Bigger is better, but what's suitable

[kind_cir]

What is a suitable size boat for taking offshore from the Sunshine Coast ?

I don't have experience offshore boating but do surf so can read the waves to a degree.

i like the Signature 492f, but thinking this would be under guned. Need to be able to fish 2 people with up to 3 on very rare occasions.

What size boat do i need, and what would be suitable conditions for it ? (Wind/swell ect)

if I could keep it on a single axle trailer that would be good.

[scottar]

A really difficult question to answer as there are just way too many variables. As a generalisation though - anything you can get on a single axle trailer is at some stage going to feel way too small and at other times will be perfectly capable. I fished offshore for nearly 20 years from a 4.5 metre centre console tinnie. Having a smaller boat simply puts limitations on the days you can fish in comfort and the areas that are within range due to fuel and travel speed/time constraints. If I had to pick a size I would say 5.5 metres but bigger is always going to be better in all ways apart from cost and ease of handling. As for the conditions it will "handle" - a good hull with a good skipper will handle way more than you will generally fish in - it just won't be comfortable. As far as fishing in comfort is concerned - anything over 15 knots is the end of most trailerable boats but it does depend on your own definition of comfort

[kind_cir]

A really difficult question to answer as there are just way too many variables. As a generalisation though - anything you can get on a single axle trailer is at some stage going to feel way too small and at other times will be perfectly capable. I fished offshore for nearly 20 years from a 4.5 metre centre console tinnie. Having a smaller boat simply puts limitations on the days you can fish in comfort and the areas that are within range due to fuel and travel speed/time constraints. If I had to pick a size I would say 5.5 metres but bigger is always going to be better in all ways apart from cost and ease of handling. As for the conditions it will "handle" - a good hull with a good skipper will handle way more than you will generally fish in - it just won't be comfortable. As far as fishing in comfort is concerned - anything over 15 knots is the end of most trailerable boats but it does depend on your own definition of comfort
Thanks, good info for a "how long is a piece of string" type of question.
I will be sticking to hulls that have built up a good reputation. Yes comfort in big on the list, and I did not know that 15 knots would be the limit for most. So I'll only go out in less than that.

[rtp1984]

Hey mate.

I I grew up fishing the coast in my old mans 15ft glass centre consol.
we would mostly fish within 10 mile of mooloolaba, and fish in a max forecast of 10-15kn.
i always felt safe, but in a boat that size, the fishing becomes uncomfortable, before unsafe, so you just need to know when to come home.

I also fished out of a 14ft tinnie with a tiller. It certainly is capable as well. But the centre consol I feel gives you the feeling of more control to drive, I rhjnk this is mainly due to far better visibility of the conditions, seas ect.

I would think a 492 would be perfect for fishing the coast, particularly if your happy to stay home on the windier days.

Thanks
Rob

[gunna]

I was a couple kilometres out the other day in my 4.3 side console. Was a bit sloppy but not dangerous. You just need to fish the right conditions.

[kind_cir]

Thanks for the replies. I'm seriously leaning toward the Signature 492f given i like the more calm / comfortable conditions. Proberly be a good bay boat to take to Tanga's and in the rivers too.
I like the cruise craft explorer 500 too, but what others are worthy in the 4.8-5.3 range ?

[Darren Mc]

Baysport. They're built in Noosa. Should check them out.

[Jsmfun]

if you are after a cuddy cabin yalta craft 535 allrounder perfect boat for the bay and the reefs it also has the safety of a cuddy for offshore if you ever take a green wave. this was my first ever boat for offshore and it was extreamly comfortable for 2 people and my young family

[robothefisho]

The 492 will be fine for two people, I'd say a bit small for 3. The haines hunter 530 breeze was the first boat which sprung to mind as ideal. Single axle trailerable, great riding and enough room for 3 to fish. A lot more capable than the 492 aswell.

[DaveR]

How far offshore? The size/design of your hull becomes particularly important once you're a fair way out, ie, not able to rush back to safe waters when the weather changes (which can happen very quickly). If you keep a sensible distance to safety you'll be just fine in a 492F, in fact safer than a lot of boats out there. I see them all the time, in less than ideal conditions, small open tinnies and bowriders- you only need to bury the bow once and you've had it. Cabin style boats are much safer in that regard.

