i have a quintrex 435 Coastrunner and that is a fantastic little runabout.

however with a new family member due at the end of next Feb then i would love a bowrider myself.

If you position someone up the front with their own small portable biat board and then fish a couple down back them Bowriders can be great to fish off.

you will have to be patient though as they are not that easy to come across and when the do they sell quickly.

i have seen a couple at the moment that do look good.

I do like the runabout for the extra fishing room, but if a take the missus and bubs out, they would have to sit on the front seats, so i could fish from the back, the bowrider might be a good option. put them up the front and i have the back area.

I also thought if i was up north around exmouth / coral bay the front area would be a good fishing area.

the front area of the bowriders can be great to fish off for one person positioned up there for the day.
especially in mid to shallow water like catching pinkies in shark bay ect.

exactly what i was thinking.

I can picture myself throwing some lures around inside the reef at coral bay.

I would have had a center console, but the missus wont let me, not enough shade for her and bubs. telling her to stay at home did not go down well.

I thought bowriders were more for rivers skiing inshore etc...how do they handle getting caught in moderate to heavy seas , I imagine they have a cover for the bow if need be..

Runabout for me. But the one for sale by Hayway in the for sale section is a good versatile looking boat. Looks like it has the best of both worlds.

thats a good question chris.

Something i will have to look into. a small canopy up from the windscreen would be handy.

Check this out

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/dawesville/boats-jet-skis/runabout-boat/1007012086

Glass boat - softer rider than ali

New 4 stroke - quiet, doesn't smell - something that a non boat person will expect. Very economical & will be reliable to boot.

Plenty of seating for your wife and young un.

Plenty of features that'll have the other half happy + Shade!!!!

 Hi guys,

Have you heard of the Allison BR540? 

We have one. It's an Allison hull with a bow rider top. Not sure if that makes sense. We have had it for 3 years now and bought it brand new. Myself and my brother (20 and 18) paid quarter and my old man paid half. We wanted a wake boat but dad cant get his ears wet - he's deaf and has had a few operations on them... 

So he wanted the option of fishing. The first 3 years we did 300 hours on it. We used it at molloy and waroona Dam for wakeboarding - it fits about 7 people and we have fitted an after market wake tower to it. 

This year waroona was to low so we decided to set it up for fishing. I think we have been quite successful. We have  put a quick release on the tower and have fitted a ray marine a50d to it and take it 50 mile out. We have also fitted that railblaza fishing rod holder gear. On a good day we fish 4 people. 3 In the back one In the front. We have a railblaza bait board so as soon as you want to go criuse tge river you pull all the stuff off and the boat is good to go. We have caught heaps of dhu snapper and blackass with it. It easy does 20 knot in the chop. 

For families I think it is the way to go. 

If you want me to send some pics let me know...

Goodluck!

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/dawesville/boats-jet-skis/runabout-boat/1007012086

Bit more but you'll prob get it for 20K at a pinch!

Neighbour and I have been to Rotto with our boats, he has the bowrider. The glass runabout rode the seas a lot better and drier than the bowrider. Don't think the better half would like getting wet in the front in such conditions! Have been very happy with our restoration so far and very versatile with fishing and family very friendly.

On the go the ride in the bowrider with all behind the windscreen would be better as the seats are further back . When there everyone gets there own spot/spreads out . Might need to shuffle some weight around to help ride , im not sure.

Have seen an ali bowrider with a cover over the front seats for when on the move and it has the same amount of rear deck as the normal runnabout just no bunks , looks very versitile. might have been a genisis??

With the youngun in the boat, a small cabin is bloody handy when they need to sleep.

Gives them some shade, and a decent spot to lie down.

Also gives dad some peace and quiet. Runabout all the way.

no shelter from wind sun rain in a bow rider!! even have a look at the cuddy cabs so the missus and bubs have protection

cheers for all the comments guys, i think it is runabout all the way. now to find one

Guys I'll reiterate RoganJosh's point  being:

"Might have up to 20k to spend."

Yeah that Genesis Bow rider is a sweet looking boat - seen it in person whilst having my motor fitted to my boat. Unfortunately last time I looked it was a little more that 20K, ( or am I missing something here?)

hey. Perry. I can only dream of that Genisis.  but only have the 20k

Sorry, forgot to mention that I too have a young family, roganjosh asked about others thoughts about how versitile bow riders are, i love my fishing but also love family time and i think this boat is versitile, just my opinion tho 

 that leeder looked good_ pull that funny top off it and put a fold up bimini with some side clears and your away_ at 20k the resale will be good and at that size its very versatile- that  genesis hybrid looks sik though 

I am a fibreglass boat owner and fan, having recently purchased a 6m Quintrex Oceansport I found the ride a lot different to a glass boat of around that size - sold it and back with a glass runabout now.

