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Thread: Boat size for FNQ

  1. #1

    Boat size for FNQ

    I'd like to know your thoughts on a suitable size boat for fishing the reefs off Townsville as I might be heading that way this year or next. I would like to buy a CC 625 Outsider and firstly would like to know if it's too small or about the right size.

    Cheers,

    Wags

  2. #2
    Ausfish Addict disorderly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    In the Jungle/Mission Beach Hinterland

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    Didn't it win boat of the year a few years back?
    If you were to ask Troy , he'd say that they handled the NQ 2 foot chop pretty well,I reckon........Do you remember that thread?...lol

    Seriously though Wags,that's the size and type of boat you would want for getting out 100 k's or so to the wider reefs off Townsville....

    Scott

  3. #3

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    yep good choice there mate, it would be near perfect for conditions up here. Just wish I had the money to buy one, then I'd be set.

  4. #4

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    Thats a perfect size for the waters up north........ Have fun.... I was up that way last year (Mackay).... But I recon the fishing is better at Townsville, and the Barrier is not as far out then it is at Mackay....

  5. #5

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    but if you keep heading north to Cairns, the reef is like 30km offshore, about half of what the distance from Townsville is

  6. #6
    Ausfish Addict disorderly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    In the Jungle/Mission Beach Hinterland

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    Quote Originally Posted by Scott nthQld View Post
    but if you keep heading north to Cairns, the reef is like 30km offshore, about half of what the distance from Townsville is
    Scott the closest reefs off Mission here start about 35 k's out but they are pretty flogged out...why?... because when it's calm every man and his dog with a 4.5 tinny and bigger heads there....I have to go wider to get consistent catch's...45-70 km's out.....Same story off Cairns I think.
    And yes I'm with you...I'd trade the 525 stacer in a heartbeat if I had the money to buy and run a 575-625 CC and we had a pontoon at the ramp....

    Hey Jabba....when did they let you out of the doghouse,mate.
    Hows the boat going?

    Scott

  7. #7
    Ausfish Silver Member GAD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Gordonvale

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    I have a 5m bowrider I take out from Cairns when ever I can, I go out 80 -90 km sometimes pick your day ,AND IF IT BLOWS UP HEAD IN, , but when its blowing as it is now I wish I had a 6 -7m centre cab .

    Greg

  8. #8

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    Wags what sort of boat owner are you??, if you are the fair weather variety of which I have now solidly become a true 6+ is a comfortable minimum, will pay you back with a couple of extra hours outside before give up the bite and pull anchor.

    If you are the type that will head out near anytime (within reason), can handle being anchored in 1.8m+ short period waves with flow and a 20kn wind each at an angle then a boat as big as you can transport and afford to buy and run (longboat even) would be an ideal choice for up here.

    The bloody trade winds never stop

    cheers fnq
    Last edited by FNQCairns; 24-05-2008 at 06:27 PM.



  9. #9

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    The boat of choice will be the cruisecraft 625 outsider. My back won't put up with a tincan anymore. I just have to get back to work to finance it.

  10. #10

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    Quote Originally Posted by disorderly View Post
    Scott the closest reefs off Mission here start about 35 k's out but they are pretty flogged out...why?... because when it's calm every man and his dog with a 4.5 tinny and bigger heads there....I have to go wider to get consistent catch's...45-70 km's out.....Same story off Cairns I think.
    And yes I'm with you...I'd trade the 525 stacer in a heartbeat if I had the money to buy and run a 575-625 CC and we had a pontoon at the ramp....

    Hey Jabba....when did they let you out of the doghouse,mate.
    Hows the boat going?

    Scott
    Thursday 22nd.....
    Un-called for in my opinion.... I only told a member he was a narrow minded peanut brain, and I got banned...

    The boat going great.... Just wish I could get out more often....

  11. #11

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    Quote Originally Posted by wags on the water View Post
    The boat of choice will be the cruisecraft 625 outsider. My back won't put up with a tincan anymore. I just have to get back to work to finance it.
    I went out to the 36's 6 weeks ago in a 625 outsider... Beautiful boat, well layed out but but it pounded into a head swell, and if your back is a problem I would look at the Hains Hunter 650 patriot or the Seafarer Vagabond..

  12. #12
    Ausfish Addict Chimo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Gold Coast

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    And when / if you choose a Vagabond make sure you fit lenco (or similar) trim tabs to get the best ride out of the hull as the deep vee needs to kept upright so you knife thru rather than smack waves on the shoulders.

    Probably the same could / should be said for most deep vee hulls. Don't waste you money on tabs on a stacer or similar hull - just get someone else to drive and you stand as far back as you can with you knees bent; you know the stance.

    I must confess that the vag does do well in rough water as long as you keep the bow up esp if you slow down too much or you get a wet nose.

    Good to see the old yella back on the scene; there was something I was going to ask you but as a GOM its gone just now.

    Cheers
    Chimo
    What could go wrong.......................

  13. #13

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    Hey Chimo all 3 boats I went out on had trim tabs and boy do they make a world off differance..... I also went out on a 680 Patriot, that boat has been boat tested by a Magizine... The first time out the tabs wern't working and ride was horrid to say the least. But with the tabs working, it was so much smoother.... If I was making the choice I would go the Vagabond. It may not look as good as the other 2, but it had the smoothest ride and it waas also the most stable out off the 3, plus including the 680 patriot...

    Yeah I found the Vaga was a little wetter then the Patriot and Outsider... But that is something I don't mind trading for a smooth ride and stablility at rest.... Besides a binimi and clears will deal with any spray that comes off the bow...

    Chimo, you have a foil in you cav plate.... How does that affect you boat in a following sea???

  14. #14

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    Quote Originally Posted by FNQCairns View Post
    Wags what sort of boat owner are you??, if you are the fair weather variety of which I have now solidly become a true 6+ is a comfortable minimum, will pay you back with a couple of extra hours outside before give up the bite and pull anchor.

    If you are the type that will head out near anytime (within reason), can handle being anchored in 1.8m+ short period waves with flow and a 20kn wind each at an angle then a boat as big as you can transport and afford to buy and run (longboat even) would be an ideal choice for up here.

    The bloody trade winds never stop

    cheers fnq
    Listen to FNQ get a longboat you won't ever be sorry... just so happens I know of a good one at a givaway price

    SL
    IFISHCQ2

  15. #15

    Re: Boat size for FNQ

    Got a mate up at Cardwell whos got a 26ft longboat and it rides the messy chop and swell really well.

    Not the quickest but sure is a smooth ride.

    Cheers

    Jim

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