You just need to respect the weather. A few months back I was heading in after a thunderstorm was rolling in hours earlier than predicted. Couldn't believe my eyes, some bloke was heading straight out towards the heads in what looked like a ~4m tinny. Just incredible. Caught some footage on the dashcam - https://www.dropbox.com/s/m183jvv7l0w2e79/nutcase.mp4?dl=0

Also a must have item for anybody going outside in a small boat is a sea (parachute) anchor. If the worst does happen and you lose power in stroppy conditions, having a sea anchor to point your bow into the waves might just save your life.

[Barry Ehsman]

Here's one for you, $16,000

[koastal]

110566

or this 17k to you

[Flex]

As David said how far offshore do you intend to go? Big difference between 20 and 120km. I used to head 20-40km out in a tinny often. I go 120k+ but in a 6m cat, if it blows up your not getting back before the ocean gets nasty . Waves aren't any bigger further out, just means you can end up pounding for 5h getting home

[Nick H]

I fish out if mooloolaba, I started with a 4.9m centre console aluminum tinny and use to fish the banks, we where caught out a few times out there, would only head in 10knt but the weather is quick to change. We used to dive inshore around coolum nearing and fish nine mile and it was great for that. I now have a 7m plate boat and feel like I'll get home even if the weather turns. I would be looking at a haines 530 breeze. Such a good small boat and handle very well and built well.
Nick

[stevej]

Thanks for the replies. I'm seriously leaning toward the Signature 492f given i like the more calm / comfortable conditions. Proberly be a good bay boat to take to Tanga's and in the rivers too.
I like the cruise craft explorer 500 too, but what others are worthy in the 4.8-5.3 range ?

i had a cruise craft explorer 500
good bay boat and super stable but banged horrible over 15 knots or so when overshore
mates in slighlty bigger boats or boats with more v would just pull ahead

sometimes id just drop lures in and troll out to save getting bashed about
loved the boat just had to go slow in the slop

[Still_Dreamin]

I have a 1750 Tournament. It will handle conditions worse than I am interested in fishing. Go out to Barwon Banks, wide Caloundra and east of Cape Moreton. More worried about swell and frequency than wind. Prefer less than 4ft and greater than 10 Secs. Gets uncomfortable over 15kn but drogue helps slow the drift.

[lethal]

I've got a Haines Signature 520C with a 90hp four stroke. Boat, trailer and motor package weight of 1350kg including fuel. Add a bit of gear and towable with a mid sized sedan.

I happily fish 2 and occasionally 3 but mostly fish solo. I bought this boat as it is easily used solo as well as comfortable for the family. Cabin protection and bimini for shade with plenty of room to fish. I troll up to five lines without any trouble.

The 100lt fuel tank gives me an excellent range and a comfortable 10 hours of continuous running with fuel still in the tank upon returning to the ramp.

As for conditions, I've found myself in dangerous conditions twice in the past 5 years and the boat handled it well. Weather forecast way out both times. I like to fish reefs in weather of 5-13knot winds and swell under 1.5m. Any more wind and the drifts are too fast. Trolling, if the forecast is 15knots I'll head out and accept up to 20knot winds. If the forecast is 20knots I will NOT go out.

As for size, jump in the 492f then the 520c and I think you'll see the extra length and beam of the 520c creates more comfortable fishing room. I doubt you will fish 3 trouble free in the 492f.

Good luck with your purchase

[kind_cir]

I've got a Haines Signature 520C with a 90hp four stroke. Boat, trailer and motor package weight of 1350kg including fuel. Add a bit of gear and towable with a mid sized sedan.

I happily fish 2 and occasionally 3 but mostly fish solo. I bought this boat as it is easily used solo as well as comfortable for the family. Cabin protection and bimini for shade with plenty of room to fish. I troll up to five lines without any trouble.

The 100lt fuel tank gives me an excellent range and a comfortable 10 hours of continuous running with fuel still in the tank upon returning to the ramp.

