Need help buying u new boat.

[Jake Jacobson]

Been looking at a heap of boats from deep v tinnes to plate to fiberglass and cant make up my mind!! I like river fishing abd also like going offshore. I've been looking at pro-line, hooker, grady-white and cougar crafts for variety. I'm looking to spend around 50k. Does anyone know any names of boats to have a look at?????

Thanks heaps

[frogfuzz]

Hi Jake

I've got a 509 Stabi - she is just shallow enough to get through .4 of a meter of water, yet so stable enough that I can stand on top of her gunwale and barely tilt the boat (I'm 95kg's) - all with a 17 degree deadrise. She can also handle waves over the bow when crossing a bar with confidence (had the experience when I misjudged a wave)

Being a "rigid inflatable" some say they are ugly - I say they are one of the safest boats on the market, and in tinny terms one of the dryest (even more so than many glass rigs), and soft riding for a tinny around the 5m mark or less. Mine cost around what you want to spend (40k fully set up - but that was over 18 months ago). The air sea rescue lads tend to give the rig an approving glance when I pass them. They know a safe boat when they see one!

I have had a few issues though, not with the boat itself, but rather with the Australian made products and services that came with it, and how they were set up by the dealer.

She is my second boat, and for what I paid, v's what some of the big tinny and even glass producers offer; I'm sold on my Stabicraft. It is a "workboat" though - its no "showpony". I happily go out 100km offshore in her, and done the trip back home once in 25-30 knot winds - slow and bumpy but I felt safe the whole time.

For the money you are spending - go a plate boat from a reputable manufacturer. The massed produced boats IMHO just don't compare (mind you, Bush n Beach reviewed a nice looking Sea Jay in this months issue). If you want looks and comfort - go a glass boat.

[Chamelion]

You're making me drool frogfuzz... Just like "ugly" dogs, I find the stabicraft visually gorgeous... I long to own one. :)

Matt.