First boat - trying to get it right

[Tom.B]

Don't try too hard to get it perfect. Get it close... figure out what you like and don't like... then your next one will be even closer... maybe it will be perfect, maybe it won't, but you will have fun trying. Don't stress out fiding PERFECT because perfect doesn't exist. Go boating!

[BandB]

What boats did you charter and which did you spend 4 to 6 weeks on? I ask because the charters I'm use to in that size range generally have a lot more space than the Elling. I look at the main deck and flybridge. Of course the Elling doesn't have a flybridge. It also only has the space of a much smaller boat on the main deck. Now, you can go down and you pick up space. I would get very claustrophobic living on the Elling. I compare it to a similarly sized KK and I wouldn't feel nearly as confined on the KK. So, look carefully at the boats that seemed to work chartering and how the Elling compares.

[Kytra]

Originally Posted by dhays

As others have mentioned, a boat that would be comfortable as a full time live aboard has features that wouldn't make it ideal for blue water crossings and visa versa. If you are thinking that you want to spend years on the boat before you think about an ocean crossing, I would put those abilities as a relatively low priority. If you then decide years down the road to make ocean crossings, you may want to look at a different boat.

Interesting tip, thanks. We will consider that option.

[Kytra]

Originally Posted by Bacchus

Welcome aboard TF
Sounds like you have put some thought into your plans and needs / wants.

The only part I think may be a challenge would be to find a suitable boat that would be capable of canals and blue water crossings. I Would think - and admit I'm no expert on either ocean or European canals but have dome a lot of NY and Canadian canal travel - draft and air draft could be a problem accommodating both.

As others suggested you might consider a 2 step approach - canals / coastal for a few yrs and then think about blue water crossing capability. 1st step not only provides a more suitable boat for canals / coastal but also a learning experience to take on the next step.

Best of luck with the search and adventures.

Thanks Don

The Elling does have a collapsible radar arch giving a reduced air draft. I'm just a little concerned about the costs of aiming to buy 2 boats within a 10-15 year period.

[Kytra]

Originally Posted by Hamrow

Regardless i still think its a cool boat. Be aware (maybe you already know) around 2007, Elling responded to consumers requests and changed the helm station to angle the instruments up more towards the captain which i think was a good change. If you're looking at 10 yrs old then i'd say you're hitting the depreciation curve in a good spot.
Best of luck and let the forum know what you decide

Very interesting & useful feedback, thanks.

I would very much prefer an engine room & twin engines, although everything else about the Elling we like. Resale value in the UK as you suggested does seem to be good - boats don't seem to hang around for sale & the support from the factory is excellent.

We do like the saloon below as it gives some privacy in the evenings. There is always the helm station for a sunny lunchtime or the cockpit some fresh air.

The UK brand of Trader (not Marine Trader) is quite popular in the UK as it gives an engine room & loads of space. However there are some build quality issues, the company has gone bust a few times & there are pages of them for sale - they seem to grow on trees. Many have been on sale for several years - which infers a good price is available, but also that they can be difficult to sell once purchased. The UK Trader was previously my favourite boat before I discovered the Elling.

The Elling is capable of an ocean crossing either with the addition of fuel drums in the cockpit (as seen on a recent Atlantic crossing) or Elling can install an additional fuel tank giving a total 3000 litre (800 US gals) capacity.

For me, the fuel efficiency of the Elling wins over a Trader. The more streamlined hull & lighter boat than a Trader gives 1 litre per NM. The Trader is double that.

I didn't know about the console, I will watch for that - thanks.

[Kytra]

Originally Posted by BandB

What boats did you charter and which did you spend 4 to 6 weeks on? I ask because the charters I'm use to in that size range generally have a lot more space than the Elling. I look at the main deck and flybridge. Of course the Elling doesn't have a flybridge. It also only has the space of a much smaller boat on the main deck. Now, you can go down and you pick up space. I would get very claustrophobic living on the Elling. I compare it to a similarly sized KK and I wouldn't feel nearly as confined on the KK. So, look carefully at the boats that seemed to work chartering and how the Elling compares.

Good point. We usually chartered Haines offshore boats, sometimes Brooms. Usually 36 ft, sometimes 40 ft. Both sizes smaller than an Elling. We found the 40 ft a little large for us for a short term stay & never used the midships cabin. On the 36ft, we liked having several places to sit - saloon, dinette, flybridge. The less useful 40ft, had a saloon & larger flybridge - but with only 2 seating choices, it seemed restricting. The Elling has 3 places - a saloon, helm station & cockpit which we find is enough for the two of us.

[Peter B]

Originally Posted by Kytra

Hello

We're working to realise a life change which we've been planning for 5 years. The house is for sale & with the sale proceeds, we want to take semi retirement as liveaboard cruisers. We're currently selling our "stuff". We want a motorboat for the more comfortable living space, wife does not want a sailing boat.

We've been interested in an Elling E3 or E4. They seem to suit our requirements & have good safety features, good fuel consumption & sometimes also have a wing engine.
Requirements:
Suit 2 people, Fuel efficient, Cat A, Heating, a/c would be nice, fridge, freezer, Generator, Wife insists on a washing machine, 1 head - 2 heads a bonus, at least 2 cabins, Space for 2 computers, not longer than 50ft.
Approx budget: GBP 250k, Euro 295k, USD 325k

Thoughts & advice very welcome.

Here's an Elling E4:




Luxury Yacht Builders | Elling Yachts

I like these boats. I want one. Their clear link to sailing craft is a plus for me, having come out of yachts myself. And in terms of the different types of cruising grounds you are interested in, including open ocean one day, they fit the bill fine.

The living being mainly down is no hardship in the European region, especially UK, and it has a nice pilot house and readily accessed cockpit as well. That's a must, for sure. Just have a nice robust canopy to cover that when desired and you're good to go - anywhere - love it..!

[Hamrow]

I totally agree with having a canopy over the cockpit and most of them seem to come with it. Here is a comparison of the 2006 "Flat Console" versus a 2007 Angled Console:



Though on the much older ones you will see that some people took the flat panel and had someone modify it or build something very different there.

[Kytra]

Originally Posted by Peter B

I like these boats. I want one. Their clear link to sailing craft is a plus for me, having come out of yachts myself. And in terms of the different types of cruising grounds you are interested in, including open ocean one day, they fit the bill fine.

The living being mainly down is no hardship in the European region, especially UK, and it has a nice pilot house and readily accessed cockpit as well. That's a must, for sure. Just have a nice robust canopy to cover that when desired and you're good to go - anywhere - love it..!

Thanks for your message. I understand that the E4 has a canopy as standard. I agree it would be essential in the Med.

[Kytra]

Originally Posted by Hamrow

I totally agree with having a canopy over the cockpit and most of them seem to come with it. Here is a comparison of the 2006 "Flat Console" versus a 2007 Angled Console:

Though on the much older ones you will see that some people took the flat panel and had someone modify it or build something very different there.

Very interesting - thanks. It's not a deal breaker for me, but very worthwhile considering. I'm certain that Elling would do an upgrade if asked. I have already spoken to them about installing a wing engine & converting the midships cabin to an office.

Note: The reason I've discussed upgrades with Elling themselves is for resale value & the fact that they already have the correct parts ready to fit. In fact, thinking about it, I could offer to buy the office joinery & fit it myself!