Buying a boat - Some tips

[shevino]

Hi guys,

     I'm pretty new to this forum. I'm making up my mind in buying a small boat, something in the 13-14ft range. What type of boat would you suggest for a newbie like me? I was thinking of a bahri or something similar, would you recommend that? I also came across similar baots called Silvercraft. Are these good boats would you recommend them? I would like that the boat is not just suitable for fishing but maybe also for a small trip around the coast with say 4 persons aboard. Would the mentioned boats "plain" with such load, what would the recommended HP be? Thanks a lot for your assistance, I really appreciate 

[shanook]

Shevno there is a post at the moment regarding Albatross boats and similar to ur needs.....
I think the best boat in that class is the Kaptan...it planes very quickly and u dont need to make extensions to move to the front part of the boat for it to plane.
for 4 people to go round the island u need also to add food, drinks, cooler, towels etc etc....
so minimum of 30 hp will somehow start u there. I would talk to the boat builder and he will guide you....
think of the future.......initially u might think that a smaller boat with the minimum power to be ideal after awhile u realise that if you had spent a bit more it would have been better.

[shevino]

And what about the Silvercraft boat? How would you rate such boat? Is it a good one or not? Cause I know a friend of a friend of one who is selling it. I would appreciate your input on this since I'm new to such things and have no clue on how does it perform. Thanks.

[shanook]

I dont know how the silvercraft works but al u have to do is a sea trail and u will know........The proof of the pudding is in the eating (rob's motto :)P)

[shevino]

yeah right, sellers hardly let you have a trial run for a second hand car let alone a boat  .... Maybe someone out there has such boat? or had some past experiences please?

[Granitu]

don't buy anything before you test it throughly and get an experienced/expert advice after they have seen the boat and tested it with you. finding the right boat is a matter of patience and seeing more than one boat. You will know when you find the right boat.

unless you either have money to waste or just want to guide yourself to a failure - which i'm sure you don't want to


it is a thumb rule when purchasing a boat!

[shevino]

but is it a normal practice that you have a trial run for a second hand boat? I never heard of such thing and I'm wondering whether any potential seller will cooperate on this or rather "jibghatni insaqqi il hass"

But thinking about it, do boats of the same model and shape vary in performance? For example a bahri, aren't they all of the same shape? So I assume that they will behave the same, am I correct? 

[fabrizioviper]

pay special attention to the outboard also, take a mechanic with you if possible.

[Granitu]

don't know for others, but i know for myself.

When i bought my 14ft 'fregatina' silvercraft brand, even if the boat showed that it was perfectly kept, i did have a trail run and then decided. it is different from a car, you either like its stability, speed, space and price or it is not for you.

also a good point mentioned is to have checked the outboard by the specialist. Rest assured that everyone spend money on outboard maintenance.