For those who do not know me and wonder why i worry a lot there is a reason for this and it is some thing i live with every day of my life.
I am sorry for being a pain.
Troy
G'day Troy,
Just last year I took the plunge of buying my "own" first boat. Sure we'd had boats in the family before, but they were other people's (dad's, brother etc) and so it's still the big step. I did the same as you, did lots of research, listened to lots of people (in-the-know or not, opinions are all you can gauge). I had a preference for a particular boat manufacturer which helped narrow the field. I was shopping 2nd hand so it was a matter of making my mind up about the range of size in the style I wanted, and then waiting for a boat to come up. After about 3 or 4 boats that had promise (but I didn't buy), and then 1 boat I really wanted to buy and sold before I could see it (no regrets though !) the perfect boat came on the market (well for my current desires anyway ). I took all my research (and my head and heart) to inspect the boat, she was/is perfect and put a deposit on her on the spot.
So I ended up with a Quintrex FreedomSport 5.3 Bowrider MY06 and I couldn't be happier. Sure she's a bit stocky, maybe a bit lumpy compared to my other mate's glass boats, but she's just what I wanted and performing exactly how I envisaged (and I feel really safe in my boat, not that I ever want to test how boyuant she is upside down ! ). No boat is 100% perfect, but if it does everything you want it to do, then who cares what anyone else says about what else might've been better or different.
Grats on your new toy, go out and enjoy it and don't stress. The fish are waiting
Totally agree with those that have said "Stop researching and reading". Youve made your decision, now just plan on what fun youre going to have in it.
Ive bought two new boats, each one had critics galore on here. Always my mates, brothers, girlfriends, dad had one and it broke sort of stories. The stessco had so many bad reviews and stories I was wondering what Id done in buying it, but it was an awesome boat. No problems with the hull or welds, nothing. My current Tournament 1800 had mixed reviews and I actually had quite a few issues with it when new, but all were resolved with the manufacturer direct and now Im 100% satisified. Both boats have an Etec, again, lots of stories about Etec's, some maybe justified as Ive had some problems (dodgy injectors), but so do Mercury, Yammy etc. owners too! Again all were fixed under warranty.
Ever picked up a brochure and seen the TV you just bought for $500 cheaper? Course you have, we all have. But you've bought a oat from a builder who's been around for longer than most, and with all the criticism that goes on he wouldn't still be up in Bundy if he wasn't making a good boat. Like everyone is saying, put the anxiety aside, take her out, and enjoy. Good boat, good company, you're laughing.
Compared to what? A 40ft Blackwatch? yes it will be rough in comparison. A 4m stessle? It is absolute luxury in comparison.
There are a lot ofguys that will bag a plate ali boat as being harsh because it is plate ali. As has been mentioned there is no perfect boat.
I have been in a custom Seajay the fisheries used (5.3) which is built to essentially the same specs. For a plate boat of its size I was very impressed with both the ride and stability. The underfloor structure of the predakings is like a tank and for the amount of metal in it I think they are far from overpriced. If I was in the market for an 18ft plate boat the Predaking would be right at the top of my list I reckon.
Good buying mate- I garantee you'll love it.
Now Huminbird or Lowrance?
Congratulations on the new boat but its wrong to condemn people for offering a less than ideal opinion because it doesn't suit you. Don't feel bad about worrying on buying the boat either; its costing you many $$$s.
Hey Troy,
She will be a great rig for heading across Upstart Bay. What will you call her? When do we get some pics?
Mate i am not condeming people for there opinions but do you ever think of the damage that costs genuine boat Builders with some of the damaging comments made.
These Local Builders are trying to not only survive but to try and give us the best they can.
Feedom of speech is what we are fortunate to have but if people on Forums wish to rubbish a boat then i feel they should back it up with facts.
So my message is this and is simple produce the facts or if they cannot ignore them.
Troy
Troy a boat is no different than a car or a tv or a microwave ask 100 people for an opinion on any one of them and you will likely get 100 different points of view.
As for people bagging products if someone lets themselves be swayed by the opinion of 1 or 2 people who dont even own the product then they are a fool.
BOAT really does mean Bring out Another Thousand
I dont have ADHD......ohh look a squirrell !!!