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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
 Posted - 31 May 2011 : 20:11:01
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Hi all
New member to the Forum, and I know you will all have your opinions, but gladly received anyway....
Looking to buy a cheap (ish) cabin cruiser for the Broads, and after a deal of research think a Norman 23 would suit escape weekends for me and "the crew" just fine.
Why are there not many "wide beam" versions for sale? Perhaps it's just me, but I reckon the greater beam gives better accomodation, but can't find any for sale in Norfolk.
Were they rare, or am I just the wrong end of the season?
Thanks Steve |
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trevork
3949 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 20:37:06
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Norman only ever made three boats with a wide beam, an inboard engined sporty 22, the 26 & 29. Have a look at the Norman Range page. Normans were originally made for the canals so are mostly narrow beam. There are a fair few 23's on the Broads though.
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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 21:08:17
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Was it just the 22 that was 8 foot (or so) wide? I have seen a few Atlanta 24's (presumably Norman 23's) but they are narrower.
Any views on the 23 as a suitable cruiser with enough quiet economy for the Broads, yet enough "ooomph" to make Breydon against the tide?
Thanks
Steve |
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trevork
3949 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 23:50:28
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The boat itself is entirely suitable as long as it is paired up with a suitable engine. If you are talking the Broads and Breydon, then you would really need 15 - 20 hp to cope with the tides comfortably.
Why don't you read the main site? It will answer many of your questions.
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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2011 : 08:27:56
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Thanks.
I have scanned through the whole site, and as my original post, had already concluded the 23 as the right craft.
However, I have heard "must be inboard, diesel and shaft", or variously, "long shaft OB, 20hp".
Any educated opinions as to which is quieter, more economical and less likely to fill the cockpit with fumes!!
GRP I know - engines I don't.
Thanks
Steve |
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trevork
3949 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2011 : 10:12:35
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No doubt whatsoever on that question. Four stroke outboard will be quietest, sweetest smelling and economical. All Normans require long shaft outboards. 9.9hp would just about do you for the Broads tides but only just so 15 - 25 is a better choice.
Diesel is the most economical and, many would say, most reliable fuel but will be noisier, smellier and is no longer the tax free bargain it once was. It is the most widely available fuel on the Broads. I know of only two sources of riverside petrol nowadays. WRC and Martham Boats. Otherwise its a case of find a petrol station as near as you can.
How we doing so far then?
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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2011 : 13:28:18
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Thanks for all that - it at least gives me a decent starting specification to look for.
Now to trawl the yards to see what is out there...
Watch this space!
Steve |
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trevork
3949 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2011 : 13:44:43
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Good luck Steve and hope to see you chugging around the Broads one day. Don't forget our own "For Sale" section. Some good stuff turns up on there. Also, with a boat this size, you will save money buying away from the Broads and transporting.
What is your budget area? We can keep an eye open for you? |
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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2011 : 14:03:13
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Budget with these things is the same with all purchases - just a few hundred more and we can have "add a feature here" too!
I would love to get something for £3000, and I don't mind a bit of work to get it right. I suspect £4500 would be more like it.
If it was ready to cruise, and had all the mechanicals and electricals sorted, then maybe a little more.
I am in no hurry, October would be soon enough for me, just thought spending the summer season looking would pay dividends later in making a more informed decision on purchase day!
Of course, if something came up at the right price in the meantime..... |
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Boatmad
United Kingdom
1092 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2011 : 20:53:59
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Steve.
Prices tend to reduce up till just after xmas then rise again until the easter peak prices. A wide beam Norman tends to attract a higher price most of the ones I've seen start at around £7K and upwards, condition is everything. Dont buy a cheapy and think you can do it up that ALWAYS costs a lot more than expected.
pagreenwell |
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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 13:48:12
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Thanks for that.
I think from the previous posts that widebeam is out, and now looking at 23's only.
As with most boaters, I guess, buying something that needs a fit out or work is just that little bit more manageable cash flow wise.
I'll keep looking.... |
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Which one?
