Which one for the bay ... Formosa or Bluefin bowrider?

[cptDan]

This is a really tough one :o and I invite the experience, knowledge and opinions of my fellow forumers to help solve this ... or at least to make some interesting reading for others that are sure to follow!


I have scoured the market for a family friendly bay islands cruiser that is also suitable for water sports and in-shore fishing - and have, for a variety of reasons which is not material in this thread, narrowed my choice down to a +-5.2m Bowrider from either Bluefin or Formosa. Both are locally manufactured, provide a choice of models (e.g. Bluefin Sports, Formosa Tomahawk or Sea Rod etc.), and have a list of custom options to please and deplete anyone's wallet.
They are both really good looking, well made, good quality brands, with each one produced being unique, almost custom.
Sadly you will be hard pressed to see one on a vendor floor, let alone test drive it, as they are manufactured and delivered to order. That is good for the brand, not so good for me, looking to make up my mind!


Who out there has had experience with these specific bowriders and can please provide any views and facts that can help me get off the fence on this one?


Thanks in advance ;D

[boatie_72]

Big difference between the two boats you are looking at, one is a Hybrid plate boat (formosa) and the other is a production pressed boat! so keep that in mind.

Also worth checking out these guys http://marinetune.com/new/boat/2016-horizon-515-seabreeze-bowrider-809

[cptDan]

Thanks Boatie, I was aware of that difference and am probably leaning towards the Formosa for the added strength, weight and expected ride comfort - especially the Tomahawk with the aluminium deck.

[mitc69]

not much to say, mate got a formosa bow rider, abit wet otherwise ride is to be expected from aluminium boat... think it come down to the option they have that suit your need

[scottar]

There has been a recent thread(s) about timber flooring going soft and buckling - this is not something that the particular manufacturer in that thread has all to themselves but is relative to all manufacturers that don't seal the timber prior to fitment of carpet. A mate is also facing this scenario at the minute albeit with a slightly older boat (7-8 years) but the boat is stored in a shed and allowed to dry every time prior to being put away with the hatches removed to allow air circulation. In short - if your preferred option is also the one with the alloy floor I would be very much inclined to go that way

[cptDan]

Thanks mitc, that's good feedback
In an ideal world, what would you change on your boat to improve the ride and stay dryer?
What's the spec of your br?

Cheers

[cptDan]

Thanks for soaking your worms here Scottar! That soft floor is no good; hopefully the newer models have it sorted, but yeah, an aluminium deck would remove that worry.

[mitc69]

it gonna be wet if it not half cabin, cant change that.. from port of brisbane to tangalooma cruising at 20knot if you dont have full canopy you'll enjoy the salt, otherwise if u do, expect about 2-4L of water
only problem he had seats sofa on the side of the bow, or back support i guess, it get moldy fast, smelly, wear out really fast and you make sure no salt build up behind it, so you'll need extra care and washing
i know it tomhawk with a 115 honda as for other spec, not my boat so wouldnt no what option he threw in it, he was talking about trim tabs last week, dont no if he went ahead and got it hopefully that giva u idea

[cptDan]

Thanks mitc; I guess that'll always be the trade off with a Bowrider. Starting to wonder about this now ...

[Chris Tucker]

Bow riders are very divisive people love the idea but often the end result doesn't match the ideal. If you're leaning in that direction but haven't had an extended ride on one, contact your local Boab Boat hire and see if they have one. With 16 degree deadrise (from memory) and heavy duty commercial construction the ride on the boab boat will be at least as good as the boats you're considering so $300 half day hire is probably worth the experiment before handing over thousands on a new toy.

[Rustness]

I had a 5.2 Formosa centre console. Absolutely loved it. Duncan ( I think if memory serves me ) from Formosa is a nice guy and happy to help. Really worth a look at them.

[mitc69]

u can always give it a test ride in springwood if there up for it, anyway here a short list of my personally thought on boat type it might lead u

bowrider = singles with friends and chicks lol, terrible fishing platform, great for ski, deathwish over 70km off shore :)
half cabin = families, great fishing platform, no good for ski or creeks, limited to 200km offshore
tinnie = duo trip, good for steams, rivers, and hardcore 10km offshores
cat = seriously fishermen, great for rivers / creeks
runabout = solo fishermen,

[TheRealPoMo]

I have an American fiberglass one. They are different to the aluminum ones - to my eye at least and I have never been in one so perhaps my view is not helpful. I don't get wet to Tangalooma in any weather I would enjoy the day in....that's the key. Pick your weather. Under 12 knot wind and watch the northerlies. It tends to stay home this time of year.
If you want an all weather boat or something to specifically chase fish, plenty of advice on good alternatives on this forum.
I like mine.

