I've got a barcrusher 535xs (centre concole) and can't fault the build.  My absolute favourite feature of the boat is the bar catch launch and retrieval system.  The drive on trailer is also idiot proof, I've come on at 45deg angles before and it'll always right itself first time every time.  Solo launch and retrieval is a sinch and can be done very quickly.  I've got a 2 person launch and retrieval on the ramp to literrally in under 30 seconds.  Friend backs in the trailer with me in the boat, I drop the donk and disengage latch and drive off, friend parks the car and trailer.

One thing I would say now having owned this centre console is to consider a side console.  There is very limited room to walk around and fish off the sides where the centre console is placed.  I figure with a side console, I'd get much more comfy room fishing off one side - this would be better than being squeezed between the gunwales and the console on both sides.  Weight distribution wouldn't be too much of a problem; I would just relocate my 3 batteries to suit.  Just my opinion though!

Good luck with the upgrade.

Hi Matt,

Unfortunately when I was shopping around for my c/console the only ones popping up for your price ranges were quite old, not to say if you're patient a bargin might present itself. I recently bought a Thresher 5.8mtr from Chivers (12mths old), oddles of space with 2.5mtr beam, nice lay-out, dead rise, ballast keel. Ticks all the boxes for me.

Fozz

 Cheers guys, the thresher looks the goods. I did realize I wasn't gonna get brand new for 30k that was more a second hand price.

i did have a look at the barcrushers but I think they are both slightly out of budget, can any one suggest any older hulls to keep an eye out for?