hi guys..

over the next few months ive decided to be on the lookout for a cheap as ali dinghy and motor.

i do not have much boat experience in the past, but i am after something <$1000 (for money and storage reasons.)

i know, i know, you hardly call that a boat but itll do me for around the river for bream/crabs etc.

can someone guide me through (gently!) what i would be looking at getting for this price, or able to offer me something in that budget.

cheers

wicksey 

Calling all 4 stroke owners, which brand do i get.

I have narrowed it down to 2 motors to repower with. A 175hp Suziki or a 225hp Honda. At this time the honda is only $3K dearer and comes with the Vtec but the suziki is 50kg lighter but only a 4cyl. I average 200hrs a year so also service costs if anyone knows.

Its a tough decision and as i will prob be in a remote area eother Exmouth or Woomera SA i need it to be reliable.

Any pros and cons would be good from guys out there with that motor.

Thanks 

Anyone have a unit for sale?

Hi fellow fishing addicts,
I am looking at buying a boat in the near future and was
after some advice or ideas from fellow fishers on what type of boat to buy.
I am after some thing i can take the family in on the river and esturay to chase crabs as well
as out in the cockburn sound.
Not wanting to spend any more than about $15,000. ali or glass?
I no im not going to get anything new, but type and names of boats to look at would be apprecited.
Any advice on buying a second hand boat would also be good.
Thanks all.

Firstly, thanks heaps Adam, for 'cleaning' the Boat Launching Sites - Information thread - good idea Salmo .

Secondly, I think it's fantastic how the Boat Launching Sites - Information thread now looks and it's starting to take shape quiet nicely.

So that Salmo's good idea of keeping it 'clean' and not to reverse Adam's hard editing work, I'm suggesting we use this thread to post comments or ideas. Of course, no harm either in posting comments to the original images either.

Hope you all agree.  

(Adam - Can you answer your email please ? ) 

Folks

Something I haven't done to date and am seeking your input on, is easy retreival of my boat by myself?

Launching is p*ss easy - launch boat and tether to fingure etc.

On the retreival:

1) I don't want to drive the boat on the trailer.

2) If I come in on the leeward side, the wind will push the boat out, then all I need do is teather to the finger at the right distance and connect and winch her in. But wouldn't that be a bit tricky if the leeward side is the port side of the boat? Also, not always available, due to other boats.

So what makes it easier?

The boat is a 5.5m Cuddy, so, whilst not huge, it's not small. 

Hi all,

Well a new boat is on the card for myself, but im very stuck for what to get.

I dont know much about the newer boats, brands and makes which are best to look at.

So if anyone has some info...would be greatly appreciated.

I will give you a run down on what im looking for, wanting to spend, and the purposes of the boat.

Budget. price $125,000 or less
Size. 21ft - 26ft
Can be either brand new or second hand...but no older than 2004 model.
Dual Engines would be nice, but must be 4 stks...Dual is not essential.
Would like to mix size with Fuel economy. but id imagine twin 150hp + 4stks??

Im stuck between going for a fibre or a ally boat. The purpose for the boat would be to suit both fishing anywhere, and be comfortable for me to take the missus and the future kids..whenevr that might be out on the river, or into the ocean with some comfort. So this makes a split decision for me on the hull type.

Would like a small cabin with enough room for 2 people to be able to sleep if we went out to rottnest or something and had a night over. But again this is not essential. Also as much tuck away storage would ne nice aswell.

If anyone has any brands of boats, or links to boat websites, or anything at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.

Hi Gang

Someone recently asked the question,

'Do you need a Skippers Ticket (mn RST) do drive (skipper) a hired house boat.....the RST workbook says anything over 6hp, someone needs a RST'

A lot of people hire boats and are probably even unaware of an RST.

So I emailed the DPI RST Coordinator last night and she was kind enough to have just sent me this very prompt reply:

Hi guys

I am looking at upgrading to an old Bertram 19 ft with a Mercruiser leg and 250 chevy motor ( petrol) 6 cylinder. its a great project boat.

Does any one know roughly the fuel consumption per hour of these types of motors?

Went out and bought a cable to connect my Suzuki to my Lowrance GPS NMEA 2000 network (Lowrance Part No. 120-55) a couple of weeks ago. Seems pretty good now as I get info directly out of the Engine ECU and makes it easy to drive the boat economically to to conditions. Much better to the Navman paddle wheel set up I had before which was really hit and miss. Really easy to fit too just plug it in.

The Suzuki Engine interface can provide the following information over the NMEA 2000 network:
• Engine RPM
• Alternator Voltage
• Engine Hours
• Fuel Flow
• Engine Trim
• Fuel Used
• Trip Fuel Used
• Seasonal Fuel Used
• Standard Diagnostics
• Overheat
• Low Oil Pressure
• Over Rev
• Low Battery Voltage

• Speed over water (DF300 Only)
• Water Pressure (DF300 Only)
• Current Gear (DF300 Only)

Highly recommend it and you can also get a cable to suit other motor brands (ETEC YAMAHA etc). Just need the motor and GPS to be NMEA 2000 compliant.

