A selection of affordable/good value used motor boats

Finding Good Value in the Used Boat Market

If you’re shopping for an affordable motor boat in the UK, two excellent starting points are the well-regarded brokerage offices at Boatshed Hamble and Boatshed Southampton. Both are members of the Waterside Properties Network.  Both operate under the wider Boatshed network, offering listings across a broad price spectrum, detailed boat inspections and full photo/video sets for each listing.

Why these brokers?

• Both Hamble and Southampton sites allow filtering by price bands (e.g., “< £10,000”, “£10,000-£20,000” etc) so you can hone in on budget-friendly boats.
• Boatshed emphasises that brokers personally visit each boat, take “unlimited photographs and videos” so buyers get a clear view of condition.
• Because they cover the Solent area (Hamble & Southampton), you get good access to used boats that have done UK coastal work and are local to the region.

What is “good value” in this market?

Before looking at specific examples, here are some benchmarks and criteria to keep in mind:

1. Price bands: On the Hamble site, you’ll see used boat listings under £20,000, £30,000 etc.
2. Boat age & condition: Older boats can offer great value but expect higher maintenance.
3. Usage / hours: For motorboats in particular, engine hours matter more than age alone.
4. Lying location & costs: A boat in the Solent will have typical UK costs (berthing, insurance, maintenance) – factor these into the value.
5. Broker transparency: The more full-specification, photos/videos, service history, the less risk.

Selected good-value listings

Here are three concrete examples of used boats that represent relatively affordable and good-value purchases from the Hamble and Southampton listing sites. These are illustrative—they may be sold or subject to change, but they give a flavour of what to look for.

If you’re looking for affordable, good‑value motorboats in the UK, here are three excellent used listings from the brokers Boatshed Hamble and Boatshed Southampton — each offering a different size and style of vessel, but all representing strong value in their segment.

1. Smartliner 22 Cuddy (6.50 m, 2023)

Key details:

• Price: £30,000.
• Length: 6.50 m;
• Year: 2023;
• Construction: GRP. 
• Engine: 1 × 150 hp Suzuki outboard (2023).
• Lying: River Hamble
• Berths: 2. Draft min 0.40 m / max 1.00 m.
• Boat is described as a “multi‑functional fast fisher” with modern gear, good build from the Polish builder, stable and safe.

Why it’s good value:

• Relatively recent build (2023) for a used boat, meaning you get modern features and likely less wear.
• A 150hp engine gives decent performance for a 6.5 m boat, good for day‑use, coastal cruising or even fishing trips.
• The listing includes good equipment (nav gear, anchor windlass etc).
• Being new-ish, maintenance backlog may be lower.

2. Jeanneau Cap Camarat 755 WA (7.52 m, 2008)

Key details:

• Price: £19,995 (Reduced). 
• Length: 7.52 m;
• Year: 2008;
• Construction: GRP. 
• Engine: 1 × 250 hp Suzuki four‑stroke (2008) with around 980 hours. 
• Lying: River Hamble. 
• Features: Cabin with heads, sink, fridge; cruising speed about 25 knots, top ~39 knots. 
• Described as “stylish all‑rounder… ideal to start off with boating” by the broker.

Why it’s good value:

• Under £20k for a 7.5 m boat with cabin and good amenities is relatively strong value.
• Good size for a mix of day‑boating and occasional overnight stays.
• The 250hp engine gives you performance and flexibility (water‑skiing/wakeboarding or cruising).
• The brand (Jeanneau) and model (Cap Camarat) are well regarded for build quality and handling.

3. Stingray 225 CCR (7.00 m, 2013)

Key details:

• Price: £30,000. 
• Length: 7.00 m;
• Year: 2013;
• Construction: GRP. 
• Engine: 1 × 220 hp Mercruiser 4.3L MPI (2013). 
• Lying: River Itchen. 
• Berths: 3; Features: Cabin with sink, heads (Porta Potti); cockpit cover, swim platform, bimini. 
• Broker comments: “Looks great both inside and out … plenty spacious for a day out with friends and family … power to pull tubes and wake‑boards.” 

Why it’s good value:

• 2013 build gives you a newer boat than many in the used market in this size, meaning likely less deferred maintenance.
• 7 m gives solid space while still manageable; good for family day boating or overnight weekend trips.
• 220hp engine is a good balance of power to size: enough for dynamic day use without extreme fuel consumption of larger horsepower.
• Family‑friendly features (swim platform, bimini, cabin) increase versatility.

Summary & Recommendations

Each of these boats provides affordable entry into motor‑boating, but they suit different budgets and boating styles:

• Entry & compact day‑use: The Smartliner 22 Cuddy gives you a very recent boat with modern features, though at a price of £30k it’s near the top of our “affordable” segment.
• Versatile all‑rounder: The Jeanneau Cap Camarat 755 WA at ~£20k is a compelling value for someone wanting both day use and occasional overnighting, with good performance.
• Spacious family/wake‑boat option: The Stingray 225 CCR offers more size and versatility for £30k, ideal for families or mixed boating use (cruising + water sports).