Advice needed on selecting boat

[Bent_Rod]

Hi

i have been looking for a small boat for fishing in sydney. i have no intention to go near the heads or past the heads, just to fish in bays, harbours and explore rivers around sydney and nsw.

I am interested in this boat and would appreciate advice on if it is suitable and good value.

the specs are;

*4.1 m brooker sea-al 2007 model (fairly deep, has wide gunnels and flat floor, seats 5 adults)

*brooker trailer also 2007 model with spare tyre

*both have rego till dec 23 2011

*30hp 2007 mercury with tiller steer, elec start and manual tilt, very low hours

*foldable canopy for rear half of boat

*anchor and chain, 5 life jackets, X2 25l petrol tanks,oars

*DOES NOT HAVE seats, rod holders, lights, storage

The condition is like brand new, its one owner and its hardly been used.

the owner bought it from andrew shorts marine in taren point for ~$12000 4 years ago.

He is asking for $8500.

Is it suitable and what is a reasonable offer?

thanks in advance

http://img51.imageshack.us/i/brooker.jpg/

[tonez]

*DOES NOT HAVE seats, rod holders, lights, storage

Hey mate

I have been fishing in the harbour on a very simillar boat which also had no rod holders, seats or lights.

Rod holders (the ones you stand your rods in when not in use) are a must as you will find yourself standing, tripping over or breacking your gear very easily if you take 4 or 5 rods between a couple of people like i do and stack them on the floor. Seats will defintely improve comfort if you intend on fishing for longer than a couple of hours. I find my back starts to hurt after a while sitting on the benches without them. Lights only necessary if you intend to fish before or after daylight. Your choice but highly reccomended.

Nothing wrong with the boat at all but factor in the extra money you will need to spend on rod holders, lights, and seats. If you intend on doing any trolling, i reccomend you go for a forward steer or consol typr boat.

Good luck and cheers

[dunc333]

nice package there ,this is only my opinion what its worth $6500-$7000 ,Lets see what the others think though as i might be wrong but thats what id be willing to pay for that boat.

[a boat]

Hi, I agree, $8,500 is a bit high and he paid too much for it new. You can get a Stacer 429 Rampage, which is a bigger/better boat with side decks, paint, bimini, trailer and 30HP electric start ALL BRAND NEW for only a couple grand more than what he is asking and it comes with 5 year warranty and you know how it has been treated.

This is a new model and I have one here but she is leaving tomorrow. I can email photos if you PM me with your details.

Cheers,

Huey.

PS-I think this boat and more so the Stacer Rampage is very suitable for what you want to do. See what you can get him down to now knowing what a new, better, bigger package costs.

[Bent_Rod]

hi

i really value your guys opinions and advice, thank you for the quick replies.

i went to inspect the boat today.

I found out the engine is a mercury/tohatsu model, made in japan. It is a 2 cylinder, single carby engine. It is also manufactured in 2004 not 2007 as advertised.

The hull was a 2005 model which was also advertised as a 2007 model.

Also i found out he previously had a larger engine and had swapped it for this smaller engine when he wanted to sell it.

A larger engine would have been more suitable, especially the fact that it is licensed to carry 5 Adults

I do not feel comfortable to buy the boat of someone that has given false advertisement for his boat.

Better luck next time i guess.

[Bent_Rod]

PS-I think this boat and more so the Stacer Rampage is very suitable for what you want to do. See what you can get him down to now knowing what a new, better, bigger package costs.

Thanks a lot for sharing the info on the stacer rampage. It is a very cheap boat(price wise). I tried looking up specs for it like width of beam and inside depth of boat but there is no info. Even the stacer website does not include this boat.......?

Have you got any links to more info or any personal experience on this 429 stacer rampage?

[a boat]

Hi, no problem and as I mentioned it is a new model that has not even made the website yet. If you send me a PM with your email I can send the photos of the first one I have had come thru-that is leaving today and also send you a spec sheet. It is the basicallt the same boat as the 429 Seahorse, it just has been optioned up with useful features like 3mm bottom sheets, transom step and rail, bow and side rails, anchorwell, side pockets and more. It is cheaper than the Seahorse too so I know it does not make sense, but to get the same boat with more features at a lower price is a bonus so make the most of it while it lasts. Also with the cash back and price restructuring due to the strong dollar to upgrade the awesome 30HP E-TEC is not much more and the boat leaving today has the E-TEC with electric start and she is a top rig that is priced at what soem people want for their second hand boats and as you found out buying second hand can be risky.

Cheers,

Huey.