Andy Loops Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 (edited) Looking at one of these little numbers - does anyone know of any dealers that specialise in Trophy's? Any owners out there prepared to give a brief rundown of their experience with the Trophy Pro? Any input is appreciated. Cheers, Andrew Edited July 16, 2007 by Andy Loops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a boat Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 Hi Andrew, Avante Marine at Berowra Waters is who you want to try, they are the importers of Bayliner here into Australia. See if you can speak to Warwick at Berowra Waters or Jason at the Silverwater store. At the moment the Trophy range would be hard to beat on value for money due to the strong Oz dollar. As with any brand they have their good points and bad points and the best thing to do would be to go for a ride in one and see what you think. I personally would buy other brands B4 a Trophy but as I said the Trophy range I am sure will be good value compared to an Australian made boat and most other US made boats that are over here at the moment. I think with a 5.0L MPI Mercuriser it would hard to beat. One word of warning, if you plan to tow this boat it is too wide for our roads without a special permit and trailering restrictions. Just my 2 cents worth, Huey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a boat Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 Andrew, I have not heard of anything dramatically wrong with the Trophy range, it is more my opinion. I think the freeboard could be deeper , I have been in better riding boats and in our experince of any Americian boat after a few years the upholstery / wiring / gelcoat seem not to last as well as an Austrialan made boat. The Boston Whaler are also good boats and I am sure they also will be priced well, but the Bayliner being a Walkaround compared to the BW being a centre console, I would prefer the Trophy. There are many boats I saw at the Miami boatshow when I was over there earlier this year that I think are superior to the two you mentioned, most of them do not come here but the two that stood out was Contender and Sea-Vee boats. I went for a ride in a Scarab by Wellcraft andthat was one special boat, but I do not think they have dealers here in OZ. All these are centre consoles which are great for fishing but suffer from lack of shelter compared to a walk around. I know Wellcraft do have a range of Centre Cabs and they seem to be well built boats, again though I am not sure if any body does them here. I have a soft spot for the Seafarer range of boats and I think the 6.8M Voyager would be worth checking out as would the 685 Outsider by Cruisecraft. I think those two brands compete well with the overseas brands that are popular at the moment. I think wait till the Sydney Show and pay your 20 odd bucks and I am sure you will see heaps of brands from overseas because of the good exchange rate. I personally would not want to be an Austrlaian Fibreglass boat builder trying to compete with the imports at the moment. The cost benefit for Bayliner, who produce 100 times the amount of boats our biggest builder would build in a year, allows them to purchase engines and accessories much cheaper than the builder here. Also the boats usually come fitted with engines from the states so the dealer here in Australia gets a price benefit there also. I wish you all the best with your search and take your time and check out as many boats as you can because you are talking about a fair bit of money here and you want to get the best boat for your purposes. If I can be of further help just ask, Craig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankp Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 hey andrew we have had our trophy for approximately 2 years we have never really had any real concerns other than the trailer we got for the boat where we had to organise some major works with the brakes. We bought it at silverwater and their service is accurate and straight to the point although maintenance and service can be a bit expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Loops Posted June 5, 2007 Author Share Posted June 5, 2007 Hi Craig, Very helpful and I agree that the boatshow should be interesting this year! It seems a shame not to be supporting local industry but with the markets favouring imports you just can't ignore them... Appreciate your help and words of advice. Andrew Hi Frank, Thanks for the heads up with regards to the brakes. Was this a manufacturer fault or a design flaw? Do you mean you had to redesign and install a new braking system? Sorry for all the questions - but how do you go towing the Trophy through Sydney traffic? I do have a soft spot for these boats as the first one I saw left a lasting impression - I can still picture her sitting on the trailer at the boat show whispering "take me home"... Really appreciate your help and advice - thanks! Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a boat Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 Hi Andrew, sorry to but in on Frank but most of the American boats come in on US made trailers because it is cheaper to import them that way, but they are not really suited to our salt water and if like, I guess Frank discovered, you need to do work on them the parts are hard to source or even impossible and expensive compared to an Oz built trailer. What I would do is to price the boat up on a good quality local trailer like a Tinka or Mackay trailer, it would be dearer but they last longer and easily repaired if needed. Take a look around at any US built boat of around 5 years or older and most seem to be on newer Austalian made trailers, that is the US trailer that came with the package to keep the price down has needed to be replaced and therefore probably cost more in the long run. Cheers, Huey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Loops Posted June 5, 2007 Author Share Posted June 5, 2007 Hi Huey, Very interesting - this will definitely factor into the decision making process. I will have a chat to Avante Marine on the weekend. Thanks again, Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inhlanzi Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 Hey Andy Loops If you can afford the 2007 24' Outrage I don't think there is a better boat on the water...the Trophy is not even on the same page. Only negative I can see for the Whaler is there is no cabin, so in winter it can be a bit cold and wet. The 21' is also a magnificent boat Try and get the ezloader trailer supplied with the boat cheers inhlanzi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Loops Posted June 5, 2007 Author Share Posted June 5, 2007 Hi inhlanzi, I agree it is a great boat but with two little boys (3 and 1) I think I will need the shelter a cab can provide or risk their enthusiasm waning when the conditions become a little more challenging. Does anyone know of a dealership that imports Boston Whalers in Sydney? Thanks again for all the input. Regards Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inhlanzi Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 Hi Andrew Andrew Short Marine at Tarryn Point and there is another in Queensland. Go to the Boston Whaler website and you will find all Australian dealers there. Cheers inhlanzi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Loops Posted June 6, 2007 Author Share Posted June 6, 2007 Going for a run on a 240 Outrage next week - looking forwrad to feeling this hull. Aparently in one of their 'unsinkable' demos the guys from BW cut the boat in half with a chainsaw - then drove the stern section back to the dock while the bow floated away... Needless to say they filmed the demo - but crickey thats alot of money to just chop in half for some footage!! Will post up the results of the 'Outrage Test Drive' next week. The Seafarer Voyager 6.8m (thanks Huey for putting these little numbers on my radar) is a very tough Aussie made boat. Not in the league of the Outrage but a different style of boat (walkaround half cab) that will do the same job at the end of the day... Still looking for a dealer to organise a test run on one of these. I will be testing this against the Trophy - again once I have some results I will share them on the forum. If any raiders out there have any experience on either the Trophy Pro 2352, Outrage 240, or Voyager 6.8 I would really like to hear about it! Thanks again, Andrew P.S. Frank - I stumbled across your Trophy pics on the Raider's boats section - very smart looking rig!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evanwz Posted June 6, 2007 Share Posted June 6, 2007 Andy Speak to Andrew Highland at Avante Marine at Silverwater, tell him Evan referred you if you want. I've been chatting a lot to him lately re a 2052 walkaround with a diesel, economical and very very well priced with the hardtop, pro package etc. I haven't looked at the 2352. I'm looking a bit smaller and cheaper than the 2352 but other contenders on my list are; Cruisecraft 625 Outsider, Whittley Sea Legend 700, Haines Hunter 680 Patriot (getting too expensive) and Arvor 20 series II 6.1m diesel shaft drive. What's my criteria? a fishing boat 80% of the time and comfy cruiser the rest. Waterways? - same as you, Hawkesbury and 20ks offshore and Sydney Harbour. Budget?? don't really have one but I reckon $80,000 or more on a 20 times a year fun machine (and 20 times is stretching it!!) is toooo much but you don't get much boat for less. I've had a few Whittleys, love their finish and they're great crossover boats. I've had a Sea Legend 6.3m, now a Voyager 580 Cruiser which doesn't cut it for fishing (selling it on boatpoint if you know anyone who wants a bargain overnighter / day cruiser) Good luck in your searches and keep us posted with your findings, there's lots out there but when you