cc vs front runner in SA waters?

[markh5000]

Hi all, having been a lurker for while, first let me say thanks to all posters and to the forum in general for such a great resource. I am about to order a new boat and the website has been a fantastic help. But I have a couple of questions that still confuse me, and any help would be greatly appreciated. I am sure they have been discussed often, but I am particularly interested in the local (SA) context.
I live in Adelaide, and will be mostly fishing in the SA gulfs and bays, maybe venturing offshore a little on good days. I have an 11yo stepson who's super keen to get into fishing, but without any experience thus far, and an equally landlocked partner. The stability of the poly is a key factor in my purchase - I dont want the family turned off on the first trip! - but I wonder whether anyone has experience in SA-type conditions as to how suitable a cc would be, especially in terms of comfort while fishing. Or would a front runner be so much better as to justify the added cost, weight and loss of room up front? I am looking at the 4.50 at this stage with 60 4-st, but would consider the 4.80 if single handed launch and retrieve is doable.
Thanks guys,
Mark

[secretspot]

Considered both models, and ended up getting neither. I went with a side console. I wanted maximum fishing space though, and also wanted a versatile boat, which can be used in estuaries and off shore. I am also in the process of extensive modifications, i.e. chines, decks, storage.

In SA waters, polys are great for a soft ride in our chop. Prepare to get wet when though. Chines should fix that problem.

[chin]

I think 3 people is too many for a 4.5 Mark, especially a C/C.
It just gets too crowded once you have tackle box and rods etc. in there. Nobody will enjoy it.
Go with the 4.8

[markh5000]

Thanks guys, appreciate the fast response.

Chin - I suspect you're right, my only real concern with the 4.80 is my ability to manhandle it on my own around the ramps or even beach launching. That and telling the finance Minister the cost has blown out by a few thou! Like all great plans, I suspect I am being overly optimistic in thinking the wife will be out fishing - more likely it will be 1 or 2 fishing, and she will come along for a cruise in the rivers now and again at best. But I do like the 4.80, and it seems to come with many standard features I would otherwise be paying $$$ to add like the underfloor tank, rear lounge etc.

secretspot - may I ask where you got yours from, and your impression of them? I am currently waiting for firm quotes from the 3 dealers in SA, but may end up travelling to NSW or Vic to grab it if the price was right. I may also have to bend your ear about your mods, I would be considering doing similar, particularly the chines. How does the sc go 1-up, a few people have talked about them pulling hard right with only 1 on board (particularly a husky fellow like me!)

Cheers!

[Doug]

Mark, a lot of us launch and retrieve our 5.3s single-handed. I must say I'm talking about ramps not beaches. Just takes a bit of practice with someone sensible (ie not a wife, or at least not your own wife!)

4.8 ought to be at least as easy.

[Pirate Pete]

Welcome along Mark

Read this link http://www.polyboatowners.com/2010/vb/showthread.php?p=1593&posted=1#post1593 & watch the youtube video I have on driving my 5.3 on .

With a bit of practice you can easily put any of the poly boats on & off this way except for the tuffy & 4.1s at there isnt a "V" in the rear of the trailer.

[secretspot]

Ask away mark. Purchased BMT from Adelaide Outboard Marine. Was happy with what I paid. Chines will be done by Friday, tested Saturday, so I will let people know my impressions. Have almost finished my rear deck mod. Once finished will start on front deck. Mainly doing for storage. Hate things lying around in boat when trying to fish and travel. When out by myself it does lean and is one reason I will be adding trim tabs. Will be adding dual batteries, stereo, removable bimini, lighting and down the track, fill it with foam and maybe an anchor winch. Have already done a lot of work myself, and am surprised it all works. 2thumbsup

[Dave]

Hi Mark and welcome
I grew up in fishing the gulf in adelaide.
We had a large fibreglass boat which was a godsend on some days and a pain on others.
I can get pretty rough out there some days and others are glassed out. As with any boat you have to plan your days and where you can go.
The other thing to consider when buying a boat, when in the adelaide area, is, the murray river. We spend many weekends waterskiing and the old glass boat was huge and an over kill for there.

If it were me in your position with a family, I would consider the front runner, for use on those calmer days on the gulf and for the weekends at the Murray.