Seafarer, Freedom Escape, Signature

[blackjack]

First timer for just about everything on here, though I've been reading these pages pretty closely for a while and picking up more tips than I ever thought I'd need to know!!! I've done hours of research - but it's all been on the internet not on the water! DOH!!!

Now I need some help deciding on a first boat. After much reading, and no experience , we're getting a bit closer to buying something.

It's really just for me and the wife, but our older daughters may like to come out with us sometimes, we hope. They like to have a bit of a tow around and a laugh.

Our main need is for a boat that is an all rounder - bit of cruising around the lake, the harbour and the odd trip outside.

Fishing is high on the agenda - the missus loves fishing!!! ; the possibility of sleeping on board for an overnighter is there; and just a bit of sightseeing and exploring the waterways mainly around Port Stephens, NSW.

So we need a bit of space to throw down a mattress, we need all over cover and we have got limited funds and a 2006 Honda CRV to tow her - legal for 1500kgs.

Choices at the moment:

1. Seafarer Venus 5.0m - 2002 model; Johnson Oceanpro 90 - 200 hrs work; full covers etc.
2. Freedom Escape 5.3m - 2007 model; Yamaha 90 - 10 hrs work; bimini and clears only.
3. Seafarer Viking 5.5m - 2000 model; Evinrude 115 - 49 hrs work; dealer offering brand new full covers; already has bimini.
4. Haines Signature 5.3m - 2004 model 530C; Johnson saltwater 115 - 100hrs work; bimini and side clears.
5. Mustang 1600 Tournament - new boat package with Mercury 90 Optimax; no covers

I am pretty keen on the Seafarer's based on their reputation. I would like to know your comments on them and the kind of money you reckon is fair for each/any of these.

And of course I wanna know if I'm missing something and you have a better suggestion!

Rough prices for the above being asked are:

1. Venus - 28.5k
2. Escape - 25k
3. Viking - 32k
4. Signature - 32.5k
5. Mustang - 27k

I didn't really want thave to borrow too much more than 25, but I can see that there are some advantages in what's a bit dearer. Anyway, over to you folks. It'd be great to get some feedback from the people who know.

Cheers, Jack

[Outsider1]

Hi Jack,

in order my preferences would be;

1. Viking
2. Signature
3. Freedom Escape
4. Venus
5. Mustang

Careful on the overall weight of the Viking/Trailer with full fuel and gear etc, it might get close to your 1500kg limit, but other than that it is the standout fishing boat in this group. And also has enough comforts including a fold up rear lounge for the non fishing days. The 115 Evinrude was also the ideal power option when they were new.

Haines Signature are a quality boat but the 530c is not quite as good as the Viking for fishing IMO.

The Freedom is the value for money entry here.

Good luck and good fishing.

Cheers

Dave

[Chimo]

Hi Jack

Either of the Seafarers or the Haines will probably hold their value better.

The newer direct injection motors are worth more and will hold their value better. On the other hand the older two strokes are cheaper and have by now probably done most of their depreciating. Maybe its line ball but again its back to whos going to service it.

Pay a fair bit of attention to the trailer too. You want to be able to get the boat on and off with the minimum of hassel to you and yours.

Possibly the primary question to be resolved is who is to service you boat motor. Notwithstanding personal preference having a trusted, experienced, skilled and qualified tech to look after the motor should the first thing you sort out. This person will then assist you with motor and with 2nd hand, the boat too. Cannot emphasise this enough. All your other issues will melt away if you get this right.

Do make sure you get test runs in the ones your interested in preferably in foul, wet and windy conditions to see how they ride and handle, if the covers leak and if so how much and importantly how well the launch and retrive goes with the trailer being sold with the boat in tough conditions.

BM has a "Guide to Buying Secondhand Boats" that you should also use to assist you. PM him if he does not contribute to the thread.

Hope this is some help

Cheers
Chimo

[FNQCairns]

Will you ever poke your head out the mouth and travel to the islands? or will you stick to sheltered waterways?

It gets pretty cold in PS when the southerlys not to mention a normal winter temps I spent lots of time shivering in my boat chasing jewfish there.

The bays water can roughen up enough to thoroughly wet a family.

I would go for any one of those boats if I had a tape measure to nail down usable room and as long as it also has usable shelter, it can be miserable for a family when they are trying to do what many blokes just take for granted
Probably worth obtaining a weigh bridge certificate on any of those boats just to be sure esp the 5.5m but not just tow weight, lot's of packages (even secondhand) their trailers can be rated illegally, you will know for sure then.

cheers fnq

[mirage]

Hi Jack,

I used to have a Freedom Seasport. (6.4m) They are a sound boat but built to a price. I thought it was too light for serious offshore work. For mainly bay work the Freedom would be great, especially if that yamaha is a 4stk. But if you are going to go offshore more often then, as previously said, the Seafarer Viking would be the standout fishing boat. Just have to decide how much Offshore work you reckon you would do and if you want what is basically a brand new boat (with warranty on the motor) or an 8 year old boat??
Good luck, Scotty.

[Jabba_]

The Viking has got to be on top off the list, Great hull, great reputation, Great outsider (for it's size). and loads off room to fish from.. You will also find from you list the Viking will be the best riding boat off them all.... 3 reasons for this. Hull design, Length and weight...