narrow down the wants and the needs the list dwindles quickly Evan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Loops Posted June 7, 2007 Author Share Posted June 7, 2007 Hi Evan, Its almost a relief to read of another raider who is in the middle of doing his homework! My criteria is similar to yours although it will almost purely be a fishing rig - I like the idea of a half cab because of my two little boys who will probably need to shelter from the Aussy Sun on days out in the heat. We also started out with a Whitley - around 18' if I remember correctly. Was a great little boat - many a weekend was spent on the water in Jerusalem Bay, Americas, Refuge, etc etc... That was before we had the little ones. Fun days and proof that you dont need a big boat to enjoy the water. Its nice having the boat show coming up soon - although whether it confuses or clarifies the process is yet to be seen! Best of luck with your search - keep us informed. Cheers Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Loops Posted June 7, 2007 Author Share Posted June 7, 2007 Can anyone recommend a dealer for the Seafarer Voyager 6.8?? Many thanks! Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrykrocker Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 you could try the boston whaler 235 or 205 conquest. They have walk around cabins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reel_success Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 jd's boatshed also in taren point do seafarer, they seem to be a bit pricey, but andrew short i also think are expensive too. i bought a motor from jd's last year and service was ok, just KNOW what you want!! GOOD LUCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Loops Posted June 8, 2007 Author Share Posted June 8, 2007 Haha - if you can show me something to do with boating that is not expensive I will buy you a beer! The Noosa Cats have just popped up on my radar - these boats look fantastic - any raiders have any experience with these?? Dont want to open the twin hull - vs - mono debate.. but any insights pertaining to this particular brand of boat would be appreciated. Army/Navy/Rescue use the larger models for offshore work so the 2300 fits the bill as a fishing workhorse capable of the rough stuff.. Thanks again raiders! Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evanwz Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 Andy Check out the Powercat 2400 or new 2500 - they seem like awesome rigs. Dual hull awesome fishing and cruising as well. I almost bought a 2nd hand Dominator 5600 the other year - twin Honda 90's with great deck layout, good freeboard and what looked like an awesome rig for $70k - 5.6 sounded small but they're a big beast with a pretty good beam to I think. Also the Sailfish plate alloy twin cabs are ok - Webbe Marine in Kirawee have these Sooo many choices. If I wasn't towing then a Arvor 23 or 25 footer would also be on my list - not a cat but great fishing elkele;';'pit and overnighting cabin as well and reportedly sound hull, good handling and diesel economy Evan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Loops Posted June 13, 2007 Author Share Posted June 13, 2007 (edited) Update: Took an Outrage 240 for a spin yesterday - what a machine!!!!! I think it is going to be too big and too expensive for what we are after - you need a truck to tow the thing at around 2.5 tonne. SO - back to the Aussie made blue water rigs -- Seafarer Voyager 6.8 and the CruiseCraft Explorer 685. I should change the name of this thread as its now a showdown between these two awesome boats. Huey - your first post rings true mate - thanks again! Andrew Edited June 13, 2007 by Andy Loops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
27aj Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 (edited) Hi Andrew, Have you checked the waiting list for dry stacking? Last time I checked is was a long long wait. I'd still look at a 23ft Turbo Diesel Trophy. I have a 2002 Walkaround on order from Avante that is due hear for Sydney Boatshow Probably one of the best driving positions of any boat we tested in 12 months of research. Keep Thinking and you will go crazy. What type of tow vehicle do you have? Good luck Paul Edited June 14, 2007 by trophy1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishingrod Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Outrage 240 Hardtop is the preferred boat - but trailerability is a little daunting given width/weight of boat. Most likely we will downsize slightly and look at the CruiseCraft Explorer 685 and the Seafarer Voyager 6.8. These are very impressive boats and are slightly lighter and easier to transport than the BW. What would you say the difference in between towing a 2.5 tonne compared to towing 2 tonne... Just so you know a 6.8m Haines or Seafarer would be around 2500kg+ on trailer with fuel ready-to-go. A 6m Haines/Seafarer may just come in at around 