Quintrex boat
When buying a boat
there are many different types and models
to choose from so you really have to
identify exactly what you need, and can
afford. Your
budget is the most restricting factor, but there are plenty of other
issues to be raised such as the size of your family,
where you intend to use the boat, fish or family boat.
etc.
Application.
Where you intend to
use the boat should be one of your first decisions. If
pottering around the harbour, skiing, fishing, or perhaps general
family boating, then most types of boats up
to around 5.0 m will be more than satisfactory.
Conversely, if you intend to go offshore
fishing, then a larger, more seaworthy craft will be required.
River and lake
fishermen and those intending
fishing remote locations may prefer a smaller, lighter, and more
robust aluminium boat. Open barra style
boats, and deluxe aluminium dinghies are very popular
with estuary and river fishermen. Larger pressed and plate alloy
boats are great for regions with poor
boating facilities because they are better
able to handle the knocks and scrapes likely to be experienced.
Fish Or Family Boat?
While it is possible
to fish from a family boat and visa versa,
some boats are more conducive to fishing,
others to family boating. As a general
rule, prior to the 1990s, most fibreglass
trailer boats were designed more for family
boating than fishing. These family
orientated boats tend to be more luxuriously outfitted, with carpeted
floors, upholstered cockpit surrounds, and better seating.
In contrast, fair
dinkum fishing rigs tend to have few
creature comforts. More important is a
large, uncluttered cockpit with good access
into the transom corners, as well as specific design
features like wider side coamings to allow
the fitment of rod holders, as well as the
provision of a live bait tank, fish box,
big side pockets etc.
Historically,
pressed sheet aluminium and plate aluminium
boats have been favoured
for fishing because of their basic fit-out,
spacious interiors, and ease of
customisation. In recent times however,
fibreglass boat builders have dramatically
improved their fishing models, and there
are now many good, albeit late model
fibreglass fishing boats available.
Seating
Pretty obvious
really, but if you buy a boat without
enough seats for your family or regular crew, you may find
you'll soon be fishing or boating by yourself.
While few passengers will want to sit down while enroute, a seat will
be appreciated once you've reached your
destination.
Overnighting
Few
half cabin owners actually use their cabins for overnighting.
Although there may be enough room for two
people to stretch out on the cabin berths,
there are rarely any other overnighting
facilities in even moderate sized craft.
If you're serious
about overnight and weekend cruising, you
really need to look at some of the larger,
better outfitted and therefore more
expensive secondhand trailer boats.
Those that can provide a toilet, galley
unit with stove, sink, as well as a fridge,
shower, storage cupboards and many other
cruising accessories.
Can You Tow It?
Make sure you are
aware of the legal and practical towing
limitations of your tow vehicle before you
buy a new rig.
With most of the
larger 6.0 m plus cabin cruisers and half cabin fishing boats
for example, you will need a 4wd or larger car to meet the legal
towing requirements.
Storage
If you intend to
store your boat in the garage, be sure to
measure not just the boat length, but the
overall length of the rig - from the
trailer coupling to the back of the
outboard and the length and height of the
rig before you buy it.
Parking the rig out
on the front lawn is okay, provided the
boat is behind a lockable fence, or you fit
some sort of trailer locking device.
Keeping your boat out the front on the medium strip is not a good
idea it will create complaints from
neighbours and the local council.
Townhouse and unit
dwellers, should consider storing the
boat in a fenced off compound or dry storage
rack at a nearby marina.
Launch & Retrieve
Don’t try and save
money by cutting back on the trailer. Your trailer should be capable
of steering your boat on straight. As you
drive your boat onto the trailer. Easy launch and retrieve encourages
the family and friends to go with you. There is nothing worse than
having to fight the boat onto a trailer after a long days fishing.
Running Costs
Trailer boating
can be quite reasonable costs wise!
While service and maintenance costs are expected, storing the boat
out of water reduces maintenance considerably. Fuel costs can be high
for those that under power or zoom around with the throttle fully
open. However, a full day on the water running a 50
- 75 hp should cost no more than $50 to $75 if fishing. If running
150 – 200Hp, that cost will almost double but that’s still pretty
good when you consider you get a full days entertainment and fun.
Safety &
Seaworthiness
A
safe, seaworthy boat is one which can be
safely operated in the sea conditions and
environment for which it was designed. Seaworthiness
is determined by the shape
of the bow and forefoot, the angle of vee
or deadrise, the breadth of the hull shoulders, the beam, the amount
of flare, the angle of the chines, etc.
Important questions
to ask yourself during a sea trial of a
boat is; does the boat
have enough freeboard to keep the sea out?
Will it broach in a following sea? Does the
bow bury when running into a head-sea? Is
it stable enough at rest and underway? Does
it have built-in flotation to keep it
afloat if it capsizes?