Any Cruise Craft owners out there?
Submitted by DazSamFishing on Wed, 2010-01-27 18:49
Well, I'm doing my research on our next purchase. Unfortunately, the centre console idea has been kicked out the window by the missus 
& likewise with the centre cab... they don't offer a comfortable place for a snooze.
This time, it's gotta be glass. We're looking at a Cruise Craft Outsider 625 & would like a few comments from people who have either owned 1, currently own 1 or have fished in 1.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Daz
mussels
Posts: 65
Date Joined: 06/10/08
cruise craft
hi daz, i have the 685 outsider with a 250hp yami. great riding boat, you wont be disapointed.
DazSamFishing
Posts: 1518
Date Joined: 19/08/09
Hey mussels, did you check
Hey mussels, did you check out the 625 before the 685 & have you fitted trim tabs?
HuggyB
Posts: 2515
Date Joined: 03/08/08
I think most
would agree that if you can afford them, get trim tabs. So many times I have heard someone say they wish they fitted them straightaway.......
My Dad said he was really impressed with the finish of the Cruise Crafts, I think he was looking at the 625 as well.
The Terrorist - coming to a fishing spot near you.........
fishy fingers
Posts: 1719
Date Joined: 28/04/07
Go here
http://www.seamedia.com.au/_tmp/seamedia-LAXuau.pdf
You will find all you need to know, these people give a realy h9onest opinion on anything they test
Goodz
Posts: 2332
Date Joined: 20/07/09
Hey Daz if you need a hand
Hey Daz if you need a hand testing the new boat out.. let me know ;)
wazzbat
Posts: 977
Date Joined: 19/01/10
Yeah. If you need to
Yeah. If you need to really load the boat up for a test run, you can count me in too!
I fish for the future - Cause I can't bloody catch anything!
grayzeee
Posts: 2283
Date Joined: 09/07/09
i was in the same boat with
i was in the same boat
with the missus wanting room to overnight
i had a look into the cruisecraft 625
found the cabin was not long enough to stretch out in (poss explorer)
best to try and get a sea test in one mate
i went haines , seafarer also well worth a look
If I spent half as long fishing , as I do reading this bloody forum , I'd be twice the fisherman I am.
Pete D
Posts: 1681
Date Joined: 07/06/07
Once the missus gets a taste
Once the missus gets a taste of an overnighter, then she'll want to stay a few nights!
You have to be comfortable and like said, space for sleeping is a must. Missus and I are 6 ft and found the Trophy the best...haines would be nice but not for 20k+ more (talking new here).
Do ya research Daz and if you want a cruise/fish on the Trophy, give us a call.
Cheers Pete
DazSamFishing
Posts: 1518
Date Joined: 19/08/09
What Trophy have you got
What Trophy have you got Pete. We looked at a 1903 CC... but the other half was still not impressed... CC's are a no no... but still trying to convince her.
The build quality on both cruisecraft & trophy are superb. But the Trophy is more solid.
Pete D
Posts: 1681
Date Joined: 07/06/07
2052
Don't blame her with the CC - too wet!
The 2052 is full walkaround with a big cabin, so best of both worlds.
Cheers Pete
Rod P
Posts: 725
Date Joined: 20/05/08
Sold them for
Sold them for years.
Cruise craft are hand built boats and are up there with top boats like Haines Hunter. Very comparative and really between the two its just options and a few small differences that make it either or for your choice.
Great boat that handles very well and with the right power goes like a scolded cat. Agree about the trim tabs. All boats are better with them.
Built and designed by serous fisherman as well so they would fish very well IMHO.
solly
Posts: 376
Date Joined: 11/09/05
Tournament
I came real close to buying a 685 explorer,only the dealer couldnt get me a boat for months,I boughtthe closest boat to them in my book the 687 tournament bluewater.The finish is the same and side by side they nearly look the same.The tournament also needed trim tabs and I found the cabin was bigger. I over night with the missus all the time and she loves it. Access marine were the dealers for the cruisecraft but there not in business as them anymore. Check out Waterworld in wangara for the tournament as the have a 20ft model as well.Its the new tub for tournament on this site
solly
There are two types of people ,do'ers and watchers
Right now the do'ers are the doing it
And the watchers are watching us do it
mussels
Posts: 65
Date Joined: 06/10/08
cruise craft
daz no trim tabs fitted, and i dont see any need for them on this boat. i fish three guys comfortable all around the 100kg mark rides well and stable at rest. didnt look at the 625, abit too small for my style of fishing. if you are after a 625 have a look at the explorerer, same deck room as the outsider 685, taylor marine have a 625 explorer optioned up with all the gear worth a look. if you want a test run pm me i am in rockingham boat sits 50m from the water no hassle to drop her in.
wazzbat
Posts: 977
Date Joined: 19/01/10
Excuse my ignorance but...
