Picking the right boat

[wodez29]

Hi guys
I am on the lookout for a second hand boat.
I currently have a 4.3 aluminum runabout. No complaints

I’m hoping for 4.8-5m. Do different brand boats have better stability at rest? Most al boats are runabouts... I was hoping for a Cuddy cab. There’s only a few al that have a glass cab , which to me sounds top heavy and tippy.
Or do I go for a fiberglass. But I often fish by myself so this would be a bit of hard work launching and retrieving on my own on those busy days. I have never driven any boat onto a trailer. But I often see people winch on those smaller fiberglass.

Budget about 25k

Any help or suggestions would be great.

[purple5ive]

If you want a boat that doesnt tip when someone else stands up then consider looking into the polycraft or smartwave boats.

Mornington boat hire have the smaller model.polycraft boats for hire, so you can test them out before purchasing.

YouTube polycraft boats to see what they are capable of.

There are other stable boats out there as well, I will let others with more knowledge about them reply.

[wodez29]

Thanks for the reply
I have heard about the polycraft and seen the rentals around. If a second hand one popped up I would consider it for sure.
I’m not necessarily after the most stable option. Just wondering if the 4.8-5m aluminum boats are a lot more stable than a 4.3. Or do the top dollar quintrex have a more stable Hull than others of the same size.
My mates boats have been 5.4m kingfisher runabout, 4.6 streaker runabout, 5.02 streaker half cab, and a few other 4.8-5.4 half cab fiberglass boats.
All were stable and didn’t cause major loss of balance from people walking around the boat. Just not sure about the larger aluminum.

[ben475]

something around 4.8 should be pretty stable.

I have a 475 quintrex bowrider, we walk all round the boat without thinking about balance and never notice it leaning to either side.
easy to launch.

quintrex, stacer, savage etc etc do have half cab/cuddy cabs around 4.8m+ if that's your thing.

the polycraft's are super stable! tough as anything too.
will be heavier than alloy.
not quite as nice as a glass boat, will handle rough treatment much better though, they have cabin and open models.

[bowl]

What is it current boat.
25 K
Surtees 495 work mate
Stabicraft 456./509
Savage osprey cuddyy., Or runabout
Streaker 485 ,502
Haines hunter 495 510 520 breeze
Plolycraft
Plenty of options , driving on off is breeze once U do it
a few times ....tho
If I 25k budget
I'd probably be looking 542 signature Haines or similar size aluminium boat.

[bowl]

[wodez29]

Cheers Ben and bowl
All names I have seen pop up while searching what’s for sale in the area.
Just not sure if I should go for the easer aluminum for launching and retrieving on my own, or the glass for some extra weight and stability but have the boat ramp solo mission when by myself.
I would say I take my current boat out by myself 50-60% of the time. She’s a Clearwater caballero

[Paulanderson]

I had a Quintrex 5m cuddy cabin for many years and we regularly game fished from it. It was very stable and not difficult to launch and retrieve by myself. I suggest you write out a list of just you want in the way of a secondhand boat and use that as a guide when you are considering different options. A 5m fibreglass boat will be heavier and likely more stable depending on the hull shape. As I said though the Quinnie was never an issue in that regard. Best of luck with your search. Paul

[Mattblack]

You could get a boat collar...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Octqbs4B8Q

[wodez29]

A quintrex Cuddy does sound ideal.
I did look at those boat collars 1 or 2 seasons ago. Interesting and looks like they work well. Not sure if they will be as good in rough weather compared to a total upgrade.
If I was happier with my current boat I would go down that path. But I do want some extra size, storage, hp and less worry about the weather. It seems I can only go out in a less than 12kn offshore wind. Anything more than 14kn or anything onshore is can get uncomfortable and is risking having to pack up early. So I’m hoping a bigger boat will give me more opportunities, weather wise. I guess that’s another question I should be asking. But I guess it comes down to what each person is comfortable with.