5.2 metre centre console. Which one to buy?

[Toygut]

Looking at upsizing from my Stacer Sea Master 455 to a 520 or 550 centre console. I have considered and enquired about the following; Formosa Classic 520 and 550 CC, Clarke Abalone 515 and 545 CC, Quinny Renegade 520 CC, and have done a little bit of reading on the Bluefins. My budget sits around the 34,000 mark for a boat motor trailer combo, i'm pretty keen on either an e-tec or suzi 4 stroke around the 90-115hp. I have not operated any of them, so unsure about their performance.

I live in Townsville, so it gets a little messy at times with chop coming in from everywhere as opposed to big swell down south. So something that can take the short sharp stuff.

Any suggestion on any of the above or even different combos out there, very keen to hear/read about it! Thanks

[Camhawk88]

Mate any tinny sub 6 m up here will feel the chop. Some will deal with it better than others but. Have you considered getting something bigger in the second hand market? There is some great stuff around at the moment well under you budget that would be a better option than those mentioned. What are your plans for the boat? Any reef trips or just creek/bay/island work?

[RayLamp]

A guide up in Townsville has a Polycraft with a Suzuki 115hp on the back. I've been in it a few times out to the reef and it handles things quite well. It can get a bit wet, but you get that.

It would be similar to this http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-fo...&Ridx=1&eapi=2

[Fish Face]

Hey mate. Have you considered a glass boat ? I've just ordered a Bonito 560 tiller steer. They're a beautiful boat. Custom build so they're happy to work with your needs. They do a centre console too and it looks sweet. They're starting mine tomorrow. I've been through all the prices with them and I know they'll suit your budget. Top quality build and they're more than happy for you to visit the factory and have a good look. I'll try to get a photo up later. Good luck... FF...

[davo]

Look at TABS too with that budget. Glass will out ride all of them but the Poly would be worth a look.

[samson]

Pick one that got fully welded bracing in the hull and no less than 4mm bottom even if that means spending more because you'll regret it the end the cheapies just crack to pieces yet if you pay marginally more you'll have a boat that is cheaper and safer in the long run boats like blue fins and quintrexs will fall apart and crack and you will need a good bilge,out of your list I'd be looking more at the Formosa.

[Toygut]

Mate any tinny sub 6 m up here will feel the chop. Some will deal with it better than others but. Have you considered getting something bigger in the second hand market? There is some great stuff around at the moment well under you budget that would be a better option than those mentioned. What are your plans for the boat? Any reef trips or just creek/bay/island work?

Cheers mate, I'm definitely hearing you in reference to going bigger! But I do like to hit up the rivers as well as punching out maggie island and the reef. I am starting to lean towards a 5.2 as a limit, maybe a 5.5 but no bigger. But in saying that won't cut you comment out as an option, thanks.

[Toygut]

thanks for the buckets of tips, a lot to consider now!

[Toygut]

Hey mate. Have you considered a glass boat ? I've just ordered a Bonito 560 tiller steer. They're a beautiful boat. Custom build so they're happy to work with your needs. They do a centre console too and it looks sweet. They're starting mine tomorrow. I've been through all the prices with them and I know they'll suit your budget. Top quality build and they're more than happy for you to visit the factory and have a good look. I'll try to get a photo up later. Good luck... FF...

I just had a bit of a google on that one, looks petty sweet, will keep it in mind. cheers

[Toygut]

Pick one that got fully welded bracing in the hull and no less than 4mm bottom even if that means spending more because you'll regret it the end the cheapies just crack to pieces yet if you pay marginally more you'll have a boat that is cheaper and safer in the long run boats like blue fins and quintrexs will fall apart and crack and you will need a good bilge,out of your list I'd be looking more at the Formosa.

yeh, 4mm seems to be the go. I am pretty keen on the Formosa. cheers for that

[Toygut]

Look at TABS too with that budget. Glass will out ride all of them but the Poly would be worth a look.

Yeah I have had TABS in the back of my mind too, haven't really had much of a look at them, will do when I can. cheers for that

[Bremic]

What about the Centre console Suzygs has for sale in the classifieds. He is up your way, bet it will do all you need.

[Fish Face]

For what its worth, they do make a 5 metre...

[Prowl n Wolf]

Hello Toygut, 520-525 Haines Hunter prowler would suit your needs IMO. I'm of course biased as I have one. Great little boat that punches above its weight. Warm regards, Tony.