Best advice mate would be don't rush your decision

, start by reading trailer boat mag online reviews, they have heaps including the pros and cons of each one.

Look on boat sales and do test runs on what you Shortlist.

Also look at boats Aus wide, the choice of boats doing this is massively more than just looking at Perth and will more than justify the 4-5 K to truck it over, when you find what is the dream one spend a bit on piece of mind and get an independent hull , motor and trailer inspection report and valuation advice from an expert.

Hope this helps mate, just remember every boat is a compromise, won't be perfect for everything. Think more of what you will be using it for most and don't buy one to keep the wife comfortable for the once or twice a year she comes out on it.

 Good advice from Jmac.  

Stumpie, what boat did your friend have? Did you like how it performs?  If you loved it and its within your budget, maybe look for a similiar boat.  Im sure your friend will be happy to go along and inspect it with you.  Another thing is if you buy american boats like the Trophy you mentioned, keep in mind that theres regulations about towing anything over 2.5m wide.  The Trophy is 2.59m wide I think?

Good luck with your search mate! 

@Jmac 

@Ashen

Thanks for the heads up and advice. The mate's boat is over my budget it's a 30 ft searay. Are there any other Make of boat I ought to have a look at?

You might need to rethink your requirements a little. I went from a 30ft Bayliner to a 21.5 fibreglass trailer boat and couldn't believe how vastly different it was.

If you want a newer boat with your 35K then you would be looking at the smaller end of your size range (20 - 21 ft), if you look at older boats that have been refurbished then you can look at the larger models. You'll still find it hard to get all the things you listed for the price you are talking about.

There is a Trophy 2352 in freo at the moment that has had a new engine installed for $50K. Seems like an ok buy until you realise there is no trailer and is stacked. This will cost you between 3 and 5k a year for stacking fees. Even if you made a wild offer of $35k and they accepted you need a trailer ($12k) or pay for racking which gets you back to $50k over the next few years.

I wanted a bigger boat than my 21.5 footer so I sold that and bought a project 23 footer. It has meant time off the water but at least I know it will be sound and ready for the next stage of its life when complete. This was the only way I could afford what I wanted with my budget of $35K.

There is a review online for just about any type of boat you consider. Keep in mind that a lot more people complain on websites than praise something so you will find negatives for just about anything.

If you're new to boating the you MUST get a pre purchase inspection for both the hull and onboard systems as well as a mechanical check of the motor. It won't always save you but it will save you from rookie mistakes.

 maybe you could get something new that will do all the above anb alot easeir to handle n maintain if thats your budget

You're going to struggle to get anything more than 20ft in good condition for $35k.

Have a look at this Allison Angler on gumtree. I have the same boat but with a custom hard top. They have fibre glass stringers so no rot to worry about. You can easily fit 4 blokes as the rear seats lift out for two best fishing possies on the boat. As always I'd get the outboard checked out professionally and consider that this particular outboard is no longer in production (parts will be around for years but over time it will be difficult to resell) Factor that into a cheeky offer and have plenty of spare cash for upgrades/maintenance etc.

www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/south-fremantle/motorboats-powerboats/allison-6-5-angler/1112925304

Just found a review online...

www.tradeboats.com.au/trailerboat-reviews/boats/0907/allison-195-angler-review

I reckon I should get a commission or something if this sells!

 @bleicester - that's not a bad looking vessel actually. Reading the review now... what year is the hull you reckon?

@zoom - thanks for your thoughts, digesting all the info and trying very hard not to be impatient.

 Patience certainly is a virtue particularly buying boats .. at around that budget be I’d looking at a older hull ( cruisecraft , haines ) in good nick with a four banger with low hours , Pity these two aren’t in Perth to look at but you never know what’s about to come the market until it does . Toilet can always get a a portable type and don’t forget to factor in a couple of gorillas for add ons, sounder plotter etc 

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mount-gravatt-east/motorboats-powerboats/cruisecraft-explorer-610-factory-hull-extension-2013-yamaha-150/1126299949

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/burnett-heads/motorboats-powerboats/cruisecraft-explorer/1125541600

Guys 

I've seen a boat I really like but... there's always a but, it's got an inboard. Should I stick to an outboard?

