What should I pay for cheap boat

[Cortinaboy]

HI All,

Ive always been landbased, but thinking of getting a second hand boat. Not a bream set up, but more something I could use for bream and flathead in estuaries and in a pinch (good conditions) take it out offshore (think Port Phillip bay for snapper season or Quarantine bay out of Eden on SW sth coast). Trouble is I have absolutely no idea what sort of vessel I should look at or what my budget should be. Basically,Id like to spend less than $10k and have a boat that I can head out with a couple of people without fearing its going to sink at any minute. Should I go for a big aluminium hulled boat, or an older fibro half cabin or something else again. Should I favour bigger and older, or smaller and more modern? I understand there are a million options, but I don't have any clue about what I should rule out or consider. Advice gratefully accepted. Might be relevant to note that my mechanical skills are minimal so Id be happy to put up with a god ugly craft if it was reliable. Are there some nice old boats and motors out there that are bulletproof?

[CK]

New Busta 420 package will set you back around 10k.
Bare bones hull with a forward casting deck at least. No electronics but n only a 2cyl 30hp motor usually.
Bit small for 3 blokes but plenty big enough for 2.
Or look for a suitable Quintrex 420 Dory or Stacer Seahorse already decked out with sounder n leccie for anywhere under that.
If the later are fitted with a 3 cyl 30hp ya laughing a 40 is better but the 3cyl yam is a ballsie motor n way better than the 2 cylinder 30CV sometimes seen on the back.

[Cortinaboy]

Thanks mate. Much appreciated.

Stuart

[Pistol]

You should buy my Quintrex Hornet with Merc 50hp 4 stroke, Minn Kota Terrova with spot lock, Lowrance HDS 7, 6 rod locker, new floor, recent service etc for $9,500. You will not find a better bream and general fishing set-up under $10,000. I can provide pics or a test ride if you're interested.
It's been to all the areas you mention, off shore at Tathra, East Gippy, Whitsundays, and recently off shore at Exmouth and Broome. It is featured in some of mine and Broomstick's posts on this site.