Leeroy

There are a lot of kids in the canals on the Goldy around your age with 3.2m tinnies with up to 15hp on them as i'm sure most have seen the videos. A lot different in the canals and broadwaater than Brisbane River and Moreton Bay as they are usually within swimming distance to shore if something happens and the amount of boat traffic means someone is usually around, mostly swearing at them to slow down. As they others said take it slow and safety is the main concern. Why not look at an electric for the Yak to get you further?

I was surprised Quintrex had a ply floor definitely a negative, Ali floor with the new sea-deck flooring would be nice. Do any brands foam fill their hulls if requested? Not for survey but safety? Besides getting a positive bouyancy hull like a stabi-craft i would feel safer in a foam filled hull like what i have done with my current tinnie?

That's what I'm keen to see with test drives George with the latest Ali hulls vs what I know fibreglass is like. Side console for sure to stretch out a swag.

That's a weapon Ed definitely something to think about. Maybe I need 2 boats lol. I could use those outriggers trolling for fatties as well.

Thanks Guys, Getting out to Lady Musgrave is a wish but not necessary, most fishing will be around SE Qld and Northern NSW, Barra Dams and around Rocky. LM would be once a year or two at max. I have had my 4.2 a long way off the GC on a good day but have been caught a couple of times but take it slow and cautious. Versatility is probably more important than having a larger boat to get out there and then not being able to use it up the creeks and canals around the coast. Still chase Jacks and Trevs in summer and flatties etc around the Pin. I know there is no such thing as a boat that will do everything and a compromise is needed somewhere. Launching is a major concern as i'm not a small guy and getting up and over a higher side will not be easy. I live near the Broadwater Parklands ramp and the plan was to back down next to the pontoon and jump from that into the boat. And use a quick hitch. On other ramps i may need a step ladder but that is not safe on ramps? Any other ideas? Board through the transom door which would need a swim? I think you are right Drop Bear re motors i would be happy with all 3 brands in the end. But will definitely want the max HP for the hull i get. The Waveriders look nice Andrew, do you know if there is a dealer where i could look at a demo?

What size would you got o ED? i can't go to big as i fish by myself and need to be able to launch myself. Any trip to Musgrave would be done with a second boat which is a 650 Yellowfin. The SeaJays look nice Brian i will have a look this weekend.

Hi Guys, Long time since i posted on here but with the demise of Nuggets and another private forum it is time i contributed to the only good forum left. I have been quiet for the last couple of years due to my 40yr old tinnie finally being bashed to death and unsafe to get offshore anymore. Time has come to buy a new boat and after opinions from the more experienced than myself. I have up to 70k to spend on my dream boat to last me until i retire. I am liking the Quintrex Top Ender 520 but the dream would probably be a Haines SIgnature 543sf but a bit out of my price range to have it fully fitted out. 80k plus new. Does anyone on here have a Top Ender and how do they find it? I have been out in Youngy's 485sf plenty of times and it is a great boat but would prefer something a bit bigger to get further offshore so hence the 543sf. What i am after, A boat to get offshore safely with high sides to safely hold me and the pup. Ideally get out to Lady Musgrave etc. for an overnighter. Will the Top Ender be capable? I think so. Something i can sleep in. This is why i would like a side console and not a centre to give me floor room for a swag. Electric motor is a must. Soft ride for my old decrepit back. Longevity and quality. You pay for what you want and the better quality the better. Time is not really a concern. I have waited this long a few more months to get a custom build won't concern me. Rod lockers on the 520 TE look good but are they functional? Youngy has some but does not use them as they get water in them. Suzuki or Yamaha? I know these days most motors are reliable but i believe Yamaha have the best reputation? Sorry for all the questions guys but this is something every boater dreams of for a long time. I can't wait to get back to seriously fishing again and catch some fish i have wanted for a long time. Any opinions on what would be your dream boat would be awesome as well. Thanks guys in advance and look forward to putting up many reports in future.

Might be the biggest in NSW as that looks like Illuka to me.