Apparently Mercury will only work with Navman units tho as they use a different system.

OK Learned Ones.

Went out on Christmas and Boxing Day and Murphy's law, being what it is (things always happen at the worst possible time) - the previously faultless motor faulted!

No problem initially on Chrissy Day, then after starting the motor after a bit of fishing, as soon as I went over approx 1600 rpm (fast idle speed) the 'continuous' alarm sounded and the Engine Guardian System cut in and reduced the revs.

Now, knowing that RTFM is not a radio station, I consulted the Warning System of my manual and it tells me that there are five possible causes:

1 COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEM - Not Likely as I had a very healthy water tell tale.

2 OIL LEVEL IS CRITICALLY LOW - Not applicable as the OIL resevoir was full (always kept that way)

3 OIL PUMP FAILURE - Possible

4 ENGINE OVERSPEED - Also unlikely - the OB is propped correctly with a 3 blade SS vengence.

5 SENSOR OUT OF RANGE - not entirely sure what this means - but appears to be exceeding the guardian sensors at full WOT - so also unlikely.

So # 3 seems to be the only likely candiate. Another possible option may have to do with the oil filter/filtering system.

Any helpful and knowledgeable contributions would be greatly appreciated, including possible $s if it turns out to be option 3.

Donk is a Merc 2004 115 (Salwater) Optimax OB.

We were limited to very slow trolling speeds for the rest of the day and boxing day as any attempt to exceed approx 1600 rmp activated the alarm.  

Looks like most of you are on 27 meg, so my VHF is useless fro contacting you folks on the water.  Thinking of getting a 27 meg to as well, what do you folks recommend?

My water pump impelor has just decided to shit itself and wanted to head out tomorro. Can anyone tell me ifany boat shops are open tomorro or not or where I can get an impelor for a Honda 4 stroke 90 hp.

Howdy,

a mate just purchased a 6m f'glass boat and i reakon he needs to get it checked out!
Anyone recommend someone that does boat & motor checks south of the river and how much he's likely to pay?

cheers

I have decided to drag myself into the 21st century and buy a chart plotter.

What do you guys/gals have and recommend.
Who has the better screens and charts?

I have installed a new transducer and I was wondering what angle its ment to be on?

hi guys
i was looking at getting a lowrance LMS-525C combo sounder with a navionics gold xl9 card for my dinghy. iam not sure what the map looks like with the card installed. if anyone has this set up are you happy with it? is the map clear and show all the depths? if ya have a pic of the map that would be great to. thanx people

Gday,

ive got the Navman Tracker 5430 and me question is that when i got to the waypoint section and highlight the waypoint i want to go to, then press menu and go to select the "go to" option and i can't select it. does anyone know why this is? same happens when im on the chart display then press menu, the "go to" option i can't select it.

i don't have a c-map chart in it yet! but i still should be able to use it as a GPS...

cheers
sam

I know most of us know this stuff - but if it makes a difference for one boaty, I think it's worth it:

Well, the silly season is upon us, with finer weather and end of year pay cheques and dreams, people will be buying their first boat.

Also, as far as I'm aware, there's no book on launching and retrieving your boat and I still see lots of people doing it the wrong/hard/inconsiderate way.

Sadly, the DPI RST (Recreational Skippers Ticket) Handbook doesn't even cover this.

I'm no expert (who is), but the following may save a lot of headaches and cause less frustration at the ramp (where most of any agro is going to occur) and avoid spoiling what should be a good day out on the water.

BOAT PREPARATION AND RAMP ETTIQUETTE

1) KNOW YOUR RAMP - If possible, get to know your regular ramp, most are marked with directional arrows for vehicular movement directly in front of the ramp and parking bays adjacent. So, go down and check it out first.

2) BOAT PREPARATION

 - Make sure everything is working the day before and kick the motor over (VERY briefly if dry) - or better still connect the hose adapter or muffs and run her.

- Have all your gear organised - use a checklist if you like. Take spares - fuses etc and all the tools you may require.

- Make sure the bolts fastening your anchor are tight.

- Put the bung(s) in.

- Check you trailer lights/LEDs are working.

- Securely fasten your bow to stern rope. (Interestingly, the DPI RST handbook advocates a bow and stern rope - but that's one hand each on a separate rope - easier to drop one - then you've lost control of the boat. (This is for launching alongside a finger (jetty) )

- Check all gut straps, tie downs etc are secure.

- How's the pressure in the trailer tyres?

YOUR TRANSCEIVER

- Know your radio protocol and the requirements of your local sea search and rescue - there is a variation in what base stations require. So call them and ask - then make up a card with the protocol and the details they require - which may include a mobile telephone number and/or car rego.

- If practical - for the first time - radio Sea, Search and Rescue from your boat at home and ask them for a radio check - don't feel silly - they'll appreciate your preparedness. Your radio is a tranceiver, that means it transmits as well as receives, so, especially for transmitting - the airial needs to be tuned to the frequency you are using - most helically wound radio antenaes come pretuned these days - but best to check - including catering for loose connections.

