I have a chance of buying one of these with a 50hp outboard but I'm pretty new to boating - should I invest or look at something else?
jimbobule
I good boat to get started with I would say (unless the 50 is an early 4 stroke Mariner or Mercury), you won't be able to go wrong with it - and the biggest plus - if you decide you want something else - it's not till you own and run a boat that you really work out what would be your ideal boat - it will be an easy boat to resell.
Obviously it all needs to be in good condition to be a good buy though - the best boat in the world would not be a wise buy if it's been neglected.
Obviously it all needs to be in good condition to be a good buy though - the best boat in the world would not be a wise buy if it's been neglected.
Surely the main question is "what do you want to achieve with it?"
They are a fine strong seaworthy boat for inshore and estuary fishing but obviously not for heading out too far.
Wouldn't mind one on a trailer for pottering about when I want to fish away from the area my main boat is at.
They are a fine strong seaworthy boat for inshore and estuary fishing but obviously not for heading out too far.
Wouldn't mind one on a trailer for pottering about when I want to fish away from the area my main boat is at.
I had exactly the same outfit a few years ago,so I can give you a few pointers.
On the plus side,they are very solid,well built boats. All the fittings are sturdy and good quality. They will take a good sea and behave predictably if you get caught out in some snotty weather. They hold their value well,and they are easy to sell when the time comes to move on. Depending on what the asking price is,they make a good first time buy if they are in good nick.
On the downside. They are a bit dated,and there are quite a few comparable boats of the same size that could be a better option,as things have moved on a bit since they first came on the scene. Quite a low freeboard,and a bit rolly at anchor and in a beam sea. Very heavy build, means they are a bit on the slow side with a 50hp on the back. Very expensive should you need any spares/replacement parts. They are a bit prone to digging the bow into a head sea at low speed,but not dangerously so. Its just a bit alarming the first time it happens,then you learn how to handle it.
Overall,I would say they are a good bet at the right price. Provided you dont want to travel too far for your fishing,and you dont need to belt around at 30knts,then go for it.
Raider.
On the plus side,they are very solid,well built boats. All the fittings are sturdy and good quality. They will take a good sea and behave predictably if you get caught out in some snotty weather. They hold their value well,and they are easy to sell when the time comes to move on. Depending on what the asking price is,they make a good first time buy if they are in good nick.
On the downside. They are a bit dated,and there are quite a few comparable boats of the same size that could be a better option,as things have moved on a bit since they first came on the scene. Quite a low freeboard,and a bit rolly at anchor and in a beam sea. Very heavy build, means they are a bit on the slow side with a 50hp on the back. Very expensive should you need any spares/replacement parts. They are a bit prone to digging the bow into a head sea at low speed,but not dangerously so. Its just a bit alarming the first time it happens,then you learn how to handle it.
Overall,I would say they are a good bet at the right price. Provided you dont want to travel too far for your fishing,and you dont need to belt around at 30knts,then go for it.
Raider.
Got to depend on how good a deal you are being offered on either option, if the Orkney is well priced I'd certainly not discount it as a first boat.
Raider has given you the lowdown from an owners perspective, the "dated" bit I'd not be worried about; all boats have some negative features, my own could be considered "dated" but it does exactly what I want and nobody who has been out on it have much to say against its functionality.
Always bear in mind that it is always a compromise when buying a boat, usually you will shortlist a few that you fill will do what you want within budget then whittle them down as you go along.
Hope you find something to get you started soon!
Might be worth taking somebody along who has had a few boats to look at any prospective purchases.
Raider has given you the lowdown from an owners perspective, the "dated" bit I'd not be worried about; all boats have some negative features, my own could be considered "dated" but it does exactly what I want and nobody who has been out on it have much to say against its functionality.
Always bear in mind that it is always a compromise when buying a boat, usually you will shortlist a few that you fill will do what you want within budget then whittle them down as you go along.
Hope you find something to get you started soon!
Might be worth taking somebody along who has had a few boats to look at any prospective purchases.-
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