Thread: I need advice for buying a fishing boat

@7mm tragic Great info. Recently out in friends CSB Hunstman Crusader. It had 250hp 4 stroke. Amazing engine. Way above our budget though! It certainly rode well when t did get a bit rougher.
@Woody I guess a bit of both comfort and fish. Would be sheltered only. Maybe out towards Cook straight if really calm and good forecast but generally within the sounds only. Hadn’t thought about stern drive. Was thinking outboard for lightweight and manuverability.
@Barry the hunter thanks for heads up. There certainly seems to be lots of Haines Hunters. Many variants too.
Had thought alloy for long life, no chips from fishing weights, buy once, cry once but prices of those Haines look attractive.
@Micky Duck will try to trial a few. Going to join one of the local fire brigade so hopefully a few quick connections made via that.
@MB hadn’t thought of that! Assume ride through chop since we’d choose a calm place to fish, or would go out another day.
@ROKTOY when we were in Havelock recently saw lots of Senators, but they’re 3+ times budget ☹ Parking space at house limited too. They seemed very high. That might be an issue too.
@No.3 what’s your thoughts on engine hours of 2 stroke vs 4 stroke? Seeing 2 strokes in budget 10-300hrs but the four strokes are either over budget or 500-2000hrs. Any outboard I see not starting always seems to be a 2 stroke. Maybe just age and hours. With my V8 boats 500hrs was nothing, 1000 still fine and if regular oil changes 2000-3000hrs before a local garage rings and bearings job required.
@XR500 not too concerned about fuel cost. Is what it is. RUC disappearing on petrol soon right?
We’re super excited about the move. I can work from home remaining 10yrs so income sorted. The move means the mortgage that would have been paid off when 60-62yrs old is gone. We gain 5-7years of freedom. We’ll get a small mortgage to buy boat, replace carpets, do some other renos etc but will be gone within a couple of years. We’d long thought about it but with wife’s mental health issues last few years and ongoing struggles, a couple of family deaths this year (age related & homicide/accident), friends spinal injury where I was first responder, etc we decide do it now. Why wait. Life can be too short.