Islandia 2007 - Advice needed please

[zuluboy]

Hi all

I'm considering buying a 2nd hand 2007 Islandia and need some advice please:

I am completely new to boating (of any kind) and am primarily looking for a recreational boat to visit island off-shore for day trips and snorkling. Average distance to the islands is about 30 nmi one way.
I live in Qatar, Doha, so the boat will be used in the Gulf sea. The salt content is about 3 - 4 times above average.
The boat will be stored in a marina dry dock, not covered storage, but the seller is including the Sea-Doo Islandia cover.

Based on the above, would you recommend purchasing this model?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks

 

[Sikiguya]

What's the sea like?

As far as the boat itself, it is probably fine. The Seadoos have a closed loop cooling system so it is better in regards to the salt. Although you will still need to flush.(I'll let the seawater guys chime in on that.)

I would be more concern with the sea...30 miles is quite distance and the sea can be pretty rough with an open boat like this. I would suggest that you make a couple of trip...i.e. chartered trip, friend's boat, or rent a boat to see. I know that I am not taking my 20 footer out to Lake Michigan anytime soon.. I have seen that lake looking like a glass and then a few hours later...look like something out of the movie "The Perfect Storm".

 

[Craigmri]

I'm totally with Jim on this one. 30 miles off shore in a jet boat??? Not in my lifetime. I'm not saying it cant be done. Anything can be done but is it worth the risk??? Your also stretching fuel. Whats the 1/3 rule? Never plan a trip that will require more than 1/3 a tank in fuel. You need 1/3 to get there, 1/3 to get back and 1/3 for reserve in case of emergency. 60 miles round trip is alot. That boat may do it but its sketchy. As Jim said, the seas can change on a moments notice. Your trip out may be fine but the return trip could be totally different.

I dont know, something inside tells me thats not the right boat for that sort of voyage. Did the previous owner do that trip on that boat???

Craig

 

[Sikiguya]

If you do decide to buy the boat and go offshore like that, let me know so I can buy a bunch of life insurance on you!!:rofl::rofl::rofl:

 

[zuluboy]

Thanks for the input

Hi all

Many thanks for your input. i took the boat out to the islands with the owner and almost shat myself.
This thing is definitely not made for long trips or the open seas. Although the boat was in perfect working order and cosmetically perfect, anything over a 3 foot wave would chuck it about like a cork in the Pacific. i have to say that it tracked well most of the time, but planing at anything over 25 - 30 mph would send it all over the place. All in all, a nice boat for buggering around in on a moderate lake, not designed for what I want to use it for.

Off to see a more suitable boat tomorrow, btw, the life insurance would have been a good bet if it had not been for a "rescue" boat in tow, the thing kept on sucking up a load of crap from the sea and cavitating, until we cleared it manually. Think dual outboards may be the way to go for my requirements.

Many thanks for you input.

 

[Craigmri]

Dual outboards on a 25' sounds like a nice craft for what you want to do.

Craig

 

[cjb]

If you still want a jet boat try a Yamaha AR230. They have a Deep-V hull.