Top Notch Motor Boats Under £50,000 Currently Available
**News Article: Choosing a Used Boat Under £50k: A Comparison of the Fairline 36 Sedan, Sea Ray 260 Sundancer, and Rodman 900**
In the world of used boats, finding the perfect vessel within a budget can be a challenging endeavour, especially when considering boats under £50k. This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of the Fairline 36 Sedan, Sea Ray 260 Sundancer, and Rodman 900 to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
**The Fairline 36 Sedan**
Originally built in 1989, the Fairline 36 Sedan boasts a classic design and solid build quality. Its exterior features a sheltered cockpit, a larger flybridge, and is easier to rig with canopies compared to its Turbo sister. The lower deck houses a conventional aft cockpit leading into a spacious saloon, with both cabins forward on the lower deck. The owner's cabin is in the bow with a centerline double berth, and the twin bunk guest cabin is to starboard, sharing a single heads. The Fairline 36 Sedan is powered by twin Volvo Penta TAMD 61C 306hp engines.
One advantage of the Fairline 36 Sedan is its lower purchase price compared to newer models. However, potential buyers should be aware of the increased maintenance and repairs that come with owning an older boat. Parts may be harder to find, and the boat may require more frequent upkeep.
**The Sea Ray 260 Sundancer**
The Sea Ray 260 Sundancer, built in 2008, offers a more modern alternative. Its exterior is suitable for fishing and watersports, with rod holders, foldable seats, and space for free-standing tables and chairs. The cockpit features a tiny wet bar, and the radar arch serves as an unusual yet useful feature. The interior is compact yet functional, with a U-shaped dinette forward that converts to a double berth, a compact galley opposite a usefully sized heads, and a mid cabin aft with a double berth running transversely beneath the cockpit. The Sea Ray 260 Sundancer is powered by a 6.2 litre V8 Mercruiser engine with 320hp.
The Sea Ray 260 Sundancer offers a higher-quality fit and finish, with minimal exposed GRP, high-gloss wood, and neat details like the way the saloon table stows beneath the forward dinette cushions. However, its price point may be slightly higher than some other options within the £50k budget.
**The Rodman 900**
The Rodman 900, a workmanlike sportfisher built by Spanish yard Rodman, offers a unique blend of practicality and style. Its robust interior features a comfortable layout, practical decking, and high-gloss cherry accents. The lower deck houses a decent owner's cabin in the bow and a twin bunk guest cabin to starboard opposite the heads. The exterior is suitable for fishing and watersports, with side decks that are easily accessed and feature secure-feeling bulwarks around the whole deck perimeter. The Rodman 900 is equipped with twin Volvo Penta KAMD 44 EDC diesel engines.
The Rodman 900's compact galley is better suited for quick lunches, but the boat's length, displacement, and fuel capacity make it a suitable choice for longer cruises. Potential buyers should be aware that the Rodman 900 may lack some of the modern conveniences found in newer boats, such as advanced navigation systems and touchscreen displays.
In conclusion, each of these boats offers unique advantages and disadvantages. The Fairline 36 Sedan appeals to those who appreciate classic style and are willing to invest in maintenance, while the Sea Ray 260 Sundancer and Rodman 900 cater to those seeking more modern features and practicality. When making a decision, potential buyers should consider their priorities, budget, and intended use for the boat.
- The Fairline 36 Sedan, a sports yacht built in 1989, displays a timeless design with a solid marine construction, offering a larger flybridge and a spacious cabin layout compared to its contemporaries.
- The Sea Ray 260 Sundancer, a marine sportscruiser launched in 2008, showcases modern amenities such as a compact galley, a functional interior, and space for watersports activities, yet has a higher price tag compared to some alternatives within the £50k budget.
- The Rodman 900, a Spanish-built sportfisher, delivers a unique blend of practicality and style with its robust construction, suitable for fishing and long cruises, but may lack some modern conveniences like advanced navigation systems.
- The Fairline 36 Sedan, despite its lower purchase price, requires higher maintenance and repair costs due to its age, and parts may be harder to find.
- The Sea Ray 260 Sundancer boasts high-quality fit and finish, featuring minimal exposed GRP, high-gloss wood, and neat details, making it an attractive choice for potential buyers seeking a more contemporary look and feel.
