Finn Spindrift - Cheap, fun and safe way to get on the water

[GONE FISHING]

G'day everyone,

My first post here, hopefully add some value to the members aboard.

My name is Jay and I am the proud owner of a Finn Spindrift Dinghy.

I have been a keen land based angler for about 3 years and couldn't wait to get my first boat. I searched and searched and searched for 2 years looking for the right one to meet my requirements. I had a very tight criteria and I am sure there are others in the same boat (pardon the pun) who could benefit from sharing my experiences. My criteria included:

- space in the yard was limited, needed something smallish
- had to be stable. I needed to feel safe in it
- Enough to carry a second person if needed/wanted
- Could be used in both river/lakes and bay
- CHEAP - money was tight, so under $2k to spend
- Something I wouldn't get bored of.

I initially bought an inflatable Intex Seahawk 4 person 12 footer... which was a waste of time. It was enough though, to give me the dreaded bug... I searched for the next 12-18 months umming and argghhing about whether to get a kayak or tinny....

I had seen some unbelievable kayak setups and in my view, they are more stable in the bay than a tinny. However, not too keen on fishing sitting down and not being able to stand comfortably for the next 4-6 hours... and I wasn't confidence in my fitness to paddle back to shore against a strong wind (or wind of any kind for that matter lol).

Tinny was an idea because could carry 2 people plus alot of gear, easy to launch, doesn't take up space... etc.

Anyhow long story short I ended up finding a Finn Spindrift dinghy. I bought one off fleabay with an 8hp Evinrude which gets me around the bay at around 20-22km/h. Not bad !

Its a twin hull design, 10ft dinghy that carries all my gear (anchor, rope, 2 pfd's, 11L fuel tank, tackle box, knife set, another spare 5L jerry can, and all my other safety gear, clothing.

Best thing is, I can launch at a boat ramp or beach.. as I have transom mounted wheels. Its hilarious seeing the look on the faces of other boaties at the boat ramp when they see my green machine wheeled down... thinking its a toy... until I hit top speed and am skimming the top of the water... love it !!

Basically, for alot of people who can't afford the price or space of a larger boat, give this one some real thought. Its light (55kg dry), very stable thans to twin hull design, seats 2 comfortably, and can fit in the back of a ute or 6x4 box trailer....

I've had it out 5-6km into the bay... in WPB, PPB, and various rivers/lakes...

Here are some pics for those that are interested. I hope it may give some options and useful info to those in a similar situation I was... I have no regrets with my Spindrift !

[ducky]

Don't know if genuine first post or advertiser. lol.

Funky looking boat anyways.

[GONE FISHING]

I assure you I dont work for Finn... or any other boat manufacturer or what not.

As I said at the beginning of my post, this was a real dilemma for me and searching on google didnt help as there wasn't much out there about this boat... Just thought I'd try and help someone who may be in a similar situation.

Cheers though mate

[Fishsniper]

I reckon it's an absolute Cracker, how much did you pay all up?

[GONE FISHING]

Thanks Snipper,

Its not bad mate.... when you can't afford a half cabin or dont have room to store it.. this will do !

I paid $1200 off Fleabay for boat and 8HP evinrude.. then add the rod holders, fuel tank, depth sounder, and little bits and bobs it owes me less than $2k... full safety gear including flares and I can tell you I've out-fished bigger boats in this... size doesn't always matter !

[Fishsniper]

I noticed you at Werribee ramp there, have you ever launched from Campbells cove coz it looks perfect for that area?
Just a thought, I reckon a bimini cover would finish it off nicely

[snapperslayer]

mini Cat haha nice little boat

[CrazyChenski]

Looks nice !


But personally think that is abit too crowded for 2 person maybe? And with the size like that, not sure it would be stable enough to stand up for thsoe who is not very quick/stable on their foot .......

Curious, had you gone out on that on a choppy day ? eg. 10 knots onshore wind ?

[GONE FISHING]

Nah mate, I didnt even know about campbells cove until about 3 weeks ago lol - Is there somewhere for me to park my car with 6x4 box trailer there? Also, how far would I have to wheel the boat to get to the shore? I had it out around the breakwall on Saturday near the new developments but was dead quiet... alot of Jellyfish... would have been hundreds around me

[GONE FISHING]

Thanks Snapper Slayer... lol she does alright mate.

CrazyChenski: I mainly go out with 2... trust me not crowded... more room than any Kayak I've seen. I have 2 on and we can both stand, cast, move around. I had in 11knot wind with my brother on board (we are both around 85kg each) and it was fine.. Got a bit of spray but considering my mate was in his half cab and got soaked... I think we did alright lol

Trust me mate, these things are super stable. I'm not the lightest bloke on my feet... but I drove this back from 6km out at Corio to the boat ramp standing up the whole time enjoying the scenery. I dont have a GoPro yet but will definately get one soon and take some footage..