- Know your radio protocol - including courtesies, listening before you press the hammer, silent observation periods etc.

ARRIVING AT THE RAMP

Most ramps are going to start getting very busy, so the less time you spend launching and retreiving the boat, the better it will be for you, and the more appreciated you will by fellow ramp users. Besides, you'll look like you know what you are doing.

- Position the boat well clear of the ramp approach area - even in a car/boat bay first.

- Prepare the boat for launching - everything stowed and securing straps/ ropes/tie downs off. DO NOT start loading the boat once you've launched it. All this should be done well away from the ramp and certainly not tied up/held to, at the finger. Aerials Up, everything stowed away, motor up (should be already) , GPS/Sounder/Transceiver turned on, rods in rocket launcher. An organised and tidy boat is a safe boat.

- New crew? - give them a safety overview - where everything is, what it’s for and how and when to use it.

- Explain to your deckie what you are going to do.

- Observe the ramp before you approach - make sure the side you pick to launch is clear - pay special attention for any boats coming in.

- Position your Car/Boat/Trailer ready for reversing and make sure your deckie has the bow to stern rope under control. ON THIS POINT - ENSURE THE ROPE IS UNDER THE BOW RAIL, BETWEEN THE STAUNCHINGS AND NOT ABOVE - if the rope drops and you run over and snap it, you won't bend a bow rail.

- Personally, I NEVER remove  every connection securing your bow loop to the trailer. I’ve seen to many boats some off their trailers.

- I also never do a 'break launch'. I’ve seen far to many go wrong - anyway, if you have a good boat to trailer match - this simply is unnecessary risk.

- SLOWLY back the boat into the water, allowing your deckie to aside walk down with full control of the bow to stern rope.

- Launch the boat and have someone either tie up the boat, or jump in and secure along the finger.

- Have everyone ready to embark.

- Smartly park your boat/trailer.

- Jump on board, start the motor (don't forget to lower it!) - BEFORE YOU CAST OFF - if you cast off before starting the motor and the motor won't start. You do the 'silly drift'.

- Cast off and get well clear of the finger, then radio in.

THEN GO FISHING/BOATING

Retrieval is basically the reverse of the above. Again, prepare the boat for travelling/emptying gear etc – AFTER you have the boat well clear of the ramp.

The above is by no means an exhaustive step by step list - but should give some heads up for a better ramp experience.

OH - And one final comment - DONT motor on to your trailer if at a public ramp - often it's not aloud and if you do it wrong, or even half right, you can cause problems with the soft bed at the end of ramp.

gidday all a mate that lives nor needs a boat mechanic mobile or otherwise can anybody recommend someone up that way cheers craig

Anyone know where i can buy 15mm marine ply?
only need a 1000x500mm piece max!

cheers
sam

Hi All,
Does anyone know how to bleed a Hydraulic Steering System? I've seen air bubbles in the line and noticed some slack in the steering at times.I know how to bleed the brakes on my car is it the same principal only turn the steering wheel? If someone has a step by step explaining the procedure it would be greatly appreciated or any other info, Thanks.

I am on the market for a boat, only thing is I really boat know what I am after.

I am after something  in the market of 13-14 k.
Farward controls.
Want to fish estuarys, Swan and Offshore to as deep as safe for the size boat I purchase.

Obviously to come with a sounder / radio  etc would be great.

I was looking at Quintex range around the 4.5 m as I heard they are a reliable boat but open to suggestions.

Anything else others can point in my directon would be great.

I have grabbed a copy of Chris's tips as well to have a read of.


Cheers
Neander

I'm the new owner of a boat that has a EAGLE Chart Plotter / Sounder combined I also have in my possesion a EAGLE Chart Plotter. My question is can I run the EAGLE combo as a Sounder and the other EAGLE unit as a Plotter with both units mounted along side each other? Does anyone know if this is possible. Will the 2 units operate ok or will they need to be seperated further apart? Any info will be appreciated, Cheers.

gday,

recently have been running in my motor (25 yammy), for the 1st tank of fuel it says to put 1L of oil to 25L fuel (which is how much fuel my boats got atm). then after the "break in" period its just 100:1.
my question is that after i finished out in the boat playing around, can back home and put the motor down and quite a little bit of oil came out from the prop!
i am thinking it did this, because of the amount of oil i put in the 1st tank of fuel? is this normal? i spose it shouldn't do this when im doing 100:1 to a tank!

any one with info on this would be good!

cheers in advance
sam

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ24YSmtUvA

The new fishing/filming vehicle speed 65 knots ,12 L per hour
Carries 4 rods 35kg of tackle 4 reels ,20 l of extra fuel if needed and 2 cameras go most places .

Shane and I has not long to go before we has our tickets .

"twenty Hours To Freedom " 2 x 30 min doco on the vehicle how to operate and what you can do with it . has moved from preproduction to in feild production .


Fish hard and  fair