Best Buys - #pre-loved fibreglass15 - 18ft 1/

[nigelr]

Although I love my aluminium open boat, am toying with the idea of going for a 'pre-loved' 'glass boat for my next inshore fishing platform. Would greatly appreciate any advice as to which manufacturers to seek out, or which to avoid! Looking to use prob no bigger than 75hp outboard, don't have far to travel, don't want to go fast. Do however have to negotiate a sometimes ugly bar, hence wanting something a little more 'user-friendly' than my tiller steer open Stessco! ::)
I'm on the MNC NSW, so am lucky not to have to travel the distance some of you QLD folk do to find decent ground. Any advice appreciated.
Cheers, NR.

[boatboy50]

Hey Nigel,

For anything truly near 18ft, you will need much more power than a 75.

Have a look for any Haines or Seafarer around 5.0-5.5m, or look for a Southwind SF17. Nice boats all of them.

Your budget will restrict what you can buy, and how old it will be. The older the boat you buy, make sure it has a newer engine. How much to spend?

Regards

Darren

[markpeta]

NR,

I got a 1991 75hp Mariner on a 17ft Seafarer. Get upto 35knots cruise along 25knots at 4000rpm. Great offshore rig runabout model heaps of room in the back for fishing.

Mark

[nigelr]

Thanks Darren and Mark. Budget would be up to $20k, but preferably less.
Regards Nigel.

[impulse492f]

Sounds like a pre-loved Signature would suit you. I bought a 492F and is excellent for fishing as it has all those fish things, live bait tank, esky, 3 chopping boards, rod holders etc. Cost me $16K with 85 2/S Suzuki (32 Knotts)

Here's some more pics http://members.iinet.net.au/~apmoon@iinet.net.au/haines492f/

[Argle]

Have to agree with Impulse (bloody Signature owners ;D) The 492F would be a top choice, great ride good looks and excellent resale and wouldnt use much fuel with a 75 on the back.

Cheers and Beers
Scott (a bloody Signature owner 8-) ;D)

[nigelr]

Thanks guys. Certainly beautiful looking hulls. Done any bar work in your Sigs?
How'd they go?
Regards Nigel.

[impulse492f]

Thanks guys. Certainly beautiful looking hulls. Done any bar work in your Sigs?
How'd they go?
Regards Nigel.

Yes they are a good ride with the 21-33 degree hulls.

As for bars, I've only crossed the road to grab a bourbon, no bar crossings in the Georges or Botany Bay. But as for handling I don't think you would have any dramas as they handle well. With the 85 she does 60Km/h at 5200rpm and cruises at about 45km/h at 4200rpm and uses about 1.5km per litter.

I have some great write ups if your interested.

[fishin_till_late]

Dont forget the old seafarer v-seas.
I remember going out in one a while back and I was very suprised how well the old 15 footer handled the bar. It absuluty flew with a 70 too!

cheers jono

[nigelr]

Thanks everyone for your comments.
Cheers.