I need to make a descision between

[UKPOWERBOAT]

I have the nice choice to make but do not know which way to go and would appreciate some fore's and againsts if poss. Both are 2004 models and set up as follows:

Bombard DB Explorer 7.3m, 200hp Honda 4 Stroke, 2 x Double Jockey Seats, plus 1 x Double Jocky Consule, usual basic instruments, Double Axle Roller Trailer, 200 Litre inboard fuel tank, plus T Top, Nav Lights, VHF Radio. £17000 Complete with various warranties.

or

For £4000 extra I could get an Avon 6.2m, Suzuki 140 4 Stroke, 2 Double Jockeys plus bench seat behind, double consule, usual basic instruments, nav lights, A-Frame, Single Axle Roller Trailer, Complete with various warranties. £21000

Looking at the 2 Ribs, the bombard has a lot more room on deck aprt from being nearly 1m longer but also a much wider beam. However is also going to be a lot heavier. What kind of fuel consumption would I get from the 200hp at cruising speeds?

I used to have an Avon 5.6 with a 90hp Suzuki 4 Stroke and that was quite economical even at cruising speeds.

Anyway I'm waffling on so I'll be watching this space.

[Jono]

I don't think our opinions matter a damn here, do they? Its what YOU WANT that matters....just get yer cheque book out and spend yer "hard earned" on what you desire!

[UKPOWERBOAT]

Originally Posted by Jono

I don't think our opinions matter a damn here, do they? Its what YOU WANT that matters....just get yer cheque book out and spend yer "hard earned" on what you desire!

Yep but that's just it, both have certain pro's & cons and was just hoping someone might have something relative to say either way to help sway the balance.

[MeMe]

.....with my comments I'd go for the £17k Bombard given the length and engine. However, the bench seat configuration on the Avon is a must for a family man who enjoys cruising and family outings (like me). That said, if you're a long distance man in all conditions the Bombard has to be the one. I think it looks a nicer bit of Kit as well. Plus that £4k can buy a lot of juice (car for towing and engine) so the weight/fuel consumption question should not really matter (unless you're financing). It will also pay for a great many weekends away, servicing etc etc......As you say, I'll be watching this space. Good luck.

p.s Try asking the kids and the dragon which they prefer, I find it always helps with the decission making process and makes them feel it's theirs and not just yours.

[Andre]

Well

you could always opt for my diesel Parker 630" Seahawk 2" @ 21K + VAT which includes a lot of extras and twin axle trailer . If you are into long distance cruising then the diesel>petrol price difference will make up for the higher initial expenditure.

by the way in case you ask > my reason for selling is that I am making space for new demo rib for 2005 and I am thinking of a 7.5 or 9 mtr

[John Kennett]

The extra length alone means that the Bombard is likely to be a much more capable and comfortable boat than the Avon. And it's less money. Sounds like a no brainer to me!

John

[Brian]

Cant see why on earth you would want to pay £4k more for a smaller boat with a smaller engine????????

[DM]

I rigged three brand new Bombards at the start of the season for a dealer and the exterior finish is pretty good. All I would say is get your head into places that you wouldn't normally and you may see things that surprise you. Or perhaps it's the fashion to have bare bits of wood showing in the lay up.

DM

[UKPOWERBOAT]

One of the Ribs in question, Bombard 7.3m, it will also have 2 double jockeys offset side by side behind the double jockey consule, also these will be colour coded black & yellow as will also the double jockey you see in the picture so it does not look so commercial.

[Daniel TD5]

i don,t know that much but i would get the kids and the wife and have a test of both boats at sea to see which one you like and make it at least a full hour

dan