We have only been boating for 2 years now so our experience in different boats is pretty limited. I'll be doing a lot of research on whats out there but I'd love to hear some of your thoughts / suggestions on what might suit our requirements. I'm sure there are some makes out there that I have never heard off and are just as good as some of the more popular boats like the HH's.
A rundown on what we wan't out of the boat:
- budget / 25-50k
larger fishing space than what we currently have
5.5m - 7m
comfortable for trips across the bay, I.e Frankston to St Leonards
comfortable doing some offshore work
preferably 4 stroke motor
predominantly a boat that's great to fish out of but is also comfortable for the old man/wife when they want some down time
I wan't to take my little boy out with us when he is ready (1 at the moment) so something that he will be comfortable in
safe and reliable
good, sturdy hull, happy to add "fishing" modifications but don't really want to be fixing boat/motor issues
To sum it all up the main goal is to find a boat that is more comfortable to fish from, suitable for the family, reliable and well built. Price wise we wan't to spend as little as possible but not to the point where we get a boat that we aren't confident in. The only reason I have put 25k as a start is to not discount any boats that may be just as good as the ones in higher range.
I like the look of the Cruise Craft 575 Explorers (2003-2009) and they seem to tick all the boxes. I've also looked at the Whitley Sea Legend's which seem nice but generally not in as good nick. The Haines Hunters that I sat in at the boat show (new boats) weren't to comfortable in the skippers seat as I am fairly tall/broad shoulders and I found I felt a bit cramped in.
I'd love to know what I am looking for so that we can snap up any bargains that come up over the next 4-6 months.
Thank's Gents.