Newbie

[danbot]

Hello All,
I'm a complete novice to the boating world and am just about to buy a Shetland 498.(number 851) I am going to use it round the coast from Southwold for fishing mainly and generally hanging out with the kids.
It has a Mercury 60 2 stroke engine.
Is this boat suitable for this kind of thing? I'm assured it i,s but am having last minute concerns.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Daniel

[admin]

Hello and Welcome.

Your boat with engine combination seem ok. But as with anything, prep is the most important. Know your tides and weather and the forecast. Life jackets for all on board, VHS radio for just in case and you should be fine - enjoy...

[daveinglasgow]

yes it will be a flying machine with that engine. you also dont state what back up it comes with or what safety equipment the boat has i.e. depth gauge/ fishfinder, bilge, throw rope, life jackets, vhs, GPS etc.

The shetlands are v v well built boats so it is more the package that you are buying that would make it right for your needs.

last but not least get the engine serviced before you go out as well.

Oh and fishermen love to help so speak to a few around where you will launch/ local marina and many will let you go out in convoy for your first time.

[danbot]

Thank you very much for the replies..
It has a fish finder, bilge pump and radio.

The seller is a dealer so will be servicing the engine before I get it.

I will need to sort the other bits out including a backup engine.

I will ask the seller what he has maybe. What should I be looking for and how much am I looking at?

[watercooled81]

I have added a safety post after a sumer of helping other boats and seen some many many stories on the news, thought I would add some ideas