Boat Shopping - Please Help

[Lacoster]

Hey guys,

Im in the market for a new boat and my first boat. I have a budget of around $25,000. The boat does not need to be new but Id like something near new. What I am looking at doing is using this boat to fish close reef's off the goldy as well as Jumpin pin and the boradwater and seaway. I have been looking at the Makocraft 470 Mako Frenzy, so any boat of the like or other recommendation would be greatly appreciated. Hope to hear some interesting opinions soon :)

Joey

[Spaniard_King]

IMO buy something thats a couple of years old with a four stroke. You should get a good boat for that sort of $$$ New boats can be expensive and unles you have a good knowledge of what you will need..like lights anchors safety gear , Elec tronics etc you can easily blow your budget away where as buying second hand most boats will already be equipped.

Cheers

Garry

[peterbo3]

I am with Garry. Look for an older hull in good condition. You need to be patient & take someone with you who is "boat smart". ALWAYS get the donk, hull & trailer checked by a professional. Sea trial is a must. Make it a long one.
Cruise the boat yards for an indication of retail prices then hit the Trading Post to see what the boat is really worth. Money does not talk, it screams.

[Noelm]

not too sure I really full agree with the "get something a couple of years old with a 4 stroke!" not saying do not get one nor do I want to start a 2 V 4 war, but almost ANYTHING a couple of years old will be OK 2 stroke or 4 stroke, and 25 grand will be getting close to newish in that size, so just be patient, look around at what you really need, as distinct form what you want or think you need, the best way I find for the "newbie" is to make a list of what you will really use the boat for like any skiing? only fishing, towing long distance on holidays, all that sort of stuff, then start to look at what fits the top couple of uses, then start to compromise on the less possible uses, and do not skimp on a scrappy trailer, nothing takes the fun out of boating more than a sh!t trailer.

[Noelm]

probably should have added that on the list of "needs" do not forget how many will be boating with you mostly, like just you and a mate, then centre console, you and your Wife, then need a windscreen and seats, you and wife and kids, more seats and so on, but, be HONEST when making up the list, because you are not getting an Ocean Liner, so a lot of stuff will just not be practical.

[Lacoster]

Hey guys,

I guess I was looking more for a particular boat recommendation. As far as what I will do doing with the boat ill give you some more detail. I drive a Jeep Wrangler - dont hold that against me......I am single and it will mainly be a fishing boat with the occasional cruise here and there but not looking for anything with a cuddy or cabin. Hope this helps you guys make some recommendations.

Joey

[saltchaser]

lacoster or is that lancaster stessl bluewater 4.80 is the boat ya need running a90 yamaha offshore and ya estury frustratacion

[Lovey80]

Webster twinfisher 4.9 Centre Consol or Bass Master. Good allrounder IMHO. Stable as they come, light considering the size, adn there's only one engine to consider compared to the larger cats. New theyre around 33k fitted out i think so a couple of years old in good nick should go close or get them down to that. Chances are like mine someone will have bought clears for it for those days it does get nasty. Mine is 4.3m and done some offroad work so she's not pretty but solid allround fishing boat. Check this thread out here.

http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/showthread.php?t=111617&highlight=D+day+arrives

Cheers Chris

[45scape]

Check out Seascape boats made on the gold coast by TABS. I purchased a Seascape 4.52 frontier side console with a 50hp E-Tec including live bait tank and sounder ready to go for a touch under 22k. The boat is a heavy boat for its size weighing just over 400kg due to its 4mm bottom and 3mm side sheets. The boat regulary travels to cook island with ease and will have no worries venturing to 5 and possibly 9 mile. They also do full height transoms with pods which i would probably reccomend if your keen to go outside regulary.

[Lacoster]

Hey 45scape, I have had a look at Seascape now and dont mind the 485 Kingfisher in a side console. Thanks for the advice.......I think im going to dabble at the up and coming boat show on the goldy and see what the boats are like in the flesh. Any other suggestions greatly appreciated....keep em coming :)