Anyone own a Reef Runner?
Any of the FW guys own a Caribbean Reef Runner that fancy posting any reviews/ pics? I'm maybe thinking about one in the future and looking for any comments.
I fish 2-4 guys mainly out of Safety bay upto 50kms out, the odd occasion further to the deep, some solo missions, check cray pots before work, sometimes dive with 1-2 others. I do a trip up to Shark Bay once a year and a hand full of trips up jurien way, family days up the river etc.
I would be possibly looking at a new hull and trailer with my existing 2014 175 suzuki. Is there any changes over the years that makes one model better than the other? are there things that are must have accessories such as trim tabs? I'm 6'6" would the hard top be high enough?
I haven't been on one yet but I would like to hear from some owners if they think it would be suitable for the above...
Cheers...
NEVER PUSH YOUR GRANNY WHEN SHE'S SHAVING
gregk
Posts: 169
Date Joined: 03/02/09
reef runner
pm sent
Perfish
Posts: 103
Date Joined: 15/11/11
Feedback
I have an older model which is brilliant - gets used in almst exactly the same way as what you've described! I've got a 175 Opi which has more than enough power (the Suzi should be perfect). I know someone who has a RR with a 200 Suzi which is on the edge of the range and the boat looks to sit a little arse down in the water.
We've had her up to Exie a couple of times with no issues - fished Tanta and Bundigi out round the Murions and out wide and below Yardi so plenty capable. In Perth we hit the FADs a couple of times a season (weather depending of course!) with a couple of guys and never had any concerns.
At 6'6" the standard fit hard top will be a problem for you - it was an issue for me @ 6'1". I think you'll find that you're cracking your head on it and will only be able to drive seated which isn't ideal in all scenarios. I opted for a custom top for the extra hight and some extra length giving more shade over the deck.
The things I'm looking at at the moment are trim tabs (will make a great boat perfect to quote a couple of reviews but having had her for almost 5 years it's more of a want than need) and an anchor which for the anchored solo sessions - there are a number of options here but most (if not all) will require some mods to either the anchor well or foredeck. I've not decided where I want to land on this hence no progress at this point.
Based on my experience you can't go past a Reefie! PM me if you'd like any more details
Rob
Man with line in water catches fish!
You only get what you always got if you only do what you've always done!
mrwinta
Posts: 457
Date Joined: 14/01/10
Thanks Rob thats great
Thanks Rob thats great feedback.... I have seen Mansfield Marine do an extra high option so that might have to be a necessary add on... will be nearly 3k with the side clears though..
I can't seem to find anything on options for through/ in hull transducer fesability... does it have a reasonable sised bilge for tranny fitting?
Good info on the motor- I really like my zuke so I am happy that would be the best combination... should help towards the cost of the high top too...
Cheers..
NEVER PUSH YOUR GRANNY WHEN SHE'S SHAVING
Perfish
Posts: 103
Date Joined: 15/11/11
I had a look at getting the
I had a look at getting the lifted hard top from Mansfield - more than double what I paid for the current one BEFORE clears etc. Had also read reports of them having problems and breaking free which kinda put me off! At 6'6" I think you'll have to go beyond the standard lift they do which is going to put even more leverage on the front supports, imo that is.....
I've ended up with a TM260 hanging off the back tied into a FCV587 head unit - I tried my best to go thru hull but wanted the 1kw for deeper capabilities. There is very limited space in the bilge behind the fuel tank and could only fit the 600w flush thru hull (think it was a B60 which has a single element) - having said that I've seen this work very effectively though just not hte power and seperate elements that I wanted so personal choice. It's taken a little effort to tune in the water (and a touch more to go) but holds bottom at ~18-20 knots in normal Perth conditions so like anything comes down to personal preference.
Man with line in water catches fish!
You only get what you always got if you only do what you've always done!
Chinbald
Posts: 315
Date Joined: 21/02/09
Love my Reefy, 150 Yamaha,
Love my Reefy,
150 Yamaha, Rob has covered everything above to the dot. Mine has the hardtop and just had a ventilation hatch fitted which has made a world of difference.
mickconn
Posts: 47
Date Joined: 24/03/13
PM sent
PM sent
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
Pretty sure Nico on here is
Pretty sure Nico on here is a bit of a guru on them having restored a Carribean or 2.
Also works (or did) for Mansfield
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
holth
Posts: 812
Date Joined: 09/10/06
Whats happening with your
Whats happening with your BC?
scottnofish
Posts: 1617
Date Joined: 28/08/07
refund by the sounds of it
Lol
mrwinta
Posts: 457
Date Joined: 14/01/10
haha= put it this way- I
haha= put it this way- I will be available for deckie duties for a while yet!!
NEVER PUSH YOUR GRANNY WHEN SHE'S SHAVING
mrwinta
Posts: 457
Date Joined: 14/01/10
still no positive progress
still no positive progress at this stage- having a visit from them this weekend providing I get home in time...
NEVER PUSH YOUR GRANNY WHEN SHE'S SHAVING
Gunner966
Posts: 145
Date Joined: 23/04/13
Pretty good hulls, however
Pretty good hulls, however their water line width is narrow for their length. Almost destroyer like, this can present a problem of launching off into a oncoming wave - mostly in Easterly wind, in conditions where the distance between waves are short. Known to break a windscreen of two, especially if travelling at the higher end of the safe envelope considered for the conditions.
Now having said that I would buy tomorrow if I was in the market for a boat, one of the very few boats which allow you to fish into the rear corners. Maximising its length.
gunner
mrwinta
Posts: 457
Date Joined: 14/01/10
Destroyer- could be a
Destroyer- could be a potential name for it haha... Dhu Destroyer....
I have some fairly breakable deckies so wouldn't be pushing it too hard but good to know cheers...
NEVER PUSH YOUR GRANNY WHEN SHE'S SHAVING
Perfish
Posts: 103
Date Joined: 15/11/11
Never had this happen to me
Never had this happen to me but have seen one fly .... more because it was being driven by a moron at WOT into a 3 - 3.5 meter swell!
Man with line in water catches fish!
You only get what you always got if you only do what you've always done!
Chinbald
Posts: 315
Date Joined: 21/02/09
You must be hard on your gear Gunner
Been in both my Reefrunner and mates Baron outrider in ugly conditions and haven't managed to loose a windscreen, know your talking fact as I've seen the pics!