Looking for first boat
Posted: Sun May 29, 2022 8:29 pm
G'day all,
I have been a long time lurker as I always felt i had much more to learn than i could ever give to this forum, but the time has come to finally ask for your opinions.
Firstly an introduction of myself. After a 15+ year break from fishing, i finally rediscovered my passion for it like i had back in my teens years.
Over the last couple of years i have progressed from land based fishing, to kayak fishing and now that my 2 sons are showing interest in it, hiring rental boats and getting my boat license. The time has finally come to start looking for our own boat to further (hopefully) carry on this family hobby.
As i have been looking at boats / prices over the last 6 months, i see that the used boat market is as inflated as used cars, but still have the itch to purchase my first boat.
Currently my list of requirements in a boat are as follows;
- 4-4.5m tinnie (as i know i will probably put a few dings into it as i learn)
- Tiller steer for space - forward control for comfort
- Suitable for primarily PPB but wouldn't mind exploring WP in the future
- Capable of seating 4 for bay cruising and able to fish 2 people comfortably / 3 at push
- Future accessories will include proper padded seats and a bimini top
- 20hp - 40hp preferably 2 stroke (for cost and ease of servicing)
Hopefully i am on the right track for this?
As with everyone looking for their first boat, i have gone through the increasing my budget process. Started looking for the cheapest affordable boats around $5k, to then increase to $10K budget in hopes of getting something better. Now i am starting to push my budget into the $10k - $15k area hoping of something good. I see alot of used boats being 15+ years old in the $8k - $13k price range that get me interested but not overly impressed. Question is, at what point do i bite the bullet and buy a new boat package like a Quintrex 390 Outback Explorer for $15k to then add the extras over time compared to a used boat for $8k -$13k that will still need some extra's added to it but also might be inheriting problems?
One boat i currently have my eye on ticks somemy requirements around the $8k price, but a pic of the motor has me concerned. I have yet to inspect this boat and am hopeful of doing so this week. What are your thoughts on the signs of rust on this picutre, am i better to run away from this or is it not a big of an issue and i am assuming?
Your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated
Cheers,
Kegga
I have been a long time lurker as I always felt i had much more to learn than i could ever give to this forum, but the time has come to finally ask for your opinions.
Firstly an introduction of myself. After a 15+ year break from fishing, i finally rediscovered my passion for it like i had back in my teens years.
Over the last couple of years i have progressed from land based fishing, to kayak fishing and now that my 2 sons are showing interest in it, hiring rental boats and getting my boat license. The time has finally come to start looking for our own boat to further (hopefully) carry on this family hobby.
As i have been looking at boats / prices over the last 6 months, i see that the used boat market is as inflated as used cars, but still have the itch to purchase my first boat.
Currently my list of requirements in a boat are as follows;
- 4-4.5m tinnie (as i know i will probably put a few dings into it as i learn)
- Tiller steer for space - forward control for comfort
- Suitable for primarily PPB but wouldn't mind exploring WP in the future
- Capable of seating 4 for bay cruising and able to fish 2 people comfortably / 3 at push
- Future accessories will include proper padded seats and a bimini top
- 20hp - 40hp preferably 2 stroke (for cost and ease of servicing)
Hopefully i am on the right track for this?
As with everyone looking for their first boat, i have gone through the increasing my budget process. Started looking for the cheapest affordable boats around $5k, to then increase to $10K budget in hopes of getting something better. Now i am starting to push my budget into the $10k - $15k area hoping of something good. I see alot of used boats being 15+ years old in the $8k - $13k price range that get me interested but not overly impressed. Question is, at what point do i bite the bullet and buy a new boat package like a Quintrex 390 Outback Explorer for $15k to then add the extras over time compared to a used boat for $8k -$13k that will still need some extra's added to it but also might be inheriting problems?
One boat i currently have my eye on ticks somemy requirements around the $8k price, but a pic of the motor has me concerned. I have yet to inspect this boat and am hopeful of doing so this week. What are your thoughts on the signs of rust on this picutre, am i better to run away from this or is it not a big of an issue and i am assuming?
Your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated
Cheers,
Kegga