Buying a new 4.3 - 4.5m tinny need advice

[nofishinboat]

I've got no experience buying a tinny and am looking at buying one around 4.3m in length at the moment. My budget is around 10k so 4.3m seems about the maximum size i will get, stessco seem to be the cheapest packages (albeit with 30hp on the back which i think may only just be adequate), but i could still upgrade it to a 40hp for under 10k but i want it to be a reliable boat/motor/trailer package, i know that most people have their favourite brands but does anyone have any thoughts or advice on these cheaper packages going around south east Queensland at the moment?

[Kyle101]

If it were me I'd be looking at second hand, you can get yourself a very good buy for 10k. You may struggle a little finding a decent package that is under that, not to say that you can't but it may be a better option.

Possibly check out sites like boatsales and gumtree, even the fleabay has some good deals pop up every now and then.

Cheers Kyle

[TeamHighStickin]

I've got a 4.3 stessco bass tracker, mine cost around 16k but I've got the side console and its painted. But the number one thing i would say is if you can afford to get a bigger motor then do it 100%. i started with a 30 and by the time i put all these extras on the boat it got way to sluggish so i would go the 40 100% on a 4.3. haha thats my two-bobs.

[nofishinboat]

Originally Posted by Kyle101

If it were me I'd be looking at second hand, you can get yourself a very good buy for 10k. You may struggle a little finding a decent package that is under that, not to say that you can't but it may be a better option.

Possibly check out sites like boatsales and gumtree, even the fleabay has some good deals pop up every now and then.

Cheers Kyle

Thanks mate, I have thought of second hand but the prices seem to be no cheaper than buying new and i have even seen some second hand boats advertised dearer than they are new and the boats are 5+ years old, with no experience in buying tinny's i'm a bit worried about buying an older one as i don't really know what i'm looking for with regards to quality and a good deal. The more i look at boats for sale the more confused i get.

[nofishinboat]

Originally Posted by TeamHighStickin

I've got a 4.3 stessco bass tracker, mine cost around 16k but I've got the side console and its painted. But the number one thing i would say is if you can afford to get a bigger motor then do it 100%. i started with a 30 and by the time i put all these extras on the boat it got way to sluggish so i would go the 40 100% on a 4.3. haha thats my two-bobs.

Thanks mate, i wasn't quite sure but thought that maybe they would need a 40hp. What do you think of the quality of the stessco? are you happy with it?

[nofishinboat]

Originally Posted by TeamHighStickin

I've got a 4.3 stessco bass tracker, mine cost around 16k but I've got the side console and its painted. But the number one thing i would say is if you can afford to get a bigger motor then do it 100%. i started with a 30 and by the time i put all these extras on the boat it got way to sluggish so i would go the 40 100% on a 4.3. haha thats my two-bobs.

By the way , boat looks good

[bigpoppa]

I second the bigger motor as per highstick. I have a 4m hornet trophy with side console, fully decked etc and a 30hp 4 stroke is just ok with 2 people fully kitted. Possibly give my right nut for a 40hp 4 st. Difference is amazing!

[nofishinboat]

Originally Posted by bigpoppa

I second the bigger motor as per highstick. I have a 4m hornet trophy with side console, fully decked etc and a 30hp 4 stroke is just ok with 2 people fully kitted. Possibly give my right nut for a 40hp 4 st. Difference is amazing!

I've only ever owned glass boats and most of them have been set up for offshore fishing so i've always tended to go larger hp rather than smaller, i hate how they put smaller motors on just to make a cheaper package

[forsterfisho]

Hey,

10k will get you a fair chunk of boat, especially if your looking at the tinny market. Why not downsize the boat to something around the 3.9 to 4m mark? I ran a 3.85 for years and found it one of the most versatile boats - offshore on calm days, punching into river chop, get into ultra shallow water, bump into oyster leases/bridges/logs with minimal damage and the ability to be dragged over shallow bars or simply dragged onto the trailer with some help.

I currently own a 4.35m side console with heaps of decking, storage, duel batteries powered by a 60hp motor and its what I find to be comfortable - a 70 would really make it scoot. I'm not suggesting that you will find one under 10k (or anywhere near it) but merely pointing out that a 30hp or a even a 40hp motor may be very sluggish indeed (especially when you have 2 batteries, electric motor, casting decks and people).

Boat sales.com/au is a good place to start, tournament boats can have some great bargains in the aluminium section but don't discount your local newspaper/trading post or the local boat shop.

IMO here are some things to look out for;
Corrosion around fittings (rodholders, fish finders, electric motors) this can lead to electrolysis
Clean motor, check under the cowling to check for salt/water incursion.
Look for overly rusty trailers, especially around the axel.

also factor in for a full service for the boat/motor and trailer once you have purchased it, just so that you know it's all been serviced 100%

Cheers
Dion.

[nofishinboat]

Originally Posted by forsterfisho

Hey,

10k will get you a fair chunk of boat, especially if your looking at the tinny market. Why not downsize the boat to something around the 3.9 to 4m mark? I ran a 3.85 for years and found it one of the most versatile boats - offshore on calm days, punching into river chop, get into ultra shallow water, bump into oyster leases/bridges/logs with minimal damage and the ability to be dragged over shallow bars or simply dragged onto the trailer with some help.

I currently own a 4.35m side console with heaps of decking, storage, duel batteries powered by a 60hp motor and its what I find to be comfortable - a 70 would really make it scoot. I'm not suggesting that you will find one under 10k (or anywhere near it) but merely pointing out that a 30hp or a even a 40hp motor may be very sluggish indeed (especially when you have 2 batteries, electric motor, casting decks and people).

Boat sales.com/au is a good place to start, tournament boats can have some great bargains in the aluminium section but don't discount your local newspaper/trading post or the local boat shop.

IMO here are some things to look out for;
Corrosion around fittings (rodholders, fish finders, electric motors) this can lead to electrolysis
Clean motor, check under the cowling to check for salt/water incursion.
Look for overly rusty trailers, especially around the axel.

also factor in for a full service for the boat/motor and trailer once you have purchased it, just so that you know it's all been serviced 100%

Cheers
Dion.

Thanks mate, some good points, on size i don't really want to go too small as i still need room for my kids onboard and will tend to get a bit crowded when they're with me

[Nigger]

Hi,If your in the market for purchasing a secondhand boat and the advice given serves your purpose to better understand size,type,material,etc.,then why rush at package deals from your local marine sales people,try looking up your local auctions,they have boats for sale cheaper than you'll pay at a marine centre any day,but you may have to be patient until your type of vessel becomes available,hope this helps,nigger.

[nofishinboat]

Originally Posted by Nigger

Hi,If your in the market for purchasing a secondhand boat and the advice given serves your purpose to better understand size,type,material,etc.,then why rush at package deals from your local marine sales people,try looking up your local auctions,they have boats for sale cheaper than you'll pay at a marine centre any day,but you may have to be patient until your type of vessel becomes available,hope this helps,nigger.

Thanks mate, i'm in no rush so will look at all options, cheers