Just have a think about your situation now - if your missus is like many and lacking relatively in boating experience you may well find that she has unrealistic expectations of what "the Bigger boat" will, do / manage. Yes all boats are essentially a compromise of one form or another - the boat you are looking for should have a couple of essential criteria. Protection for is passengers and, excellent reliability - esp if a young child is on board ( when they've had enough that's it!)

As the family grows, will the boat? Maybe, maybe not- but you also want to have a boat that if you score a leave pass you can confidently manage in your own right with launch & retrieval etc.

If your family (Mrs) is expecting the next boat to have the ride and comfort of something 2- 3 times the size of what it will really have be wary of her response. Involve her in the final selection - at least then she knows what to expect - take her and munchkin for a spin in it - great way to start a positive family boating experience.

If it were me, I'd look for a 4stroke outboard, quiet economical to run and not smelly either ( way less fumes than a two stroke) altho a lot of the new ones are way better. Your coming into the right time of the year to buy - but then you need to act when the boat you want (and can afford) turns up.

Good luck.

 mate i have a 560 freedom sport with a honda 90 on the back. i think they are brilliant. i have taken it out to the fads, been in some real slop and it handles it all well. i do have the front casting insert to make the whole front section a casting platform so if i have 4 people who want to fish no probs. i also have a press stud tonnaeu cover that goes over the bow to stop water on real rough days. it is also so easy to get to the anchor too. i too have a young family and the love hitting the river for a cruise.

Rogan read your initial thread and a few of the responces. I initially had my eye on one of the quintrex bowriders, as i was looking for a new boat I started looking at the 460 freedom sport around 25k or so, anyway fortunatly by the time it actually came to buying the boat after about 2 and a half years of saving and looking around my budget had doubled, (YAY), anyway it was a slightly choppy day on the swan and we were sitting there watching the boats cruise by and watching the ali's bounce around and the fiberglass boats ride better, when we decided to see if we could stretch to a fiberglass boat, at this stage we were looking at the 510 Freedom sport.

My reasons were, quite simply. If my missus and children, I have 4 but the two youngest are usually come out with us ages 6 and 12. Anyway. If they didnt like being out in the boat then they simply wouldnt come(some may say good, lol) and less time i could be on the water as it is mostly family that goes out with me.

So we ended up deciding on a cuddy cab, i know my budget it higher than yours but my point isnt on the money your spending but the choice of boat. Many, many a time we have been out since we bought the Cuddy and say how happy we are that we spent our hard earned dosh on the RIGHT boat, because we go night fishing, and the kids sleep in the cuddy. Its friggen great.

Cause we go out and fish in the middle of summer and the kids have a shaded place to retreat from the scorching sun, yep its friggen great :).

And because we may even be fishing and it rains a little, well the kids go in the cuddy, you get my drift....

Best decision we made for a family boat, missus doesn't complain about a sore ass and being smacked around by the hard ride of an ali, and the kids have their space out of all the elements.

You wont regret it, I certainly dont.

RJ - you need to spend time looking at the boats that best suit your family and their needs. If you get it right the Mrs and kids will love the experience - if wrong look out you may get the cold shoulder treatment - that's why I was suggesting her input. Obviously the newer the boat the less likely the maintenance issues as well. Finding the configuration that best suits is another issue - you need to be picky as things that you don't like once purchased you're stuck with until you can afford a change.

Thats why I was talking about her involvement in  the decision esp relating to comfort factor - the more comfortable she is in the boat the more often you'll get to use it - pretty bloody simple equation really but its a damn hard one to get right. Take an Ali boat for a spin and then jump into a glass boat of similar size take that for a spin and then back then into an Ali - that way you'll determine if ride is a factor for the both of you or not.

Try a two stroke and then the four stroke apples for apples in size. Two strokes unless pretty darn new are invariably more expensive to run - and it may not seem a lot initially but if you intend to hold onto your boat it will certainly add up over time.

