I've just joined this forum because I'm a great admirer of Lochins, especially 33s, and hope to own one in the not too distant future. My current boat is an IP23 so it will be quite a step up for me and my family. I bought the IP23 to give my son and daughter a chance to learn the ropes. Boat handling, engine maintenance etc. It's been great but now it's time to move on to something faster. My question is "How many Lochin 33s have been built?" They seem to come on the market quite regularly and at all sorts of prices. I've missed a couple which seem to have been absolute bargains. I work in the Oil industry and am often away from the UK for long periods, so I do miss chances. Ideally I'd like a boat that needs a bit of work doing as I also get long periods at home.
I've read back through all of the forum posts and it's a great site.
I don't know how many 33's have been made but Simon Thomas, at Lochin and on here at times could tell you I'm sure.
I only took delivery of my new 333 four days before last christmas, but what a christmas present!! I too had previously had a 23 foot boat, a Seaward and whilst a great boat she was not suitable or big enough for my use, being pleasure fishing and cruising with friends and family.
When you eventually move up to a Lochin I am sure you will be very happy....my boat gets so many favourable comments on the marina and everyone I speak too that has one is pleased with it and those I have spoken to that don't have one wishes they did!!
Good luck in your search but could you 'arrange' for some scrap rigs to be sunk in the channel to use for fishing, about 20 miles from me please!!
welcome to the forum, although it seems to be very slow at present it is good to see that people like yourself are still enjoying previous posts, registering and joining in.
Lochins have been built since the early 70's and there are quite a few around. There are also many built by Lochin and fitted out by private individuals and independant boat builders still to this day.
There have been a few for sale recently as you state at varying prices and conditions but with any purchase a full survey is recommended. Although you may find a classic Lochin needing attention as long as the important bits are sound they can be updated/refreshed to provide many more years of outstanding service in all sorts of weather condition.
You're not alone we progressed from a Colvic Seaworker 22 to a Lochin 333. We did a lot of research which is why we chose Lochin and found anything below £30,000 needed a lot of work and money spent. Many change hands without being advertised, speak to people in fishing communities within steaming distance.
Thanks to all you lucky Lochin Owners for your promt replies. I'm offshore of Nigeria until the end of June but will put my IP23 (Magpie) on the market a couple of weeks before I come home. Give people a chance to find the advert and think about it. That's the first obstacle...........the last thing I want is to be the owner of two boats. The IP23 should sell quickly as they are very popular and commercial fishermen love them for their robust build and sea going qualities. Being without a boat will be strange and I'll need to be careful I don't buy the first Lochin I look at or even snap up another make like an Aquabell on the spur of the moment. Patience and a bit of good luck is what I need.
Nothing wrong with an Aquabell, owned one for 8 years and they are great boats,drawn by the same designer. Lochins and Aquabells can both be wet aboard at times but will go through or over pretty much anything when the going gets tough.......just shut the door, turn on the wipers and enjoy it !
Having experience of owning both boats the Lochin does have the upper hand over the Aquabell in my opinion but would have a Bell again.
I can't fault your choice if you end up with a Lochin. I have only owned mine for 3 years and am still finding what it can do. We have had some pretty poor weather this year so far but everytime we have been out and the weather has turned nasty we have made it home without any problems. As long as the greasy bits keep going round I think mine would go through just about anything!. You tend to get a lot of water over the roof so good wipers are essential in my view. I am thinking of having a small canopy and side dodgers made to keep passengers dry and prevent spray blowing round the wheelhouse sides. Build quality is bulletproof (literally) with the hull lay up very heavy, I fitted a bow thruster 2 years ago and couldn't believe the thickness of it.
It seems a lot of owners have bow thrusters fitted. I guess a 33' boat is a bit difficult to manoever in any sort of cross wind, particularly in and out of a marina berth. That was one of the reasons I thought a twin engine version might be preferable. At the moment my mooring is on a trot in mid river and very easy to slip in and out of unless it's during the spring tide flood or ebb, and I'm on my own; then it can get a bit exciting and strenuous. I'm going to have a lot of fun looking at Lochins when I get home.
Hope the glorious sunny weather we had in April wasn't the British summer coming and going.
I have a twin engined Lochin and find it an absolute dream to handle, using engines only around the marina and into my berth, something i had to do on a training course prior to even having a twin engine boat and certainly is worth getting to grips with.Yes there are advantages having two but you do have to bear in mind maintenance costs, if one engine wants expect the other to shortly after. If you work on the average of three quarters gallon to a mile for twin engines you wont be far out on running costs so not to bad.
I have had my canopy remade with an extension on the wheelhouse and side screens and certainly worth doing, makes a sociable area to sit,added protection and stops the spray so definently worthwhile. I didnt make mine to long as didnt want to encroche on fishing space.... as if in a Lochin lol !
have added a few photo's Martin.
Regards Geoff .............
-- Edited by Blue Swell on Saturday 28th of May 2011 10:13:37 AM
-- Edited by Blue Swell on Saturday 28th of May 2011 10:14:33 AM
Unfortunately twin engines wasn't an option for me so it had to be a bow thruster - certainly makes life easier.
Geoff - your canopy looks ideal. I am thinking of something very similar but with a roll back roof just long enough to cover the engine box.
Another enforced day at home today, eather this year has been horrendous, violent storm 11 last Monday!!!! hopefully the week ahead is much better with only Weds looking windy so far. Already done over 100 hours, look like it will be a busy year.
