Need Advice on what boat to buy - Melbourne

[johnjvv]

Hello everyone...

I am looking for advice on what boat to buy as I am struggling to decide.


My budget is max 55k but I would be happy to spend less. Looking at both new and used. However I am afraid of used as I don't want to get a lemon and too inexperienced to know what to look for.


We will predominantly use it for fishing in the bay in Melbourne and will launch the boat in the Patterson River. However I would also like to go out through the heads once I feel experienced enough to do so and would also want to take the boat to lakes and rivers. This will be my first boat.


There will be little kids on the boat so I am keen on getting something with shelter when it starts raining. I am leaning towards glass for comfort however considering to plate boats as well.


I need to be able to man handle the in my front yard so it needs to be on a single axle trailer so I guess 5.5 - 5.8m max.


It would be a plus to get a boat where rocket launcher is sufficiently strong to be used as a wakeboarding tower, but that is not a must.


I have looked at most of the well known brands, Haines, CrusiseCraft, Streaker, BC, Surtees, Stabi and I am massively confused!!

What brands am I overlooking? I would appreciate your advice.

Cheers,
John

[Noelm]

I think you are going to have to go 5.5 or less if you want a single axle trailer, and even then it's not going to a heap of fun pushing it around on grass! will have to be a pretty good rocket launcher to double as a wake board tower, not impossible, but I doubt anything "off the shelf" is going to work. Do the rounds of a few dealers and see what around, 55K will buy a decent boat in that size range.

[TheRealPoMo]

Not that I'd normally argue with Noelm, but I have just been quoted on a single axle trailer for my 5.7 fibreglass bowrider by a respected local manufacturer. No issues and thats with an American iron inboard so its not light. But yeah you won't move it by yourself.

Edit: Depending on your build....my new chest freezer was delivered this morning by a large Islander chap. He carried it in on his shoulder. He'd probably move the boat....

[ozynorts]

You will need to check the regulations in Vic regarding the weight limits for single axle trailers. There are some dealers out there that will sell a boat on a single axle trailer that is just legal when it leaves their yard but once you fill it with fuel and all of the necessary items that you seem to need for boating it is over the limit........
I went through all this a few years ago and while it might be a bit frustrating at first, take your time to educate yourself on things like the regs I mentioned above and then you have some info to use when talking to dealers.

[johnjvv]

I went through all this a few years ago and while it might be a bit frustrating at first, take your time to educate yourself on things like the regs I mentioned above and then you have some info to use when talking to dealers.

Thanks, i will check it out and do appreciate the pointers. I have not thought of that.

[johnjvv]

I will need that dude to come push my boat one day!!!

[Andy56]

It seems so long ago that i was in a similar position. Initially i thought a glass boat is necessary, but now i think not so much. You obviously need something family friendly. Just saw a quintrex freedom sport 610 with 150hp yammie advertised for around $40g. Glass boats with a decent amount of grunt are all over your budget. Sure there are cheap specials but with the smallest motor on offer, you will be disappointed. Dont be in a rush to buy. Make yourself a check list of what you think maybe important. for example, a haines signiture can legally carry 7 people. a big quintrex bowrider is a lot of boat for the money. Some boats are very cheap also because they have very old 2 stroke motors. You would have to factor in a replacement motor cost. I wouldnt be too concerned about getting the very very best my money can buy because no boat is going to be perfect.

[Vromme]

Sea Devil 520 with 140 suke on it.

Good at rest with flooded keel.

Strong as you get

One of the best rides in its class (23.5 degree at transom)

Handles a skier/tube.

Will get a new one in the budget.

Hold their value extremely well.

[Crunchy]

For me with family boating I would tend towards glass...lot's of people will say not so but having had both that's what I would choose. If going for a large off-shore plate boat then yes throw that into the mix but for a smaller boats glass is quieter and smoother & therefore generally better suited to family boating IMO.

[Magilla1]

Just buy a haines 585r and be done with it! In fact every one go out and get one now because they are the greatest boat in history!

(being sarcastic)::)

[johnjvv]

Just buy a haines 585r and be done with it! In fact every one go out and get one now because they are the greatest boat in history!

(being sarcastic)::)

Just put my deposit down, such a good investment i am getting two!

