i dont think you should get an etec. apparently they are a shit motor for lots of reasons your better off getting a yamaha or suzuki or something

 "Apparently they are shit" i dont own an etec but they are not a shit motor. The early etec had some initial problems but they have since been rectified. Cant go wrong with any of the big reputable brands imo

 Hey Feams,

 The Stabi craft do get good reviews and are renowned for there saftey but I would look at a 4strk.... Etecs will use more oil and I know they use a spceifc 2 stroke blend that can be harder to locate in regional areas. 

Also Have a look at the 6m carribean for sale in the for sale section. Its a mate of mines boat and its always got us home safe in some pretty undesiarble weather. Also comes with a bit of friut in regards to electronics. 

Good Luck

Ben 

 well thats your opinion but in mine etecs are shit and there are a lot better choices for outboards i know lots of people who have etecs and they have broken down and switched to a more reliable motor

 there is a 659 hard top stabicraft with 200 Yamaha for sale up here $68k I believe. Ps Etecs are shit 

 thrown around out there go an 1850. I dont care what it is..just to short for my liking. Fair weather boats. I know this cause I have one. [ Not Stabi ] But lets exclude the Cats in that size. With that much money to burn i would be going for 6.5 minimum.

 I can tell you a top WA built boat which i have been on many a time and in all sorts of shit weather and it loves the rought stuff. Assassin Boats Bunbury. 

 Ps Etecs    

 With 2 bangers which will give you a power advantage I would prefer Optimax or better still Saltwater Series Yamaha. Either of these will give you trouble free service for years to come. But this is OMO.

Good luck ferns with whatever you go for.

Hey fearns - think I've commented on a similar post before, but my 2 cents. My old man just sold his 1850R over east. Great boat for estuaries and bays but not much of a boat for offshore work, while they cope well with short chop in the bay they struggle when chop is coupled with swell. Steering is too far forward, the average 1.5m west Australian swell and 15kts of wind will ensure your back gets more than a workout, bugger all room in them for a 55k boat on a single axle trailer. If you can get your hands on a 659, 2150 or 2250 for $70k then that's a much better option. More importantly is the length of the waterline- 6m minimum for me. don't get me wrong I'm a stabi fan, but you will need to go a few sizes up if you want it to be comfortable over here.

For $70k you have plenty of options, its a buyers market atm. I might have my 680 haines up for sale soon at a good price if you want to go bigger and heavier!

don't know much about the stabicraft
but for 70K ocean going boat go bigger !

18 foot boat you will always be wishing you bought bigger.

are you limited in tow vehicle ?
are you purchasing new or a (new) second hand ?

personally I have a 2 banger Johnson (and do not regret my purchase one bit)
boat in my avatar.....have had for 9 years now.

but if I was to purchase now ....nothing but 4 stroke. resale...economy......noise. all adds up to 4stroke being a better alternative.

 Drop the Etec, wouldn't touch another one after the piece of shit I had. I'd look for a fiberglass hull. I've got a 625 Cruisecraft and it handles the shit stuff really well, a good second hand one could be had for that cash, I got mine for 75k

 Saw a nice late model Stejcraft for sale. A bit below your budget but more suited to offshore.

www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/trailer-boats/2012-stejcraft-walkaround/161896

my friend is selling his barcrusher its in your price range and is an amazing boat, check it out on gumtree

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mount-hawthorn/motorboats-powerboats/2013-bar-crusher-615c-/1067682882

Thanks Lads,

I am reading it all and taking it all in.

It seems most are against the E-tecs, I have had mixed reviews from various people I know so I may just avoid them this time around. Absolutely the larger the better but unfortunately I had to sell my Troopy and I am limited to a sedan with a tow capacity of 1600 being my biggest restriction. Their wont be any beach launching n the coming year or two. I am fine with a newer second hand boat and will do a bit more reading. Please keep the posts coming and any great deals you may see.

Thanks again blokes!

Jump on the forums of every major brand and there are disgruntled owners, no matter what brand.

An informed opinion is an intelligent opinion.

I have owned an etec for the past 5 years and has not missed a beat.

Setting your boat up with the right motor is a matter of many choices, endless choices, but get it wrong and you will reduce the longevity of any motor.

if by South West you mean down here (Cape Nat-Cape Leeuwin) you'll want a bigger hull.

You get ALOT of days where you just get SMASHED in a small boat down here.

Fibreglass even better.

 Go fibreglass for sure!

Mate here bought a 659xr for $40K with a 150 Honda on the back from QLD

She is a sweet boat and plenty of lenght.

I would buy a Stabi at the drop of the hat but like all boats it depends on what you are going to use it for......

Never a perfect boat.

As above its a buyers market and dont be shy

Mate has had Etec's for years and never a problem.

My Suzuki has never had a problem and we do regualr extended trips.

Mates new Honda broke down last fishing trip and we had to get towed.

Motor's are personal preference

No use buying a boat to look at it in the driveway..... 

 I've just sold my Stabicraft 580HT for $22000 after was told motor looks to have internal corrosion due to signs of water in gear oil... Bargain for the dealer that bought it!!! 

From the sounds of it he bought it for himself and will re power 

Was a great boat but I needed something bigger. 

If you want a Stabi I would be looking at the next size up at least.

 Have a look at surtees hard tops 

 And a four stroke, Re sale value is reason alone. A lot can't sell boats with 2 strokes, Mot for what they think they are worth anyway

Fiberglass & four stoke yammy or suzuki for me.
Re Brucesta's 625 Cruise Craft suggestion - couldn't agree more beautiful boat IMHO. If you do look at these boats be sure to go the Explorer 625 as opposed to the Outsider 625 unless you intend to sleep or spend lots of time in the cabin. The diff being Explorer has 200mm more deck space the 200m is lost to the cabin on the Outsider 625.
Used to have a 21" ali and my kidneys & joints have been thanking me ever since I went Fibreglass, much smoother ride.

Go bigger than 1850, i.e. a bigger hull (min 21") won't see you caught in the trough between the chop peaks which again (see fibreglass comment above) makes for a smoother ride.