Shetland 535 'to buy or not to buy'

[rbro1979]

Hi Folks,

Was wondering if I could get a few opinion on a Shetland 535 I have been offered. This would be my first motor boat (I have always sailed until now) and I'm trying to move from the 'wafi' crowd.

Here's what I've ben offered:

Shetland 535 hull and transom in fine condition for age and not too much wear on all the usual stress points. Needs a bit tidying up. It comes with a 1990ish yamaha 25hp (good condition and reliable). One front window needs replaced and it needs a new deck. It also has an old tonneau cover and fixed poles.

The transom has, at some point, been raised from a short shaft to fit a long shaft (it's a good job and there's no movement). From my limited knowledge I believe it was the original 535s that had the low transom. Am I right in thinking this will put this boat around 1970? Maybe before? Was there any known problems with the lower transom version?

Engine is in good condition and I'll mainly be using this boat for coastal fishing and short island hopping trips. However the kids are young and I'm sure in a year or two they'll want towed behind it. Will I need a bigger engine later? Any ideas what sort of MPG and speed the 25hp will give?

Thanks for any help and sorry for the twenty questions.

Russ

[moiboidan]

coastal trips and fishing, plus towing the kids on toys etc, you might be better off with a 570. alan

[rbro1979]

Hi,

Thanks for the tips. Was only thinking about it as the 535 is on offer but by the sounds of it might be better to shop around a bit. We're in Orkney, and having spent time crewing on the lifeboats here, know the weather can get pretty hairy.

Cheers

Russ

[Coddy]

As you are looking to use a boat for multi purposes, I would suggest a Shetland Sheltie, same hull as the 535 but the deck space is huge in comparison as the cabin is more of a small cuddy.
With a 60hp+ engine you should be fine for what you are looking to do with it.

Dave

[markle]

Get a 460! Best boat I have owned, have never had a 535 but would probably say the same if I had

[daveinglasgow]

Hi

boat is great and v stable and lots of them on the west coast or should I say the west coast is full of them and most are used for fishing. Size does matter though so have a look at few before you jump in if you can. having said that if you do buy it and its to small, selling it will not be a problem.

engine

25hp 2 stroke would not be my first choice where you are. 4 stroke for trawling as 2 stokes hate it ( good money in servicing though ) and its to small and you still need a back up engine.

feel free to call me if you want to talk this over.

Dave
0759 563 8185 ( ps not why england are getting a football lesson though in the Euro's please)