New Boat Advice

[nwatson]

Hi all, need some advice or opinions. Currently own a Quintrex 420 Busta. Often fish in the local river, venturing sometimes into the Bay and with either one or all of my three sons. The current boat is small and cramped with more than two of us in it, but "do-able" with all four, the most important thing is spending time with the kids. Have been out to look at possibly upgrading to a 460 Renegade or 469 Stacer Outlaw. Don't get much change out of $27000 - $33000 grand. I'm like most, mortgage, bills etc. I just don't know if I should stick with what I've got and be grateful, or push the financial controller to let me and her sons be a bit more comfortable ( and more in debt). Any advice, opinions would be appreciated, especailly from those that have been there before. Cheers, Nathan.

[locodave]

Hi mate,

I know what it is like to have room. I started off with a 4.1m. Then friends want to come... Then they want to fish... 7 years later i have ended up with a 6m. Not suggesting that will happen to you.

First thing for me was: do i need a bigger boat? Yes, then list the reasons why. Will the car i have suit too? An i worried to launch on ny own when i need to etc.

I think if you have made up your mind about more space and comfort, sell yours and be patient. You don't have to buy a new one. I bought an awesome 5M boat 2 years ago with 70hrs for $15k. Was hardly used and in new condition. One of the best boats I've ever had.

Good luck with it all

[Fab1]

Ask yourself some questions-Can I really afford this new boat or is the money better being spent elsewhere??Will my current car tow it?Can I afford the extra running/maintenance costs?Will I use it enough?Will I be able to store it?etc,etc.If you honestly answer yes to these questions buy it,if no is the answer to some questions perhaps a rethink is in order.

You have a great little boat there and sometimes you need to make do with what you have.

My 420 estuary angler being a runabout makes your busta look like the titanic.

Cheers.

[Guest Guest123456789]

I'm like you but no boat (and a mortgage). I've decided I'm getting a boat but not taking on more debt. My 'free time' will be used to earn additional $$ and I'm having an eBay sale of all the unused odds and ends in the house.

Edited January 27, 2016 by Guest123456789

[Oscarthebeagle]

I'm in a similar position. Third child arriving any day my 4m quintrex Hornet trophy I got before marriage is just too small. Time to upgrade, my thoughts are I love spending time on the water with my kids, growing we always had boats and I still fish with my father every chance I get.

I won't my kids to have a similar experience, to do this I will need a bigger boat. I thought about what I want the boat for, the type of fishing I do, towing it, storing it and will it get enough use and finally how much I can justify spending. It will have to be second hand but I'm happy to wait for the right boat.

The way I see it any sacrifices will be worth for the time spent out on the water.

[batfishing]

Consider looking at other boats, go a little bit older, stick in the size your interested, open it up to glass as well, you should be able to pick up a good quality 4.7m or larger for under $20k.

Keep the boss happy and the borders.

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[deek]

I could be looking at selling my 4.55 polycraft frontrunner for a smaller one. It's not too bad on space.

[brad_tate]

For our first boat we first bought a secondhand Stacer 3.8m and had it for 12 years with two young kids. The idea was to buy something cheap and basic and see if we would use it enough to warrant spending more. We didn't expect to keep it that long, but that's the way it worked out.

When we upgraded we were in a good financial situation. We bought new but that is a bit of a luxury considering the early depreciation. We opted for a 5m tinny (Quintrex CoastRunner 470) as that hit the sweet spot of size, small enough to manage shallow estuaries, be launched and retrieved solo when needed, big enough for inshore work, able to be housed where it needed to be on our property. I like the brand so didn't shop around other makes.

So my advice is keep it simple.

Can you fit it where you want in your yard conveniently (where it will spend most of it's life)?

Is it easy enough for you to manage?

Will it suit the conditions you mostly want to (or usually end up with) fish in?

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[locodave]

Wow mate, you kept your first boat for 12 years! I don't think i have owned a boat longer than 2years yet! Hope the one i have now will break my record!