Excuse my ignorance but... What are trim tabs? Please?
I fish for the future - Cause I can't bloody catch anything!
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
You can read about them
You can read about them here; http://www.qlmarine.com/
Good for trimming the boat, as well as leveling it when you have a crosswind etc.
DazSamFishing
Posts: 1518
Date Joined: 19/08/09
cheers mussels - will keep
cheers mussels - will keep that in mind.
I've noticed the explorers have more deck space - so not sure why we're fixated on the outsiders. Guess I like the walkaround idea - it's the closest thing I'll get to a centre console or centre cab.
We'd like to look at the patriots - they're just out of our budget.
The cruise crafts hold their value really well which is a plus for us. Jumping into a US boat doesn't have the same benefit.
STEVE231
Posts: 1443
Date Joined: 05/01/10
Cruise Craft
I looked fairly extensively at the Cruise Craft boats and ended up buying a 22ft Trophy walkaround, they come fitted out with basically everything that was an extra on most other Australian made boats but at a considerably cheaper price. I bought the 2002 walkaround and optioned up the outboard to a Optimax 175 and could not be happier with it. As far as the trim tabs go, I have them and I can safely say that I have never used them.
DazSamFishing
Posts: 1518
Date Joined: 19/08/09
Cheers for your input Steve.
Cheers for your input Steve. Trophy is still a good contender in our searches.
bellony
Posts: 94
Date Joined: 27/01/10
We have a 625 Outsider and
We have a 625 Outsider and are very happy with it. We made a list of essentials when we went shopping and it ticked all the boxs. Some of these points have already been mentioned but here they are anyway:
Walkaround really means get a good grip on the targa and make a dash for the bow. An extra 300mm height on the bow rail would look like crap but make it useful for things other than docking.
If buying again I would get trim tabs fitted from the factory, just to help the lean to windward issue, but not enough of an issue to retro fit. (Dont like drilling holes in hulls).
I'm 6' and can fit in the bunk, but not truelly stretch out and relax. (Explorer has a shorter cabin area).
We use it mainly for fishing with the occasional overnighter at Rotto and havn't regretted it one minute.
We looked at the US brands (2nd hand). Loved the hulls etc but the the fittings had all deteriated really badly for 3 or 4 year old boats. Plastic on seats , dash etc could all be scratched away with the finger nails, looked like the interior of a 20 year old Datsun.
At the end of the day all the brands mentioned are good products, its just which one meets your requirements the best. Good luck.
Rod P
Posts: 725
Date Joined: 20/05/08
There was a light blue hull
There was a light blue hull version at Rotto on the weekend. Was that yours? looks like a million bucks.
With Cruise Craft or haines Hunter you can ring the factory with the hull numbers and you'll be able to speak directly to the individual person that built that particular boat.
100% hand built. I recently fitted a sounder and GPS to dirks Cruise craft and needed a full power drill as battery drill died out. Few days later same thing on a different boat and even running whole saws battery drill did the lot. The build quality is so much higher than most out on the market. But yes you pay for that.
Commodore Marine
Posts: 96
Date Joined: 12/05/08
Must throw us in for consideration
Have a chat to Mako Magic about his 670 Allrounder or if we can get you on one for a run, would be more than happy to.
Andrew Welch
Commodore Marine
DazSamFishing
Posts: 1518
Date Joined: 19/08/09
I really like the 8000...
I really like the 8000... but unfortunately it won't fit the budget.
Any plans for a smaller version?
The_Wanderer
Posts: 735
Date Joined: 24/09/08
Have you checked out the
Have you checked out the Northshore Range of boats? They are nicely finished and ride well. PM Dean if you would like more info his dad has one.
Commodore Marine
Posts: 96
Date Joined: 12/05/08
Abrolhos Sprinta
Abrolhos Sprinta is a version of the Abrolhos 8000 that has just been released and at around $116,000 with a 300hp Suzuki and trailer, it is a lot of boat.
Andrew Welch
Commodore Marine
STEVE231
Posts: 1443
Date Joined: 05/01/10
Imported boats
One problem in regards to my Trophy boat is that it is imported and so is the trailer, which means sourcing simple things like wheel bearings and the like are near on impossible. It hasn't been a problem up till now, but I replaced a dog of ours (for want of better words) and the new puppy chewed through one of my brake lines (god bless him) I managed to have it repaired by Pirtek after a lot of messing around, but it does make you think sometimes, is it really worth the hassle. I have owned my boat for 3 years now and touch wood it is the only drama I've had. I am currently thinking of having the axles replaced and the whole brake system redone and according to one of my neighbours who owns a Trophy 2052 should cost around $1500 (he's already done it) I guess 3 years down the track, if thats the only maintenance I have to do , well it's not so bad, I'm still fairly confident that I have bought correctly. All the boats mentioned above are beautiful boats, but unfortunately come with hefty price tags, and as previously mentioned above if you look after your boat ie. use a boat cover etc., it won't look like an old "DATSUN". I can testify to that as my boat still looks as good as new!! P.M me if you want a look without the salespitch bullshit!!
