Some quick tips

Tight for time?

With limited time and a desire to visit lots of different cruising areas consider a boat you can tow. Then think about the time it takes to get the boat ready for your adventure. If you tend to do weekends or short breaks then a motorboat may be the better option compared to a sailing boat when you factor in the time to raise or step the mast, ship the outboard, bend on the sails and run the lines etc. Motorboats are just a case of ‘dunk and go’ and if running to a tight timetable then passage times are generally more predictable.

Keen on fishing?

If you like a spot of fishing as a part of your boating lifestyle then undoubtedly power is better. I’ve tried fishing from a yacht and backstays, mainsheets etc all get in the way. When you hook into ‘the big one’ – something that has so far eluded me – the security of a deep cockpit is worth having.

Wooden boats? If you actually want to go boating do not buy a wooden boat unless you live 10 minutes away from it or have pots of money to pay someone else to maintain it for you. One or two engines?

One well maintained single engine is better than two poorly maintained ones and most professional fishermen are happy to go to sea with just one engine.

Surveys and trials

Whatever you buy make sure you have a sea trial, get a survey and if you buy something with an engine, make sure you get a separate engine survey and an oil analysis for complete peace of mind.