What do you know about boats?

[Hoyks]

I've been mucking around on the water for a while now, but never had much to do do with tinnies. Most of my time has been spent in sailing dinghies, catamarans and kayaks. I used a few tinnies over the years too, borrowed a coupe, but never owned one and only gone in flat water.

What I'm looking at is a tinny, around 4m long/30hp to poke around inshore, up the creeks and the occasional trip out to Stradbroke Is when the weather is favorable. Going 2nd hand with a $10k budget too.

What would you recommend? I was looking at some V nosed punts, like the Quintrex Hornet, but would prefer something with a bit higher sides. Both to keep the water out and I hope to go back up to NQ fishing.

 

[Fox67]

If you have someone to help, I reckon 4.4 to 4.5 is a better size for where you plan on using it. I have had 3.9, 4.2 and 4.5 over the years, the 4.5 was what I preferred. Not too big for creeks but big enough for close offshore. My preference is for tiller steer also, maximise space with floor and casting deck. My last tinny was 4.5 open with 40hp Tohatsu 3 cylinder, great setup. I picked it up second hand hardly used with great trailer for $8k.

 

[dno67]

High sides are good, but suffer more from wind at anchor, low rear transoms are the catch. A well or a pod is the preferred for more rear freeboard. Flat floors nice also.

 

[cam04]

Sea jay do a HS (high side) series of their v nose punts. You need to nail your brief down more before shopping. What do you most want it to do? Does it need to car top to go up north? V nose are very stable but traditional front is what you want out in the bay.

 

[Hoyks]

Not a car topper, all my camping gear fits in a ute, so going for a trailer. I'd also not want to assemble it all before heading out.

I also have a roof top tent, so dropping the boat so I can go to bed?... no thanks.

 

[Poppa]

Your experience in dinghies and kayaks serve you well. Smaller V-bottoms can sometimes be considered "tippy" by a few people, however, you understand balance etc.

A good starting point is the Quintrex Dory. I only say this because it is exactly that, a starting point. Other manufacturers have their version and you will recognise this as you look into this further.

The "dory" concept has the ability to meet your requirements whilst remaining easy to handle.

 

[Batts88]

Make sure you take time looking there are lots to choose from and you can still get a new 2019 4mtr Quintrex for just over $10,000 from Brisbane Yamaha.

 

[Albynsw]

I would go a traditional Dory style too, the V nose punt style are more suited to rivers and enclosed waters. I have a 4:5 m Quintrex side console with a 50 4/stroke and it is a great all rounder and more of a ‘little’ big boat that I happily take 5 mile offshore fishing but still good in the tighter river situation

Good points to have
-A level floor
-electric start,
- power trim/ tilt
- 30hp minimum but 50hp is a better power range to have if you have a few onboard or fittings bait tanks etc
-always err on the maximum HP that whatever boat you choose will take, underpowered boats can be frustrating when they don’t jump up on the plane easily
-dory style, unless you are in croc country not too deep a sides as it starts getting awkward to reach the water
- swivel seats are more comfortable than bench seats
- tiller steer is the least complicated and fine and used one for years but I upgraded to side console as you sit further forward in the boat and it is more comfortable on long trips not holding a tiller and has a little more weather protection but this style of boat is at the bigger end of you size preference

 

[cam04]

I’ve been looking at this one. slightly higher than your budget but better all round and actually has deadrise. Only advertised on fb.

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[Hoyks]

I’ve been looking at this one. slightly higher than your budget but better all round and actually has deadrise. Only advertised on fb.

I saw that one, shame he doesn't have any pics of the inside.

I've got to get my shed finished so I have somewhere to put it, but my short list so far:

2015 stessco basstracker

2010 Brooker 410 safari

2008 Stacer 429

2002 Stessl Angler 435

 

[silkwood]

Not commenting on the best tinnie (I wouldn't have a clue, have a 5.8 'glass boat) but just thought I'd mention I used my old Porta-Bote (folding boat) around dozens of spots in the top end (both west to east, including Cape York), croc country all of it. They have moderately low sides (not kayak level but not tall) and I never once felt worried, even cruising past crocs. I wouldn't take it on the Adelaide River however, don't trust that the crocs there have not been educated to jump...

