Ideas for my first Bream/Bay boat

DrPopper · #1 12-07-2009, 09:49 AM

After owning a few large boats since I've been into the Estuary fishing I've been wanting a boat to use for Breamin. I looked at the classic US style boats Skeeter, Ranger, ProStrike etc but decided they limited me in being not suitable for a bit of bay bashing in Westernport and Corner Inlet so I looked around for some options. Plenty of options were available in alloy but I really dislike the ride and noise associated with Aluminum boats and I wanted a glass boat. I've been looking for a while and investigated many options and so far the only two boats I've found that go anywhere close to meeting my requirements are the Haines 485SF/Seafarer Vantage SF and the Formula 15SE/CC. Neither is perfect but I'm leaning towards the Haines as the dealer of the Formula seems hopeless.

http://www.formulaboats.com.au/index.../formula_15se/

and

http://www.haines-marine.com.au/cont...D=77&mainID=14

Does anyone have any experience with either of these ? Good /Bad/Indifferent and more importantly is their any other make of Fiberglass boat that I should be considering?

As I've said I really want a boat that primarily Estuary but can do a bit of bay/close offshore work as well.

seamonkey · #2 12-07-2009, 10:08 AM

The Formula is built from the old Haines 445 moulds. Superb hull for ride and handling and good at rest. Would be a much better bay boat than the 485 I would have thought but if your having issues with the dealer now wait till you go back with any probs...could be hard work.

smky

ruski · #3 12-07-2009, 10:08 AM

Only read bits and pieces on the two hulls you mentioned, but haven't had first hand experience, so can't really comment.

Another boat that's been mentioned a few times though is the Galeforce (http://www.galeforceboats.com.au/)

One of the things that really swayed my decision when i was looking for a glass tub was the dealer as well (Basscat didn't want my $$

) so my money went to Skeeter. Dealer support is crucial in my opinion...

Superduperman · #4 12-07-2009, 10:13 AM

I ended up with one of these, a Campion Explorer 492;
http://www.campionboats.com/explorer/492/specs.php

It performs great as a Bream boat, nice and stable. But setting it up can be a bit of messing around as they don't come with decks or anything. Dad whipped up a marine-ply casting deck with a livewell under it that acts as support for the floor and a mount for the electric (ugly at the moment but will be improved soon...) If your a bit of a handyman (to make the floors) and would like a boat that's got plenty of seating room for cruising around with a family the Campion is a pretty good option.

In the Ocean it can be a bit wet, but thats something that happens with all Center Consoles. I find it better to sit on a reasonable speed in chop so the boat skips across the waves rather than hitting each one when your going slow. Only downside I found was a bit of a lack of room to store things like tackle bags and boxes. Rod Racks are easy enough to fit around the place though.

DrPopper · #5 12-07-2009, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruski

Only read bits and pieces on the two hulls you mentioned, but haven't had first hand experience, so can't really comment.

Another boat that's been mentioned a few times though is the Galeforce (http://www.galeforceboats.com.au/)

One of the things that really swayed my decision when i was looking for a glass tub was the dealer as well (Basscat didn't want my $$

) so my money went to Skeeter. Dealer support is crucial in my opinion...

If Skeeter built the boat I wanted Josh would already have a cheque from me ... I can't say I've ever met a more helpful or higher quality guy in the boat industry.

wizard · #6 12-07-2009, 10:34 AM

check out the Lewis Typhoon mate. They purchased the mould of the southwind/southern star stealth. I have a southern star and reckon for what you are after these things are almost unbeatable. Mine has a removable rear deck which enables me, if I wanted to, to turn around and drop baits over the back. Deck comes out in about 15 seconds. Mine has a 150 on it and goes just nice. If you felt so inclined you could always have a look at mine up in Gisborne or catch me before I go chasin Jews in the Yarra in the near future

Alternatively there is a Southwind for sale on boat point with a 100 four stroke Yam for 25k, only issue is its in Qld.Cam.

Ben · #7 12-07-2009, 10:42 AM

Have you looked at the WX series Skeeter DP?

DrPopper · #8 12-07-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben

Have you looked at the WX series Skeeter DP?

Not really I looked mainly at the Bay22T but its 2 inches too wide to tow

Mick · #9 12-07-2009, 11:32 AM

Not sure why you discounted the Rangers, I have regularly taken mine off shore out of Sydney chasing snapper and pelagics on plastics. Might just cost a tad more than the models you are currently looking at though.
http://www.rangerboats.com/flash/gal...id=5602&gid=32

As with my boat I'm sure the skeeter would fit on a 2.5m trailer if it was custom made for the model.

Bear · #10 12-07-2009, 09:15 PM

Another vote for the Galeforce boats here. Looking at a 5.5 for me next boat. Very reasonable price and the guys work with you to the fit out you want.

#11 12-07-2009, 11:16 PM

Have you had a look at Scout boats?more information can be found at www.sfba.com.au there bay boats look the goods

Mick · #12 13-07-2009, 01:43 AM

Another US glass contender new on the scene are http://www.fincraftboats.com/, these are also imported by SFBA. I have no first hand experience with the boats, but they are considerably cheaper then the big name yank boats.

DUKESTER · #13 13-07-2009, 02:23 AM

G'day Matt

I'm with Wizard.

The old Southern Star is just perfect for what you want. Shaun Clancy from BLA will also give you the same recommendation.

ruski · #14 13-07-2009, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPopper

Not really I looked mainly at the Bay22T but its 2 inches too wide to tow

If the specs are similar to the 22V then I dare say it's trailerable...

I remember there was one for sale a little while back (http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/sho...d.php?p=874661)

bigpat · #15 13-07-2009, 03:45 AM

Another option to consider is the Streaker 4.58 Tournament Console.

Looks like a well made and appointed boat, and hull looks suitable for the rougher stuff as well.

Come ready to go with all the fruit, including a Minn Kota up front. I've seen one in the flesh, and they look great.

I know Streaker have a 2nd hander in good nick at their yard. If I had the $$$$ I' seriously look at one.

Just something else to look at. Good luck with it all,

Pat.