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The size and weight of my 5.4m Trailcraft has restricted my fishing options and it is heavy and bulky to tow so I have bought a 16ft Quintrex which is Much lighter and easier to tow and launch/retrieve to replace it[thumbsupbig]
The Quintrex wont be as comfortable/luxurious as the Trailcraft but it will allow me to get into the fishing spots that require a fair bit of soft sand driving and the various bush ramps I haven't been able to use lately because of the size/weight of the bigger boat.
I only paid $12,000 for this 2006 boat and motor and the engine has only done 202hrs[thumbsupbig][bigrolf]

My D2a tows this with absolute ease and the trailer has the added bonus of the beach launch extension which will keep the disco's bum dry which is nice[biggrin][biggrin][biggrin]

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On the drive down to Sorrento today, I was pondering my boating exploits,, asked, or mused the question I should say, to Leeanne, “I wonder if I’ll get to use my boat this summer?”.
Considering we’re only minutes away from a boat ramp on the Hume Weir,, 🙄

I will be spending a couple of weeks up in Sharks Bay soon so I have done a fair bit of work on the new (new to Me) boat in preparation for the trip.

I have replaced all the deck carpet
Replaced the front deck as it was a bit "Tardy"
Installed an auxiliary motor, 15hp
Installed a dual battery system with an isolator switch, The boat only came with 1 battery.
Installed a second GPS/Sounder
Installed a new Lowrance VHF radio, The old radio was a bit "Iffy"
I have serviced both outboards.
New anchor ropes, chain and anchors are now onboard, Reef anchor, sand anchor and a sarca anchor.
Fitted an extra wheel carrier so that I now have 2x spares for the boat trailer.
Fitted new brake pads and cable for the trailer brakes.
Fitted new wheel bearings and seals to the trailer.
I have tided up all the wiring on the boat and have removed ALL the "Redundant" wires.

I am toying with the idea of fitting an anchor winch to this boat But the bulkhead in the anchor well isn't very robust and as I will only be fishing in fairly shallow water I am finding it hard to justify the extra $1,500 as it isn't that tough a job to pull the small anchors on this boat.

I still need to find a suitable spot for the deck wash pump and fit it, I also have to wait for the water pickup for the pump to arrive.

You’ve been a tad busy then 👍

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Originally Posted by Chops

You’ve been a tad busy then 👍

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Boats are like 4WD's, You have to put the time and effort in to make them your OWN [bigwhistle][biggrin]

I have fitted and tested out the anchor winch on a trip to Sharks Bay and all works perfectly, $1500 well spent [thumbsupbig]
I found a spot for the deckwash pump tucked in and just above the port battery as well.[biggrin]

I wanted to fit a sterio system in the boat But i realy didnt want to cut out big holes in the dash so i used some clear perspex that i had leftover from making the missus a glass bottomed bucket to mount it without having to cut into the dash [biggrin]
It came out pretty well [thumbsupbig]

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My next project is to replace the old cable type steering with a hydraulic system, This should arrive in 7-10 days and it will take the entire day to fit.
I Hate the cable steering as you cant take your hand off the helm and keep on a straight course like you can with the hydraulic steering.

I was a parts supplier to Hydrive, so when I got the Cat it was a no brainer [emoji41]

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Originally Posted by Tombie

I was a parts supplier to Hydrive, so when I got the Cat it was a no brainer [emoji41]

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Yes the hydraulic steering is FAR superior to cable steering [thumbsupbig]
The Quintrex has only got a 70HP 4 stroke on it but But at anything above idle it is pretty hard going trying to steer it with the current steering system on the boat.
Like you said changing over to hydraulics is definitely a "No Brainer" [thumbsupbig]

The Hydraulic steering has been fitted and tested and it is a HUGE improvement on the old steering [thumbsupbig]

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I have also installed some deck/anchor lighting along with an underwater light.

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