Cheers,
Mark

 

[cam04]

The stessl would be my pick. I had that Honda 50 on a 4.5 polycraft. They are carby and go forever. Speaking of polys, if you can get into a 4.5 they are a genuine offshore proposition. I fished mine wide of Tempest in 110m many times. Probably going to be a few more $ though.

 

[MrPoopypants]

This thread is great timing. I've been looking at 4.3 Quintrex Fishabouts.
Only really want one for freshwater fishing, Snowy lakes and NSW & Vic inland waterways. I've used other people's tinnies since I was a kid (over 50yrs) but never owned one, so I really have limited knowledge about them, although pretty handy mechanically. I can paddle a mean whitewater kayak but a mug about boats.
Started out looking at 3m+ tinnies, but I've always loved the idea of something a bit bigger, with a windscreen and steering wheel and a bimini style cover for light rain and sun etc. Of course, this always leads to talking yourself into needing a more expensive option ...
Four of us, my mrs. and two young teenagers (we were late starters
Was thinking maybe older boat and get a new motor if needed, but adding up prices might just be better off buying something more recent with a four stroke??
Am I missing something about these small fishabout type of boats? I just figured they'd be a lot more comfy for early starts and long days?? A bit more power to get up to the other end of a lake etc.
Only ever fished for trout, every which way, but my young bloke is keen to branch out, as am I. Been gearing up for cod especially.
Of course, lots of stuff being put on hold at the moment, but good time to research.
Any ideas, advice appreciated, I actually don't even know anyone who owns a boat!

Not trying to pinch your thread Hoyksie, genuinely interested in all the feedback and seeing what might apply to my needs.

Cheers
PP

 

[dno67]

This thread is great timing. I've been looking at 4.3 Quintrex Fishabouts.
Only really want one for freshwater fishing, Snowy lakes and NSW & Vic inland waterways. I've used other people's tinnies since I was a kid (over 50yrs) but never owned one, so I really have limited knowledge about them, although pretty handy mechanically. I can paddle a mean whitewater kayak but a mug about boats.
Started out looking at 3m+ tinnies, but I've always loved the idea of something a bit bigger, with a windscreen and steering wheel and a bimini style cover for light rain and sun etc. Of course, this always leads to talking yourself into needing a more expensive option ...
Four of us, my mrs. and two young teenagers (we were late starters
Was thinking maybe older boat and get a new motor if needed, but adding up prices might just be better off buying something more recent with a four stroke??
Am I missing something about these small fishabout type of boats? I just figured they'd be a lot more comfy for early starts and long days?? A bit more power to get up to the other end of a lake etc.
Only ever fished for trout, every which way, but my young bloke is keen to branch out, as am I. Been gearing up for cod especially.
Of course, lots of stuff being put on hold at the moment, but good time to research.
Any ideas, advice appreciated, I actually don't even know anyone who owns a boat!

Not trying to pinch your thread Hoyksie, genuinely interested in all the feedback and seeing what might apply to my needs.

Cheers
PP

Last boat was a 4.2 breezeabout, great small boat in the bays and used mine outside regularly around phillip island. Mostly used by myself, easy to handle, bit of shelter for the elements when needed and a nice dry boat in crap conditions. Personally. l recon fishing anywhere there's current, more than two people in a boat is a pain in the arse.

 

[Poppa]

Jeez that Stessl looks good as noted by Cam04 and I wouldn't have any hesitation regarding the Stacer. Both good safe boats for what you want. Roomy too.

 

[greysrigging]

B O A T
Bring Out Another Thousand.....
That's basically all you need to know..........

 

[RBJET]

I've recently purchased a flat bottom duck punt for $200 and scored a free 6HP Evinrude for my first go into fishing boats.
Didn't have the coin for anything fancy but thought I had to start somewhere.

 

[cam04]

I've recently purchased a flat bottom duck punt for $200 and scored a free 6HP Evinrude for my first go into fishing boats.
Didn't have the coin for anything fancy but thought I had to start somewhere.

It's not about how much you spend on the boat (sounder yes, boat not really). The view is the same no matter what you show up in - just so long as you show up..... same as camping gear.

 

[dno67]

It's not about how much you spend on the boat (sounder yes, boat not really). The view is the same no matter what you show up in - just so long as you show up..... same as camping gear.

And get back to tell the story.
In most cases people go out in good conditions, but get caught out returning if conditions change.

 

[RBJET]

Most of the fishing will be done in rivers and creeks so no issues with weather or a sounder at the moment.