new 4.8 meter boat

[munna1]

My father and I are researching new or near new alloy boats around the 4.8m size. It will be used on inland lakes plus on calm days at sea. We currently have a 5m broad-bill which we have had for over 15 years. Its been a fantastic boat but its starting to show its age. We would like to get something a bit lighter then a plate boat yet be heavy duty enough to handle some chop when we take it out in the bay and beyond on calmer seas.

Currently looking at
Stacer 489 bay-runner, 3mm bottom, 2.6mm sides
quintrex 490 fishabout 3mm bottom, 2mm sides
Clark Navigator 485 3mm bottom, 3mm sides.
pollycraft 480 (to heavy?)

The clark seems like great value but how does it go thru chop. Looks like the Quinny and stacer have better suited hulls for this? Which is the best boat at rest. Motors you recomend? Is 60hp enough or underpowered? Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[chocolatemoose]

i have a 4.8 polycraft frontrunner ........i cant praise them enough. when i was looking for boats i wanted something that would ride soft and be very stable at rest "owing to my fathers terrible balance". i had looked at TABS master series boats "we are a tabs dealer" and quintrex millenium hulled boats. went for a few test rides. i was drawn to polycraft................some how. i cant remember. i think it was the "Easy to work with" side.. being i wanted to build the boat up myself instead of buy it already complete.
so sight unseen and non water tested i ordered the boat. it was delivered just before the boat show "like mental im going to go nuts season for us". and then winter. so i had a few months of having it in the workshop. fitting stuff to it. it hit the water that summer for the very first time.. my first time on a polycraft even. and i was BLOWN AWAY!!.... "other than change the prop to a 4 blade stainless for quick hole shot" i have not been in a more stable. soft riding. quiet boat under 8mt's
sitting at a high cruise of 30knts across lake king in 60cm chop you can hear the waves. but cant feel them. even when they coming abeam or bow-beam. having a keel keeps the boat tracking. and the reverse chines keep everything even

this isnt a puff peice.. i am trully blown away by the polycrafts

yep. heaiver than alloy. wider than most as well.
i recently bought a 20ft glass boat for our TV show.. and the polycraft eats it for room.

food for thought

[Noelm]

Stacer, 60HP minimum, look for a bit more HP if buying new.

[munna1]

i have a 4.8 polycraft frontrunner ........i cant praise them enough. when i was looking for boats i wanted something that would ride soft and be very stable at rest "owing to my fathers terrible balance". i had looked at TABS master series boats "we are a tabs dealer" and quintrex millenium hulled boats. went for a few test rides. i was drawn to polycraft................some how. i cant remember. i think it was the "Easy to work with" side.. being i wanted to build the boat up myself instead of buy it already complete.
so sight unseen and non water tested i ordered the boat. it was delivered just before the boat show "like mental im going to go nuts season for us". and then winter. so i had a few months of having it in the workshop. fitting stuff to it. it hit the water that summer for the very first time.. my first time on a polycraft even. and i was BLOWN AWAY!!.... "other than change the prop to a 4 blade stainless for quick hole shot" i have not been in a more stable. soft riding. quiet boat under 8mt's
sitting at a high cruise of 30knts across lake king in 60cm chop you can hear the waves. but cant feel them. even when they coming abeam or bow-beam. having a keel keeps the boat tracking. and the reverse chines keep everything even

this isnt a puff peice.. i am trully blown away by the polycrafts

yep. heaiver than alloy. wider than most as well.
i recently bought a 20ft glass boat for our TV show.. and the polycraft eats it for room.

food for thought

Everyone raves about the polycrafts they must be a bloody good boat! Probably is a bit heavy (over 100kg) heaver) then the other alloy boats and it doesnt really come in the configuration we are after either. But we will still take it into consideration seem too good to ignore.

Does anyone have experience with these Clark boats? This one has a 75 optimax. Are they a good engine? Similar to a E-tech? Seem to be a very good value boat. We are willing to travel to qld to if need be.

http://www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/new/trailer-boats/clark-485-navigator/131432

The stacer and quinnys all seem to be around 32,000 ish with a 75hp engine, vs around 27000 for the Clark.