Then look at the condition of the rig(s) you are looking to buy - the whole boat/motor/trailer package all need to add up to your budget limitation. As I eluded to before - find the right boat close to your budget and if you end up paying more be prepared. They are called BOAT for a reason which as many here know means Bugger Off Another Thousand! or words to that effect.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/thornlie/boats-jet-skis/savage-tasman-2002/270593411

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/eaton/motorboats-powerboats/6-1-fraser-v-formula/1007599956

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cloverdale/boat-accessories-parts/haynes-signature-boat/1007435049

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/scarborough/boats-jet-skis/voyager-mk3-repowered-2008-115-hp-yamaha-cuddy-cab/1006916378

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/west-leederville/boats-jet-skis/fraser-525/1006665499

All in your price range (relatively) whole lotta boat with the 2nd one but lots of family friendly features.

Cheers

cheers for all the advise guys, much appreciated. here are a few for you to check out

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kirup/motorboats-powerboats/quintrex-480-coast-runner/1007606164

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/butler/motorboats-powerboats/allycraft-4-75-challenger-aluminium-half-cabin/1007625194

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mandurah/boats-jet-skis/savage-centurion-cuddy-cab/1005649528

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/manning/motorboats-powerboats/trailcraft-5-3-2000/1007551644

As said by others and because I recently bought a boat for similar purposes, I would go for a used glass cuddy cab form one of the well known brands like Savage, Haines Hunter or Signature, Seafarer etc  ( better ride, protection for kids and more seaworthy especially when heading into a sea ).

A 4 stroke would be ideal, but you won't find one on a glass boat for that price, trust me I was looking for >1 yr.

Eventually found a boat ( 5.3m haines hunter cuddy cab ) with a evinrude.

Your best bet would be look for a boat with a more modern direct injection 2 stroke

Good luck !

Joycey

keep the advice coming guys it is narrowing down the desision.

A question though :

with the price range I am looking in, I understand the motors might have a few hours on them. But is there a point where you have to say, That is too many hours .

We went throught the exactly same question with our family roganjosh this year.

Long story short we ended up with a 480 quintrex coast runner. 

There just wasn't enough room in the back in the bowriders in that size of boat........

Best advice, take the family boat shopping and hop in all the different models to help make your decision.

Have a 590 coastrunner, if you are interested in a bow rider you might as well look at the centre consoles as well. Put a few cusions up the front and I dont think theres much difference. Ok on mirror days, but the only punters sitting up the front will be the ones that pull the short straws when the water becomes even slightly bumpy. Invest in some good wet weather gear for the cheese and kissus mate

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/tapping/motorboats-powerboats/swiftcraft-viking-/1007703042

The owner is happy to negotiate - obviously wants to sell - well worth a look - Swiftcraft are a proven performer. Looks to have all the fruit too!

that is a nice boat Perry. I think i wont be getting a bowrider. just too wet if it becomes choppy.

If I could stretch the budget to just over 20k, then i did find this :

http://www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/trailer-boats/quicksilver-5-2m/117977

If you spend your 20K (+) then you want the boat to be a walk up start with basically everything that you want.

If less than the 20K you will have some "play money"but believe me things don't go far. I feel your in the right ball park. Just remember once you have selected  what you want then pretty much according to the Mrs that'll be what you have. Mines threatened me with divorce more times that I care to think in the last year as I have owned 4 boats in that year trying to get the right one for the application that I want it for - fishing. I like a boat with a lot of deck space - it enables me to have a few options up my sleeve. Obviously the bigger you go the softer the ride- but then if you want to go by yourself you need to be able to manage your launch retrieve etc. Thats why I settled on a 5.6 m glass boat. Narrow the field- go and see them -if they impress you have a good chat to the owner. The latest you have pulled up is a comfortable size - now think of what you want it for. Cabin for me is a waste of space so I've got a runabout with a bimini/canopy that creates a comfortable enclose space - all folds down and also has a heavy duty travel cover. Different trokes for different folks though - a cab my be vital for your family participation. If its only you and the Mrs fishing then you'll be ok. You just have to see how flexible owner is on the price. Personally I still like the Swifty with the fourstroke - no mixing fuel, run really smoothly and quiet. The mariner is a later model so will be loop charged which means it will start and run pretty smoothly for a 2 stroke - although you wouldn't want to go any smaller on the horse power as you'll find you'll be running it harder to get the speed you want out of her which means closer to WOT and therefore less economy. Hope this info is food for thought for you.