[cptDan]

Thanks for all the good points and advice. I'm guessing that a heavier plate boat with allu deck will not only smooth the ride, but also dampen some of the hull-slap associated with allu boats.
First prize for all weather and fishing is a cabinet version, but the ball-and-chain will only agree to a bow version. I won't try to tame the hight seas and agree wholeheartedly with TRPM tat you gotta choose your weather. They do however offer an option of a bowcover and clear screens to fill the gaps between the bimini and windscreen - which would likely take care of most of the spray when caught by unexpected weather.
I keep on listening, thanks boys 😀

[Swanie1975]

Old Haines signature bowrider, only a 530 so not big. Fish out to the 36s comfortably and have never felt unsafe but then I do pick good forecasts and conditions to do so. Usually fish two out the back with bait and one up the front can use plastics if they desire( I don't judge lol). One day was spent chasing bust ups and flicking lures at them from the front, great days enjoyment from that.

crabbing in creeks and broadwater with the leg trimmed up not probs either, only need a couple of feet to get in and out for pots. Gets a bit messy but access from the bow is great for this.

only got four young kids but the older three love sitting up the front even when lumpy and copping the odd spray, a clear strip from screen to the Bimini would stop this if it bothered them or me.

wifes not that keen on boats anyway but she always has a great time when I do get her out, nothing like having dolphins jumping alongside the bow to make her day out.

have never taken water over the front but then again I don't drive like a muppet either. Good luck and hope you manage a water test cos it's the only way to be sure before spending hard earned dosh

cheers Ryan

[WalFish]

Dan, I have a 5.8 metre Tomahawk half cabin and love the boat. Has the ally floor so no timber rot to ever worry about and with a 200 litre fuel tank under the floor, plenty of range from the 135 hp Honda 4-Stroke. What would I change - I would have gone the 150 hp for that bit more top end speed - the 135 hp is good but the 150 would have been better and is the max rated so I would go the max she can handle. I would also go trim tabs - my boat isn't being used too much lately due to a change in work, but if I move back to QLD I will be putting something on - this would help in stopping the lean into the wind and stop the spray a bit by being able to lift the bow out of the cross chop that slaps the side and sprays over the top. Overall a really nice solid and stable boat with deep sides - have been in some conditions that were less than desirable but always felt confident.

My boat prior to the Formosa was a Quintrex FreedomSport 480 with a 70 hp Johnson (Suzuki) 4-Stroke. Again, was a great boat but just not big enough for what we wanted as a family of two adults and two teenagers. Did some great trips out to the reef from Lucinda when we lived in Townsville and again more than capable - the Formosa is a lot more stable and solid though. One of the other reasons for the switch to the Formosa was the lack of sun protection in the bowrider so that may be something to consider, but equally as painful is the lack of fishing room in a half cabin so the next one will most likely be a nice centre console.

Happy hunting, but as said earlier, Duncan from Formosa is very helpful and would probably be able to sort a water test if you were that keen.

[cptDan]

Thanks swanie, it's good feedback on the br. Cheers and good luck

[IcyDuck]

Dan, I know you are looking at alloy, but I had a 5.4m fibreglass bowrider a number of years ago. It was a Coxcraft Bayrunner. The same hull as the Rumrunner and Searunner. Was a pretty decent hull and ride.

We had a lot of fun in it. Took it over the Moreton many times, around the bay islands and even out to Cape Moreton and Hutchies on a number of occasions. Mainly launching from Scarbourough or Bribie Island. We only every took it out in suitable conditions but did get the occasional uncomfortable rides back from Moreton in the afternoon. Never felt unsafe though and the kids absolutely loved it sitting up front.

We had a good bimini, full clears and a bow cover so could basically turn it into a cuddy cab when needed. I wouldn't want to take any greenies over the bow but was fine for any spray if the chop got up.

Being a bowrider, it was great fun to take to Somerset and similar places. Also had a bit more room and could carry more people than a similar sized cuddy.

