Opinions on new boat

[Mikhail]

Need some advice on buying a NEW boat to fish Port Phillip Bay predominantly. Mainly fish with just one other but between the two of us we have 5 children who we also want to take out. Looking for a boat around 5m in length, most probably aluminium. Will put max horse power on it and looking to spend as close to $40k as possible. This therefore eliminates bigger boats. I have narrowed my search to the following:
- Quintrex 500 fishabout pro
- Surtees 495 workmate
- Stabicraft 1550 fisher
From my limited knowledge:
- Quintrex offers more space but I am uncertain how it will ride and at anchor?
- Surtees and Stabi will be more stable at rest and underway (I think they are more capable than the Quintrex 500) but smaller in size.
Have also looked at Formosa, but can’t seem to find much info on them. I plan to test drive the two I like the most one I have looked at them all. Is there anything else I should be considering? Please give a relative beginner a helping hand.
Thanks

[Leronzia]

Surtees or stabi.

Probs surtees

[bowl]

Surtees or stabi.

Probs surtees

Stabi m Surtees are small cuddies
I'd compare them these, one that come with side n clears
Keep everybody dry.

You could also get a Haines hunter 495 or Whittley 1600
For similar price

[Vargs]

I have the 510 Sea Spirit with a 90hp which I got as the kids like the cabin but I would go with the Fishabout as it gives more room at the back for fishing. The boat is terrific but the kids don't go as much as general fishing so the extra room at the back is probably better. The 5 m Quintrx has also been really good for towing the tube/kneeboard in the summer, probably the kids favorite thing to do.

[Mikhail]

Thanks all appreciate the help so far.

I’ve got a few more options now which is both helpful but also seems a little overwhelming. Not sure how to narrow down what is going to be best for me. I could forgo certain things to have a very capable boat on the water if that makes sense, so cuddy cabin is also an option.

If I chose a runabout id go for sides and clears As suggested. I’d probably like the space of a runabout but if there is a boat with a small cuddly I shouldn’t look past, then I’m open to it.

So I’ve added a couple to the list of potentials based on your recommendations:
Quintrex 510 pro fisher (roomy, but is it capable in the water?)
Surtees 495 workmate (maybe too small, but seems bullet proof and capable on the water)
Stabi 1550 fisher (maybe too small and costly)
Haines 495 F, pro fisher or cuddy model (looks a fair option in fibreglass)
MCLAY 521/571 (521 is a good price and looks to be well designed for fishing 571 is a bigger version which I am not opposed to depending on budget)


The McLay looks nice. The size 571 which is $43k could be achievable. Any knowledge of their setup.

Any comments on Quintrex vs Stacer vs Savage. If I was to choose between one for the style of boat I am looking at?

Love some further input. Want to make sure I get the best boat in my price range.

Thanks

[bowl]

Thanks all appreciate the help so far.

I’ve got a few more options now which is both helpful but also seems a little overwhelming. Not sure how to narrow down what is going to be best for me. I could forgo certain things to have a very capable boat on the water if that makes sense, so cuddy cabin is also an option.

If I chose a runabout id go for sides and clears As suggested. I’d probably like the space of a runabout but if there is a boat with a small cuddly I shouldn’t look past, then I’m open to it.

So I’ve added a couple to the list of potentials based on your recommendations:
Quintrex 510 pro fisher (roomy, but is it capable in the water?)
Surtees 495 workmate (maybe too small, but seems bullet proof and capable on the water)
Stabi 1550 fisher (maybe too small and costly)
Haines 495 F, pro fisher or cuddy model (looks a fair option in fibreglass)
MCLAY 521/571 (521 is a good price and looks to be well designed for fishing 571 is a bigger version which I am not opposed to depending on budget)


The McLay looks nice. The size 571 which is $43k could be achievable. Any knowledge of their setup.

Any comments on Quintrex vs Stacer vs Savage. If I was to choose between one for the style of boat I am looking at?

Love some further input. Want to make sure I get the best boat in my price range.

Thanks

Hey both McLay boats. New Zealand boat ,would need motor upgrades
Quintrex,Savage ,Stacer all made telwater.

[purple5ive]

Hey both McLay boats. New Zealand boat ,would need motor upgrades
Quintrex,Savage ,Stacer all made telwater.

motor upgrades for what?

[Mikhail]

Motor upgrades as in max HP? I’d like to put a Yamaha or Suzuki on any boat I buy.

I know Telwater make them all, but is any one better than the other?

[bowl]

Hey both McLay boats. New Zealand boat ,would need motor upgrades
Quintrex,Savage ,Stacer all made telwater.

motor upgrades for what?

Advertised McLay has 60 HP n 571 has 70hp.
Underpowered.

[Mikhail]

I’ll go max HP for sure on any boat I buy. So are you an advocate of Mclays bowl?

If telwater make Quintrex, Savage and Stacer. What’s the difference and which is best?