25_ponies
17-04-2005, 09:36 AM
OK, the long awaited upgrade to the Ponies' tinny has finally arrived.
I was under the illusion that this would be an easy decision :-[ but no such luck.
I'm looking for a new aluminium runabout in the 4.75-4.8 range and so far have looked at the following:
Quintrex CoastRunner - Was #1 until reading about quality issues. Design seems good, but they've screwed up the new models with all that plasticky side cover crap. Dash looks really cheap as well.
Ally Craft Bar Raider - Seems ok, bit lower quality than the Quinny, plus only 60L fuel tank
Formosa - seems like #1 option at the moment and build quality looks good for the price - almost seems to cheap (eg - has full seam welds on gunwalls etc whereas Quinny etc have tack).
Stacer - can't handle that riveted on plastic/fibreglass front section.
Plate boats - have looked at Trailcraft and Fisher - nice but a bit over budget.
Budget is around $25K give or take a few thou with a 50 or 60 HP 4 stroke.
Looking for any suggestions or opinions from current or past owners of any of the above.
Cheers,
Ponies.
PS - Nic will soon be changing from 25_ponies ;D
I was under the illusion that this would be an easy decision :-[ but no such luck.
I'm looking for a new aluminium runabout in the 4.75-4.8 range and so far have looked at the following:
Quintrex CoastRunner - Was #1 until reading about quality issues. Design seems good, but they've screwed up the new models with all that plasticky side cover crap. Dash looks really cheap as well.
Ally Craft Bar Raider - Seems ok, bit lower quality than the Quinny, plus only 60L fuel tank
Formosa - seems like #1 option at the moment and build quality looks good for the price - almost seems to cheap (eg - has full seam welds on gunwalls etc whereas Quinny etc have tack).
Stacer - can't handle that riveted on plastic/fibreglass front section.
Plate boats - have looked at Trailcraft and Fisher - nice but a bit over budget.
Budget is around $25K give or take a few thou with a 50 or 60 HP 4 stroke.
Looking for any suggestions or opinions from current or past owners of any of the above.
Cheers,
Ponies.
PS - Nic will soon be changing from 25_ponies ;D