PHP Warning: Use of undefined constant VBA_SCRIPT - assumed 'VBA_SCRIPT' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in ..../includes/functions_navigation.php(802) : eval()'d code on line 1 Longboats....
Hooker and Stinger boats seem to be the most customisable out of the factory, they dont supply to dealers and most of the sales are factory direct. the way i see it there is no mark up on the price buying factory direct and you can even check your boat out whilst its getting built. any additions or exclusions to the hull or options you can change then and there. Not sure if they specify any particular outboard, but you could ring around each different marine dealer and get a price, get the maker of the boat to fit it up if you chose to buy hooker or stinger. They will have more knoweldge of the boat than any dealer would, and will set the boat up for optimum performance, try different props and different engine heights.
I have a 5m Side Console Hooker that I bought directly off Hooker themselves in Cairns. Hooker themselves usuallly specify Mercury outboards on all their boats, but are happy to fit your choice of outboard. They have the knowledge of what works and what doesn't. So I think your best off buying direct, just clarify the warranty terms with them.
Have just gone through the same process and am currently getting a stinger 580 rampage built. Hopefully it will be ready for the june/july hols. if you want to get in touch and discuss my choice send me an email.
these cigarette type hulls are very soft riding, fuel efficent and horsepower conservative.......but they can cop one over the arse end or side; brooch and roll is a speciality of this style of hull - there are good reasons the first western european vessel styles where round and called oricals!
i think the widths could be better- at 1.9m wide they could legally grow 600mm, especially in the 6.7m and the 9m, they are bastards at anchor and roll like a dashound'. they are great for the bay slop and chop, but i imagine in real sea they are a real handfull; especially if you got multi directional seas vs ground swell. so the pro's and con's need to be sorted out seriously before comitting to such a vessel choice, one other brand not mentioned here is the gale force which bundy lundy's bro' owns its 5.2 and has a better width for its lenght ration whilest still remain a "longboat"- do have a peek at one of these.
another thing i would look at is have a set of clears which "bat wing" out to the rails from the centre bimini, for wet or sloppy conditions so as to avoid that "wet cat" feeling.
damon
the "pax" seems to have a more sencible width to length aspect- a gale force has a simular ratio.
if it's sloppy and choppy why go out at all is my point- its always the "noob" boaty out there in the 15+knts, untill he gets it slapped into him that "hey this ain't fun! picking me kidneys up off the deck!"
damon ps- longtails are best spun up in 15+knt conditions, because they can't see you so far off because of the chop. nothing like a lure spun longtail' makes the live baited, gut hooked fish, seem like a waste of a good fightin' fish!
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
