Confused between Petecraft 16 or Buccaneer 150

shevino · April 29, 2014, 13:31:34 CET

Hi guys, I'm in the process of buying my first boat and I'm a bit confused, maybe your insight may help me in making a good decision. I've been looking for a boat for the past year now. I believe that my shortlist has been narrowed to either a buccaneer 150 (15ft) or a petecraft 16 open. I've spoken to both manufactures throughout the past months.

The specifications of the boats list the petecraft to be 100kg lighter than the buccaneer. What is your take on this? Does this make the boat less seaworthy? Or you find that as an advantage? Being lighter I assume it would plane easier?

Any pros and cons on the different boats would be appreciated. I'm new to boating but on the other hand I don't want to rush. Also not sure yet whether to go for a new one or a second hand, altough to be honest I'have not come across any second hand petecraft 16 boats.

Thanks a lot for your assistance

shanook · April 29, 2014, 14:12:11 CET

NOT going to go into which is best or whatever. On the sea if a boat is a bit on the heavy side it is better to hold the waves, so heavier means better on the sea. Regarding planning that comes mostly with the design of the hull, If it is well designed then it will plane better. A lighter boat of course doesnt need as much power to move than a heavy one. Seaworthiness again is a matter of design, to know if its seaworthy or not you have to take test drives in weather conditions that have some wave crests (about 4/5 knots wind should do). some boats are designed for speed that is they have a narrow beam,they are very good in speed but when stationery or at slower speeds, they roll like hell.
Pros and cons of new to used.....if you can afford it buy new, if not then have the engine checked by a mechanic and the hull for any cracks and osmosis by one of the boat manufacturers.
There are other manufacturers out there, I am not going to mention any since you didnt ask, but both locally and foreign imports are worth looking into.
I think since you mentioned those two, the best to answer you would be the owners of such boats.
good luck and happy boating.

shevino · April 29, 2014, 14:40:56 CET

I'm open to consider other boats, so feel free to mention. As I said I'm new to boating, I restricted my choice to those based on opinions, reading and some discussions with the manufacturers.

What other boats would you recommend to have a look at in that size range? 14-16ft?

Thanks again.

The_Gaffer · April 29, 2014, 16:58:48 CET

Quote from: shevino on April 29, 2014, 14:40:56 CET
I'm open to consider other boats, so feel free to mention. As I said I'm new to boating, I restricted my choice to those based on opinions, reading and some discussions with the manufacturers.

What other boats would you recommend to have a look at in that size range? 14-16ft?

Thanks again.

I just bought a Petecraft 16 - powered by a Yamaha 70HP outboard. For me, its the best of breed in all departments. But of course, that's my opinion. If you like, I shall be down on the boat tomorrow morning at Senglea Creek, I'm happy to discuss anything you need to know, and maybe go out for a spin. Then you can see for yourself, the meaning of seaworthiness.

shanook · April 30, 2014, 15:50:17 CET

hi Shelvino since you asked then I can suggest that you go have a look at the new boat that Seabrave boats (ex kaptan boats) of birzebbugia is constructing at the moment. Cant say anything about it as a boat has to be tried on the water but the lines are very promising. When its finished you can sea trail like all the others. Also I dont have an idea about the price but these can be easily cleared if you have a chat with Either Ganni or his son Johnston. The Old 16foot Kaptan was a marvel of a boat and all those who had them know how sea worthy that boat was.
There is also Ranieri boats that are very seaworthy, but a bit on the expensive side. Also they are not real fishing boats although Mecca said that Ranieri now have a new fishing boat, coming to Malta in a few weeks time.
Also there is the quicksilver walkaround, again being an imported boat it tends to be a bit more expensive to the local production. These boats are produced in USA.
So apart from the two mentioned, i suggest you have a look at these as well. Sorry if I left someone out but this is just my opinion. I dont have any commission or close relationship with any except friendship.
I hope that you pick up Joes invitation to have a look at his boat, as I am sure he did a good job of the way he rigged his, especially having one of the best, sexy looking TTops in the world. just to see that T top is worth going to Senglea creek.
Ps @Joe....ha tqazzez lil kullhadd bdak it T top man.......anki jien irrid nigi narah ghax fuq listampa mod imma tarah u tmissu bidejk minn jaf eh. Prosit. Nahesb jekk ikollna nibdew ninportawhom insiru sinjuri LOL.

shevino · April 30, 2014, 16:11:55 CET

Thanks for pointing that out shanook. Wasn't aware of this new 16ft boat, will definitely pop by to have a chat with them. On their website they advertise the seabrave 14 which I deem a bit small for my likes. Will definitely speak to them though in the coming days.

