SHETLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Hello just joined

I am a total novice but have fancied getting a boat for some years and now have my holiday home on the market thought I'd buy a boat for some weekend coastal cruising along the south coast, sea fishing and holidays cruising through France and the Netherlands. I have looked around at a few boats and the Shetland 4 plus 2 seems to match what I'm after as with 2 kids we need at least 4 berths. I am however a bit confused and have had contradictory advice about the Shetland 4 plus 2 so I am hoping that some of you can give me practical advice from people who know these boats well.

I am looking at a 4 plus 2 with a 80hp engine. I have been told that this configuration is practical as a sea going boat and will be ok for crossing the channel with the 4 of us in good weather (I'd prefer Brighton to Le Harve direct, or Channel Islands, but could put up with Brighton to Dover to Calais and then coast hop). I have also been told that no way should I consider crossing the channel in a 4 plus 2 and that I should be looking at something around 30ft which will just be uneconomic for me in purchase and mooring costs.

If in your opinion it is a reasonable boat to cross the channel what is the weather limits and what equipment would I need to have fitted/carried?

I am intending to do the RYA courses CEVNI and up to Day Skipper so I get the Inshore and Offshore ICC but would prefer to do that with instruction on my own boat rather than on a boat i'll never use again, so I need to firm up my requirements first.

I'd appreciate any advice from your combined wisdom as I want a boat for the long term so need to choose the right one.

Regards
Chris

Not a 4+2, but there was a thread on here a year or two back about someone thinking of crossing the Channel in a Shetland 535. The eventual consensus (including the OP) was that it might be safer to practise somewhere closer to shore first:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=736

One thing to consider would be that a 80 hp, while ideal for the sea, would probably be too big for the European (or any) canals as most have speed limits. You might have to think about a smaller auxilliary engine for those parts of the trip.

There are probably others here who can be more specific about the pros and cons of a 4+2.

R.

Thanks that's helpful

I had naively thought on the canals that i'd just have the power down to go slow as presumably i'd have to do the same entering and exiting the marina. I have read about getting an auxilliary engine for safety at sea so suppose that is an option for the canals although not sure what the practicalities are of switching between the two.

I wouldn't be proposing to cross the channel or go too far out to sea till i'd gained a fair bit of experience around the south coast but just want to make sure it's an option. The whole idea of towing and launching, then leaving the car somewhere on the continent for a week or so makes me nervous, not least of which that i'd need to buy a fairly big car as a tow vehicle. I was intending a berth at Brighton Marina and using it all year around when we get a fine day.

Hi

If time is on your side I would see no reason why you couldn't get across the channel on this boat if fully prepared - some friends of ours have recently returned from the channel Islands and there was a 4+2 in the marina that had come across (by sea) from Poole harbour. The reason I say time needs to be on your side is that you'll be needing to choose your weather window very carefully (taking tides and currents into account) and then be prepared to be stuck in a foreign marina for some days if the weather should turn whilst you are there.

If you fancy getting some experience with others on the South Coast then see my thread on the Power Boat Club that we are members of.

Contact me before signing a contract with Brighton Marina as I should be able to get you a big discount on your first years berthing through the premier refer a friend scheme. We are at Premier Gosport

Cheers

Paul

Paul

Thanks, will certainly check with you first if either of us can save on berthing fees. My holiday home is on the market so just need a buyer and then i'll be looking for a boat, I reckon I can run to a new 4+2 and by the sounds of it the flexibility I want is possible so will probably do that rather than the uncertainty of pre-owned, it also allows me to specify the options that i'd like.

Hello and Welcome

We own a 4+2 Hardtop with a 75hp on the back. I echo what has already been said before about crossing the Channel, its not for the faint hearted. The French are notoriously tight on paper work, especially VAT.

If you want more info on towing drop me an email, we tow ours happily with a Kia Sorrento and launching her is actually quite easy once you have done it. As for towing across to France, via the ferry, there are a couple of French Marinas not far from Le Harve and Cherbourg with huge car parks under CCTV for leaving your trailer.

We are based in the Solent with a home berth in the Hamble. If you eve fancy getting together for a drink or a sail, drop me a line. We too will be joining Paul with the Pathfinder Club

Sue - ADMIN

Sue

Thanks once the house sells and my money is through I will take you up on that if it's still ok as it would be a considerable advantage getting first hand advice from a current owner and it would be great to ensure i order the right options.

Cheers
Chris

I'm new - frustratingly new as Ive not yet been out on the water with my Shetland 610. Which is very similar in design to a 4 plus 2. The boats great in terms of package - mine sleeps three and a half - the second double is kind of small for adults. I know the 4 + 2 has an additional bunk below the cockpit. That's where my fuel tank lives.

If someone has advised an 80 bhp is too large for European canals then I'll add its probably uneconomic. Big engines big bills and all that. But you could have a second auxiliary to chug you along canals. I get the impression a tethered wasp will drag you down most canals okay. For the channel 80 bhp will do it I think (here speaks a man with no experience) but id opt for a slightly bigger unit in case you hit harsh weather or sea miles out at sea. The Shetlands are good but they are small - so I agree - you need plenty of practice before chancing a crossing. Plenty have done it in smaller craft but they had luck and experience behind them I reckon.

Oh final thought- crossing the channel - you have to make sure you have sufficient fuel on board. You cant legitimately store gallons of fuel loose on board.

Hi

that will depend on the 80hp engine. If its a 2 stroke yes. If its something like the new Honda 80 Yam 80 then you will be fine as the control works in a different way. 2 strokes like to be on or off 4 strokes are v easy to control at low speeds

If you want to talk engines feel free to call ( I say this before Sue the owner of this forum gives you my number anyway!)


Dave
0759 563 8185

Thanks guys

yes it would be a new Honda 80hp 4 stroke, as i'd be getting it as a package from Shetland.