Ok, so a cabin cruiser it is. I have set a distance of 50 miles radius of the office in which to travel. This is because I don't want to tow my new boat back too far without first having chance to check it out properly.

Here it is, my list (Don't laugh!)

19FT Dolphin Fibreglass Sports Cruiser

Two berth, total rebuild inside, Nav lights, cooker, sink, toilet etc

On good road trailer

Price £1400.00

17.5FT Sports Cruiser

40hp Outboard engine, sleeps 2, fully re-furbished

Depth sounder/fish-finder, new steering assembly, two petrol tanks

Twin-axle road trailer, fenders etc, ready to go

Price £1850.00 - I like haggling, alright?! (I just got back from Morrocco!)

16FT 6 Sports Cruiser

Mariner Outboard (50hp), lifejackets, fenders, excellent condition

On road trailer with current Thames safety certificate

Price £1300.00

Why did I choose these three? Because basically they are local, they are around the right price (I do not want to spend all of my £1500 on a boat if it needs something doing to it, but the boats below £1000 tend to be very old, and with small engines). I have also spoken to all the owners on the telephone and they sound genuine.

The last boat on my list is from a dealer, so it will be interesting to pay him a visit and see what he has to say. My first choice is to buy private, just as I prefer to buy a second hand car private; I want to see where it comes from, where it has spent at least part of it's life, and more importantly - what kind of guy has been given the honour of driving my boat recently.

There were many other boats I could have chosen, but after ringing round the owners I have either discounted them for one reason or another (one guy had advertised a boat I really liked for £1500.00, and when I called I was told it was actually £15'000.00; At least I can spot a bargain already). Others were sold, some sounded like sheds.

I think it's about time I went to see the boats. I have arranged to view them all today, and damn exciting it is too!

Let's go view some boats!