Unfortunately due to work commitments couldn't take up Joe's offer today but would definitely take it up if he's kind enough to offer me a second chance

Mecca do also have available a 16ft boat branded Olympic. Does somebody has experience with such boat please? Are they seaworthy? Unfortunately Mecca told me that it is not possible to have a sea trial on such boat

Thanks again
Andre

shanook · April 30, 2014, 16:57:09 CET

Yep u are right shelvino, that Olympic also looks good with a front cabin, forgot to mention it. I hate it that you cannot do a sea trial, it's not very promising. The least that Mecca can do is try to get one of his clients to give you a sea trial.
I am more than sure that Joe will fix a different day to see his boat.
Give seabrave a call as I don't know what stage the 16" is at. So better make sure that at least you see something worthwhile. I saw the building of the mould.
Good luck

Shaftbomb · May 01, 2014, 05:11:28 CET

Found this on youtube:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TzHznDBW1aY

shevino · May 01, 2014, 23:48:03 CET

seen this several times

thanks though.

The_Gaffer · May 02, 2014, 07:25:43 CET

With all these choices around, I'm just wondering why hundreds of people (including me) opted for the Petecraft 16 Open. Ask yourself this question. Petecraft 16 Open owners will surely give you the answer.

Granitu · May 02, 2014, 10:34:31 CET

Quote from: The_Gaffer on May 02, 2014, 07:25:43 CET
With all these choices around, I'm just wondering why hundreds of people (including me) opted for the Petecraft 16 Open. Ask yourself this question. Petecraft 16 Open owners will surely give you the answer.

It is by far not the cheapest of options, but Petecraft is truly a quality boat guys. The workmanship on this boat is impressive, and I think that it is the only Malta boat builder that exports boats from Malta.

shevino · May 02, 2014, 10:57:10 CET

so from what you guys are saying, a petecraft competes much better to a buccaneer 150? Am I correct in stating that? I've never experienced a petecraft although based on esthetics, layout and what you're saying my preference is leaning towards it. On the other hand I've been on a buccaneer 150 and I would say that it didn't fair badly.

Granitu · May 02, 2014, 12:38:32 CET

Quote from: shevino on May 02, 2014, 10:57:10 CET
so from what you guys are saying, a petecraft competes much better to a buccaneer 150? Am I correct in stating that? I've never experienced a petecraft although based on esthetics, layout and what you're saying my preference is leaning towards it. On the other hand I've been on a buccaneer 150 and I would say that it didn't fair badly.

In my opinion - Petecraft to my belief have a nicer look than buccaneer but I believe there is a price difference between the boats. Sea wise both good boats with the Buccaneer heavier at sea.

Having said this, do not ignore Sea Brave boats - I was told that they really got it right with their new hull design.

In any case, I am sure you will purchase a very nice boat.

malvizzu · May 02, 2014, 14:18:59 CET

Agree with Granitu. In my opinion they are the best 3 local manufactured boats and aftersales.

shanook · May 02, 2014, 17:10:12 CET

What nearly everyone is telling you, is to look at (and I am putting them in alphabetical order so no preference):
..........Bucanner.........................Petecraft.......................Seabrave....

I also suggested the foreign make as (always in my opinion) a Ranieri is one of the best boats.
No matter what we might say, this is your boat.
1: Ask in general (which you have done)
2: look and listen to manufacturers (boat builders)
3: ask pertinent questions (like aftersales etc ) I assure you all three will back their product.
4: have a sea trial keeping in mind that the sea is not always calm. So try in calm and choppy water
5: make sure you have the final cost of boat as you want it, ask if there are extras.
6: ENJOY YOUR boat, have fun and dont abuse the sea.

A friend of mine always said how stable and safe his boat was, we always went out with both boats (different manufacturer) for alungi. We were going fishing for Lampuki so around september/october, it was a bit choppy force 4 to 5 and as we came out of birzebbugia port (it is always a bit more rough there), he turned round and went back in while I kept going. this does not prove anything, as I might be more daring in a choppy sea, or maybe I know my boat can take it. Whichever, the prove of the pudding is in the eating. So you better start tasting my friend.