scottv50
01-10-2006, 05:25 PM
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?
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?