Any suggestions? First time boat owner

[REDRUM]

Hi guys,

 

Im new to fishing and all the rest, hoping to be able to take my kids out on a boat in the near future.

What do you recommend in terms of beginner boats? I’m thinking dinghy, tinny, something with a cover, 4 seats, just to hit small lakes, rivers etc, nothing with tides just calm water for a fish session with the kids, maybe lay a crab pot or two etc.

Hoping to keep the budget under 5k for the first boat.

Any suggestions, dos and donts, would be appreciated.

[kingie chaser]

5K isn't a lot of money but will get you into an older style runabout like these examples-

https://www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/1998-QUINTREX-455-Fishabout/SSE-AD-5383001/?cr=12&psq=(((Service%3D[Boatsales]%26Make%3D[QUINTREX])%26((SiloType%3D[Dealer used boats]|SiloType%3D[Private used boats])|SiloType%3D[Demo and near new boats]))%26BoatSubType%3D[Runabout])&pso=0&pss=Premium

 

https://www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/1984-QUINTREX-45M-Lazeabout/SSE-AD-5808937/?cr=35&psq=(((Service%3D[Boatsales]%26Make%3D[QUINTREX])%26BoatSubType%3D[Runabout])%26(((SiloType%3D[Dealer used boats]|SiloType%3D[Dealer new boats])|SiloType%3D[Private used boats])|SiloType%3D[Demo and near new boats]))&pso=30&pss=Premium

 

https://www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/2005-QUINTREX-42m-Estuary/SSE-AD-5660985/?cr=8&psq=(((Service%3D[Boatsales]%26Make%3D[QUINTREX])%26BoatSubType%3D[Runabout])%26(((SiloType%3D[Dealer used boats]|SiloType%3D[Dealer new boats])|SiloType%3D[Private used boats])|SiloType%3D[Demo and near new boats]))&pso=0&pss=Premium

 

Here is also a recent thread on a similar line of question that may help-

https://www.fishraider.com.au/topic/88316-boat-buying-advice/

[anthman]

I'd look at a boat that can do small water that you've mentioned and some bay work - you'll find that most second hand boats in the 7-10k range will cover you for both. Gives you more options and being a bigger boat (bay vs small water) will mean more stability as well when underway and at rest - good for scrambling kids!

[blaxland]

Dont let rivers or lake lull you into a false sense of security alpine waters can be freezing and large lakes can get rough. I would try a small hire boat first somewhere there is plenty of help around in the form of other boaters . A poly craft could be a good beginner boat as it will take a beating. Everybody under 12 must wear a life jacket in an open boat at all times.