2000kg on trailer lightly loaded. I wasnt sure what you were getting at when wanted to compare 2000 and 2500kg. None of the boats mentioned here will be anywhere near 2000kg. Im not in a position to afford any of the boats you mention, but the Diesel Trophy may be more practicle considering fuel prices. Even if you think you can afford the petrol, its only to going to go up. The diesel might give you <20 litres / hr at a gentle cruise speed. The big hi-tech outboards are still thirsty in comparison. I think they have a smaller 21' Diesel that I have been very fond of since it was released cheers Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Loops Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 Hi Rod, Yes the boats are heavy. I didnt realise the 6.8m Seafarer is closer to 3.5 tonne when fully loaded up until speaking with a dealer this morning. I was kind of thinking out loud on the tow weight question - at the end of the day as long as the rig comes in under 3.5 tonne it can be towed by a capable 4WD. This is all part and parcel of researching different boats and weighing up the pros and cons of each. Apologies for the silly question.. Twin Verados are our preferred choice of motors at the moment. Trying to escape rising fuel prices is mission impossible. Diesel motors are definitely a great option but we really want to be running a twin setup. Still plenty more reviews, conversations and homework to be done! Cheers and happy boating, Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishingrod Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 No worries Andrew ... looks like you are aware now. No such thing as a silly question ! I know what you mean about twins. I used to have a Quintre c/console with twins and its great piece of mind. Ive now got a small 15hp aux and its good to know you are somewhat self sufficient worst case. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a boat Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 Hi Andy, two great boats you have narrowed it down to. I think either will be about the 3-3.5 ton mark wet. My suggestion to you would be to go for a run with Twin Verados and unless you are thinking of twin 6 cylinder Verados than I think the 4 cylinder (1.7L) Verados will not be enough HP. You would have to run them at high RPM to cruise(above 4500) and the Verado are know industry wide to not be that good on fuel at the higher RPM and also when needing to get home on only one engine, there is no way a single 1.7L engine is going to plane such a boat. As I said go for a run and trim one engine out of the water and see what I mean. I think the 4-Cylinder Verados would be my last choice to power either of these two boats and we sell them. I would rather 2 x 150/175HP DI 2-Strokes (E-TEC or OPTI) or a big cubic capacity 4-Stroke like the 150/175 Suzuki at 2.8L each. Talk to Lydnsy Fry, who makes Seafarer and see what the factory would recommend. Also call Nathan at Cruisecraft, he is a good guy and will be of help if you decide on the Cruisecraft. I know they have fitted 4 cylinder Verado to the new 685 Explorer and he might give you an indication how they went. If he asks I do not have a problem if you mention that I said you should probably speak to him. PM me or call if I can help you decide, Just my 2 cents worth, Huey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njsconst Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 (edited) Andy, I have owned a Seafarer Vega 5.5m since 1993 when I brought it new. I have looked after it like a baby. Having owned a Seafarer and been in a lot of other boats I always find myself comparing the others back to my own Seafarer. They handle second to none. They give you a smooth and dry ride in all conditions. They are finished well and are manufactured here in Australia (QLD) by a reknown company. Other boats I go out in seem to bounce on the water, where as mine neatly slices through it. Others are very unstable at rest. I can have two big blokes fishing out of one side of the boat and the boat seems to hardly roll over. If you do the same in some types of other boats it feels as if you will be swimming for your life at a moments notice. I cannot recommended them highly enough! To give you an idea.....about 12months ago I was in the market to upgrade my boat to something a bit newer/bigger. I keep comparing all the new boats on the market back to what I had, and what the others lacked. I ended up keeping my Seafarer hull and investing in a new Dunbier Trailer and new motor for it. The hull is as good as the day I brought it (it has been immaculately maintained thought). I take my boat out to all the FADs and to the shelf regularly. You ask, Cruisecraft Vs Seafarer? I'll take Seafarer boats everyday of the week! Just my opinion though. Nathan. Edited June 15, 2007 by njsconst Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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