New to boats - buying advice needed

[Jim221]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum and to boats! I am hoping to get some advice before buying a boat to use as follows:

Tow to Scottish inland and sea lochs. Total tow weight needs to be under 1500kg.
Family days out on the water (we have 3 kids under 10). Another family will be with us so passenger capacity/ load is important.
Water ski.
Occasional light fishing (but will want to keep full interior)
Need a covered area to protect the kids from bad weather (canopy a bonus).
Want the safest boat below £4K that meets our needs.
Bonus - class B boat so I can do some island hopping (without the kids).

I have discounted speed boats - too small in cuddly with low sides easy for kids to climb out + I like the functional look of shetlands. I have discounted 536/535 as a bit too small and because of the limited engine output. And from my understanding they are not class b.

After reading up on line including this forum I think that a 570/ kestrel or black hawk with a 80 - 115hp outboard would meet this criteria but which is best for our needs?

Specifically would their be any significant difference in them in in terms of trailer weight, load capacity, ability to water ski, cruse speed, top speed or safety especially in open water?

Finally are they all as easy as each other to buy and look after - for example availability of parts?

Thanks in advance - Jim Peace and family.

[Stokey1964]

hI

THE 570 as you know is larger than the 535 but nit a great deal difference in cockpit area, although the cabin area is larger.

they are still Class C

they are rated at 155hp BUT as they were built in the 70's fourstroke outboards weren't really about so its not a case of the maximum horsepower but more about weight.


Trust me I leant the hard way, you will need at least a 70hp

Ive just gone from a 50hp fourstroke that couldn't get it on the plane, but have just purchased a 90 HP Yamaha 2 stroke.

the 90 yam only weighs about 10kg more than the 50 4 stroke, coming in at about 120kg.

A 70 or 90hp 4 stroke is going to be 175kg upwards.

apart from that either is a great boat, parts arn't a problem as most arn't model specific

Simon

[daveinglasgow]

Hi Jim

as above and if you need help and are up in Gods country then I will do what I can as I am in Glasgow. an 80-100 hp is perfect for that boat and you will have a lot of fun. By far the best boat made in its class and I have taken one through corryvecken ( sorry about the spelling) and have the pics to prove it and that was wind against tide ( 20 knots of wind) on a spring tide! Ok scary but it did it lol!!!


Dave

[Jim221]

Thanks Simon and Dave for your replies.

Just to clarify is the 570, kestrel or black hawk class C or B?

Also is the max outboard 115hp for all?

Lastly do they all have the unsinkable foam filled hull?

Dave we live in Huddersfield but my wife is from Pirth so we drive up twice a year. I am interesting in your boat buying service and will give you a call in the week to discuss options. You might be able to save me making mistakes.


Jim

[daveinglasgow]

Hi

the 570 / blackhawk etc are the same hull with a slightly different top/ cabin.

80Hp for 2+ 2 kids is more than enough 70hp is ok less and you will struggle.

oh the last unsinkable boat was the TT but the reasons people love these boats as they are as close as you can get to that being true.

Re foam. depends what people have done ie old boats had the foam but it soaked up water, some people ie me dig this out and refoam it.

Cat c but a big cat C boat. Not many boats under 24 feet that are Cat B


Dave

[Jim221]

Hi Dave and Simon,

I am not seeing many 570 boats for sale with big outboards at reasonable cost. I think my best bet is to buy a 115hp outboard seperatly to a boat and trailer. If I get a boat with a small outboard I can use it for a backup.

So some questions on outboards.

What is the best 115hp make model and approx year for a 570? I want something reliable, reasonable cost (£1500 max with controls), light and easy to look after/ fix. I am not too bothered about fuel economy.

What is the ideal size of back up engine?

What is the advantage of hydronic starting and do I need it?

All advice welcome.

Jim

[Jim221]

Should have said hydraulic steering!

[CaptainPhaff]

Sorry Jim but I think you will find you shopping list is a little optimistic. A 115hp outboard that meets your criteria is likely to significantly north of £1500. Good luck searching though. Best Wishes

[daveinglasgow]

Hi

Ok with the budget of the engine and your comments around fuel and easy to fix get a compression tester and look for a yam 90-155 hp

back up : the best by miles is 6 hp as anything bigger is twin cylinder. Now if you go 2 stroke on the main and like to troll for fish a 4 stroke would be best . if not get a 2 stroke or a honda 5 hp ie bullet proof and also 4 stroke.

for the main you will need ptt and electric start as far to big to do by hand and to be fair the yam will have this. If also possible teleflex cable steering is fine with that set up and is far cheaper.

feel free to call as I am happy to help. reviews on our facebook page as this is my new company ( I worked for an outboard company for 5 years) are always welcome

oh and get the balance right! this is a big factor on boats under 24 feet !

Dave
0759 563 8185