What are the best power boats for first time buyers?
At Clipper Marine, our goal is to help guide you through your boat buying journey, starting of course with the very first boat you purchase. Whether you are looking for power or sail, we have the perfect solution for your boating needs and we make it our mission to find the right boat for you.
Contents:
What do I need to consider when buying my first boat?
What does my time on the water look like?
For some, the ideal time on the water involves high speeds and lots of wake for water skiing. For others, short trips between marinas on sunny days is their ideal weekend, or maybe you need something with the ability to host friends and stay onboard. These are the first questions I would ask to help narrow down which boat is going to fit your needs.
Who’s onboard?
The next question I ask is who you envision being onboard with you on a regular basis? It’s often easy to get caught up in the idea that your time on the water will be filled with friends and family wanting to use the boat all the time but this is rarely the case. It’s paramount to remember that you are buying the boat for you, this question allows you to make a decision that works for you long term and opens other options that you hadn’t previously considered.
Where will I berth my boat?
Berthing is something every boat owner takes into consideration and where you berth your boat will often impact what sort of boat you wish to go for. For example, a boat kept on the North Coast of Scotland is going to need a different specification to a boat kept in Palma de Mallorca. Other things to consider are whether you wish to keep your boat on a dry stack or in a marina berth as both have their benefits and limitations.
Should I buy a new or used power boat?
This is an interesting question as many would think that it would be more sensible to start with a used boat that often comes with slightly lower startup costs, however buying new actually protects you in a multitude of ways. This is because you are protected against faults by the boat’s extensive warranties* which means that you will have no nasty surprises for the first few years of ownership. You also have an in-depth handover to help you understand and learn every aspect of the vessel’s systems. Whilst the re-sale value of a new boat will be higher, you will get better offers considering part exchanges in the future and financing options will be more readily available.
*For more information on warranties on our new boats please speak to one of our brokers as limitations apply.
At Clipper Marine we have the solutions to all of these questions and can help you navigate the market and find you the ideal boat, tailored to your needs. Below is our list of favourites from each category, suited to first-time-buyers.
Best sports boat
The top pick for best sports boat is the Regal LS2.
The LS2 raises the bar for what a bowrider can achieve in just 22 feet and with a ski-bar and fast track hull design she makes a fantastic sports boat for those wanting to chase the wake.
Luxurious upholstery and versatile uses of seating space gives the LS2 a sense of style, paired with great functionality, this boat is ideal for those just getting into boating.
Best new boat for a family
The Bavaria S33 is a fantastic entry level boat for a family with a spacious cockpit-turned-social-area and cockpit table which can easily seat six guests with the double function of turning into a large sunbed, so you can spend time on the water your way.
Paired with incredible use of space below deck with two double berths as standard, the S33 packs more into 33 feet than seems possible. The S33 is also highly customisable when it comes to specification and can easily be made to suit warm and cooler climates.
Her space is paired with brilliant sea-keeping abilities with a top speed of just under 36 knots (with twin D3-220 (2 x 220 hp Volvo Penta diesel engines) she makes an ideal first boat to get you and your family feeling confident and enjoying every minute of your time on the water.
Best long weekenders
The Bavaria S29 and the Bavaria S30 make fantastic first boats for couples looking to spend long weekends onboard. Both are identical below deck with comfortable and spacious living quarters with a full galley, private cabin and heads and a saloon table which doubles up as an extra double berth for when you have friends and family to stay.
Above deck the choice is yours as to which layout is going to suit your needs best, with the option to have either: A spacious sunbed with plenty of storage space – ideal for lounging in the sun on the S29; or a large cockpit table to gather around with the dual purpose of lowering into a large sunbed on the S30.
Both boats perform exceptionally well on the water and have the option to either be fitted with diesel or petrol engines so you can tailor all aspects of the vessel to work for you.
Best of both worlds – Regal 26 express
Want something sleek and sporty that’s still comfortable to spend a long weekend on? The Regal 26 Express truly has the best of both worlds. Luxury upholstery and a versatile cockpit seating creates a stunning space to enjoy with friends and family out on the water, whilst below deck features a full galley, private heads, large owners’ double berth and a drop-down saloon table.
Performance wise, the Regal 26 Express is in a class of her own. Agile and nimble through the turns, and impressive speed on the straight, the 26 Express is a joy to drive.
Power boats with Clipper Marine
We are dedicated to finding the right boat for you and with years of experience helping guide our clients through their boating journey, we pride ourselves on being able to support you through every step of the way. For more information on any of our new stock boats, or if you have any further questions about how to get into boating, please call us on 01489 550 583 or email sales@clippermarine.co.uk.
Article by Katy Miles, Broker