[ozynorts]

hey mate,
not sure how keen you and your Dad are but you could build your own for half what it would cost to buy one...
http://www.bowdidgemarinedesigns.com/Bowdidge_Marine_Designs_1/Power_boat_Designs_14ft_to_20ft.html
Just a thought.
Cheers
Ozy

[mull dog]

Yep. I can't praise the polys enough and I don't even own one. Definitely top of my list for a small boat

[ozynorts]

and it doesnt really come in the configuration we are after either.
I just had a look at the Poly craft range and the only configuration in the 4.8 they don't offer is tiller steer. Is that what you are after?
What layout are you after and what price range are you looking in?
http://www.polycraft.com.au/model-range/480-brumby

[LittleSkipper]

My father and I are researching new or near new alloy boats around the 4.8m size. It will be used on inland lakes plus on calm days at sea. We currently have a 5m broad-bill which we have had for over 15 years. Its been a fantastic boat but its starting to show its age. We would like to get something a bit lighter then a plate boat yet be heavy duty enough to handle some chop when we take it out in the bay and beyond on calmer seas.

Currently looking at
Stacer 489 bay-runner, 3mm bottom, 2.6mm sides
quintrex 490 fishabout 3mm bottom, 2mm sides
Clark Navigator 485 3mm bottom, 3mm sides.
pollycraft 480 (to heavy?)

The clark seems like great value but how does it go thru chop. Looks like the Quinny and stacer have better suited hulls for this? Which is the best boat at rest. Motors you recomend? Is 60hp enough or underpowered? Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

This is my rig, as previously mentioned can't praise the Poly enough. Even my brother in law was impressed when he came with me on my first water test back in 2010. I'll be repowering very shortly to an 80hp Mercury FourStroke.

Heavy Boat? Who cares! It's ease of maintenance is outstanding.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/10/c31a6b19c0ba26bf1cf0b9b4c5e0fef8.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/10/51c6390daac55ff5628df355e33c94c5.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/10/733fd7b78d5c161a7ebbaaf0855e6726.jpg


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[munna1]

I just had a look at the Poly craft range and the only configuration in the 4.8 they don't offer is tiller steer. Is that what you are after?
What layout are you after and what price range are you looking in?
http://www.polycraft.com.au/model-range/480-brumby

After one with just a front windscreen, or a small cuddy. I could not find one like that on the website that front-runner is not really like that. The cuddy one has to big of a cuddy. The old man doesn't like the look of the polycraft so I guess thats out the window now anyhow. He said he is sure they are a great boat but would I couldn't talk him into it.
Another couple of options we have found that look to be a bit more expensive but considering

Surtees
www.surteesboats.com/our-range/boat/4-85-workmate (http://www.surteesboats.com/our-range/boat/4-85-workmate)

Formosa
www.formosamarineboats.com.au/models_runabouts.php (http://www.formosamarineboats.com.au/models_runabouts.php)

Also heard good things about seajay but I couldnt find out much about them website seems broken.

[munna1]

This is my rig, as previously mentioned can't praise the Poly enough. Even my brother in law was impressed when he came with me on my first water test back in 2010. I'll be repowering very shortly to an 80hp Mercury FourStroke.

Heavy Boat? Who cares! It's ease of maintenance is outstanding.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/10/c31a6b19c0ba26bf1cf0b9b4c5e0fef8.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/10/51c6390daac55ff5628df355e33c94c5.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/10/733fd7b78d5c161a7ebbaaf0855e6726.jpg


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Thanks for the pics really nice boat I will be sure to show the old man.

[ozynorts]

After one with just a front windscreen, or a small cuddy. I could not find one like that on the website that front-runner is not really like that. The cuddy one has to big of a cuddy. The old man doesn't like the look of the polycraft so I guess thats out the window now anyhow. He said he is sure they are a great boat but would I couldn't talk him into it.
Another couple of options we have found that look to be a bit more expensive but considering

Surtees
www.surteesboats.com/our-range/boat/4-85-workmate (http://www.surteesboats.com/our-range/boat/4-85-workmate)

Formosa
www.formosamarineboats.com.au/models_runabouts.php (http://www.formosamarineboats.com.au/models_runabouts.php)

Also heard good things about seajay but I couldnt find out much about them website seems broken.