As for conditions, I've found myself in dangerous conditions twice in the past 5 years and the boat handled it well. Weather forecast way out both times. I like to fish reefs in weather of 5-13knot winds and swell under 1.5m. Any more wind and the drifts are too fast. Trolling, if the forecast is 15knots I'll head out and accept up to 20knot winds. If the forecast is 20knots I will NOT go out.

As for size, jump in the 492f then the 520c and I think you'll see the extra length and beam of the 520c creates more comfortable fishing room. I doubt you will fish 3 trouble free in the 492f.

Good luck with your purchase
That right there just about sums up my useage

[kind_cir]

Realy like the layout of the Savage Mako, but not shure how it would go.

[odes20]

I started offshore fishing in 15 and 16 footers. Moved up to a 6.1 metre rig. Way greater room, security, relaxation and peace of mind. And as mentioned the opportunity to get out more often.

[WalFish]

What are you going to tow with mate? I had a 480 Freedom Sort and was an awesome little rig - took it 50-70 km offshore while in Nth QLD. Reason I ask about towing is that it was on a single trailer which was prone to bounce around a bit when going over speed bumps and on rougher old bitumen roads. Now have a bigger boat on a dual axle trailer and would do everything possible to have my boat on a dual axle trailer in the future (within reason regarding length, probably 5.2 metres and bigger). Tows so much better over any rough surfaces or bumps.

[Smithy]

Budget? New or 2nd hand? Tow vehicle? Glass or aluminium?

[kind_cir]

I am going to stick with a glass boat, and hope to keep it under 20k. As for a single axle trailer, it's more about not chewing up the grass when turning it in the back yard. I have my truck there at the moment that does that. Towing with a Patrol that will handle 2.5t, and it would be good if I can get the rig in my 9x9 shed (a bit full latley).
Hey Smithy, do you still want them led tail lights? If not I may keep them for the new rig if it needs them.

[scottar]

Concrete the back yard - win,win - less mowing = more time for fishing:D

[kind_cir]

Concrete the back yard - win,win - less mowing = more time for fishing:D
The cost to concrete the back yard would be about twice the price of a new 6.5m glass boat with all the fruit. Then i'll have to work more and fish less = not winning.

[koastal]

Concrete is $80 m2 now

[Rip it up]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/22/19f581a5333ac2cd0accd116e0813b6e.jpg

20k is a sensible budget to find a 5m fibreglass boat.

My weapon of choice is the older Haines. Find a solid example with a good motor and trailer and your set.
Four stroke motors would be preferred as the travel distances and fuel economy play a big role in offshore work.

My setup started with the original 1996 115hp Johnson 2st. Whilst a great motor that was suited to the boat, it was thirsty. So a modern fourstroke replaced it and is 70% better on fuel for my extended trips.

The two design features that will be your compromising points is dead rise verse stability. Your cant have both easily. Basically a deep vee is better for the ride handling, but you will rock and roll around a lot at rest.

The 5.3m cuddly cab size is perfect for 3 people offshore. Room for a large esky, tackle and 2 bunks if needed during the overnight sessions. Just a little painful to climb forward and setup the anchor. But we use a retrieval ball setup when leap frogging around a reef to save climbing up the front. It's all about being organised with good storage and not taking out everything including the kitchen sink every trip.


Damo's dodgy boat building repair shop.

[Smithy]

I'd like to get my hands on those light for sure. I have just been working every weekend since PMing you.

Here is a tidy CC with a 2 banger.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-3527427/2000-Cruise-Craft-REEF-FINDER-533?cr=3&psq=%28%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3D%5BPower%5D%26Sta te%3D%5BQueensland%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3D%5B Demo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5 BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer %20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20us ed%20boats%5D%29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B5000..20000% 5D%29%26LengthInFeet%3Drange%5B17..20%5D%29%26Serv ice%3D%5BBoatsales%5D%29%26Make%3D%5BCruise%20Craf t%5D%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

