Boat (tinny) size etc?

[isuzurover]

Well, after seeing lots of people hauling in delicious lobsters etc in Tassie and WA, I am thinking that we need to buy a tinny for fishing.

I have some boating experience - used to have a fishing mate many years ago with an inflatable and a 5HP outboard, so I know the basics. I also have done some sailing.

What is the minimum size tinny and engine HP, that I could safely use to go to places like rottnest (25km offshore) and other similar islands?

How much should I expect to pay?

Who has been through the new WA recreational skipper's licence - how involved and how $$$?

[Grumpy]

NONE !!!! :wacko:
Wouldn't go over there in a boat under 28ft. 25' as a last resort.
Gage Roads gets very rough.
Check with Dept of Marine.
I got in early mine cost $10.00 or so, can not remember. Got CRAFT.

Tony :wheelchair:

[lro11]

mmm how big a wallet do you have? I don't know your area but if it helps my father in law used to go to Moreton in a 14' clark on a GOOD day only , it had a 40hp mariner on it.

[isuzurover]

Thanks guys.

Grumpy - I realise it CAN get very rough. I would only consider doing it when I was assured of good weather. People kayak to rotto!!!

lro11 - that was about the size I was looking at - budget should stretch to a good 2nd hand 4m tinny and 50HP motor... Based on Quokka (trading post) prices.

[Distortion]

we've taken a 16 foot runabout across several times if the weather is a problem don't go by yourselves and follow a larger boats wake. The real key is experience find someone who goes over on a regular basis and go with them until you have a good feel for the weather

If you intend to go after crays your best chances are south side of the island up at the west end. This will often be worse than Gage Roads if you don't keep an eye on the swell but we've never had much problem


But if I was looking to buy a boat to do it on a regular basis I'd be looking at a heavier plate Ally boat about 7 1/2m with something around 90 on the back otherwise you'll just be bouncing around you'll get there but it won't be a pleasant trip.

[LandyAndy]

Hi Ben
Im considering getting a boat,once the camper trailer project is finished.
I spent quite some time on Ebay last weekend.It seems $15 to $20K for quite a respectable size boat that isnt too old.
I doubt I can afford that much at the moment,a large dingy,ie 4.2m/50HP maybe the go for me as a starter boat,just limits the weather that it can be used in.
I really enjoy getting out in Grazs dingy when we go to Cape Riche,its only small so we can only go out when its calm,but it does the job and he can carry it on his camper trailer.
Give me the correct 6 numbers and I will buy a real neat 7m Trailcraft and you can be my deckie anytime:cool::cool::cool:
I too would like to know more about getting a skippers ticket.
Andrew

[isuzurover]

ie 4.2m/50HP maybe the go for me as a starter boat,just limits the weather that it can be used in.

Hi Andy,

That is about what we are looking at too. Ideally, we would love a 30ft yacht with a 3.75m tender. However we can get the 4-5m "starter boat" first, and always use it as a tender if we end up getting a yacht down the track.

Here is the RST workbook
http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/mar_rb_workbook3.pdf

I got all the practice theory tests right, so I think I could sit that one straight away. If you think you would have no problems doing the tests, you can do them straight away. Otherwise the courses seem to be $200-300 and take 1-2 days.

[slug_burner]

I use to go out in a 4.2 Quinny with a 45 Merc then later in a 4.5 with a 75 Suzuki. Went the 75 when the kids got a bit bigger so we could use it for the odd bit of water skiing (went through the juice using a fishing hull to ski). Most recently we had a plate boat at 5.5 with a 135 Suzuki.

For going out to sea the 4.5 was better than the 4.2 as it was a bit more stable as well as that was the first flat floor(filled in floor) we got. Much easier to get around on instead of stepping over seats/pontoons and in the winter it provided a bit more insulation from the cold going straight up your feet.

I think your in the right ball park there with LandyAndy on the 4.2-5 territory.

[Distortion]

Nothing wrong with the smaller boat tho much easier to tow up and down the coast on a trailer and light enough to launch from a beach =)

[5teve]

Well, after seeing lots of people hauling in delicious lobsters etc in Tassie and WA, I am thinking that we need to buy a tinny for fishing.

I have some boating experience - used to have a fishing mate many years ago with an inflatable and a 5HP outboard, so I know the basics. I also have done some sailing.

What is the minimum size tinny and engine HP, that I could safely use to go to places like rottnest (25km offshore) and other similar islands?

How much should I expect to pay?

