Whittley or Cruisecraft
I have decided to buy a boat, but I can't decide which one to get. It needs to be a good all round family boat as opposed to a hardcore fishing boat. I want to be able to go fishing out deep, but I also need to be able to relax in a bay at Rotto, ski on the river and do the odd overnighter to Rotto. It would also be nice to have the capability to go to the Abrolhos, but that is not a priority.
i am thinking about a Whittley SL26 or a Cruisecraft Outsider 685. The 2 boats I like at the moment are
or
I would definitely prefer a Cruisecraft, but its a bit older and it's in Queensland so it's a hassle to ship back. The Whittley looks awesome, and I wold prefer the Suzuki to the Verado, but I am not sure about the ride of the Whittley or its blue water credentials.
i am looking for some thoughts on these two boats, or suggestions for other boats. Looking to spend $60-80k and would prefer to buy in Perth, but not essential.
clogwog
Posts: 265
Date Joined: 01/02/11
Both are very nice boats,
Both are very nice boats, personally I would love a Whitley, looked at a cruise master a few year back and found that the layout was excellent for a small family, good luck with your purchase.
Simon C
Posts: 801
Date Joined: 01/05/07
Explorer 625 ht
Pick of the bunch I reckon. Got a 685 explorer and it is a great boat for abrolhos etc but it really is too big for off perth if there is 2 of you which in reality is most times fishing. 625 is a newer hull design, lighter, needs a smaller motor and easier to tow and handle at the ramp. Should almost get a new one with your budget
MattMiller
Posts: 4171
Date Joined: 15/06/09
^Agreed^
the smaller newer Cruisecraft option would be a better choice IMO.
Great boats
fuzzy79
Posts: 127
Date Joined: 31/07/10
Thanks for your
Thanks for your opinions.
Could you please expand on your reasons for suggesting the smaller boat? I wouldn't have thought a 685 was any harder to launch/recover than a 625. It would be a bit heavier to tow, but I have a large 4WD so both are still within my cars towing capability. The ramp is only a short drive from home as well, so it would only be the annual trip away that towing a bigger boat would be a significant disadvantage. The lower horsepower requirements would be nice (cheaper) though.
I looked at a 625 originally and thought the cabin was far too small. I thought the bigger boat with the bigger cabin would be a better option with the family (2 kids). Surely it's an advantage to have the bigger deck and cabin.
I would be really interested in your thoughts as to why a 625 would be better as I can't see it myself. I always thought the bigger the better...
Gman66
Posts: 55
Date Joined: 15/02/12
Whittley
Fuzzy,
if your interested I have a 2006 Whittley 6.5 Sea Legend with a 175 Suzuki on it, it's a beautiful boat, I'm happy to share any information on the boat with you or take you out for a run to exprience what it's like on the water. You cannot go wrong with a Whittley.
I plan selling the boat in the not to distant future when I get time to prep it up and advertise it. Currently I'm at home looking after the kids, school goes back next week and I'll get onto it then.
I can give you some tips on what to look for etc..and a few of the lessons i learnt along the way,
feel free to give me a call mate 0439034440,
Cheers G
Acceptance is the key
JohnF
Posts: 2840
Date Joined: 07/07/10
Don't be talked into a
Don't be talked into a smaller boat if yOu have the cash and 4WD for a bigger one. My mate just got a CC 685 explorer, nice boat, I could certainly own one.
Boston Whaler 235 Conquest......getting the flogging it was built for.
fuzzy79
Posts: 127
Date Joined: 31/07/10
Thanks for the replies so
Thanks for the replies so far.
I have also been keen on the Haines Hunters, but couldn't really find any good ones. This one has just appeared on boatsales in Mandurah:
http://www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/power-boats/haines-hunter-650-classic-offshore-runabout/146202
How would this compare to the CC and Whittley?
aaasnapper
Posts: 218
Date Joined: 15/01/10
Haines Hunters are good rigs.
Haines Hunters are good rigs. The one advertised looks good and reasonably priced. CC and the Haines are in the same class. Not sure about Whittley, but would assume again in the same class.
null
Brucesta
Posts: 1721
Date Joined: 29/05/09
I have a 625 outsider, you
I have a 625 outsider, you can sleep 2 adults in the cabin and when fitted with a new lightweight 200 Yamaha you would have a very economical boat for sure. Though I'd like a 685 explorer too if I was allowed. For fishing go the Cruisecraft, for family time and the like go the Whittley, depends on what you're going to do more
Las Vegas - Rolling the dice and trying your luck. 1M+ Barra summer target. 100kg Black Marlin winter target