Definitely wasn't a fishing platform but we used it that way regularly. The additional fishing room up front was handy.

Good luck with your decision.

Cheers, Phil

[The Black Unicorn]

I personally would avoid the bow rider for a family boat that intends on doing those longer runs to tangas etc. Things can go south even on a good weather day and 15kn of northerly coming across that paddock is not much fun in most boats, let alone a bow rider. Great advice on the Boab hire. Take a cuddly out as well. Much more family friendly in my opinion.

[cptDan]

Yes Icy, there's always the compromise and you can't keep everyone happy right :)
It is good to get it first hand that the clears and bowcover does provide some protection.
Cheers

[cptDan]

Thanks BU, I' ll book Boab so we get the experience first hand

[Camhawk88]

IF you want a cuddy but the Mrs is insistant on a BR then I guess a BR it is. But... if you take here out and perch her at the front of an aluminium bow rider in 15 knots of chop and run into it on a quartering angle for 20 minutes, then get in a fibreglass cuddy cabin and do the same,I reckon she would very quickly change her tune.
I say, I say boy, you gotta be a stratageising with the ladies.

[TheRealPoMo]

IF you want a cuddy but the Mrs is insistant on a BR then I guess a BR it is. But... if you take here out and perch her at the front of an aluminium bow rider in 15 knots of chop and run into it on a quartering angle for 20 minutes, then get in a fibreglass cuddy cabin and do the same,I reckon she would very quickly change her tune.
I say, I say boy, you gotta be a stratageising with the ladies.
If you take her out under the above stated conitions in a cuddy she may be dry but you'll still be in the doghouse for the rough ride.

[cptDan]

:D i can see experience talking here ...

[Camhawk88]

Thats why you make sure the cuddy is glass and the BR is ali.

[IcyDuck]

Thats why you make sure the cuddy is glass and the BR is ali.

Fiendish ....

[Rodpal]

man... if your heart sais a bow rider for the family then I say go for it,... everything in boating is a compromise and no such thing as a dry boat over 20knotts in any case .. and possibly the wrong day out with the family anyway

if a bow rider get you and the family together out on the water then that's a great acquisition..... good boat to take camping and exploring new spots .. and kids love a bit of spray over the bow anyway ... plus they still fish well

only paves the way for the next fishing platform man .. and the next adventure so yah .... enjoy

cheers rod

[Rodpal]

also the searod series by Formosa has my vote

cheers rod

[cptDan]

Cheers Rodpal, I get you, thanks for that.
Have you got experience with the searod and how would you rate the supposed increase in stability? Do you reckon trim tabs would be a necessary addition on them?

[Rodpal]

hey cptDan
I don't actually have any firsthand experience with the searod boats other then one water test and around 2 years or so of research while kicking around the idea of a 2nd smaller boat to get back to the estuaries and close inshore stuff.

ive just ordered a 5.2m CC searod and they definitely stack up as the goods man.

wrong or right I'm actually putting a set of bennet trim tabs on mine so yah .. I do think trim tabs will make a difference

IMHO think the searods are a very well built and priced plate boat in that range, not really sure the ballast tube system will make a world of difference but its certainly gotta help man ... plus its a good conversation piece around the fire lol

cheers rod

[mitc69]

why not get a cat? work well for everything u want :D

[hazza80]

I haven't read all the replies after the OP's post. But will share that I own a 2010 Formosa 520 Tomahawk CC (I bought it in 2014) - I love it. Love the sealed aluminium flooring, love the freeboard space, love the back diving deck, ladder, etc - it's the kind of boat I will repower and keep when the time comes. Being that it has a very wide bow (widest part on the hull), it does jump a bit more than normal - but trimmed down and driven sensibly, it goes well. That's about the only issue I've found - I'm stoked with it. 520 is a great size too - enough room for the family to feel comfortable, big enough to get to some great spots, and easy enough to winch on back at the ramp.

Here's a link to my website I've just created (most pages are still blank as I'm getting to them) and to my Formosa, as I fill in the trip details in each page, I will make more detailed notes of the boat's handling etc. http://www.greatfamilyadventures.com/?page_id=355

A mate has a Blue FIn and loves it too. Smaller, 4.3m Mangrove Jack - but he's happy.

Good luck with the research and looking. It's half the fun!

[cptDan]

Thanks for that Hazza - helps a lot mate.