids and enough petrol to keep you boating for most of the summer. As a feel-good alternative to a used boat, this thing will stand out from the crowd and give you years of good service.

ABC Marine
02392 461968
www.krugerboats.co.uk