Small scale Plate Builders you can bet your bundle on.

[Chris Tucker]

A couple of active threads at present on plate boats that are potentially scaring a lot of people from these great boats. So I thought I'd start a thread where people can plug their favourite low scale Aussie Plate Builder. Modern plate boats break all the pre-conceived notions. The days of hand cutting boats using 10 year old templates stretched to suit are over. The use of professional naval architects and NC cutting means boats are getting more and more sophisticated and as such in many cases now boast rides and performance as good if not better than a plastic fantastic.

My criteria for inclusion in this thread.

1. Australian owned and operated.
2. Boats sold direct by the builder.
3. Owner to be able to build the boats and preferably still spend some time on the tools.

I'll post a few (in alphabetical order) but encourage others to add to my (somewhat biased) list.

Hammerhead Boats.

Moda Marine

PHA Marine Pelagic Boats

Richardson Marine

Rifen Boats

[Volvo]

Yep keep it going , might help potential buyers...

[Moonlighter]

You mentioned in your post about naval architect designed boats, and CNC or similar cutting and the positive impact these have on designs, performance etc. I agree.

I would reckon that both these should be added to the list of criteria. Along with - been in business for at least 12 months, and , having a credible process for taking a deposit and subsequent payments.

Then, add Riptide Boats at Underwood, Qld to your list. Dave Claussen builds a really good quality boat and he's been in business now for many years. Always has a long waiting list of people waiting for one of his boats.

[Back In Black]

I'll nominate Sailfish Catamarans at Alstonville Northern NSW.

Never an issue to deal with, progress payments made when required & full access to the factory for walk throughs & updates.

A good sign I reckon is the brilliant after sales service. Its not like "we have your money, see you later."

They have been in business quite a few years & have a solid name in the industry.

Similar to Moonlighters comment about Riptide, they are always busy with a reasonable wait, a good sign I reckon.

Tony

[Fish Face]

So how about adding glass boats to that list that meet the criteria ??

[Chris Tucker]

Maybe start a seperate thread. If you did I'd add Bancroft bay boats

[chuss]

When you say "bet your bundle on".. Do you mean in regards to quality or their financial stability?
I've got a huge list of builders in my kitty, but wouldn't know if you'd get your boat 6 months after you've placed the order. Plenty of them make ripper boats.

[Nick H]

Very happy with my recent build from Performance plate boats, Sam Preston, his been there for about 10 years and no advertising or web site just runs off recommendation, as said with Riptide he has quite a wait to get one built!

[stevej]

and what are you basing their financial stability on ?

its all just opinion any manufacturer can go belly up and they are not going to advertise the fact
longevity in the market places means nothing

[fishing111]

Kudos to those who ante up to have something built and pay progressive payments.That said there is no way that I would do that as I have heard to many horror stories. Add to that there are to many good boats for sale out there in the market place where you don't have to wait and take suck a risk in my opinion and nothing that couldn't be customised in the event something you found wasn't just right.

[zan0_15]

Ive just had a boat built by moda marine. If your in the market do yourself a favour and go and see shane and his boys at clontarf. The blokes a legend.

[liprippa]

Agree Chris Tucker about the performance of modern plate boats. I've just taken delivery of a boat built by Australia Master Marine and I am impressed by the ride, stability and quality of finish. Matt and Barton at AMM are great to deal with.
Darren

[Bustedoff]

Rebel boats in Clontarf build a solid boat and from what I understand have been in business for several years.
Someone mentioned longevevity in business doesn't count - personally it means a lot to me - product must be good, owner manages cashflow etc

[Kero]

Aluvan boats, built locally (Brisbane), builder has dealers but you can buy direct (I did), didn't have to pay until it was finished.

http://www.aluvan.com.au/index.php/our-boats/sponsitrak