Does anone here have a Mustang 2250 walkaround? The reviews from users reckon its a wet boat could someone confirm this thanks.

 One of my builders have one, I've skippered it a couple times...great boat  don't recall getting wet 

he loves it more than his Preston craft he sold recently 

 Guys

After looking everyday for a week, I've now realised that my budget is not gonna buy a decent tub. I'm now willing to part with 45-50K and have more or less seen a couple of boats that is appealing but not real sure how they ride whe nat rest. hopefully you guys have fished out of these and can provide some feedback.

I get sea sick so I'm trying to give myself the best chance of avoiding this by looking for a boat that minimises the roll when at rest. I know i'm gonna have to compromise on the ride thru chop with the hull design. So out of the below boats could I have some feedback thanks.

Haines Signature 600F

Seaswirl 2102 or 1851

Sea Fox 210

Its real hard to be patient especially when the ocean was super flat on Sunday morning.

I have not been on any of the 3 boats you've mentioned so will not comment on them. 

If I had a spare 50k to spend on a boat, this is what I would do.   

I will find a Voyager Marquis 23-24ft boat that has an outboard pod. They currently sell for about 15k.  If the hull and pod extension is in good condition, I would buy the boat and spend another 20k to fit a brand new motor, around 200-225hp. With the remaining funds, I will fit it out to how I want it, with new electronics, safety gear etc.   The Voyager Marquis is the big brother of the LTD.  I have owned an LTD and it is one of the best "multipurpose" boat you can buy in its size class(18-19ft).

The Marquis would be a big boat with a proven hull.  You can literally go anywhere with it.  It's also about 2.4m wide so will have no limitations when it comes to towing.

The above will be what I would do if/when I have a spare 50k to play with..

I have only been a boat owner for about 4 years and fellow members with far more experience will probably assist you with other choices.

In WA, if you get seasick then you will struggle unless going to 50ft or above. All boats will rock and roll to some extent when at rest fishing along the coastline. Any amount of wind and the chop gets up quickly.

You probably should try and find the recipe that works for you as a seasickness cure before blowing $50k on a garden ornament. The low wind scenarios are few and far between.

Having said all that negative stuff, before my current boat I had a 2009 seafox 216 which had a good ride and decent stability. If the seafox is before 2007 when they changed their manufacturing style and processes then I would avoid it.

You mentioned in your original post about wanting to maybe overnight, have a barbie and hang out at rotto as well as some fishing then you could look at 

www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/trailer-boats/sea-ray-225-weekender/191203

or

www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/trailer-boats/whittley-cr-2180-deluxe-fitout-relaxed-seating/191791

If you want to fish more and sacrifice the beach cred for practicality then you could take on a project like Ashen mentions.

www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/trailer-boats/caribbean-235-crusader/192952

Or go with a more dedicated fisher like the Striper

www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/power-boats/striper-2101/192144

Be cautious with a project boat as you don't want to put more into it than you would get back out of it, even factoring in normal depreciation of such toys.

You also need to go and get in front of and on top of these boats and imagine the kinds of activities you plan on using it for, how many people, how much junk you plan to take with you etc. Trailer boats can get quite small when you start adding more people.

Hope this helps.

 Folks

After countless hours of searching and researching, I've finally come down to 2 boats that ticks my criteria and can be reasonably purchased with my budget. So would like your opinion and comments between these vessels for deck space and stability at rest.

