My opinion is that you buy a new hull as they tend to keep their value fairly well espeacially if you get a good deal on one. There not that pricey if you dont go above 4.2m in length. prices start from about $2k up to about $3,500 for a 4.2 (if you do your shoping around). as for length i recomend nothing smaller then a 4.2m hull if your planning on heading 3-5mile out offshore. if you going up 1-2mile out and mainly on the river you could get away with a 3.95m hull which are much cheaper.

 As for trailer it depends on the size boat. trailers new are around 1400 for <4m and 1700 for a >4.2m. Ive seen some gd deals on near new or used trailers in the quokka so you can really save there.

as for engines quokka is the best bet...if going the 4+m then you really want a long shaft outboard. i picked up a decent 20hp with all cables and steering connections for $800 (it is slightly under powered for 4.2 but its all about how much $$$ u have). ideally you want a 20-40hp engine.

 also you can add steering to you dinghy very easily for a few houndred dollars.. even if the outboard you buy is tiller control.

so baisicly your looking at up to $3500 for hull, $$trailer, ~$1500engine plus cabeling/steering.

I no this sounds like heaps of money for a second hand dinghy project, however i reckon by buying a new hull your going to get better ride performance but also this adds value to the whole setup . In my opinion although your input is slightly more, the setup holds its value very well.  

My brother and I are currently in the middle of this process, we bought our dinghy and trailer a few months ago and we’ve just been using the 5hp off our tender which is slow but we’re currently looking for a new engine. I disagree with a few things northwest said. I think you’re much better in buying an oldish hull and trailer package and spending more on a motor. There are a lot less things that can go wrong with an engine rather than a few little holes in a tinny which can be welded up quickly and cheaply. Our hull is 3.8m and came with a fairly new trailer, we picked this up for $700. Cosmetically its up to $h!t but were just in the process of removing old paint, sanding back and reapplying new paint. From the bit of ringing around we’ve done so far, I think you would struggle to find an engine that works for $800. Were looking at a new 20hp 4st for around $3500 to $4500. If you find a newish second hand engine that looks the goods you have to think why did they sell it??? We plan on taking our boat out for more than just squid and whiting so the main thing we want from out engine is reliability.

We also have a few good ideas when it comes to finishing. We’ve added a nice glove box, nine rod holders and a few other little things. Were also currently looking at getting some ply to make a deck and we also what to put a little marlin board and ladder on the back for diving ect.

If you have any questions just PM

Cheers

comin by a bit of cash soon so i'm looking into buying a 4-4.2m dinghy to take up north and travel around with, as far as new goes i've been seeing quintrex hulls in 4m for 2k but a 4.2 dory will go upto 3300 but i believe they have a thicker 2or 3mm bottom. i reckon if i was on a tighter budget go second hand hull and trailer and the main thing i wouldn't skimp on is the motor u can usually get a 15hp 2stk for round $2200 to $2400 new not too much of a price jump to a 25 or 30hp from there as u'd pay about $2800 for a 30hp mariner. personally i wont bother with a fourstroke as i'd find em too heavy for a tinny as i'll mainly be taking mine out by myself so i'd have alot of weight in the arse end already. i've costed mine out at a bit over $7500 for a 4.2 dory with a 25hp yammie on a mackay trailer not including rego and the safety gear i've already gotfrom my other boat.

But yea i reckon shop around for the best price u can get on a decent motor to suit the dinghy u want and buy it new, go the quokka for a decnt dinghy and trailer in reasonable condition and go from there

another thing i'd thought i'd mention is how far out do you intend to use it? 'm mainly looking for something that i can take a couple of miles off shore atleast, and to take out behind the reefs at tantabiddi. i spent a good year scouring the quokka for decent tinnies second hand that had a decent freeboard and transom height i found them to be rare as inthe quokka any that come up go straight away. there are plenty of cheap tinnes out there but i found most are really old and suitable only for river or estuary work. thats the main reason i've decided to go new is i can go find exactly what i want point it out and drive away no hunting or compromising

just done 2 tinnys up for barra boats pm me a email and ill send ya some piks or if you want to come have a look your more than welcome

the engine is no dought the most important part like every one has said. Buy a second hand hull and trailer then spend the money getting what you want for an engine eg short/long sharft, 4/2 stroke, hp, brand, year.....
if you are by yourself i think a hydrofoil would be handy for a heavy engine.
(brenz pm sent)

i went to boatcity and they had a fully rebuilt 15 hp evinrude for 1000 runs like a dream and never had a problem saved me heaps from a new 1

thanks for all of the comments/tips y'all!  I'm happy to hear more.

It's starting to look like this little project is a bit out of my current price range for now! haha  I had factored the right prices for boat/trailer, but hadn't realized how expensive motors are here.  So I'll probably just be keeping one eye on the Quokka, and continuing to save for a bit longer.

 Thanks again!