What size new boat?
Submitted by Snort on Wed, 2009-03-18 16:27
Hi Guys,
Just wondering what the minimum size boat would be that you would recommend for trips to Rotto and FADs on a fairly regular basis. I'm a scuba diver and keen fisherman so would be used for both as well as taking the family on day trips to the local islands...
Budget isn't really important at this point, i want to know what would be most practical given our weather conditions from some of you more experienced skippers... Also some comments on what your boat size/type is and how you feel it handles the weather regularly.
Cheers,
Snort
alfred
Posts: 3097
Date Joined: 12/01/07
A 6-7m boat would be nice,
A 6-7m boat would be nice, then you have enough space to carry dive and fishing gear for a minimum of 2-3 folks.
For diving you nedd lots of space in the back to suit up and get back onboard.
18 Outrage, Johnson 140hp 4stroke and 190 Outrage, 150 Mercury Verado
fisherking
Posts: 730
Date Joined: 29/05/08
Buy my 5.33m. perfect for
Buy my 5.33m.
perfect for your every need
I'm sure I'll catch a biggy oneday.
"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go." - Oscar Wilde
damo6230
Posts: 2029
Date Joined: 07/06/08
can depend on able bodies....
if you find yourself doing all the launch/retreive then anything above 5.5 can be tricky by yourself, but no problem above 5.5 with two people.
centre cabs (have a centre console)are my preference (pure sportfishing) as you have walkaround access to all of the boat and still cover to store stuff. I also like side consoles but they lack protection for many people (don't bother me).
but i suppose if you intend to Over Night in rotto then something with ample space such as a cuddy/half cab.
ali is able to take more nocks but glass rides better......there is the poly option and the new gen of local boots are good but don't forget also look at new gen NZ boats (stabi for example).
might be some cheap larger boats with the economic downturn?
plenty of good boat websites (boatsonline is extensive and good)
RECFISHWEST Member
brenz
Posts: 2182
Date Joined: 15/06/06
done rotto in a 3.95 and
done rotto in a 3.95 and fads in 4.45 but dont recomend it and it was done on picture perfect days
proud user of xzoga rods
alfred
Posts: 3097
Date Joined: 12/01/07
Oh BTW I have my 18 Outrage
Oh BTW I have my 18 Outrage on the market. Has more dive space then my 190 Outrage!
18 Outrage, Johnson 140hp 4stroke and 190 Outrage, 150 Mercury Verado
sunshine
Posts: 2696
Date Joined: 03/03/09
Something nearing 7 metres
Getting out on an easterly no problem but hammering back with a howling seabreeze demands something 6.5 to 7
mako magic
Posts: 5785
Date Joined: 03/08/05
i know a nice 5.5meter
i know a nice 5.5meter savage mako for sale
The Tackle shack, for all your fishing needs
huge range of stock to suit any fisherperson.
PH:9248 3800 unit 3/11 Alexander drive Malaga
kane
Posts: 1752
Date Joined: 07/12/08
I have a boat a touch under 5 metres that i wouldnt take
to the fads, I do take it to rotto on a good day though. For the excact same uses as you are asking about a new boat I am saving for something up around the 7 metre mark for my next purchase and wouldnt reccomend anything under 6.5 metres. Its all ok untill the weather unexpectedly changes catching you out in the middle of nowhere wishing you had a couple of extra metres of boat to ride home in.
Goooooone Fishin!
Gooooone Fishin!
Wild Turkey
Posts: 14
Date Joined: 13/03/09
5.6 M
I have 5.6M Westerberg, it's a good allround boat and will get you back if weather turns on you.
Chris
Rodrat
Posts: 1672
Date Joined: 13/01/07
Trailcraft
I have a 5.4 Trailblazer and have been out around rotto many times. Trailcraft are great boats in the rough weather. I would go as big as you can afford.
Fishing isn't a matter of life or death, it's much more serious than that!!!
FISH FOR THE FUTURE
granta
Posts: 53
Date Joined: 01/01/09
me 6.5m allison dose me fine
me 6.5m allison dose me fine came with good trailer im always by myself.
Auslobster
Posts: 1901
Date Joined: 03/05/08
Make sure...
...it's easy to tow/store/launch/retrieve. Are you going to do solo trips? Too big a boat and you need to always organise a crew (usually at short notice!) to help you throw the thing around at the boat ramp! As Granta said, the trailer is a key component, as he can handle his relatively large rig by himself.
My boat is 5.8m and I normally get out to the fads three times a year (over a three month window), but I wait for perfect days, or close to it. With it being an open centre console, I'd be in for a long slog home if that southerly comes up! I am somewhat limited in offshore applications but the ease of handling it by myself means I can use it LOTS and don't have to rely on anyone else to be available if we suddenly get one of those "glassoff" arvos after work!
Oh, and for pure diving and fishing space, and for pure lack of protection from the elements
, nothing compares to a centre console!
Snort
Posts: 90
Date Joined: 28/01/09
Cheers for all the advice
Cheers for all the advice guys i really appreciate it.
Based on the above info a 6.5m would be minimum with 7m+ preferable. I'll start keeping my eyes open.
Anyone know when the next Perth boat show is on?
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
My personal preference esp
My personal preference esp with a family, dont got ali, go glass. especially for trips to rotto. Normal Perth weather is easterlies in the morning, SW in the arvo, so can get quite rough on the way back.
depends weather you want a cabin or not. Personally, i would be looking at 6.5m glass boat.
I have a 7.85m centre console, which makes for a short trip over.
worst part about rotto and the FADs is the time it takes to get out there.