Soon to be a first time boat owner.

[shane526]

Hi there fishraiders

First time post but long time reader please be gentle

My wife and I have wanted a boat for a long time but due to where we live in Sydney we have never had the room to keep one. Due to starting a family we need to move which will allow me to finally buy my first boat. Now I have been looking around and I like the look of the Quintrex coast runner with a four stroke that will cover our needs and I have been in my uncles bayhunter and we liked that. This is where my problem starts tho I have never driven a boat or even towed anything. I have been looking around to see if I could find a course or something I can do but not having a lot of luck. I don't know anyone friends or family that live within a few hours from us that can help teach us.

If anyone out there could steer me in the right direction or share some experiences with me that would be great. We just want to take our time learn how to own tow and maintain a boat but most importantly get out on the water safely.

Thank for reading

Shane

[Foghorn]

U Tube

[shane526]

Thanks Foghorn I have been reading a lot also watching a lot on utube

[brad_tate]

I have a Coastrunner 470 and am happy to help out where I can. I am in Hurstville, so if you are nearby I am happy to catch up on a weekend and chat, show you how to back a boat etc. Let me know if you want to catch up.

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[Ric001]

If you are new to boating get something that you can handle easily by yourself and don't get too adventurous. Stick to the rivers around Sydney and remember that even botany can get really messy when the wind picks up because it is relatively shallow. Fibreglass gives a nice soft ride , however it is heavier and not as forgiving when your learning to get on and off the trailer. Aluminium is lighter and as a first boat is definitely more forgiving if you bump into a jetty or trailer. If you have never used a trailer see if you can find someone who doesn't mind you borrowing a box trailer and practice in an industrial estate your reversing and going around corners. Pm me for the name of a boat school as you'll need a licence before you take the boat on water as its not worth getting caught without a license.

Ric.

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Edited January 24, 2016 by Ric001

[shane526]

I have a Coastrunner 470 and am happy to help out where I can. I am in Hurstville, so if you are nearby I am happy to catch up on a weekend and chat, show you how to back a boat etc. Let me know if you want to catch up.

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Hi Tastee

Wow thanks mate that would've fantastic I'm not too far away (Olympic park) well at the moment but just moving to Baulkham Hills shortly. I do know Hurstville well tho being an avid St George fan I would be very great full for a few tips

[shane526]

If you are new to boating get something that you can handle easily by yourself and don't get too adventurous. Stick to the rivers around Sydney and remember that even botany can get really messy when the wind picks up because it is relatively shallow. Fibreglass gives a nice soft ride , however it is heavier and not as forgiving when your learning to get on and off the trailer. Aluminium is lighter and as a first boat is definitely more forgiving if you bump into a jetty or trailer. If you have never used a trailer see if you can find someone who doesn't mind you borrowing a box trailer and practice in an industrial estate your reversing and going around corners. Pm me for the name of a boat school as you'll need a licence before you take the boat on water as its not worth getting caught without a license.

Ric.

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Hi there mate thanks for your reply

From what I have read and what our needs would be I think a Quintrex would suit us for our first boat. We would be quite happy to just head out into the rivers on a good day we just want to start of slow and learn enjoy and be safe. Both my wife and I will be booking in to get our B/l I have looked into it and a company offer days just up the road from us. I'm going to sell my car and get something more suited for towing a boat and I'll head out to hire a trailer to practice I would have sold it by now but someone decides to clean me up in the car park the other day........ Must have know I just finished washing it and about to wack it on car sales we have two cars so I'm just looking of buying something around the 5k to 10k range any suggestions what would be a good car to tow a boat that size?

[locodave]

Hey mate!

What size coast runner are you after??

Are you buying new? I wouldn't buy a first boat new just like i wouldnt get my forst car new. Same reasons, a lot to learn and experience will help. Later on get whatever you want new - also save a few $$$

Need to know size of coast runner but for your budget a holden commodore would tow it fine.

I used to live in Baulkham Hills, nice place! Don't hire a trailer to practice. When you get your boat just take it to the Woolworths head office car park in bella vista and practice there. I did.

