Which boat? Cruisecraft, custom platey or pontoon boat?

[smilne]

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.

[a boat]

Hi, if you think the Aqualine is the boat for you you can have it with any brand of outboard you prefer. At present there is 590HT here so if you want come in and have a close look.

Cheers,

Huey.

[smilne]

Hi, if you think the Aqualine is the boat for you you can have it with any brand of outboard you prefer. At present there is 590HT here so if you want come in and have a close look.

Cheers,

Huey.

[smilne]

Thanks Huey. I tried to get in touch with you but the e mail bounced saying that the inbox was full. What is the best way to get in touch? I cant come in unfortunately as I am still in Hong Kong. However, I hope to be down in early December. Would appreciate the benefit of your thoughts on the above although of course I understand that you are a vendor of some of the relevant boats.

[a boat]

Hi, my email is craig@huettmarine.com.au and I get plenty each day so that should not be a problem. Send me an email and i will give you my thoughts.

Cheers,

Huey.

[BWV]

cruisecraft all the way, either 575 with 150- 200hp or the 625 with 200-250hp.

[ajb]

Pretty sure a 575 cruisecraft is rated max 150hp, which is plenty anyway