SHETLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Good afternoon everyone,

After much research on the Shetland range I've stumbled upon this site which has already proved very useful (thank you to you all).

I'm a fairly novice boater, and my experience is limited to self-drive holidays on the various European canals and lots of hire boating experiences. I've recently decided to look into the purchase of a cruiser suitable for inland waterways, which has led me to the Shetland brand.

I live in Surrey, close to the Wey and Thames rivers. My main interest is exploring and having days out on local waterways with friends, although the ability to spend a night or two away with a few friends also has its appeal.

I've narrowed it down to two models, the 4 plus 2 that seems to meet nearly all of my criteria, is smaller and therefore I assume easier to navigate on the narrower waterways, and cheaper to moor. I'm just concerned it may be a tad too small for an overnight trip with friends but I think for day trips/exploring it'll be ideal. The other is the 27 but this is much more expensive and I'm not sure I can justify the extra expense just for a bit more space inside. If anyone owns either of the above I'd be very interested to hear of your experience.

I have a few questions which I'd be so grateful for an answer to.. All of the below relate to the 4 plus 2 as at the moment this seems the most likely option (but I'm open to suggestion)

- Is there an ideal age to purchase? I'm looking at models from 2010-2014 as there appear to be some in very good condition and not much more expensive than models from circa 2000
- I've found one which I am hoping to view - this one comes with a 40hp engine which, from reading this forum, appears to be too powerful for river cruising. Can anyone please advise me whether I should look for alternative models with a smaller engine, try to negotiate a different engine size (I don't know if this is possible, or the done thing) or whether it would not matter that much as long as I drive it sensibly..
- I've read that a diesel engine is preferable to petrol. However this doesn't seem common on the 4 plus 2? Is a petrol engine likely to cause any problems?
- Has anyone managed to stay away on a 4 plus 2 with anyone other than close family/partner? Are there any ways of making the converted sleeping berths more private (e.g. with additional curtains etc)
- Does the cockpit berth feel very exposed to the elements?
- Is there anything else to look out for?

Running costs

So far I've factored in costs for Marina, insurance, bi-annual antifoul, license, fuel, boat safety certificate, which I expect to be about £2500-£3000 per year. Does this sound about right? Am I missing anything here?

Thank you in advance for your help and if there's anyone out there in the Wey/Thames area let me know and I'll make sure I look out for you!

Just a note from me, we purchased our 4+2 with a 25 hp, we soon upgraded it to a 40, not for the power, more for less engine noise, the boat is very well made, hence it’s heavy, so yes a 25 is ok, but for me, my time on the river is about pace (slow) & peace

This is really encouraging, thank you for your reply! Can I ask how much fuel costs you on a 40HP?

i will leave the engine questions to those who know better.

we use to stay on our 4+2 regularly. in fact the longest was for 10 straight days and for 5 of those had friends onboard. we had privacy curtains that stretch across the cabin on a sprung loaded bar. we could then store them in the day time. on e set was at the back of the seats on the V berth. As the loo compartment was so small we also had a curtain across the main aisle allowing the toilet door to be kept open

Hope this helps

cpfcgreg wrote: Mon Oct 08, 2018 8:26 pm This is really encouraging, thank you for your reply! Can I ask how much fuel costs you on a 40HP?

Not really done the maths yet, but not much more than the 25

Hi, I purchased a 4+2 Soft Top new in 2016, having owned a Viking 28 for a many years and it has proven to be an excellent river cruiser, I had it fitted with a Mariner 25 efi which to be honest is more than capable for the size of boat, I must add that noise has never been an issue...….
There are many variants re hot water, shower, heating etc so its worth shopping around, but are good value for money when a few years old, obviously location of where you are buying can impact their retail value.
Fuel used at sensible speeds, is about half a gallon an hour, which when the boat is pushed does drop significantly.
I have had a recent holiday for 2 weeks coming from the Nene and crossing the Middle Levels to the Ouse and it proved to be most comfortable, although being a fairly tall chap, the shower was interesting but do able......
The boat is fine for me and the wife, however I would comment that to have others stay on board, would require in my view many issues of privacy, and is not best suited to this scenario.....Down to the individuals I would guess.
Having slept in the cockpit area this would be fine on a warm evening and with no neighbours as you say it can be a little exposed.
The folding screen and reasonable draft does allow it to venture areas many larger boats would have problems.
It has a semi displacement Hull so is easily handled at slow speeds, a Rudder Safe or something similar in my view adds to this at slow speeds.
A history of the boat with documents is usually a good idea as this will give you some idea of how it has been looked after prior to its brush up for sale......
hope this is of some use to you.

Thanks very much for the reply, it's really useful. I think you're right that more than 2 may be cosy, particularly given that my friends like their home comforts. Having said that, it's not a deal breaker, and the ability to be able to explore the narrower waterways and get through low bridges is a massive plus for me. I shall make sure I go for something that has a reasonable spec and will look out for the documents too! I'm viewing one later this week which meets most of the requirements apart from heating but I'd primarily be looking to use in the summer months so hoping this won't be too much of an issue.

Hi. I’m a new owner too, so new I’ve not collected my 4 plus 2 yet! I live in Guildford so may well see you on the Wey. We have owned a smaller boat for years and wanted one we could overnight on. Key for us is to avoid mooring fees so we’ve invested in a new DeGraaf trailer who are near by. We have widened our gates and added some pavers to help with parking up. Should have the boat in a few days so will post some pics. It’s having new linings and cockpit seating recovered. I’ve also having the carpet removed from the loo. Never understood that one, much prefer a wipeable surface.