Members are concerned the �2.5m price tag is too high and that alternatives need to be found.

But the Isle of Sark Ferry Company, which operates the current service, is worried that delaying the purchase is a false economy as shipyard prices rise.

Glen Drake, a company director, believes alternative proposals will not be as suitable.

He said: "We've been designing this boat now for in excess of two years and we sincerely feel this is the right boat to service Sark in the long-term - summer and winter.