Seajay vs Quintrex vs Stacer?

[davidsch1]

Well, we are looking at upgrading from our current boat, which is a 5.5m Stessl Bluewater 550. Although its a perfect boat, we want to go offshore fishing at the continental shelf (we have taken our 5.5m Stessl up to 40km offshore from Lakes Entrance [and about 35km away from the actual coast itself], but would feel much happier with a bigger boat going 60-80km offshore past the oil rigs).

Now my question is if you had to choose between a Sea Jay 7.2 Pursuit GS, a Quintrex Yellow Fin 7400 HT, a Quintrex Trident 690 HT, or a Stacer Ocean Ranger 7.39 HT, which would you choose? Why? How have you found that it rides (especially in rough water)? …and I would particularly be interested if you own/had experience with one of these models of boats. Would prefer single outboard, rather than twin, so would be looking at around the 200 to 250HP engine, probably an Evinrude e-tec (not interested in the new G2 series as I don’t feel its worth the extra 6 – 8k just for an extra 6km/hr of speed, and the faster take-off). Open to ideas and opinions, especially if you have had experience with one of these bigger boats. Our maximum budget would be $90,000.

These are four different boat that we are particularly interested in (will be towed by either a 2009 Diesel Nissan Patrol which can tow 3.2T, or a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder which can tow 3.0T, both fitted with Electric brakes):

NO #1: the Sea Jay 7.2 GS
Basic Specs: 4mm to 5mm plated, beam – 2.49m, hull weight - 1480kg, complete weight – boat/max HP motor/trailer – 2650kg weight, Glass Screen Hard top, 400L fuel tank, requires 200 – 250HP


NO #2: Quintrex Yellow Fin 7400 HT
Basic Specs: 4mm to 6mm plated, beam – 2.40m, hull weight – 1265kg, complete weight – boat/max HP motor/trailer – 2200kg, Glass Screen Hard Top, 250L fuel tank, requires 200 – 250HP

NO #3 Quintrex Trident 690 HT
Basic Specs: 3mm to 5mm plated, beam – 2.48m, hull weight – 1130kg, complete weight – boat/max HP motor/trailer – 2150kg, Glass Screen Hard Top, 200L fuel tank, requires 150 – 250HP

NO #4 Stacer Ocean Ranger 7.39 HT
Basic Specs: 4mm to 5mm plated, beam – 2.49m, hull weight – 1248kg, complete weight – boat/max HP motor/trailer – 2180kg, Glass Screen Hard Top, 215L fuel tank, requires 130 – 250HP

Edited August 24, 2016 by Blood Knot
Swap n sell rules

[Croydon]

Hi David,

I've never been in any of the above boats nor have I had anything to do with the new generation of Etec motors so can't help there. Are you only considering new boats? A budget of $90,000 buys a lot of boat on the second hand market and in that range would come with a hell of a lot of extras already suited to game fishing. You pay a fair premium for a new boat and then have to outfit it with all the things you need. I think there is much better value in a good second hand boat, a couple of years old and already set up, but that's just me. Good luck with your new project. Cheers.........

Dave

[sleepydragon]

I wasn't impressed with the build quality of the quintrex at the boat show (and that was the show model). I think if your going to spend that sort of money you expect a quality build. Have you considered a custom built plate boat?

The sea jay would be my pick of the three you have suggested. Any particular reason why you have decided to go with an e-tec? The G2 actually has a couple features over the G1 e.g stronger gearbox, better fuel economy, touch display screen, power steering, 8 or so litre inbuilt oil tank. In saying all that I would suggest you consider a four stroke over the etec (Honda or yammy particularly). (I own a G2).

Hi MV,

You are 100% right mate. I agree with you about oz plate boat. If I have that much of money I definitely go for the Kiwi plate boat or at least a custom build plate one. They are far more superior than Oz plate in term of design and quality.

Cheers

[recurve]

Of all the brands that do plate boats for serious offshore you did not mention any of the best ones. My old man has a 7.4m Stabi Craft. I would go anywhere in that thing. Never ever doubted it or second guessed it. Been well offshore in nasty stuff fishing 350m for Hapuka. Best boat for true offshore work. Hard on the knees though.

Senator same thing really as is KiwiKraft. If you want to go well offshore and feel safe then get a Kiwi Plate Pontoon Boat.

[Cargo05]

Have you considered a Bar Crusher? https://www.barcrusher.com.au/

[JonD]

Having owned two quintrex boats I will never own another.

Obviously deep v soft riding glass boats aren't part of your choice as yo don't mention any.

None of the above boats mention dead rise which is more important to me over length. Having spinal injuries the last thing I look for in a boat running home in a southerly bluster is a big flat belly that slams and shatters everyone's bones.

Sorry I haven't had experiance in the boats you mention as everyone I know who are offshore hunters use glass boats. As mentioned above the stabicraft has a good rough water handling reputation as do many of the NZ boats.

If I had that sort of money there's a Eden craft 565 and a cootacraft on boatsales and gumtree that could probably be negotiated to that price.

Jon

Edited August 26, 2016 by JonD

[recurve]

Have you considered a Bar Crusher? https://www.barcrusher.com.au/

I have been looking at the 700 Surtees. Compared it to all the big brand Plate Boats and in my view it is hands down the best boat. Have not been on the water in them all of course. I would choose a Surtees over a BarCrusher hands down. Reasons are.

Obvious difference in Build Quality

Surtees is the original. BarCrusher totally dicked Surtees after they made them under license for Surtees, copied/stole the designs. If your emulating your not leading

Surtees have re-designed the range, slightly longer, all new transoms etc. Surtees are boat designers not just boat makers.

Customer Service at Surtees is excellent and the dealer in Sydney is also excellent.

Guys at Surtees will let you customise your boats way more than most builders will let you.

I am a Kiwi and incredibly one eyed. However my points are valid but my position is completely biased. I have to admit this.

I was born in NSW so have the paperwork. The real litmus test is. All Blacks or Wallabies..........All Blacks of course. But I love Australia and I love and it's fishing.

[kingfishbig]

Having owned two quintrex boats I will never own another.

Obviously deep v soft riding glass boats aren't part of your choice as yo don't mention any.

None of the above boats mention dead rise which is more important to me over length. Having spinal injuries the last thing I look for in a boat running home in a southerly bluster is a big flat belly that slams and shatters everyone's bones.

Sorry I haven't had experiance in the boats you mention as everyone I know who are offshore hunters use glass boats. As mentioned above the stabicraft has a good rough water handling reputation as do many of the NZ boats.

If I had that sort of money there's a Eden craft 565 and a cootacraft on boatsales and gumtree that could probably be negotiated to that price.

Jon

Quite right, though a light towing weight is also important to some people. Bar Crushers and Surtees boats with their flooding keels and fairly deep deadrise seem to go someway towards giving the best of both worlds.