Who has been through the new WA recreational skipper's licence - how involved and how $$$?

I guess some has been answered.. im a bit late into this but i'll give you my 2 cents worth :)

we have a 6m boat, it is our first boat too.. its a pressed tinnie stacer ocean runner. we pretty much use it for everything, cruising, water sports, fishing etc etc.. for us 6m is a minimum size, we can sleep on it comfortably it handles rough seas ok and is capable of rotto with ease and economy. Our first trip to rotto was crap.. horrendous seas over there (but we were in a convoy) but the return journey was amazing, geordie bay to ocean reef in 40 minutes... flat as anything. it seems to be the case that one way will be good the other poor.

Over here we get pretty harsh seas.. if i was to go a second boat any time soon i would be looking at a plate ally boat with a real deep v to slice through the chop, i'd also be looking at 7-8m minimum.

i would really say a 5.5m is a minimum for safe rotto'ing tin or glass is personal preference, but bear in mind that tin generally rides a bit harder but takes more whacks (important when learning!)

skippers ticket is a priority.. can do it at most sea rescue places to.. will take a weekend including the theory and practical cost varies but 200 to 250 should do it..

as for price, get a boat trader and visit the yards, plenty are struggling and you should be able to pick up a bargain we paid 28k for ours december 2007 for a 4 year old boat with a 140 2 stroke (tohatsu) its done us proud for over 100 hours use and proved one of our anti tin friends completely wrong!

another tip.. join a sea sports club (like one at ocean reef) they have organised power boat outings that can be pretty good fun..


NONE !!!! :wacko:
Wouldn't go over there in a boat under 28ft. 25' as a last resort.
Gage Roads gets very rough.
Check with Dept of Marine.
I got in early mine cost $10.00 or so, can not remember. Got CRAFT.

Tony :wheelchair:

would of loved mine for $10 :) a 28' boat would be very nice.. but not really very cheap.. have seen them as low as 40k for brand spankers tho on grays.. but then they are 2.54m wide which lays restrictions on you.


Thanks guys.

Grumpy - I realise it CAN get very rough. I would only consider doing it when I was assured of good weather. People kayak to rotto!!!

lro11 - that was about the size I was looking at - budget should stretch to a good 2nd hand 4m tinny and 50HP motor... Based on Quokka (trading post) prices.

what is your budget if you dont mind me asking? some reasonable used older glass boats.. just got to watch for rot.. and some good old tinnies too but they dont lose much price.. and you have to watch for rot :D



Hi Ben
Im considering getting a boat,once the camper trailer project is finished.
I spent quite some time on Ebay last weekend.It seems $15 to $20K for quite a respectable size boat that isnt too old.
I doubt I can afford that much at the moment,a large dingy,ie 4.2m/50HP maybe the go for me as a starter boat,just limits the weather that it can be used in.
I really enjoy getting out in Grazs dingy when we go to Cape Riche,its only small so we can only go out when its calm,but it does the job and he can carry it on his camper trailer.
Give me the correct 6 numbers and I will buy a real neat 7m Trailcraft and you can be my deckie anytime:cool::cool::cool:
I too would like to know more about getting a skippers ticket.
Andrew

They are good fun andy as you know.. specially if you can sleep on it too.. another form of camping really :) if you get those 6 numbers then get a razerline or similar, will kill the trailcraft, but the trailcraft are good boats, next step up from the likes of our stacer and quinnies. Small boats are great for towability but limited use in the summer due to the sw winds, unless you are going to geographe bay.. stunning down there! or mandurah etc. winter is a fab time for getting the boat out, more calm day (amazingly) and more easterlies that flatten the water out.

contact your local (using the term loosly) sea rescue place and see about doing the course with them, im pretty sure the fee's go to funding the rescue boats etc.


Hi Andy,

That is about what we are looking at too. Ideally, we would love a 30ft yacht with a 3.75m tender. However we can get the 4-5m "starter boat" first, and always use it as a tender if we end up getting a yacht down the track.