Of those two mate I would take the Surtees every day. They are a really well built boat.
If you want any more info here is a thread the boat hog did on his.
http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/showthread.php?192692-Naked-Pics-of-my-New-Kiwi-Lady!&highlight=surtees

[LittleSkipper]

Thanks for the pics really nice boat I will be sure to show the old man.

No worry's. You mentioned you weren't interested in a heavy boat? Well here some facts for you, the Surtees 4.85 workmate you've been looking at weighs 735kg dry weight, the Polycraft Brumby Cuddy 4.80 weighs a mere 590kg dry weight and it has a slightly higher HP rating than the Surtees. Go figure!

You should check out the torture test videos on the Polycraft website then tell me if you would do the same to a plate built boat?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[GBC]

Tell your old man to drive the boats side by side before he buys anything. My old boy didn't like the look of a poly either, but for ease of access, simple ability to launch and retrieve and straight up sea keeping ability that's what he ended up with. He has the 4.8 front runner with the 80 honda and loves it now. I had a 4.5 centre console as well.

[munna1]

Tell your old man to drive the boats side by side before he buys anything. My old boy didn't like the look of a poly either, but for ease of access, simple ability to launch and retrieve and straight up sea keeping ability that's what he ended up with. He has the 4.8 front runner with the 80 honda and loves it now. I had a 4.5 centre console as well.

I must say I have found the weights very confusing. Of all the reviews I have read the surtees seems to have plenty of go with a 60hp (32 knots) flat out and really gets on the plain quick. Yet people are saying 60 is just enough for the stacer when it weighs significantly less. Not convinced on the quoted weights perhaps some have the windscreens tanks etc. and others are just a bare hull.

Its hard living in country vic to test out these boats, perhaps a weeks holiday to the GC is whats needed :).

[Noelm]

Don't be confused with what's OK HP and what is great, almost any motor will push the boat along "OK" but to get the best out of the boat and motor combo, the right HP is the best option. Ring around a few dealers, lots have demo models to test out, I know my local guy does.

[munna1]

Don't be confused with what's OK HP and what is great, almost any motor will push the boat along "OK" but to get the best out of the boat and motor combo, the right HP is the best option. Ring around a few dealers, lots have demo models to test out, I know my local guy does.

So what your saying is for example.
A 60hp may not be as well matched. May very well use more fuel as it has to work harder to cruise along. A higher horse power engine may suit better as it doesn't have to work as hard to maintain speed. We don't need a boat that does over 30 knots that is plenty fast, our old boat wouldn't do 30 knots, but got to its top speed very quickly. Whether it was the best combo for the boat? I will never know but it did the job for us (twin 40hp). I guess we have looked at enough now just have to get out there and test some.

[robsue]

no mention of savage.....I brought a 4-8 savage ranger fitted with 60hp big red mercury new in 2005
I have since updated 18 months ago to a f70 Yamaha
everyone I have taken out has commented on the ride and also the deck space, my previous boat was a stacer which I really liked but I prefer the savage now

[munna1]

no mention of savage.....I brought a 4-8 savage ranger fitted with 60hp big red mercury new in 2005
I have since updated 18 months ago to a f70 Yamaha
everyone I have taken out has commented on the ride and also the deck space, my previous boat was a stacer which I really liked but I prefer the savage now

Will check them out. Going back about 10 years I remember the savage alloy boats where very ordinary real jaring ride ride but that was long ago. thanks