[scottar]

Just put my deposit down, such a good investment i am getting two!

Definitely not the right word for boats in most cases (not being sarcastic unfortunately). The best advice has already been given - don't rush. Make a check list of needs and wants and then start your comparisons based around YOUR list. Don't be too afraid of second hand - you will get a lot more boat for your money - just do your research and there are industry professionals that can help with stuff like hull and engine inspections. Another option to make your money go further is to find an older hull and trailer that is in good nick and re-power or leave the surplus cash in a safe spot in case a re-power is required.

There is no "perfect" boat building material. Every medium has it's advantages and disadvantages. Most (if not all) are well documented.

[johnjvv]

Thanks. I have actually been thinking that if i saved 15k buying, that equates to 3 years in the dry docks which would make the whole thing so much easier...2nd hand sounds like the way to go...

[Smithy]

I think you are going to struggle with the whole single axle thing for a reasonable size boat. It might limit you to tinnys or plate boats for the weight.

What about a trailer mover to overcome the trailer issue and find something with duals?

https://www.edisons.com.au/12v-jockey-wheel-electric-jack-tr-mjk-01/?___store=default&gclid=CjwKEAiAz4XFBRCW87vj6-28uFMSJAAHeGZb4YgyNSzd9gmEWGESuBKdSgr3FI7hoO-ECzrW4uuKRBoCb8Pw_wcB

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/201810041960?lpid=107&chn=ps

https://www.caravanrvcamping.com.au/trailer-valet-mover-xl?gclid=Cj0KEQiA8orFBRCEpODivaOft_EBEiQAy3mlfSDXF rT8Wzg6AT97En6SAbb72S4LbQ4ARoE4z1h4UrkaAkse8P8HAQ

That opens up these:-

Needs a bit of a tidy up but basics are there. Good 4 stroke and winch for you southeners.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-4530319/2002-Savage-55-SURVEYOR-SP-HALF-CABIN?cr=14&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

Bit newer and I reckon these Mercs are good bits of gear. Got the winch but if you are serious needs bigger electronics.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-4550000/2014-Streaker-5700-Bluewater?cr=0&gts=SSE-AD-4550000&gtssaleid=SSE-AD-4550000&gtsviewtype=Spotlight&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

Nice trailer and motor and plenty of money left over for a new SS rocket launcher where you could make it strong enough for wakeboarding.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-4444197/2003-Southwind-SF-580?cr=36&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=30&pss=Premium

Pretty new HH.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/dealer/used/OAG-AD-14203438/2015-HAINES-HUNTER-535-PROFISH?cr=57&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=45&pss=Premium

Nice Honda with lots of warranty left. Single axle and lots of your Vicco snapper racks.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-3137156/2002-Trophy-1802-WALKAROUND?cr=59&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=45&pss=Premium

Viking cheap enough for a repower and new SS rocket launcher etc.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/dealer/used/OAG-AD-14273341/1995-SEAFARER-55-VIKING?cr=69&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=60&pss=Premium

Nice cheap HH with single axle.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-4287968/2004-Haines-Hunter-530-CLASSIC?cr=73&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=60&pss=Premium

Nice CC.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-4551738/2014-Cruise-Craft-EXPLORER-530?cr=84&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=75&pss=Premium

Another tidy HH.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/dealer/used/OAG-AD-12791429/2007-HAINES-HUNTER-CLASSIC-530?cr=85&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=75&pss=Premium

Tidy number with some fruit.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/dealer/used/OAG-AD-13950267/2004-CARIBBEAN-ADVENTURER?cr=115&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=105&pss=Premium

Victory with nice Suzuki.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/dealer/used/OAG-AD-13946457/1999-SEAFARER-VICTORY-60?cr=135&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=135&pss=Premium

Anther tidy HH.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/dealer/used/OAG-AD-14308513/2004-HAINES-HUNTER-600-CLASSIC-OFFSHORE?cr=137&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=135&pss=Premium

Cheap Savage.