Here is the RST workbook
http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/mar_rb_workbook3.pdf

I got all the practice theory tests right, so I think I could sit that one straight away. If you think you would have no problems doing the tests, you can do them straight away. Otherwise the courses seem to be $200-300 and take 1-2 days.

wouldnt we all... problem is the pen to keep it.. there isnt any round perth! nice to have something to aim for.. if i had a 30-40ft boat i wouldnt be at home much :)




Nothing wrong with the smaller boat tho much easier to tow up and down the coast on a trailer and light enough to launch from a beach =)

nope.. small boats are great for towing... ours is a nice compromise of size weight and towability.. 6m (l)x 2.5m (w) 3m (h on trailer) 1.5t with fuel and trailer. and the TD5 is a good choice for towing it :)

if i can help with any more info Izuzu let me know.. or PM me.. cant see where in perth you are from this post box :)

Thanks

Steve

ps here is 'Stubby'

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/269.jpg

[LandyAndy]

Thans Steve
Great info,nice boat:cool::cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

[isuzurover]

Thanks as well Steve! Lots of great info!

As for price. Being a tightar$e, I am sure I couldn't bring myself to spend more on a boat than I ever have on a car (a yacht might be different though!), so budget would be <$9.5k or so.

I have seen a few in the Quokka in the size I am looking for 4-5m 50hp that sound in good condition (at least on paper!) for $5k or less.

I am pretty good with aluminium welding and mechanical stuff, so happy to get an older one that needs some work...

[Randylandy]

I would not go any smaller than a 5 meter. I am currently drooling at the stabicrafts at the local boat shop and if I win lotto this weekend that's what I would get in a flash.

[Bearman]

Ben, How about one of these........Brian

[5teve]

for under 10k Brian?

i'll have it :) thats a biggie judging by the tri axle trailer? what is it? 7m? 2.5 - 3tonne?

Thanks

Steve

[isuzurover]

Very nice Brian!

However - what steve said...

What I should have added - going out as far as rotto etc will probably just be an occasional thing (if it isn't I will buy a bigger boat). What I also want is a boat small enough that I can take it to many of the out of the way spots up and down the coast - where you can only get there with a 4x4 and you have to launch off the beach.

[isuzurover]

OK, I have decided that the best compromise is a 4-5m tinny with a 25-50HP motor.

Small enough to drag in and out of the water by hand if I have to. Large enough (just) for the occasional trip to places like rotto.

Now begins the search for one in reasonable nick! If anyone knows of one for sale, that would be great!

Also - some tips on engines (i.e. - any to avoid?) would be great too.

[1104bd1michio]

OK, I have decided that the best compromise is a 4-5m tinny with a 25-50HP motor.

Small enough to drag in and out of the water by hand if I have to. Large enough (just) for the occasional trip to places like rotto.

Now begins the search for one in reasonable nick! If anyone knows of one for sale, that would be great!

Also - some tips on engines (i.e. - any to avoid?) would be great too.

hey mate ive got a 4.35 stessl truck with a 50hp tohatsu its an unreal boat for what i do do which is alot of offshor and a little river and dam i highly recommend a truck. Im currently upgrading to a 4 stroke BIG RED BANANA
thanks michio

[isuzurover]

hey mate ive got a 4.35 stessl truck with a 50hp tohatsu its an unreal boat for what i do do which is alot of offshor and a little river and dam i highly recommend a truck. Im currently upgrading to a 4 stroke and am thinking a bout a BIG RED BANANA.
thanks michio

GONESKI

[slug_burner]

At 5m, 50hp is going to be minimum. I don't know that I would want to be out in the ocean in that combination. I think that combination is probably more like an inshore/river/lake boat. I used to go out in a 4.35m Quintrex and it had a 75hp behind it and then a 5.25m and that had a 135hp. So i think that your 5 m with a 25 to 50 hp sound a bit light on for me.

[isuzurover]

At 5m, 50hp is going to be minimum. I don't know that I would want to be out in the ocean in that combination. I think that combination is probably more like an inshore/river/lake boat. I used to go out in a 4.35m Quintrex and it had a 75hp behind it and then a 5.25m and that had a 135hp. So i think that your 5 m with a 25 to 50 hp sound a bit light on for me.

This seems to be at odds with most boats on the market and even manufacturer's specs...

e.g. a Quintrex 500 Fishseeker (5m long) has a motor spec of Max 60 Hp, Reccommended 40 Hp.

Same goes for their Dory and Coastrunner models...

[Pedro_The_Swift]

If I had the option--
I would ALWAYS put the MAX HP motor on.




(although most times the difference is just a carby change:p)

[Bearman]

Years ago I had a 5M Quintrex Fishfinder centre console with a 90hp Merc on it.The hull was manufacturer rated to 85hp and it was a good combination. Not overpowered but you had power in reserve if you needed it. Rarely did i need full power. I am of the opinion that it is better to overpower (within reason) or at least the max recommended than go for the minimum. It is scary to be in a following sea with big swells and not have enough power to push yourself over the crests..........Brian

[slug_burner]

This seems to be at odds with most boats on the market and even manufacturer's specs...

e.g. a Quintrex 500 Fishseeker (5m long) has a motor spec of Max 60 Hp, Reccommended 40 Hp.