[chocolatemoose]

a few photos of my 4.8poly
id agree the HP is an interesting thing and it seems commonplace to max out the HP on a poly. they are a very wide boat. hard to get that across without being in one. but the room is insane.
http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r526/chocolatemoose87/IMG_5587_zpsa9d52a4e.jpg (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/chocolatemoose87/media/IMG_5587_zpsa9d52a4e.jpg.html)
http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r526/chocolatemoose87/20131010_122209_zps1e4104ce.jpg (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/chocolatemoose87/media/20131010_122209_zps1e4104ce.jpg.html)
http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r526/chocolatemoose87/IMG_5580_zps257cf85f.jpg (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/chocolatemoose87/media/IMG_5580_zps257cf85f.jpg.html)
http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r526/chocolatemoose87/IMG_5586_zpsf6f13eab.jpg (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/chocolatemoose87/media/IMG_5586_zpsf6f13eab.jpg.html)
just glides over chop. stable as a church bank account, quiet.

for sale if interested btw :D

[davo]

If I was buying again it would be a poly boat. I really like the 4.8 Metre Smartwave. Great low maintenance boat. If alloy is your thing then TABS, 4.8 Seajay, Clark. Nothing Telwater.

[munna1]

Showed the old man the pics of your lovely boat little skipper. He is warming to the idea of poly. Pretty overwhelming love for them on here. How would one go with a 60hp suzuki? Would it pull 30 knots or so? This one seems a good price if the 60 was enough HP for the boat.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/bnbis/AG-AD-205006/2014-POLYCRAFT-480-BRUMBY-CUDDY-CABIN?cr=357&psq=%28%28%28Price%3Drange%5B25000..35000%5D%26Len gthInFeet%3Drange%5B15..17%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloTy pe%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloT ype%3D%5BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D% 5BDealer%20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPriv ate%20used%20boats%5D%29%29%26Service%3D%5BBoatsal es%5D%29&pso=345&pss=Premium

cheers

[ozynorts]

Personally I would go at least the 70hp Zuke. It is a much stronger motor than the 60 and shouldn't cost too much more.

[munna1]

Personally I would go at least the 70hp Zuke. It is a much stronger motor than the 60 and shouldn't cost too much more.
thanks mate

[munna1]

a few photos of my 4.8poly
id agree the HP is an interesting thing and it seems commonplace to max out the HP on a poly. they are a very wide boat. hard to get that across without being in one. but the room is insane.
http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r526/chocolatemoose87/IMG_5587_zpsa9d52a4e.jpg (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/chocolatemoose87/media/IMG_5587_zpsa9d52a4e.jpg.html)
http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r526/chocolatemoose87/20131010_122209_zps1e4104ce.jpg (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/chocolatemoose87/media/20131010_122209_zps1e4104ce.jpg.html)
http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r526/chocolatemoose87/IMG_5580_zps257cf85f.jpg (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/chocolatemoose87/media/IMG_5580_zps257cf85f.jpg.html)
http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r526/chocolatemoose87/IMG_5586_zpsf6f13eab.jpg (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/chocolatemoose87/media/IMG_5586_zpsf6f13eab.jpg.html)
just glides over chop. stable as a church bank account, quiet.

for sale if interested btw :D
Looks like a beauty, certainly would be interested but unfortunately we are after a cuddy.

[munna1]

http://www.whittleymarinegroup.com.au/fg-1580#specs-tab

The Whittley boats look very nice anyone have info on these? Would they ride better due to being fibreglass. They seem to be pretty light by the specs.

[munna1]

Thanks all for the advice, just thought id update you all with what we ended up with.

We tried a a mono hull boat which was a anglapro 490. Nice looking boat with deep sides and plenty of room had a 60hp on it. It was only really just enough power for the boat plus once it hit the chop it pounded like crazy and was not near as stable in the water as what we are used too coming from a Cat. We had a ride in a Makocraft cat 485 and where sold on this boat. Rides and performs similar to our old broadbill but its much lighter at only 500kg. We have since sourced a second hand one, with a 90hp merc. The boat is like new, and will have it by Sunday.
Its almost identicle to the boat in this article.
http://www.fishingmonthly.com.au/Articles/Display/16153-Boat-test-485-Mako-Cat-by-Alf-Stessl

cheers