Thread: I need advice for buying a fishing boat

Very good local knowledge comments from AMac. As a Marlborough Sounds boater and someone who works in the Maritime industry, I've seen too many underestimate the "bad Sounds day". Any 5m tinny will serve you well in good weather conditions, the good hulls will get you home safely and without incident...

Buy a Senator with a 4 stroke, you will never regret it!

I have and know plenty of mates that catch 20lb+ Snapper in 8 meters or less of water in alloy pontoon boats.... noisy alloy boats... that's ya wife's tale...

Furthermore, I’m seriously looking at quitting my Stabi 509 with 70hp Two stroke Yamaha. Had it from new (2006 or 2008 - can’t recall). Fresh use only last 5 years. Compression on all cyls the same. New plugs, gearbox oil. Impeller good - pumps extremely well. Always stored under cover. Excellent trailer.
Reasons: getting old. Probably away caravanning Nov, then Jan. Currently in van on West Coast, so can’t provide pics sorry.

Originally Posted by Ingrid 51

Furthermore, I’m seriously looking at quitting my Stabi 509 with 70hp Two stroke Yamaha. Had it from new (2006 or 2008 - can’t recall). Fresh use only last 5 years. Compression on all cyls the same. New plugs, gearbox oil. Impeller good - pumps extremely well. Always stored under cover. Excellent trailer.
Reasons: getting old. Probably away caravanning Nov, then Jan. Currently in van on West Coast, so can’t provide pics sorry.

I could be interested in a few months.

Workmate was towing a ski tube/biscuit with a Surtees. In a turn it rolled the boat enough for water to pour over the transom and the boat sunk.

Apology for late response. Have just returned from 6 week holiday and in the middle our house sale & purchase settled, moving truck shifted our stuff so we returned to our 'new home'.
There will be months/years of renovation to do on this place but in meantime we still want a boat soon'ish. Wife is keen for christmas day fishing. I'm not so rushed but a current thought we're having is since we know so little about what we actually want/need we buy something 'typical' and use it for 6-12 months while we learn our wants/needs.

Boat yards sure have a few options,you may even get to rent ones to try out for size??

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

Boat yards sure have a few options, you may even get to rent ones to try out for size??

Maybe. A really good yard would listen to our dilemma and perhaps even stage a demo session. Can anyone recommend the best boat yards in Marlborough/Nelson region? i.e. those with good local knowledge and not just after our dollars

It's a tough one, we looked at everything from launches to tiller steer pontoon boats. Family complicated things. If it was just about me fishing, I would have probably stayed with the jetski. You can't win though, after a flurry of activity after we bought the boat, my son has pretty much lost interest. There's some really nice secondhand boats on the market right now for a decent price.

An acquaintance is selling this cheap as he is off to Aussie. This boat has always impressed me: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/b...7?bof=oC24IBXv

Another mate is selling a 6.5m 5 custom Circa Marina which rigged for game fishing. Impressive boat.

@MB nice boat!. That does look like it's below market price. Thinking it's a big too big for us though. Parking space is a bit tight so 5-6m better than 6-7m range. Really pushing budget too. Hoped initially $40k max. Might be able to swing towards $60k if something seems great. Have watch listed it.

We fish the west coast of the NI in an older 5m stabi with 90hp Honda 4 stroke on it. They’re light and tend more to smash rather than slice through chop so won’t be as comfortable as a heavy glass boat, and might need a bit more active driving but it’s never not done what we needed it to or had any issues. Never really worrying about damaging it is really nice too.

My question is are you retired or working... If retired and have lots of time on your handes then why go fast? There are miles of fantastic waterway around the sounds, get something slow, runs on the sniff of an oily rag, comfortable for one or two to sleep on and really enjoy the wonderful waterways in the area year round. Winter boating in the area on those cool clear days is fantastic

Originally Posted by LBD

My question is are you retired or working... If retired and have lots of time on your handes then why go fast? There are miles of fantastic waterway around the sounds, get something slow, runs on the sniff of an oily rag, comfortable for one or two to sleep on and really enjoy the wonderful waterways in the area year round. Winter boating in the area on those cool clear days is fantastic

It is great in winter! Get those magic mirror reflective days.
Working for another 10 years. I don't need fast however for my water skiing I'll need power and ability to hold constant 49, 52 or 55kph. 90hp seems to be absolute minimum.

Have sent you a PM re my 6m sea ranger which i have for sale at bow to stern marine in havelock. Searangers were made by a havelock based business Newman marine specifically for the sounds.

Water Skiing?

5.5 aluminium hull with 150 HP 4 stroke 3 L merc... hydraulic stearing, over 45 mph, all machinery and batteries in good reliable nick and have only seen fresh water use. Boat is in Murchison and only used on the lakes.

Long range tank... 300 km at cruising speed (30mph.)
Tandem trailer with wobble rollers

Shed stored

New transducer and will throw in a used 7" furuno sounder/plotter to be fitted.

Not the prettiest most polished boat around but solid and reliable.

Selling because I bought a yacht and I need the shed space.

Well within your budget and have plenty left over to spend on extras.

Bottom image is at 30 mph cruising.

PM me if you want to discuss, letting it go at a bargin price.