Same goes for their Dory and Coastrunner models...

Manufacturers maximum is caveated by the stupidity of the litigating members of the public.

[Larns]

Personally I'd be going with 5m min for offshore. And if there are 5m boats out there rated to 60hp max, keep walking. I say this because this usually means that they are only structuraly sound for a motor weight and hp of that size, hovever in saying that some boat manufactures will uprate the hp size for a nominal fee. No structral mods, just a change of numbers on paper.
A 5m boat should really be able to have a max weight to handle a 100hp, and a custom plate should be able to handle a max of at LEAST 115.
I've seen them with 140 Suzuki's hanging off the back:o They move!

I'd personally be looking for a good secondhand 5m glass boat, and streaching your budget for a good 4stroke. I like the ride of a glass boat though.

This has kinda gone off topic though, I don't really have anything to do with tinnies. I deal with plate boats starting @ 4.6m.

Food for thought more than helping you out, sorry

Cheers

[isuzurover]

Thanks Larns, food for thought!

The problem is, we want a boat that is JUST large enough to go offshore occasionally, but is also small enough to manhandle across a beach if necessary (i.e. - we were recently in tassie at a NP where the lobsters were almost jumping into the boat, but there was no ramp and no 4x4 access to the beach. - you needed to take the boat over a 3' drop then drag it 10m to the beach!!!).

We also have plans to tow the boat all the way to the kimberley mid year...

So I suppose my question is - IS there a compromise that can do all of the above, and what would that be!

Since we are buying 2nd hand, most boats 4-5m seem to have a max of 40-50HP. We would need to buy a hull and motor seperately.

[slug_burner]

Not likely to pick up a boat and seperate motor on 2nd hand market, most likely is a boat and motor package. I know of one bloke that got a boat that struggled to get up and plane so he got a bigger motor. That was back through the dealer, the dealer would then be able to move the motor with few hours onto a buyer happy to get a discount on a little used current model outboard.

Compromise, compromise!

4.5m I used to go out in had a max rating of 60hp but we had a 75hp on it not really that much more (25%). That boat was good for lakes, estuaries and ocean. You had to keep an eye on the weather and would never go out if it was rough early in the morning. Got out onto the edge of the Continental shelf out southern NSW chasing big fins. Much more comfortable if it cut up in a plate boat at about 5.25m and with 135hp.

I would not be dragging anything bigger than a 12 foot tinnie anywhere I could not get the trailer to. Anything over about 15hp I don't see getting pulled on an off the transom. Outboards get heavy and a boat and outboard is even heavier. I might be a blouse and people might drag bigger boats around across sand and rocks without a trailer but I would not do it unless I had half a football team to help. If you want to be able to lift a boat in and out of the water manually you are looking at a rooftop tinnie. You will never drag a 5m and a 60hp out of the water and across a beach unless you have a a few friends and lots of crayfish to go around.

We met a bloke up at Kalumbaroo who had 14 footer he was dragging around the place on a trailer. That was ok, he took two of us out for a bit of petrol money.

[Larns]

[quote=slug_burner;952300]
I would not be dragging anything bigger than a 12 foot tinnie anywhere I could not get the trailer to. Anything over about 15hp I don't see getting pulled on an off the transom. Outboards get heavy and a boat and outboard is even heavier. I might be a blouse and people might drag bigger boats around across sand and rocks without a trailer but I would not do it unless I had half a football team to help. If you want to be able to lift a boat in and out of the water manually you are looking at a rooftop tinnie. You will never drag a 5m and a 60hp out of the water and across a beach unless you have a a few friends and lots of crayfish to go around.
quote]

Yea I sencond that, I wouldn't be looking at getting a tinnie bigger than say 3.8m that I intended to drag on and off. You'd have to use a 2 stroke too, as the 4's are way to heavy for this sort of application. A deep sided 3.8 would probably be alright. But 25km off shore is 25km off shore. Alot can happen out there. I know from expearience.
Also be wary of the quality of some of these small bulk manufactured hulls, a do a fair bit of repair work these small boats. Some of them have been brand new:o

Good luck with your tinny hunting but be a wary buyer. There are a lot of people out there trying to off load a dodgy boat.

Cheers