DazSamFishing
Posts: 1518
Date Joined: 19/08/09
Thanks Steve, We've been
Thanks Steve,
We've been down the trophy path 2 years ago & drafted some prices with an aussie built trailer. It wasn't cheap - there's plenty to save it you import yourself. To me though, it's a daunting process. Others will argue otherwise, but at the end of the day, I'm not comfortable purchasing a boat (with the cash we're willing to outlay) without viewing it personally.
We'll be having a very close look at the cruise craft very soon - but likewise with trophy, haines & kevlacat.
STEVE231
Posts: 1443
Date Joined: 05/01/10
Imorted boats
I don't blame you man, I am very fortunate in the fact that I own my boat outright, and I think if I had my time again I would import one,given the fact that the US market is so shit at the moment, you would pick one up for a steal!! You could holiday in the US, see that your boat got on a ship and come back still being in front from buying locally.
Also going back to your CC dream, don't do it!!! I previously owned a 1703 Trophy CC and it was horrendously wet, and I can't imagine the 1903 would be much better, I think if you want a serious oceangoing CC it would have to be at least 25ft or a Boston Outrage.
When I was looking at the Cruise Craft's there was a dealer on the north coast of NSW who was offering some pretty very good deals with Lowrance electrics, haulage included at very reasonable prices. Well worth a look at, do your homework and save some bucks... money's too hard to come by!!
STEVE231
Posts: 1443
Date Joined: 05/01/10
Imported
Sorry my english is normally better than "imorted"... Damn Johnnie Walker!!!
DazSamFishing
Posts: 1518
Date Joined: 19/08/09
Don't think we'll end up
Don't think we'll end up with a centre console Steve. As much as I think it would be an ideal format for my style of fishing back east... it just doesn't tick all the right boxes for the other half.
The 1703 & 1903 are completely different hull designs so I'd suspect the 1903 being a better blue water contender. The boston whalers are great boats (similar to contender boats), but they come at a premium price.
I know there is a WA importing agent... so may have a chat to them.
DazSamFishing
Posts: 1518
Date Joined: 19/08/09
Any Explorer 625 or 685
Any Explorer 625 or 685 owners out there. Explorer/outsider is looking more likely. (Explorer with added fishing room is taking the lead).
Just wondering if anyone looked at both & why they ended up with the one they purchased?
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Isn't the vberth a bit
Isn't the vberth a bit compromised on the Explorer? No point getting a vberths thats just an overgrown tacklebox!
DazSamFishing
Posts: 1518
Date Joined: 19/08/09
It is. It's actually wider
It is. It's actually wider than the Outsider though. So, each is compromised in either deck space or cabin space.
The outsider has a longer but narrower cabin, whereas, the explorer has a shorter but wider cabin. I've read that the seating position in the explorer is only 20cm more forward.
Fishing space is more crucial for us especially when we start to target bills & do plenty of game fishing.
Both offer a place to sleep... we aren't the tallest people either.
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
hey if it works =)
hey if it works =)
Dreamcatcher
Posts: 26
Date Joined: 10/11/09
Furuno Australia Cruise Craft 625 Outsider
DazSamfishing, drop me an email at: dmaitland@taylormarine.com.au and I will be very happy to tell you all I know. I've owned the 575 Outsider and now the 625 Explorer which as stated on an earlier post has been optioned up beyond retail purposes
I also have lots of photo's that were taken throughout the build process which I would be happy to share with you. cheers, Dave
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Is that the one I see at
Is that the one I see at Hillarys occasionally? Looks pretty damn tooled up!
Dreamcatcher
Posts: 26
Date Joined: 10/11/09
yip, that's the one.
yip, that's the one.
Dreamcatcher
Posts: 26
Date Joined: 10/11/09
hey Till, next time ytou see
hey Till, next time you see us, pop over and say g'day
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
When I get my boat back
When I get my boat back together sure!
I've been on my way in from some very early cray dives and you have been heading out!
DazSamFishing
Posts: 1518
Date Joined: 19/08/09
I'll send you an email
I'll send you an email Dave.... cheers.
I've seen a few pics of your boat on the internet. Very nice rig indeed!
redrocket
Posts: 12
Date Joined: 01/09/09
explorer 685
I went with the 685 explorer. love it. went for the deck space. great fishing diving boat. do not over night so the cabin was not important to me although i am sure you could overnight if you wanted to.
spooled79
Posts: 105
Date Joined: 03/06/09
u guys are making me
u guys are making me jealous love the cruise crafts ill be happy with the 575 exp
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Interesting thing I heard
Interesting thing I heard was that QLD relaxed the towing rules on the width of boats because they have so many yank boats over there now!