Fibreglass Boats

[ant1971]

Hi all, i was hoping to get some advice on a few makes of fibreglass boats.
I am looking to purchase a new one towards the end of the year, but without getting a mortgage for it!!
I have seen a Yalta craft and a Stejcraft online, but haven't seen either first hand. I am going to Brisbane boatshow next month, so hopefully by then i might have an idea of what to look out for.
Any help or advice on what to check for would be great.

If it makes any difference, i live in Far North Qld, so it can get choppy quickly.

[Floating Rib]

Ant , you might give the guys a few more details as in length, intended use, cabin or not, what you tow with, mono or cat and rough budget, certainly guys here with lots of Knowledge but there are so many choices in boats so maybe you can narow it down.
Cheers
Rib

[ant1971]

Ah, sorry mate, that would be a good idea! Im looking at 6m, half cabin, mainly fishing, but island hopping as well, i will be towing using a nissan navara, mono hull.
Budget wise, im looking about $45k

Only joined the site today, im sure ill get used to it soon. lol

[ozynorts]

Hey Ant, welcome to the site. I am fairly new here also but have used the site fairly extensively since I started. I am going through the same process as you are.
You will find a lot of boats on sites like boatpoint, boatsales etc. Also look at sites like tradingpost and gumtree.
As for types of boats to start looking at, I have been given great information on boats like Haines, Yalta Craft, Allison, Mustang and Cruise Craft to start with. There are more but you can't go wrong by starting with those.
The guys on the site here are really helpful but also remember that there is a search function on the site and there is lots of info there already if you go looking.
Good luck with the search

[ozynorts]

Hey Ant check this out.
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/rasmu...rer/1004538083
and this http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bushl...bin/1002886651 I would think this one would need an engine upgrade.
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/north...uki/1003645705
http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-fo...spx?R=12327780.
http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-fo...spx?R=12579912
http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-fo...aspx?R=8633291
http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-fo...spx?R=12720231
http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-fo...spx?R=12680695
They should get you started

[Jarrah Jack]

May be wise to avoid anything made in China like the Stegcraft and be aware that it looks like Allison is going through some troubles so any warranty would be suspect. Not saying Allison are bad boats but you would have to discount them to HH and others who have a long warranty.

[johncar]

Hi ant1971, I agree with ozynorts in recommending a good preloved. You are only going to get a very basic and possibly not so good 6.0 GRP boat with your budget if wanting brand new. Even 2nd hand they are starting to get a few years on them for the good brands and models.
If you definitely want new and can stretch the budget a little then check out the Tournament pleasure Boats, like the Bluewater 1900 or 2000 better possibly one of the best new boats for your $$. Your call but Made in China is not the best move IMHO.

[ozynorts]

I had a look at a 1900 Tournament on the weekend. ew on the floor with 150hp ETEC on it. They were asking $54k for it. It was a nice boat but I think that you can get a better deal on second hand if you look around and do your research. That is what we are doing and hopefully we will get the right boat in the end.

[WalrusLike]

Have you looked at the Baysport boats? Built in Noosa their site has a 3 or 4 min video about their construction.

They are light but strong and look good. They are very stable at rest and seem to track well at speed.

They are cheap ish and it shows in some of the internal finish but everything thats important is done well. You can gradually upgrade the missing trim etc.

Not a perfect boat boat but perfect for me because it was in my price range and the wife approval factor was high. I don't know what they are like offshore but they are dry and I feel safe in the bay in rough conditions.

[JollyDave]

Hi, fairly new to the boat scene myself but have spent a lot of time on line doing research with the following result:

1. New at around 6M cuddy and approx $45K will only get you the old style 2 stroke
2. As above with Opti or 4 stroke add about $4k minimum
3. Lots of info based on a mate of a mate had one of those - not first hand from owners
4. Needed to track down some actual owners and talk to them regarding the boats and their experience.
5. Many people quoting things like boats out of Chine light on in glass - need to check this yourself by comparing actual dry weights for same length boats
6. Most advise given with the best of intention but sometimes misguided

After doing all this I ended up buying a Stejcraft 580C - with 90 hp 4 stroke Merc. (2010 model). Went for a trial on water in the ocean off mandurah in WA and could not fault the ride or power balance ( did not want a speed boat) good for 30 knots, very dry and very stable. Also took a mate with me that has a 6.1 M aly ( blokes off shore fishing rig. He was really impressed with the ride etc.

The key point is to insure you go for an on water test, take a mate that has plenty of boating experience, and insure that you are happy with the ride, handling, stability etc etc.
There are others on the site that have Stejcraft and love em as well. Have yet to find an actual owner that does not like the boat.
Having said all that there are lots off other great boats, Yalta, Haines (great boats), Cruise Craft and on and on.

Have fun but make sure you trace down some owners before you buy.

Cheers
Dave

[gpz1991]

Hi all, i was hoping to get some advice on a few makes of fibreglass boats.
I am looking to purchase a new one towards the end of the year, but without getting a mortgage for it!!
I have seen a Yalta craft and a Stejcraft online, but haven't seen either first hand. I am going to Brisbane boatshow next month, so hopefully by then i might have an idea of what to look out for.
Any help or advice on what to check for would be great.

If it makes any difference, i live in Far North Qld, so it can get choppy quickly.

Hi ant, the Yalta have a big following up that way, made in tin can bay, great boat in chop and swell, I have a 615 which is the same as the new 2200, would tow ok with your your car weight is approx 1900 kg fully loaded

[Goldfinch]

Ant...definitely check out the Haines Hunter and Haines Signature range. Great boats, good warranties and good resale. You will get a lot better value for money in a secondhand boat though. Usually $15k off the new price and only 2 years old. You can still buy from a dealer. I have done this twice now and have had 2 excellent boats. Welcome to Ausfish.....addicted for life!!!! :-)
Cheers
Dave

[ant1971]

Wow, thanks for all the help. Plenty there for me to think about. I have looked at second hand Haines and Cruise Craft and they seem to hold their value, but are still probably out of my price range. I have also seen new Yalta Craft and Stejcraft for around my budget, so I am hoping they will be at the show next month, and maybe get a water test. Its a bit of a minefield, so if anyone has anything else helpful it would be appreciated. But thanks again to all of you who has replied. Also there is the matter of the motor.........another subject to scratch my head at!!!!

[ant1971]

im going to look at the site, thanks mate.

[ozynorts]

with motor's you will have to chose what the dealer uses. The only option you may have is 2 or 4 stroke. Some dealers have two different motor brands which gives you more choice.