Tidy HH with 2 smoke Rude. Just buy a new trailer for it.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-3551024/1994-Haines-Hunter-520SF?cr=5&psq=%28%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3D%5BPower%5D%26Sta te%3D%5BQueensland%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3D%5B Demo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5 BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer %20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20us ed%20boats%5D%29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B5000..20000% 5D%29%26LengthInFeet%3Drange%5B17..20%5D%29%26Serv ice%3D%5BBoatsales%5D%29%26Make%3D%5BHaines%20Hunt er%5D%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

Dual axle but you get a modern outboard, even if it is just an E-bang.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-3493851/1982-Savage-SURVEYOR?cr=5&psq=%28%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3D%5BPower%5D%26Sta te%3D%5BQueensland%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3D%5B Demo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5 BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer %20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20us ed%20boats%5D%29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B5000..20000% 5D%29%26LengthInFeet%3Drange%5B17..20%5D%29%26Serv ice%3D%5BBoatsales%5D%29%26Make%3D%5BSavage%5D%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

You could get something cheap like this and repower with a 2nd hand 4 banger.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/dealer/used/OAG-AD-477131/1986-CARIBBEAN-CONCORD?cr=0&psq=%28%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3D%5BPower%5D%26Sta te%3D%5BQueensland%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3D%5B Demo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5 BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer %20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20us ed%20boats%5D%29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B5000..20000% 5D%29%26LengthInFeet%3Drange%5B17..20%5D%29%26Serv ice%3D%5BBoatsales%5D%29%26Make%3D%5BCaribbean%5D% 29&pso=0&pss=Premium

A great repower option.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-1169305/1997-Haines-Signature-520C-CABIN-CRUISER?cr=3&psq=%28%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3D%5BPower%5D%26Sta te%3D%5BQueensland%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3D%5B Demo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5 BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer %20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20us ed%20boats%5D%29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B5000..20000% 5D%29%26LengthInFeet%3Drange%5B17..20%5D%29%26Serv ice%3D%5BBoatsales%5D%29%26Make%3D%5BHAINES%20SIGN ATURE%5D%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

And another but the old Rude might go forever if you can live with it.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-3479254/1989-YALTA-CRAFT-189-HALF-CAB?cr=1&psq=%28%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3D%5BPower%5D%26Sta te%3D%5BQueensland%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3D%5B Demo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5 BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer %20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20us ed%20boats%5D%29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B5000..20000% 5D%29%26LengthInFeet%3Drange%5B17..20%5D%29%26Serv ice%3D%5BBoatsales%5D%29%26Make%3D%5BYALTA%20CRAFT %5D%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

Pretty tidy with the best of the 2 stroke 115s.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-3538072/1995-Southwind-SF-17?cr=0&psq=%28%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3D%5BPower%5D%26Sta te%3D%5BQueensland%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3D%5B Demo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5 BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer %20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20us ed%20boats%5D%29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B5000..20000% 5D%29%26LengthInFeet%3Drange%5B17..20%5D%29%26Serv ice%3D%5BBoatsales%5D%29%26Make%3D%5BSouthwind%5D% 29&pso=0&pss=Premium

One of the Ausfish members boats. A Dale from NQ. Local out at Landsborough. Also nice Yammie 2 stroke.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-3429918/1998-DALE-CUSTOM?cr=0&psq=%28%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3D%5BPower%5D%26Sta te%3D%5BQueensland%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3D%5B Demo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5 BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer %20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20us ed%20boats%5D%29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B5000..20000% 5D%29%26LengthInFeet%3Drange%5B17..20%5D%29%26Serv ice%3D%5BBoatsales%5D%29%26Make%3D%5BDALE%5D%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

[kind_cir]

Pretty tidy with the best of the 2 stroke 115s.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-3538072/1995-Southwind-SF-17?cr=0&psq=%28%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3D%5BPower%5D%26Sta te%3D%5BQueensland%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3D%5B Demo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5 BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer %20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20us ed%20boats%5D%29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B5000..20000% 5D%29%26LengthInFeet%3Drange%5B17..20%5D%29%26Serv ice%3D%5BBoatsales%5D%29%26Make%3D%5BSouthwind%5D% 29&pso=0&pss=Premium



Yeah, I like the look of the Southwind with the walkthrough front and self draining deck.