With this month’s budget reaching £3,000 the scope for new boats inevitably gets a little wider. What follows are three of the very best ways of getting afloat on a modest budget . . .

Kiwi (and even idiot) proof!

Our final suggestion is the Smartwave 3500, an all-purpose craft from Marine Revolution. We can assure you that these Kiwi-built poly boats are the nearest thing you will find to a completely indestructible craft for the leisure market. The only maintenance they need is a wash down with a bucket of water every now and again. But the joy of these craft is not so much that they are tough, or even that they are unsinkable. It’s the fact they only need low horsepower engines to go like stink. For instance, a Smartwave 3500 will happily plane with two people aboard, with just a 6hp Tohatsu outboard on the transom. On the other hand, you could fit a 15hp outboard and enjoy sufficient performance to pull a skier.

Back in the realms of everyday common sense, a Smartwave 3500, ready to go (complete with the latest cushion kit and a 6hp Tohatsu), could be yours for £2,795. That even saves you enough money to put a big chunk towards a trailer. What more can you ask? Take a look at the boat in action via the video link on the Marine Revolution website. Chances are you’ll be impressed.

Marine Revolution: 01382 552 555 / www.marinerevolution.com