Finally, the mission to find a 455F is over.

[Ducksnutz]

After two years of searching and Covid restrictions hindering my travel around the country to secure one, I finally brought home a Haines Hunter 445F.

Not sure whether to keep my Tournament 1900 centre console as I’ve loved it and I’ve had some awesome memories but age and bung knees has made it a little difficult at times fishing solo which I do most of the time these days.

[bluefin59]

After two years of searching with Covid restrictions hindering my travel around the country, I finally bought home a Haines Hunter 445F.

Not sure whether to keep my Tournament 1900 centre console as I’ve loved it and had some awesome memories but age and bung knees has made it a little difficult at times fishing solo most of the time.

Very nice boat ,ideal one man boat . Matt

[NAGG]

Noice ....

Gotta be happy with that

Looking forward to hearing of the adventures

Chris

[blacklab]

pppppppppppppppp

[shortthenlong]

After two years of searching with Covid restrictions hindering my travel around the country, I finally bought home a Haines Hunter 445F.

Not sure whether to keep my Tournament 1900 centre console as I’ve loved it and had some awesome memories but age and bung knees has made it a little difficult at times fishing solo most of the time.

I can mind your Tournament while you have a think about it.

Nice work on the 455

Matt

[disorderly]

Might be a good thing to keep the Tournament while you have a few trips in new beast and see if it lives up to your expectations....

I have some knee and back issues hence my reason to go for a bigger heavier hull with greater deadrise....the chop used to kill me but now its more then bearable..

Is your issues with solo handling based mainly on launching/retrieving..?

[Ducksnutz]

Might be a good thing to keep the Tournament while you have a few trips in new beast and see if it lives up to your expectations....

I have some knee and back issues hence my reason to go for a bigger heavier hull with greater deadrise....the chop used to kill me but now its more then bearable..

Is your issues with solo handling based mainly on launching/retrieving..?

Yes mate, mainly launching and retrieving but also maintenance and my current storage situation.

The Haines fits perfectly in the backyard under cover and locked away which means my rods, reels and tackle can stay on board and it can be hooked up to the Landcruiser at all times allowing for a quick no hassle trip.

My Tournament sits in the front yard currently and I use a cover to protect it from the elements etc and it can be a chore at times to remove it and the loading of all the gear gets tiring at times.

The plan for now is to keep both and use the Tournament for the extended trips off 1770.

The Little Haines has a 20 degree deadrise and is a heavy hull for its size and it handled the cross from Beachmere to Moreton island in chop very well.

[disorderly]

Glad to hear you are happy with it...20 degrees sounds good for a glass boat in chop......must be a pain not to have the bigger one shedded though mate....

We generally have the boat loaded, hooked up and ready to go a day or 2 in advance...one of the advantages of a big shed and rural living...it does make it more enjoyable to just get up and have a cuppa and jump in the car and go..

I wouldnt mind upgrading my smaller boat to about that 4.5m size for creek and island fishing.....its a bit of a chore with the Supervee just for a half day trip and my 3.85 explorer needs perfect conditions to take outside.. ..V-nosed punt is crap in the chop...

Are those live bait tanks either side of your motor..?

[Ducksnutz]

Glad to hear you are happy with it...20 degrees sounds good for a glass boat in chop......must be a pain not to have the bigger one shedded though mate....

We generally have the boat loaded, hooked up and ready to go a day or 2 in advance...one of the advantages of a big shed and rural living...it does make it more enjoyable to just get up and have a cuppa and jump in the car and go..

I wouldnt mind upgrading my smaller boat to about that 4.5m size for creek and island fishing.....its a bit of a chore with the Supervee just for a half day trip and my 3.85 explorer needs perfect conditions to take outside.. ..V-nosed punt is crap in the chop...

Are those live bait tanks either side of your motor..?

Not plumbed yet mate but they will be amongst other things I will be adding to the little tub. I love this part of boat ownership and customising my tub to suit my needs.