The Seaswirl Striper 2101 and the Sea Fox 216 (2009 model) looking for some good feedback on these 2 before I start making offers.

cheers

  
You’ll need to take your preferred one or both for a sea trial to get a feel for them .. what donks have they got on them ? throw the links up and we can have squizz 

I take it these are the walkarounds and not the centre console models?
Biggest issue with this style in a walkaround is there is really just not enough room to squeeze a decent deck and a reasonable walkaround cab onto a 21 foot boat. Really needs at least a 23 before this starts to be viable in my opinion.

Striper 2101 Walkaround *LAST PRICE DROP BEFORE OWNERS TAKE BACK* on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1115803933?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=sms

Sea Fox 216 WALKAROUND Suzuki 200HP 4 Stroke with only 60 HOURS on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1124235804?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=sms

Both of these ones have nice low hour 4 strokes.

 Nice tubs but don’t look to generous on the deck space depends on your priorities that why I like the cruisecrafts best of both worlds just not a whole lot out there at the moment . Highly unlikely anyone’s going to snap them up unless the trifecta comes up today and might be a good idea for the dealer to pump that trailer tyre up 

For starters, that Seaswirl is going to weigh at least 2.5 tonnes which means straight away that trailer is not legal. I had the Dual Console (bow rider) version and it was over to 2.5 tonne with almost not alot of fuel in it. Apart from that its a good boat but not alot of deck space for the size of the boat.

Honestly, If I were spending that sort of coin I would lean towards the Australian boats in that price range. $55k is a fair price for that boat but you would need to spend another 2 or 3k to upgrade the brakes.

Not trying to put a dampener on your enthusiasm, just being open.

If you could find a Haines Hunter 600 or bigger you will be getting a great boat. I have a 600C Haines Signature and love it but will be selling after I complete my "project" boat next year. 

 Looked at cruise craft outsider 625? Will be a few of those around that kind of budget.

 C craft outsiders are a top boat love mine

I had the smaller 575 Cruisecraft and it was very nice. Much better finish and fitout than the Seaswirl which I had before it. The 625 would be a ripper. 

Guys

what other boats are similar to the layout of the cruise craft outsiders?

Some friends have said to me not to buy a 2 stroke, even a dealer principal has said the same thing. What are your thoughts regarding 2 & 4 strokes OBs?

There a cruise craft over east that ticks all my boxes except it's a 2 stroke and has a 'soft floor'... what's a soft floor pardon my ignorance.

www.boatsales.com.au/boats-for-sale/dealer/used/OAG-AD-13528022/2000-CRUISE-CRAFT-OUTSIDER-650

The soft floor means the structure under the floor is rotten. Even if someone says it is only the floor and not the stringers then 99% of the time they are wrong.

The Sea Fox 216WA looks like a nice boat. If my 216 had been a WA and not a DC I probably wouldn't have sold it. Good reliable boat with the Suzuki 4 Stroke and handled our conditions very well. The hull has a lot of flare and it was very dry in most seas. You would need to go and get on it to see if you think the deck is big enough for what you want to do. I can't imagine the deck space on a 625 is substantially bigger. Maybe the Euro transom on the Sea Fox takes up more deck than the transom on a Cruise Craft?

If you get sea sick, then you probably don't want a 2 stroke because the smoke will make it worse.

There's nothing technically wrong with a 2 stroke, they last a long time, are cheap to maintain, are generally lighter and have more torque than the 4 strokes. However they smoke, they're noisey and their fuel efficiency is crappy. The older carburetted and EFI 2 strokes are really bad on fuel and will use almost twice as much as a modern 4 stroke does. The direct injection 2 strokes (Etec, Optimax, HPDI) are much better on fuel economy and pretty close to the 4 strokes.

You can get a second hand boat a lot cheaper if it has a 2 stroke on it, however that will then hurt your resale value when you go to sell it.

 Folks

Made an offer on a Sea Fox 216 walkaround everything really checks out, would have preferred a little more space on the deck but it's a compromise and a balancing act with the budget. 

Beautiful day today for a sea trial which went well.

Thanks folks for the advice and feedback, hopefully as I learn more I can contribute more postively to another person just starting out.