I am quite often around seven hills where i keep my boat. Whenever you are ready to get yours, happy to help, guide with towing and help you launch. Can go windsor river. Nice and quite there at times.

[shane526]

Hi locodave

looking at second hand boats around 15k to 20k I could stretch that for something special but something in that range would be ideal. Thanks for the offer that would be great I know the hills well I grew up there before I got married and bought a unit here looking forward to moving back and getting a bit more space. Is buying a rear wheel drive car a good idea I thought a forester all wheel drive would be a better option?

[shane526]

Sorry locodave looking for a boat around the 5m range something stable and if I can something I could tow someone on the odd occasion but mainly for fishing and spending weekends on relaxing

[locodave]

Yes a forester will do the job too. I used to pull a 5.5m fibreglass out of ramps with a commodore no problems. Never slipped or anything, but if you feel better with all 4, go for it. I have a prado now, love it!

I personally like to have higher cars when it comes to boat ramps so a forester is good, rav4 or honda crv should do it too.

If you need help Once you find a boat etc just ask.

[p-ziller]

Shane, the brother in law is selling his Horizon Seabreeze 515. Awesome boat, been out on it a few times! Send me a PM if you are interested.

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[shane2150]

Yes a forester will do the job too. I used to pull a 5.5m fibreglass out of ramps with a commodore no problems. Never slipped or anything, but if you feel better with all 4, go for it. I have a prado now, love it!

I personally like to have higher cars when it comes to boat ramps so a forester is good, rav4 or honda crv should do it too.

If you need help Once you find a boat etc just ask.

Great thanks Locodave I defiantly would rather an all 4 not just for the ramps but also it would suit our needs better. I spend a fair bit of time up north so having a car I could drive on the beach is appealing also.

I will be sure to take you up on the offer mate in the coming months that is very kind of you.

Thanks Shane

[shane2150]

Shane, the brother in law is selling his Horizon Seabreeze 515. Awesome boat, been out on it a few times! Send me a PM if you are interested.

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Hi p-ziller

I wont be getting a boat until we relocate in the coming months around May early June. Thanks for the offer tho

[shane526]

Well I posted this yesterday because i was looking for advice to learn and any tips help that people could offer. The help I have received has been fantastic thank you Tastee,Locodave, Ric001 and the other guys that commented. I know once I get the hang of it all it will be funny looking back but also how nice people have been offering help to me ill return that and some to others when that day comes. Today like most days I was heading home from work and stop off at the wharf near my place (Ermington wharf road) in the hope someone is putting a boat in or taking one out so I can watch and learn. well today no one was however when I was leaving the road out was blocked due to a very nice new looking pontoon boat had fallen off the trailer onto the road and two poor blokes sitting waiting for assistance. I did want to stop and get out however these two guys looked very embarrassed and there was nothing i could do. I did take a picture however I will not be posting it out of respect for two blokes. I guess after seeing that today it showed me even more so that you can never get overconfident and careless when it comes to boat ownership and accidents happen. I sincerely hope they guys get the boat back on the trailer with minimal damage. It has shown me something today tho

Happy Australia Day

Shane.

[brad_tate]

Hey mate!

What size coast runner are you after??

Are you buying new? I wouldn't buy a first boat new just like i wouldnt get my forst car new. Same reasons, a lot to learn and experience will help. Later on get whatever you want new - also save a few $$$

Need to know size of coast runner but for your budget a holden commodore would tow it fine.

I used to live in Baulkham Hills, nice place! Don't hire a trailer to practice. When you get your boat just take it to the Woolworths head office car park in bella vista and practice there. I did.

I am quite often around seven hills where i keep my boat. Whenever you are ready to get yours, happy to help, guide with towing and help you launch. Can go windsor river. Nice and quite there at times.

Great offer locodave.

~shane526 it sounds like you have some good options close to home but feel free to PM me if I can assist.

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[shane526]

Great offer locodave.

~shane526 it sounds like you have some good options close to home but feel free to PM me if I can assist.

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Thanks mate will do