Need advice on <5m offshore fishing platform

[fishitalltheway]

Hi Guys,

New to the forums and am seeking some help.

I am looking to get back on the water after several years of absence and I’m struggling to find solid info on a good fishing platform at a budget (maybe they don’t exist and I just need to stick with charters).

Previously I was fishing from a 7m Bar Crusher based on the Central Coast of NSW but had to sell it to front a deposit for the family house.

Now I’m shopping around on the used / cheap end of the market, looking for something that has offshore capability (on a good weather day) to get out to the reefs and beyond to chase kings etc.

I have been looking around the 5m mark, under 20k and the only boat that really stands out is the Webster Twinfisher’s but I have read mixed reviews. I have been in one several years ago and I didn’t notice anything super stand out apart from the obvious cat turning under power.

In an ideal world I would like something that offers some protection from chop / cold wind in the winter, so I have been avoiding centre console for that purpose. I have been looking at alloy boats and avoiding glass due to the weight and something that doesn’t have an antique engine on it would be great as I wont be able to afford to replace any time soon.

I am open to any and all suggested and will do some research into anything you can give me.

Really appreciate the advice in advance.

Cheers

Travis

[StevenM]

Not mine but don't discount something like this.

basicslly open front for casting / jigging with cover and shelter aft. Will be a easy sell for a family boat as well

http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-fo...=0&pss=Premium

[Jsmfun]

i dont know how to post links mate but if you look on boat sales there is a 2002 yaltacraft 535 allrounder with one off the most reliable 2strokes on it with 500hrs. for $20k
my previous boat was the yalta 1800 allrounder same hull i think and i allwas went out to 50 fathoms chasing snappa and kingys never felt unsafe this would be my pick

[Smithy]

I've fished from these little 5m Allisons. They are a great little boat. Haven't been out in a similar Haines or Signature to compare or a Seafarer. The Allison would be a good repower candidate for a 90 Etec to keep the weight down on a pod. Maybe the light weight Hondas and Suzukis around that 90hp mark too. Noel from Redcliffe ran one for ages with a Suzuki 4 stroke called Life's Great. He went anywhere and did anything with it.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-fo...=0&pss=Premium

[Sheik]

My little boat doesn't need shelter unless it's raining. There's just no spray. Brilliant hull. Might be worth considering anyway.
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/the-g...ng-/1080046275

[fishitalltheway]

Thanks all, will check out tonight. Keep the suggestions coming if anyone else has any other.

[koastal]

Thanks all, will check out tonight. Keep the suggestions coming if anyone else has any other.

Maybe my Bertram 20 selling to fund another boat- not advertised atm
135hp 2002 optimax - runs perfect
new floor / transom
trim tabs
Hydraulic jacking plate
VHF
27 Meg
stereo
180 lt fuel
aluminium trailer
hydraulic steering
Lots of deck space and a glass screen to keep you out of the weather.
Very good offshore boat that fishes Caloundra wide regularely
Like a Haines V19R with more space
It has been my favorite boat to date and i have had a few
Happy to water test with a fang in ordinary weather to Moreton island

[scottar]

Seafarer V-Sea. Might take a while to find one but still to this day arguably one of the best sub 5 metre platforms if you don't want bunks

[FisHard]

Yep, agree with Scottar. If you can find the last of the old shape (about 91-92mod) they had a half pod and heaps of deck space. I had one with a 75 Mariner and it was a great rig