Hi All
I am coming back to Australia next year and am looking to buy one of three completely different types of boat. I would fish a real mix of inshore, close offshore (snapper and kings) and offshore (marlin and tuna). I'd get a kayak (Hobie Adventure Island) as well so focus is probably on offshore.
I realise that all boats are a compromise so here are the intended compromises:
+ prefer safety and stability over soft ride
+ very keen on fuel economy given the rising cost of fuel - and realise that that limits size
+ needs to be big enough to head out to the shelf and beyond on a reasonable day
+ easy to tow - again, limits size and weight
+ all in price with all extras like game poles, extra rodholders, sounders, 1 kw thru hull TD, gps, hopefully aluminium trailer, at least 200 L fuel and the like not in excess of about 125,000 Oz
I am looking at three entirely different types of boat at the moment.
Custom platey
Perhaps AMM, OMM, Seatamer or the like. Solid and good ride...but I am concerned about whether everything will be done right and on time...not keen on having to hassle someone constantly, which often seems necessary to get any response. Also a good one is usually heavy - better ride but heavy to tow and run. Some say that heavy plateys have a tendency to broach. I used to own a 26 footer that broached badly. Dont want that again.
Cruisecraft Explorer 625
Very nice boats and look better than any other I know. Realise that the ride may be a little bangy but prefer safety and stability to softness of ride. Concern is that the 575 may be a little small for the shelf (is that right?). The 625 is a bit heavy and would need a 200 HP or so. Small anchor well is a pain - use a buoy for deepwater anchoring but really want a drum style anchor winch for chasing bait, inshore fishing etc
Pontoon boats
Stabis seem to have great ergonomics, stable ride and great safety. A little agricultural (certainly relative to the CC), bang a little and no toehold in cockpit. Aqualine 590 - I suspect can only buy with Evinrude ETec or Johno - would prefer Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda. However seem to offer many Stabi advantages perhaps with better ride and they do have a toehold in the cockpit...but is the cockpit a bit small? Typhoon boats - Aussie pontoon boats - dont seem that well known (affects resale) or large - concern re longevity. Pontoon boats do seem to offer the advantage that a 6 m or so boat on trailer weighs sub 2 tons and generally go well with only a 150 HP. A small Haines on the other hand probably has a much softer uphill ride, but is more tender and they seem to require about a 230HP for a 6 meter boat.
Would appreciate views and especially pros and cons from owners.