Southwind UB520?

[scottv50]

I have been going out with my neighbours and my father using their boats and at some point I want to get my own boat. Right now I am doing my research to find a suitable vessel.

My requirements are that I can use it in Keppel Bay, as far north as Flat & Perforated, east to Barren and South East to Cape Capricorn.

As well as being able to use it offshore, I need to be able to use it in the Fitzroy River, Corio Bay and from Port Alma down into The Narrows.

I am interested in trolling for Mackeral, bottom bashing for reefies, flicking lures to Barra in the river and also a spot of mud crabbing.

The boat must be seaworthy enough to get me out to Barren, but also usable up the creeks and in the river.

I also have two boys aged 12 and 9, so it must be safe for them to be onboard too.

Lastly my budget is only up to about $30k.

I have done a lot of research and been out in quite a few different boats, so I have an idea of what I want.

I first started looking closely at a Quintrex Top Ender style boat, including Horizon Northerner, Trailcraft Profish, etc. but after riding in a few alloy boats I am not too keen on the ride.

So my last idea is the Southwind UB520. I have seen a few for sale online, including this one:

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBoatID=2071751&TabID=3338&Alias=boatpointau

I live in Qld and this boat is in Melbourne, so viewing it will be a problem. Which is why I am after some feedback.

I have heard good things about these boats. I think it is able to satisfy most of my requirements listed above, but I am not too sure about freeboard and the depth inside from the deck to the top of the gunwale. Remember I will have two young boys with me most times.

Will this boat be safe enough to use out to Barren and up to Flat & Perforated in up to 15knots of wind and seas about 1m? I have heard the have a reasonbly good ride and are quite seaworthy if handled properly.

Can anybody please comment on the UB520 in relation to my requirements above?

[finding_time]

check your pm ;)

[scottv50]

check your pm ;)

Thanks.

[Spaniard_King]

check your pm ;)

Thank god for that, Rat_catcher I thought you had started something there ;D ;D ;D

;)

Garry

[jackster]

i've got the ub580
top boat 8-)

take one for a test ride...you wont be disapointed
there should be a dealer not too far from you

[scottv50]

I got some good feedback from finding_time. Thanks for that. Anybody else have anything to add?

[Chimo]

Have you seen this one?

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBoatID=1903691&TabID=3338&Alias=boatpointau

Cheers

Chimo

[Pedro]

Rat Catcher,
Can your budget extend to the UB670.I used to live in Yeppoon before I moved to Innisfail and have fished all those places you mention. I have been in the UB520 and was impressed but I ended up buying a UB670 and never regretted it. It will handle that mongrel Kepple Bay chop better that the 520 due to its length.
Regards
Pedro

[the_bomber]

check your pm ;)

Thank god for that, Rat_catcher I thought you had started something there ;D ;D ;D

;)

Garry


Amen to that Garry ;D
Ian didn't get the name "Shitlips" for verbal constipation ;D ;D ;D
Rob

[scottv50]

Budget.....budget.....budget....Minister of Finance! Nothing more to be said! #;D

[scottv50]

Rat Catcher,
It will handle that mongrel Kepple Bay chop better that the 520 due to its length.
Amen to that! I guess that is why the allys are out!

[jackster]

got to agree with pedro...there is no substitue for length :o

although i'm more than happy with my 580
i'm still kicking myself when a 670 came up for the right price and i hesitated too long and missed it :'(
it would of been nice 8-)

the builder of them now is
http://www.southernstarmarine.com.au/
not an easy site to use...but they are there ;)
also keep an eye out for
http://www.goodwinglass.com.au/
http://www.stingerboats.com.au/

[jackster]

to say that longboats are poorly marketed in aust. is an understatement
the yanks have found them a few years ago..they call them pangas and they are taking off there

here are a couple of early write ups on the ub670
http://www.marinews.com/fishing_details.php?recordid=265

http://www.happymicks.com.au/fishing/fish_adventures_june.html

[scottv50]

Thanks for the links and feedback guys. It will certainly give me more to consider.

[jackster]

get prices on new ones too
i rang 12 mths ago and a basic 670 was $14,000 without cc
which means a full kit should run under 35,000

[scottv50]

I did get a new quote, but my father has the paperwork now so I don't have all the details, but it was something like $38k with a 90hp 4-stroke on the UB580 I think.