Which New Plate Aluminium Boat????

[T BONE]

Well since I have just about given up on spending money on cars after being endlessly stuffed around I have decided to put the savings towards something more fun & worth while (a long term better investment) + upgrading the 4.1m Stacer!

The old boy & I are going half's & are trying to figure out which one will be the best for us. Have a budget of around $40k -$50k max. & have rounded it down to a few -

At the moment its a toss up between the Barcrusher 530C $45K (possibly the 560c if we can get a good deal under 50k), Makocraft Canyon Runner 560 with all the bells & whistles $40k or a Razorline Eclipse Runabout 5.3m around 45k+ extras.

Does anyone own one of the above models or have a mate or whatever that has owned any of these boats & can give some feedback? Any help appreciated as its a task & a half trying to figure out/find the right one!

[Scott nthQld]

For that amount of dollars you should also look into the Formosa range, you might be able to get a good deal and pick a 580 CCab for a hair under 50k, or you could downsize a bit and go the 550. Great boats from what I've seen and been in.

Other than that, there's nothing I can add for the other models you are considering.

[FNQCairns]

Gee for me none of those, where are you and what do you want from the package?

cheers fnq

[T BONE]

Hi Iam located in Adelaide, so unfortunately the Formosa's are out as there are no dealers for these locally. Had a look at there website & must say the half cab version looks very similar to the Makocraft.

After something that can handle some rough weather if need be & provide a safe/soft dry ride, nothing really larger than 5.5-5.6mt due to storage requirements & budget. Will be wanting to do a variety of bay & mainly offshore fishing.

[FNQCairns]

Ok here are a few that will suit better IMO, largely because 5.5 is not a big boat: seafarer, Haines Hunter, Yalta and your home grown (I think) Northbank. Others might have some more, if you are after truly good boating those above are it for sure still there are others.

If you are dead set on aluminium plan to let some of the above overall quality of ride and on the water feel go, aluminium does have advantages, mostly near shore for knocks etc. I own a 6m alum so not blinded by either material.

cheers fnq

[White Pointer]

G'day,

Lots of good late model second-hand boats hitting the market now that things are tightening. Dealer floor plan financing has hit the skids this week so anything in dealer stock more than three months old deserves hard bargaining.

I don't know where you are but shop the whole east coast and be prepared to go and collect your new pride and joy or pay freight.

If you buy a new hull and then select engine and electronics you may be disappointed in the price because the A$ has lost 40% of its value in the last few weeks.

That's why I suggest near new. If you want new, be patient and watch the market.

Barcrusher is a good boat but if you're in QLD don't buy less than 5.6 and aim for 6.1. If you want the best plate boat of the lot, look at this

http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-fo...aspx?R=2968162

White Pointer

[MarkDiver]

Jeez, you're lucky having the cash and the choice! Great stuff.
I did have to laugh at your thinking that buying a boat could ever be a 'long term better investment'??? How many boats have you had. You may be in for a surprise unless you were joking of course.
I have to agree totally with White Pointer, look outside the box and be prepared to travel or have a boat delivered. You're chasing a good deal so you must be prepared to negotiate and look further afield. Transport isn't that much when you're talking ~$50K boats.
I have no other valid suggestions on boat choice, I'll leave that to the pro's. Good luck.

[Noelm]

why not give a sponsor a try (Fisher Boats) they support the site, offer free advice to members they have never met, and I am yet to hear a bad report on one of their products (I do not own a Fisher, so this is not some sort of add for them)

[Mindi]

Shouldnt comment because it isnt my price bracket but I am only a firm Formosa fan but will only buy one because I cant afford a Fisher. The more I see them the more I drool....no axe to grind either so dont care that they are local or that they support the forum...they just work for me.

[Noelm]

that's fine Mindi and I agree, (not about the Formosa thing) but this guy is just starting his search, so I was just suggesting why not at least give him/them a crack at his request? no one is forced to buy anything just because they sponsor the site, but if all things work out, then it can only be a good thing for us all.

[T BONE]

Thanks for the replies/info so far, have taken the Makocraft out of equation as to be honest the finish on it was very average i.e welding, fittings & general look e.t.c. (hence the cheaper price tag)

MarkDiver - Its been a long time coming & we have been wanting a new boat for around 10 + yrs! Yeah I was only joking when I said 'a long term better investment' but when you compare them to a car that Ive spent close to the same amount on & would be struggling to get half of it back they may hold there value a little better! I have had two boats so far (14ft fibreglass & a Stacer 14ft aluminium) & the oldmans built a 22ft half cab. in the past. Whichever boat we go with we will be keeping for a very long time & dont plan on up-grading anytime soon, hence the reason on making 100% sure we make the right decision!

We are limited in our storage space so a cuddy cab would be perfect & nothing over the 5.6mt is about it. The thing we like about the Barcrusher is everything folds down nicely & the on trailer specs. fit our storage needs (just).

Will check out the Fisher range too!

[Mindi]

that's fine Mindi and I agree, (not about the Formosa thing) but this guy is just starting his search, so I was just suggesting why not at least give him/them a crack at his request? no one is forced to buy anything just because they sponsor the site, but if all things work out, then it can only be a good thing for us all.

Oh absolutely Noel I wasnt being critical of you suggesting them...just thinking how good a Fisher would be.... whether they were a sponsor or not. Must have expressed myself badly...Cheers...(another Lotto ticket then off to see Col..haha)

[ozbee]

cant work out why you would want to buy new when you can get twice the boat with practically no hours on it as the economy starts to bite. some of the best buying bargain in thirty years will pop up soon

[backlash08]

barcrusher are a quality boat, have owned a 560 and was very happy with it (for a 5.6M boat) now I have a fisher, if you can get a fisher you would but there is a difference in price but worth asking Col for a view for sure
cheers - Craig

[nigelr]

Hey T Bone, where you are you could tap into the WA market.
Some lovely platies made over in the west!
Alufarm are made in your own State, I believe.
Goolwacraft if you are up for glass.
Having said this, have to agree 100% with ozbees' comment.
Enjoy your purchase mate!