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/dealer/used/OAG-AD-14070931/2000-SAVAGE-SURVEYOR?cr=139&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=135&pss=Premium

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-4327135/2012-Ocean-Master-540-Enterprise?cr=197&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=195&pss=Premium

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-1104372/2006-Stabicraft-589XR-SPORT?cr=244&psq=%28%28%28%28%28BoatType%3DPower%26State%3DVict oria%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D%5BDemo%20and%20near%20 new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20boa ts%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20boats%5D %29%29%26Price%3Drange%5B20000..60000%5D%29%26Leng thInMeters%3Drange%5B5..6%5D%29%26Service%3DBoatsa les%29&pso=240&pss=Premium

[skifalls]

Hello everyone...

I am looking for advice on what boat to buy as I am struggling to decide.


My budget is max 55k but I would be happy to spend less. Looking at both new and used. However I am afraid of used as I don't want to get a lemon and too inexperienced to know what to look for.


We will predominantly use it for fishing in the bay in Melbourne and will launch the boat in the Patterson River. However I would also like to go out through the heads once I feel experienced enough to do so and would also want to take the boat to lakes and rivers. This will be my first boat.


There will be little kids on the boat so I am keen on getting something with shelter when it starts raining. I am leaning towards glass for comfort however considering to plate boats as well.


I need to be able to man handle the in my front yard so it needs to be on a single axle trailer so I guess 5.5 - 5.8m max.


It would be a plus to get a boat where rocket launcher is sufficiently strong to be used as a wakeboarding tower, but that is not a must.


I have looked at most of the well known brands, Haines, CrusiseCraft, Streaker, BC, Surtees, Stabi and I am massively confused!!

What brands am I overlooking? I would appreciate your advice.

Cheers,
John

John, don't limit yourself to a specific size and/or weight if you have a flat piece of land. I'm located in Eltham Melb, having to reverse the boat up a steep driveway at 90 degrees, my solution was an electric dolly. My make is a parkit 360, made in Canada or the states (can't remember). My boat is a Evo 500 Cuddy so on trailer fully loaded under 1.5 T.

The electric dolly can move the boat with ease, the dolly I have goes up to 2T, they have a model up to 3.5T.

I picked ours up for 1200 on eBay, they retail for a few hundred more depending on options

Drop me a PM if you want to drop past and see it in action

Cheers
Mat


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[skifalls]

Just checked the website maybe they a more like 2K new, but they do have a model that can move 6T


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[maru222]

savage mako on dual trailer , walk threw cabin i sgrat for short chop on bay

[johnjvv]

Guys, thanks so much for the advice.

Smithy thanks for that list, man that is great. I have seen some good used Cruisecraft 575'. What do you think of that model?

[Noelm]

Some pretty good buys on Smithys list, a guy I know has one of them in the list (trophy walk around) and it is a pretty good boat, but, he weighed it once fully loaded and it should never be on a single axle trailer here in Aus...that Seafarer is OK, and you might even get a bit off it with no trade, buying second hand, with new (ish) power is often a way to get lots of "stuff" that costs thousands when buying new, take your time and be prepared to call interstate, if something looks good, there is often someone local that can at least have an in person look first off.

[shakey55]

Totally agree with others. Take your time looking around. Winter months coming and may be some bargains.

There are some great second hand buys around. Admittedly this one is in QLD but they do pop up and don't limit yourself to a local buy.

Example:

http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-for-sale/dealer/used/OAG-AD-13917679/2015-SEAFARER-50-V-SEA-CUDDY-CABIN?cr=3&psq=%28%28Make%3DSeafarer%26%28%28%28SiloType%3D%5 BDemo%20and%20near%20new%20boats%5D%7CSiloType%3D% 5BDealer%20new%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BDeale r%20used%20boats%5D%29%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20u sed%20boats%5D%29%29%26Service%3DBoatsales%29&pso=0&pss=Premium


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[inveratta]

Lots of sound advice....Im only going to add a thought......depending on how far you want to travel with the boat behind...at about 570/580 youre close to the max I would ever want to put on a single axle for a f/g boat.Tandems are a pain in some aspects...slow reverse turning for one...but on the highway its another story...again its how you see yourself using your boat!

[johnjvv]

Thanks all for the input. Very much appreciated.

[WildFishExpeditions]

People who have seen me post before know I love Yalta Craft. I paid $50,000 for mine brand new. But mine is the 2200 model (6.6m). They made a 2000 model (6m) and a1800 model (5.5m) being smaller than my model I sure they would also be cheaper so you could probably easily get a brand new boat with a suitable 4 stroke for mid 40's, if you buy from "the boat place" which is also where they are made. I just took 2 days off work and drove to Queensland to pick it up. Cost me $500 in fuel I think but still saved thousands and thousands on buying a haines or similar.

