queensland Boat Advice Wanted

[ggg]

Hi all,

I am still in the market of looking for a boat and have gotten some experienced opinions from people I know but I would like some more. I am looking at a Quintrex 420 Dory with a 2015 Yamaha 40hp two stroke with 50 hours on the back. The boat is fully kitted out with a 75 litre fuel tank, 7 inch Garmin sounder, custom bait board, Bimini, stereo and safety gear. I have checked the specs of the hull and the overall length is more like 4.35 metres. Does this mean that I am looking at a slightly bigger boat in reality? It would definitely be reef fishing on the good days and headland/creek fishing on the not so good ones. The guy claims the boat ‘flys’ and I have heard of them doing more than 50km per hour. What are your thoughts on a boat like this (I know it’s not a proper ‘reef boat’, but I will have to make do) and it’s top speed? Thanks

[ellicat]

I think the top speed suggested is realistic. I had a 4.2 runabout with a 2 stroke 40hp motor and it did it (when it was working), so the lighter dory should too.

[Kenne]

I have a 4.2 Bermuda runabout with a 40hp merc 2 stroke. Can do 30 knots 55ks with 2 people in it in the right conditions.

Also go out thru the Gold Coast seaway on good days. I only have a 26 litre fuel tank and would only use about half a tank on an average day.  Pretty cheap day out.

[ggg]

Okay. I guess this boat has a huge fuel tank because the reefs off Cairns are around 40-50km out. It would also improve the ride by about 0.01 percent. 

[ellicat]

My 2 stroke used to use 1 litre for every 2km at full tilt, so to go 100km I would have needed at least 50 litres plus another 20 litres for comfort and/or moving about once you got there. Throw in some extra in case the journey is a bit rough coming back and you'd be needing a minimum of 80 litres before you left.

[Another Wazza]

You’d be surprised just how much they drink the fuel when they’re singing, a 75 litre tanks the go, and definitely take a little back up fuel for sure

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

Sounds like it might be the boat Jaz!

I'd be very careful panning your days. You wouldn't want it to blow up in that unexpectedly.

Cheers Hamish  

[GregOug]

11 hours ago, Jaz44 said:

Okay. I guess this boat has a huge fuel tank because the reefs off Cairns are around 40-50km out. It would also improve the ride by about 0.01 percent. 

Sorry Jaz but I would never travel 50k’s offshore in a 4.2m dory.! A recipe for disaster.

[kmcrosby78]

15 minutes ago, GregOug said:

Sorry Jaz but I would never travel 50k’s offshore in a 4.2m dory.! A recipe for disaster.

I don't know the weather patterns/tendencies up Cairns way but in general I would agree with @GregOug. On 'good' days you 'could' go that far but it only takes one trip for the weather to change and you are a long way from help, in a tinny with not huge freeboard, and in shark infested waters, and therefore have a high possibility of a not very good outcome.

If it was me I would be deciding to get this boat to do creek/estuary/headlands/close inshore reefs OR going a larger (16ft plus) boat to go out further.

Not sure how many people you would plan to have in the boat but even with two, you'd wouldn't want to throw too much gear/heavy stuff into the boat because with 75 litres of fuel it would not be unfeasible for the 40hp to suddenly be working a fair bit harder which in turn will decrease your range.

Hope this doesn't come across as too negative but it is best to be a bit conservative when deciding what to use a boat for, in my humble opinion.

[ggg]

The weather patterns here are very consistent and true to the forecasts. People go out to the shelf overnight in Quintrex 420 Renegade's. I am obviously not going to be reef fishing every weekend, maybe once or twice a month if the weather permits and more during the summer time. I would also bring at least 100 litres of fuel until I understand how much the boat uses (with a 20L jerry can as a backup). This boat's actually got a rather deep freeboard as it's a Quintrex, and not some beaten up old tinny. I'm more afraid of crocs in the creeks we fish than sharks out the reef. All the stories I have been told (like sharks ramming the boat) have occurred because fish were being cleaned at the end of the day before heading back in. They are a problem to be aware of, but not as deadly as a crocodile.

[Kenne]

I agree with above. When that light breeze picks up and changes direction the conditions can change so quickly.

If I go out side in my 4.2 runabout im only about 20 mins back to the seaway and head back as soon as it looks like changing

[ggg]

I understand the weather may blow up, but the days I would be fishing are the day's that there are at least a few hours of 'buffer' (good weather) even when I return home. The weeks where 2 or 3 days in a row are good are the times I would be fishing. It's fairly low risk if properly planned.

[kmcrosby78]

I'm not sure how old you are or how much boating experience (being the skipper) you have but just make sure you take into account what conditions will be like even if it only blows up to 15 or 20 knots. Also remember that forecasts are at the end of the day only forecasts, and things like storms can have a dramatic effect on wind/sea conditions. Also consider whether you will have the ability to access 'on the water' weather updates to check on any storms or increased wind predictions. The comment on freeboard was more about the likelihood of copping a wave over the bow/side if the weather turns, and not about sharks ramming you.

All this said it is your decision and your life but I'd urge caution.

[Ovington]

Hey mate, I live in Bowen and fish out of a 15ft poly boat which has much less freeboard than a 420 dory. I have taken it to the reef and 60ks east off the gold coast etc but definitely start small, in all honesty some of my favorite grounds are inshore anyway. Get yourself familiar with how the wind and tides work inshore and what is achievable in your boat. Typically the roughest water will be closer to the coast due to more tidal influences and onshore winds. I have also kitted the boat out with GPS epirb (a must), radio (must have) and I always wear a PLB and PFD especially as I normally fish Solo and anything could happen and I want the best chance of making it home after. I have done over 1000hrs in my boat now and know it very well, I suggest you put some solid hours in in all conditions so you know what its capable of and how to drive it in adverse conditions as well as how your fuel economy changes in these conditions. As far as forecasts go I have definitely been caught out despite the forecast being 'glass out' across numerous predictions so always prepare for the worse. I can tell you after being caught out solo 60ks east of the boat ramp when a 20kt westerly kicks in your spine will never trust the weatherman again

As mentioned at the end of the day its possible but make sure you know your boat, have your safety plan in place and make sure you log on and off with your local coast guard. 

Tight lines

[ggg]

Thanks mate. If it's all good and I get it. I will definitely log in and out with the Coast Guard. If I do get caught out. The spots I will be fishing are only half an hour to an island each. Some spots are only 10 minutes away.