Buying 2nd hand - Older hulls
Hi guys,
I have been waiting for tax time for a while now - it's finally going to be time for me to upgrade my 4mtr tinny to a bigger rig to get out a little deeper.I've been waiting for this moment for about a year now and in that time the type of boat (and budget) I have been looking for has changed many times.
- Originally I was looking for something like a 6mtr+ cruisecraft / haines
- Then I figured I could go a little cheaper and get roughly the same thing with a trophy / key west
- And now I feel I can cut my budget even more and get an older hull with a new(ish) motor like a baron / fraser.
My price range is going to be around 15-20k and I'm looking for something in the 5-6mtr range. There are a few minor things that I am keeping an eye out for like access to the anchor, lots of deck space, preffering an outboard over an inboard, looking for nice wide gunnels with padding etc The main aim is to be able to head anywhere from 2 - 20 mile out on a reasonably good day (or even further weather and experience permitting).
I've kept my eye on gum tree for fraser/baron's/penguins and there have been some real gem's come and go amongst a lot of crap... so I'm going to have to be patient. But just keen to hear if anyone can recommend some other similar hulls in the price range ? Any info is good info... especially if you've had good / bad experiences purchasing a similar tub.
My first concerns would be the structural stringers in an older hull, the flooring/fibreglass work and hydrolic steering.
For some reason I am trying to avoid inboards... but I'm not actually sure why. Are they any more / less painful than an outboard ? I think the main reason I have been avoiding them is because they take up valuable deck space.
Cheers !
TGMitchell
Posts: 221
Date Joined: 24/11/09
I've got a 5.5m baron - I'm
I've got a 5.5m baron - I'm pretty happy with it though its my first boat so have nothing to compare it with.
Pluses - Transom is outside the boat = more fishing space
- No cabin or half cabin = more fishing space
Minuses - stupid carpet = harder to clean (I'm pulling that up soon and will paint)
- no walk around
The size is good - enough room for four to fish but more comfortable with 2 or 3. Its big enough to go out and handle waves and wind but small enough to handle by myself at the ramp.
Haven't had it at top speed but she seems to enjoy 25-30 knots (on an old Mercury 80)
As for the strength of the hull - can only say I'm not worried about getting airborne in a swell (maybe I should be though :-) )
I get a lot of comments - "Baron - good hull!"
I got warned off inboards for a first boat too - too much work apparently - My neighbour has what looks like a penguin or caribean with an inboard - he spends more time working on it than fishing on it however when my old Mercury dies I'll be up for 10k-12k to replace it - so 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.
The Black Baron
nico
Posts: 226
Date Joined: 17/08/10
Hi Francis Lots of hulls too
Hi Francis
Lots of hulls too choose from look for one with a good brand name which in turn will good give good resale value as well.Your best bet is too find someone who can check the hull over for you far to many people get caught out buying lemons. Have the engine checked by a qualified marine mechanic and the hull by a repair shop. Engine would be EFI at least and inboard or outboard is personal prefrence the rig should have a solid tandem multi roller trailer and good electronics for the amount you are spending.It is very easy to over capitalise in old boats so do your homework and take your time its a buyers market check the East Coast as well.
To do a full rebuild on a 6m hull stringers, floor, transom, full flowcoat and fit up would be in the mark of $8,000- $10,000 for a quality job this would hurt if you have already spent a considerable amount as well you may have the job done cheaper though i would ask questions at the quality of workmanship and material used.
Bertram,Haines,Signature Cruise Craft,Savage all good old hulls more common on the East coast newer models in WA i my self have looked at a lot of older WA boats Pacemaker,Fraser, Voyager though had not seen anything i liked so i bought a Bertram Bahia Mar 20 from the East
Good luck Nick
In Mocean
Splashback
Posts: 82
Date Joined: 25/06/12
Go the chivers!!!
Cant go past the thunderbird size for what you want. Still some primo examples around. I might be on to a goodie needs a new home soon. I have had a few and they handle well. The inboards handle better than the outboards when the going gets worse cos the weight is down low and forwards. A new and leg combo is full price twelve g but essier to do better than that. You can import low hour engines or a newie is only about 6 grand. Don't discount inboards as more work cos they aren't really.
You are welcome to come and look at mine if you want just to check out the model etc.
I've had the 23 footer and experience on the 21 and 17's as well and the 19 footer is the best compromise. I can trailer on my own and still fish four if you get the sports version with small cab.
Don't buy anything you think needs structural work. Its not worth it.
Hope this helps,
Splash
Rods: a few
Reels: a few too
Personal best: eaten and forgotten
Location: North Mandurah
Francis
Posts: 326
Date Joined: 17/06/08
Yeah I really like the
Yeah I really like the baron's (and fraser's)... just a matter of being patient until a gooden comes up. I hadn't condsidered looking for older haines or cruise crafts... i just wrote them off as being to expensive but I'll open up my search and see whats on the market.
Nico, I've got nooooo intentions of buying an older hull to do a rebuild haha =) Although I would have imagined it would be more than 8-10k. So it's good to know a rough figure if the thought ever pops into my head.
Would you have any recommendations on who could check a hull out ?
I live south of the river and will be asking a local mobile marine mechanic to check out any engine... but I never thought about getting someone to inspect the hull and structures. I really like the idea but just don't know where to start looking.
Splashback, a chivers thunderbird... for some reason Chivers had skipped my mind. I will check them out. If you do come across a gooden that needs a new home, feel free to let me know... i'd certainly be interested to check it out.
Cheers for the feedback, the more info the better
scottnofish
Posts: 1621
Date Joined: 28/08/07
Don't know if this is still for sale
But looks good for $17500. . 2000 626 Fraser
http://m.gumtree.com.au/v?adId=1021426281