[Andy56]

Hey Smithy, great collection of what appears to be good buys. Can you also find some goodies in the $20-25 mark. :D:D
My idea of buying here in thailand from the quintrex dealer has gone up in smoke. $38g for a 450 topender. I will be looking for a secondhand to import. So i find this thread a good read, AGAIN. I will be on my third boat! imagine that, i never knew i was going to have the first when i did, hahahaha

[johnjvv]

Guys, thanks for all your input. I am certainly not looking at new boats anymore. I believe what i will do is go for something around the 30-35k mark, perhaps a bit bigger and then use some of my budget to either get an electric jockey or put it in the dry docks. Being a first timer, the idea of not mucking around the ramp sounds pretty good.

Cheers again...

[cptDan]

Aside from launchers this may work ... Stacer 539 Easyrider boat/motor/trailer on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1146489091?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=sms


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[NomadNoosa]

Aside from launchers this may work ... Stacer 539 Easyrider boat/motor/trailer on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1146489091?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=sms


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I have the equivalent Quintrex that I bought brand new for less than that. I don't have clears, which I don't want though. But $45Kish will get you into a new one.

You can slip that bait board out as well and slide in a ski pole.

[Andy56]

having made the plung myself a while ago, 7 yrs ago seems like a long time ago, i had the same criteria. I went for a signature 543rf. Its relatively light, its a big boat, its got a great ride, its got high sides which is good for kids and most importantly it is rated for 7 people. Nothing out there in fiberglass beats a signature for space. Fishing was important but socialising ability was the cream on the top. Stainless steel top is best done by professionals to your specs, ie you can make it what ever you want. You can quite easily live with anything around 115hp. having said that , a quintrex around 6m would be a nice choice too, possibly at a cheaper price with a 150. I know there are other brands but, for me these two makes are more family friendly and come with the bling looks your wife will love.
you have a lot of choices.

[myusernam]

My advice for any Melbourne boatie is to purchase something at least 40 feet long and proceed northeast for several thousand nautical miles. To that end any modern 40ft plus sailing cat with a m plus bridgedeck clearance or any motorcruiser with a gardener should do the trick! :) Nordhavn if u r loaded

[scottar]

My advice for any Melbourne boatie is to purchase something at least 40 feet long and proceed northeast for several thousand nautical miles. To that end any modern 40ft plus sailing cat with a m plus bridgedeck clearance or any motorcruiser with a gardener should do the trick! :) Nordhavn if u r loaded

LOL. Having made that trip as far as Newcastle - fly or drive and then buy the 40 footer. I was in an 85 footer with the best part of 400 ton displacement and it still wasn't big enough.

[Andy56]

LOL. Having made that trip as far as Newcastle - fly or drive and then buy the 40 footer. I was in an 85 footer with the best part of 400 ton displacement and it still wasn't big enough.

Northern wimps.
;D;D;D;D

"Danish born Australian adventurer Hans Tholstrup undertook the impossible and completed an extraordinary expedition and one of the greatest small boat ocean voyages of all time in a stock standard Haines Signature 540 powered by a 90hp engine. Hans completed the 7,500 km odyssey from Darwin to Okinawa, Japan back in 1999"

[scottar]

Northern wimps.
;D;D;D;D

"Danish born Australian adventurer Hans Tholstrup undertook the impossible and completed an extraordinary expedition and one of the greatest small boat ocean voyages of all time in a stock standard Haines Signature 540 powered by a 90hp engine. Hans completed the 7,500 km odyssey from Darwin to Okinawa, Japan back in 1999"



And I'll bet he'll be the first to tell you it wasn't all beer and skittles. I was a lot more "adventurous" when I was younger but now I like it warm and dry - most of the time at least. Sometimes being in a smaller rig is a godsend - they don't get the same rolling motion as larger displacement craft do but when your in the middle of nowhere with walls of water breaking over your bow to the point they are tearing the fendering off - isn't one of those times

[Andy56]

Wasnt meant to be anything other than a perfect reply to why us southerners need a 40ft boat.