The information that Outsider and Chimo have given you is spot on...

also to consider is resale... All Seafarer's hold there value very well, unless it has been abuse and left to rot...... They are also built extremely strong

[ozscott]

I can vouch for their strength. My 1970s Vag has an insane amount of glass in it. The transom is half an inch thick solid glass. The dash is the same. The foredeck is over an inch of glass and wood. The floor feels like concrete and runs twin stringers down to the transom with fuel tanks amidships running fore and aft.

Cheers

[tenzing]

Agree with all of the above. viking would be the stand out first choice.
May go very close to the weight thogh on trailer with fuel and gear.
The seafarer is an arguably better hull and I think you'd notice the difference in ride.
I tested one like you described before I got the victory and it went for $30k.
Brendan

[backlash08]

Hard to go past the viking, the seafarer is a good thing, had one and it was a great overall boat for its size

[Ocean_Spirit]

Yep, Seafarer all the way.

Strongest, best built, best finished and best performing hull. The Venus is a great little family boat, but the Viking offers a lot in the way of offshore ability and cockpit room.

Down the track, you could always consider upgrading the engine, the hull is built to last. As said, best engine for the Viking is a 115.

What you find is that you'll start with the 5.0Mtr, and end up with a 6.0Mtr Victory or Vermont, then if you're keen, you'll probably wind up in a Vagabond or Voyager. Seems to be the 'Seafarer owner's' trend!

[Spaniard_King]

Jack,

I have concerns over the seafarer and the signature being under 1500 kg's. both well built hulls and none lacking in strength. But I seriouly doubt you would keep both these rigs under 1500 kg's when loaded up with fuel and gear.

The seafarer for me would be the best of that bunch.

[blackjack]

Apologies in advance. I don't know my way around this site yet, but I want to thank all responders sincerely for their comments. (Thought I had. - but now don't know.)It's just great to get really useful feedback and ideas to think about.

Outsider 1. Dave, thanks mate. Your ability to look at the values and come up with a list shows clear vision and thoughtfulness. Yes, the $ choice is tough, but my gut feeling is I've waited so long to own a boat, it's fair to pick a solid one, not just on price. Let the bank worry about it.

Chimo, good thoughts on the motors and the advice about the mechanic. We're going for a test run tomorrow on Lake Macquarie and the conditions may not be ideal - we hope. I'll post my reactions when I can. We're gonna use our CRV to tow the boat a short distance and do the dropping and picking up. Could be revealing. Also Is BM a member of this site (for the second hand boat guide? ) Could you please clarify that for me? Cheers.

FNQ, Yea mate. Planning to be able to take a trip every time I feel like it out to Broughton Island. After looking at that place from the shoreline for the past 25 yrs, I'm planning to enjoy it as much as possible!! Reliable, wll known dealer overestimated the weight, but good to check on things all the same.

Mirage, Scotty. Thanks for your on his tee mate. The Viking was owned by a local doctor who has never really had the time to play with it, poor b. Hence the low motor use at only 49 hours for 8 yrs. The boat itself looks to be in great nick, the trailer is a spanker and with new clears and storm cover it looks as tho' I've already made up my mind.

Jabba, yea the resale value on the Seafarers looks to be pretty good. I've been lookin' and they are hard to find. I saw a 91 model with original johno 90 motor and trailer recently for 13K. I've got to tell you that the hull was in great shape, the motor - well it's had it's day prolly, and the trailer would need replacing sooner than later too. New motor and she'd be a beauty.

Ozscott, Tenzing, Clee, Ocean Spirit and Spaniard Your posts combine to build a pretty grand picture and consolidate my gut feeling. Ocean, my wife has seen the post and she is already ready to go for the big buggers. So stfup!!! Laughter all around.

Sh_t. I can see a bigger loan looming..........^^^^^^$$$$

Jack. (and Jen)

[Chimo]

Hi Jack and Jen

Check out the Seafarer Victory, even with a 150 HP its a great rig with good bunks and a lot of space and v good resale. The 5.9 m older versions have the same hull as the Vermont, another great boat and the 6.0 m Victory is the later version

Yes BM is a member

to wit from another thread

Cheers
Chimo
( Happy Vagabond Owner )

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Re: 2nd Hand boat inspections (pre purchase) NEED HELP !!
I could help you if you were in Melb but I don't know anyone who could assist up your way.

Try a local marine mechanic, but make sure he understands trailers and hulls and perhaps not so obviously, engines of ALL brands.....

You should easily find something in your budget but careful selection will be required. I wish I could help more, but I can't. Although, I will be transiting through Brisbane very soon on my way to the Solomons for a big repair job and will be back through Bris a few days later in these early stages of the job.

Cheers
Buying a USED boat?? You NEED my "Boat Inspections Made Easy" manual. PM for details

[tenzing]

Hey Blackjack,
1. Very comprehensive reply to the posts.
2. You dont find many unhappy seafarer owners( unless they're forced to sell)

Brendan(very satisfied seafarer owner)

PS. WELCOME

[TimiBoy]

Hi Jack and Jen

Check out the Seafarer Victory, even with a 150 HP its a great rig with good bunks and a lot of space and v good resale. The 5.9 m older versions have the same hull as the Vermont, another great boat and the 6.0 m Victory is the later version

My thoughts exactly. Borrow more. You might get into an older one for 40 or so, and it would be well worth it. But obviously affordability is not info we have!

I don't have one, but I nearly did, they are hard to go past for quality and ride, and you'll get most of your money back at the other end. I went bigger in the end, just had to wait a while....

Cheers,

Tim