Ah Me Ting

Where are you going to be based?

Doubt you'll get out through many bars mate. If you have a large boat, and like it rough, maybe, but doubt the drift etc will be worth it. Horrid ESE wind forecast and lingering swell. Broadwater, rivers and canals will be better, safer, options. Here's a link to the wind readings at Coolangatta: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN60801/IDN60801.94592.shtml Wind readings at the GC Seaway: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ60801/IDQ60801.94580.shtml And, here's the Marine Forecast: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/gold-coast-waters.shtml

Oops, going off topic again... But. It does depend on what type of conditions you want to go out in... I'm starting to think a lot of you guys fish in some ugly oceans, seas.

At risk of going further off topic ... I have one! I have a 420 Renegade TS.

Yes, agreed different branding. But, total design change I would not call a "big difference".

Good info here for this discussion: https://www.boatingmag.com/all-aboard-boats-whats-deal-deadrise/

Weight definitely helps. But. Some glass boats over the years, even with the weight advantage ride like shit. An old Nautiglass my family had, comes to mind. Not only a horrid ride, but terrible handling. Sure learnt how a boat broaches with that thing!

The millennium hull first came out about 18/19 years ago. My FIL has a 2000/2001 5m Quintrex 'spirit" that has it... I think it may be one of the first years it was released, hence the 'millenium' branding. It's only more recently filtered down into the open boat category in the likes of the too ender's and Renegades.

What sort of use are you planning for the new boat? Much change to your current one? What's your current boat? I think the 'ride' metric is different in different use boats. It is also only one of the numerous aspects to consider. Having said that, even in a estuary boat I'd prefer a V over a punt style, well unless you need the minimal draw of a big wide punt for big shallow area fishing.

Resale. Market seems to swing to glass boats above a price point in my experience. Don't get me wrong. I think an ally boat, plate boat, is good, great, but later resale is a limted, more 'fishing niche', in the larger ally boats. The glass at around that size seem to pick up the family boating users too.

Now, hang on a sec, don't go distracting us from the fun stuff... Tells us about those high rev times. Jumping waves, wake, perhaps?

I didn't know Stacer did a 6.4m in their cabin range. Is the 115hp enough on it? I haven't looked if you posted elsewhere on here, but what where your use criteria, and decision options?

Mate, my thoughts as a surfer, boatie and fisho... Wetsuits are designed to work ... Wet. The water helps to regulate temperature and also assist with movement. That said, modern surfing style wetsuits like the RipCurl 'flashbomb' range have this E4, now E5, material that is flexible when dry. All the major surfing wetsuits brands have their own names for their most flexible materials. I use a 3/2 steamer (long arms long legs) in winter when fishing off the beach for tailor. Getting wet casting helps to regulate temperature a bit. Test it yourself, go into a surfshop and try out a few. See how quickly you heat up. Then assess the impact of weather conditions in which you'll use it. Price is a fair guide as to quality, warmth, flexibility across the main brands like RipCurl, Billabong, Quicksilver. O'Neil do not seem to have the high flexibilty materials as much. If you have a "Sideways Surf Outlet" near you, they carry end of line, last season, old stock, from.all the major brands. Can be a lucky dip as to what is in stock at any point in time. Staff usually don't know what is arriving when either. So you may have to do a couple of trips to score. BUT, prices can be 1/3 of the RRP. I got my 3/2 RipCurl flashbomb there two years ago for $180, when RRP was around $480. The warmth rating is based on material thickness. So a 3/2 is a 3mm material on the body and 2mm on arms and legs. All that said, if it was me, I'd look at a steamer over a spring suit. Unless you like cold arms and legs!

Your first boat? Post up some pics when you have it set up the way you want. Or, better still, start a thread and post up progress reports, pictures, etc. 80L of fuel? Does that include the 25L plastic tank on the floor in the pics? Does the battery slide into that space behind it? I wouldn't want either, battery or fuel tank, sliding around on the floor when zipping around in it. A recipe for busted ankles!

Have you read this thread? Maybe? Contact a couple of the owners, forum members and get their first hand input of the Trident? Maybe? Score a test run too ... 🤔 If you are serious about buying one of them.

Not sure why only until Sunday 30 June, when in the T&C's it says: "6. The online Survey and entry details must be fully completed and submitted between 00:00am 27 May 2019 and 5:00pm 15 August 2019. "

Think for that money I'd be looking at a fibreglass hull.

Mate, couple of thoughts n questions ... What sort of budget? How old, 2nd hand are you comfortable with? Motor size vs boat size and type? Any reason for the HP range? A Quintrex spirit or sea spirit (same but different year models) could well suit your needs, unless you really want or need the hard canopy. Bit lighter than the Trident so towing and outboard HP requirements less. Other option(s) are older model fibreglass boats. But, depends on budget and your comfort with older hulls and motors. You could luck into a solid hull and newish motor. Ideas: https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/port-macquarie/motorboats-powerboats/2011-quintrex-570-spirit/1218335057 https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/coobowie/motorboats-powerboats/quintrex-610-spirit-2010/1209839651 IMO, the "millennium hull" aka now 'blade hull' would make the Quintrex way ahead of the Stacer options.

Mate, that is the holy grail. As others have posted, technique goes a long way to reducing this problem. Yes, some braids are better than others. But slack line from poor technique and any braid will give you grief. Power Pro works ok for me on light reels for estuary work. I've had Fins on my Tekota 700 for years without fault. I just set up a new 12000 baitcaster with 30lb Power Pro and it's working fine. It started to twist up, but on the next drop, the weight of the fish help it spool up under tension and the twist was gone on the next drop.

I run my line through my fingers. I grab a cloth, usually a hankerchief, and triple it over then wrap it around my fingers and thumb. I put the braid between the two sides so it is 'sandwiched' between the cloth. I then hold the cloth to the rod, as far up as I can comfortably reach, using my thumb to press down onto the rod. It's this press action that gives it tension. I then slowly wind the line onto the reel. As my arm and thumb tire, I stop, stretch a bit by reaching for a beer, have a swig and then go back to the task at hand... I find having a beer close by very useful. You could substitute for any beverage really, but the rest for the thumb and arm gives patience to ensure a nice steady job. Well, for for me anyway. Otherwise I tend to rush it to get through the fatigue pain in my arm and thumb.

And, if you do it next weekend, weigh em in for the Greenback comp!

But, info still hold true!

Throw Tohatsu on your list too. Some current pricing n specials here: https://www.neptunemarine.com.au/motors-on-sale PS: I'm not in any way affiliated with that business.

What is that cooler bag? It's only just dawned on me i don't have anything for larger, longer, fish in the new boat. From the pic, it looks about what I need... ???

😲 🤔 ... Hmmm, well that is lateral thinking! And. Kudos to the kids for sacrificing their lollies for the sake of fishing. I reckon you've got a couple of lifelong fisho's there if they're prepared to do that! 👍 ... Awesome report!