I need your help with boat choice...

[ChrisAbout]

Given your offshore requirements I would be looking for a bigger boat.

But the best of your current list is the haines hunter and signatures.

Tandem trailers are advisable for glass boats 17ft plus.

A bigger boat for under $30k?

[ChrisAbout]

I could extend my budget and get something like this 22ft Trophy...
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/carrum-d ... 1100673034

[Lightningx]

For what you want to do, serious offshore fishing for tunas, Marlins etc the bigger the better mate.

[scott__henning]

I could extend my budget and get something like this 22ft Trophy...
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/carrum-d ... 1100673034

Jump on that one, ask for a test run or at least an inspection, the trophies are pretty good boats.

[Tackleberry]

150 hp is a bit light for a 22' boat

[ChrisAbout]

Thanks Scott - had a look at it this morning. pretty run down and the guy wants $33K firm. Engine is pretty tired too.

The thing is I don't really have a fishing partner, would you guys go out off the continental shelf alone in the boat and without any other boats around? The idea gives me goose bumps I have to admit.

The more I think about it the more I realize I might in fact just go out for tuna/marlin 2-3 times per year, in which case I may be better off to use a charter and not have to worry about buying expensive off-shore tackle

So, if I was to just fish the bays (WP and PPB) with the occasional Kingfish run out of the WP Entrance or the Heads, would a sub 5.5m boat be sufficient?

[scott__henning]

I think that you will find that if you have a boat that is capable, you will do more offshore fishing.

Another part of that is if you have a capable boat, finding crew isn't all that hard

Plenty of seafarers and Haines 5.5-6m boats in that $30k range, or ally boats if you prefer (but for a 15 year old boat you would look to firberglass probably)

I.e this one: http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-for-s ... -FISHERMAN

Those 90's hulls in the seafarers and Haines are well sought after because they were the best, I wouldn't rull out older boats, especially if it comes with a newish motor.

[Fish-Hunter]

Revival boats are made by Sam Catanese formally Stejcraft boats, or at least used to be.

[ChrisAbout]

Thats a good find Scott. Thanks

[ChrisAbout]

Saw this one today. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-view-detail ... 1106564114

Owner willing to go as low as $27k. Boat is spotless and so is trailer. Needs anchor winch and side covers.

Dont like the engine being 2 stroke though.