divingduck
new user
Reged: 03/07/2008
Posts: 6
Loc: Barnes, London, UK
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My first post - gulp... apologies if there's too much waffle...
I have finally persuaded Mrs and my brother-in-law that we need a boat, and so humbly ask for some advice from all you knowledgeable and giving YBW folks!
I've enjoyed my research so far on the forum, but would like some pointers to avoid potentially catastrophic decisions!
1) we've viewed a used Jeanneau Leader 805, which seems to fit the bill for size, style, functionality and price. We will keep it on the Thames, where it will do most of it's journeys. Perhaps twice a year we'll take it to the coast and across the channel. We are not speed junkies or skiers.
2) Decent fuel economy is a consideration that I wouldn't like to become a worry (!): The petrol versions seem to be £8-10000 cheaper for the same age/spec. I can't seem to find any comparison info on the diesel/petrol versions - anybody have any tips either way? (so far: petrol - less availability, less safe(?), cheaper; Diesel - more economical, more reliable, availability).
Is biodiesel likely to be an option on diesel boats in the future?
3) Would a different boat perhaps be a better solution for mostly river-cruising, with occasional overnights with 2 small children? Semi-displacement more appropriate?
Many thanks for any advice - all very exciting for us! 
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timtap
regular
Reged: 28/06/2008
Posts: 206
Loc: Paignton Devon
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Good Boat !!! Chosse the Volvo D4 option and don't go down the root of bio Diesel !!!!!!(rots the pump seals often)
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In a recent survey it was discovered that 3 out of 4 people make up 75% of the population
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divingduck
new user
Reged: 03/07/2008
Posts: 6
Loc: Barnes, London, UK
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Many thanks for the reply.
The diesel is a step-up the budget ladder (ie to £45,000), so I need to have a good case! Can you see the £10,000 price-difference from the petrol balancing out through maintenance, economy, reliability etc? We would hope to keep the boat for quite a few years.
Edited by divingduck (03/07/2008 14:33)
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Chris_d
regular
Reged: 15/06/2001
Posts: 1408
Loc: Oxfordshire
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The diesel will only be of any benefit if you intend to go coastal, if you are going to stay on the river then it will take you a lifetime to recouperate the difference. No difference in reliablilty, if anything modern diesels are worse than petrol, diesel bug, filters, electronics etc...
Also are you really going to go to sea if your on the thames, it takes 2 days to get there minimum and next year will be very expensive, also not much to see until you've gone for a hundred miles or so and its not the easiest bit of coast either.
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divingduck
new user
Reged: 03/07/2008
Posts: 6
Loc: Barnes, London, UK
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I was thinking an annual trip to France/Bruges etc - 10 days. Also the possibility of lifting it out and getting to the coast/Devon that way - I admit I haven't researched the costs yet!
If it looks like we'd really be 100% Thames, is it still a good choice of boat? We like the styling and sleeping/entertaining capacity.
Many cheers.
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PCUK
regular
Reged: 29/06/2005
Posts: 1849
Loc: Devon
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The only thing against petrol is the lack of places to get it once away from the Thames. Other than that, the quieter running will be more pleasant on the Thames. Welcome to nutters club! - Enjoy!
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divingduck
new user
Reged: 03/07/2008
Posts: 6
Loc: Barnes, London, UK
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Quote:
Welcome to nutters club! - Enjoy!
Many thanks - been holding back awhile, now thoroughly champing!
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channelyacht
regular
Reged: 25/12/2007
Posts: 547
Loc: Hamble & Audierne
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But at least petrol can be converted to LPG which may save a few quid over its lifetime...
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Nautorius
regular
Reged: 24/06/2003
Posts: 3892
Loc: Boat at a Marina near you!
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The Leader would be a great Thames and Coastal boat as it has one of the best cockpits of any 8m long boat and good access around the decks for locks.
For the thames I would advise against a diesel. Modern diesels are meant to be thrashed on a regular basis so they can 'gunk up' a little. For your use do not pay the extra for a diesel. Use petrol and get a modern EFI engine with Duo Prop. This reduces 'wake wonder' which planning boats with a single engine going slow suffer from.
Great boat, easy to handle as lower windage than say a Regal and perfect for what you want.
Cheers
Paul
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Boating is the only thing that keeps me sane!
Edited by Nautorius (03/07/2008 17:04)
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divingduck
new user
Reged: 03/07/2008
Posts: 6
Loc: Barnes, London, UK
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Quote:
But at least petrol can be converted to LPG which may save a few quid over its lifetime...
I've been trying to check this out with no success so far. I found a website for a conversion company, but cannot find details of fuelling stops.
Are there many LPG users around? And how do you fill up? (  )
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