SHETLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Why do you own a Shetland? Let's face it the average age of our boats is pretty old now and the money we throw at them would easily buy a much newer even flashier boat. We have our reasons for owning ours which are much the same as to why we have an 40 something year old MG in the garage. The very fact this owners club exists it proof that there is much more to it than an old entry level boat. So why do you own and love yours?

When I was young (50 now!) my dad always had Shetlands and reckoned they where the best boats in their class! I guess I must have taken that on board as when I decided to start boating I though I best start of with a 535. One day I would like to upgrade but still stay with Shetlands.

1: I like a practical boat and am not a show off
2: value for money
3: there are a lot of older boats that are still afloat which is a great sign as many other makes of that age have all been sunk/ scraped etc.
4: they use the space better than other makes
5: Can take waves better than a lot of other boats that cost the same i.e. fletchers
6: dont devalue like some other makes
7: I have never met a shetland owner I would not have a drink with
8: This forum as it makes owning one a lot easier

Dave

1. Character
2. Value for money
3. Enjoy a project
4. Perfect excuse to meet like minded people
5.The right size for us
6. Cos its a Shetland
7. Who needs a Gin Palace
8.She's lovely
9. Reliable
10. Damm good fun

Hi there my names Paul I am a new member to the site my user name is the same as my boat and that is bountyhunter, and she is a shetland 535 suntrip of about 39 to 40 years old the reason I like my shetland is that I think or should I say I know they are a very good sea boat even in a bad sea. I have been on shetland 535 before I bought my own and I have been on the well known Warrior 165,in fact I have just sold a warrior 165 only about 3 weeks ago ,and yes they are a nice boat and look the part and of coares a lot newer ,mine been about 10 years old, I think the shetland is a better sea going boat . The one I have I bought of Ebay for £156.00 and as you may think she was no oil painting for that money ,but under all that old piant and dirt there was a little gem waiting for some to puter to good use .And that is what I will be doing she has had a complete makeover and now look the part. She whent back in the water for the first time in about 10 years this monday and what a plesure it was to be aboard her. If at some piont I can workout how to post pictures on the site I will do ,because she's a rale gem now . Well that Me for now may be back soon if I can load some pictures on.

Well for me its a family affair my grandads first new boat was a 535 and i grew up in and around poole harbour in variety of shetlands.Plus the one i found to restore is the same colour and it makes him happy too.
These little boats have such amazing character,i have spent a week now mopping the gelcoat as i want it looking nice and i have already gone well over the budget i set myself but you know what i dont care,its 1972 same as me and her body is better then mine(which isnt hard lol) look forward to posting some before and after pics soon folks.

1. Classic looks.
2. Value for money.
3. She's not just "off the shelf".
4. Shetlands are durable/robust/tough as old boots.
5. The feeling of achieving something when a refurb is "finished". (OK, I know it's never finished...)
6. She's built better than most new boats.
7. Meeting other Shetland owners.
8. The wealth of knowledge on the forum!
9. The smile factor when someone asks how old she is. "She's nearly FORTY??? She looks like a new one..."
10. Happiness/chillout/tranquillity.

Simples, THEY ARE THE BEST

Lot of nostalgic comments so far , I bought mine for a simular reason , My ole man always had boats , mainly Glastron or Fletcher Speed boats ,but had a lovely Shetland when we were kids , So it was born into me , as were the rest of my collection , Land Rovers and David Brown Tractors