Advice on buying my first boat

[Irishwolf]

Hi all
This is my first post , I'm going to buy my first boat , most likely a shetland 570 , or family four family four would be handy incase I wanted space for a friend to sleep ,
The things Important to me is space for me and my partner to sleep comfortably , I'm 6ft tall and as i haven't been on any of these boats I don't know ,storage space , space to cook and I would like a fast boat ! , my missus wants a TV so I'm gonna have to wire up a few large leisure battery's incase we are away from shore electric for a few days at a time , anyone know how long theyre small 12v TVs last on 2 large battery's ?
Maybe il need 4 to keep her happy lol ? Also will be running fish finder & chart plotter & car stereo but not sure if some if these things run from the battery used by motor which I would hope recharges by alternator . Some 12v lighting and night /nav lights Forgot to say I'm in Northern Ireland so will be mooring on lough neah but will be wanting to use the Erne system aswell on holidays ,
Is there a best time of year to buy a boat ? I would have thought it was like buying a cabrio car , price up in summer , price down in winter etc , not sure bout that one ? Or is it better in summer because the boat would most likely be in use and you can see it in action better ? Suppose there is pros & cons to both
Family 4 top speed needed on max hp engine
570 top speed needed for max hp engine !
I don't mind two stroke engine to get me started but from reading through the site after a year when I save some cash wouldn't mind using 50% less fuel on a 4stroke Or modern type direct injection 2 stroke
Oh and before you say dave , yes I will buy my aux from you lol
Hoping to do level 2 powerboat coarse soon and VHF
No doubt I will have loads more questions soon
Cheers rob

[admin]

Hi

We had a 570 before our current 4+2
My husband is 6ft 2!. we managed quite comfortably in fact we spent10 whole days living on her one hot summer
we ran shore power point into her to run kettle and fridge box whilst on shore and had a leisure battery to run lights if we where at anchor. we had a 75 merc on the back and could happy trug along at 15 - 20 knots. we ran our TV from mains but we did have a permanent walk a shore morning in a marina

I know of a 570 that is for sale in the near future, may be a bit pricy but it does have a shiny new 100 hp on the back!!! Look through the members fro DEE WATERTON and drop her a line. We are on holiday with them right now on the boats., We have pictures and a video of her running from Cowes taken 2 days ago

[email protected]. She's a tidy Mrk 2 570 complete with a trailer

ADmin

[daveinglasgow]

the 570/ blackhawk is the better fit. the F4 will be to small for you.

Time of year. 2nd week if November to 3 week in January

PB2. enjoy a great course and well worth it.

batteries: 2 x 80amp or higher and the tv will run on my for the night and then it is charged by the engine during the day.

F4 a 50 hP is the sweet spot i.e. price vs HP VS performance
570: 80 HP as this is a lot heavier.


Dave

[aggalletley]

Hi......re batteries and all the technical stuff I suggest you speak to an expert. As to buying a boat without getting on it...sounds like a bad idea. To need to get on board the different models to get the feel of them...what seems massive to one may be small to another. Obvious I know but there is nothing to beat having a good look and feel before making your decision. I took a year looking (its good fun too) thought I wanted a viking 20 (wash your mouth out !!!) then boarded a Shetland 4 + 2 and that was it. Then you look at loads of the same model to decide which layout age style etc suits you
Love my 4 + 2 have spent many happy days and nights on her.
Regards
Andrew