What 4.5?

[Fishmarket]

I'm in the market for a 4.5 with a 60hp but I'm a little undecided on the layout. I like the idea of a Centre Console for all round room but the front runner appeals to me for that Side by Side driving experience when a buddy is onboard. I'm really torn between the Yamaha 60 4 stroke and the other low profile motor I'm not allowed to mention. I won't be fitting an underfloor tank as my style of fishing is mainly lure orientated, twice a month, running out to a mark then either using the electric or setting up drifts and I'll never run a 25l tank dry and the saving will pay for a nice sounder which I will get more use from. I guess being a procrastinator, I'm asking for any experiences you have with your 4.5's and their pros and cons with their configurations and Fuel tanks etc.

Thanks
Matt

[Lipper]

Hi there Matt, I have a side console 4.55 and do find it a bit of a wet boat even with my cheapy spray chines.In hindsight I should have got the centre console.

[chin]

Centre console is good as it balances the boat nicely, and I prefer driving while standing up.
Down side is floor space is split up into small areas, no room for a decent sized ice box if you have a large tackle box and other junk.
Also decky has to stand beside console while travelling, forcing driver to take a step to the side to balance boat, so you end up not driving from directly behind the wheel. The decky could sit up front, but that doesn't usually happen.
Works much better as one-man-boat.

[TIM D]

I don't care what style 4.5 you get Matt, just hurry up and get it so we can deck it out ;)


cheers tim :)

[Andy]

You first need to decide if you are going to run solo or with a deckie. I spend most of my time running solo, so I chose a CC.

Lipper, the CC is just as wet as any other configuration!

[fred]

If i was going again I would get the seats and consols set back 500mm so my fordeck had a bit more room otherwise the open plan of the driffter is great plenty of room for 2 or maybe 3 , including 2 eskys 1 for us ,,1 as live keep tank any way you will be happy with a stable boat FRED:

[Giffo]

I have a CC and have found in rough water your legs help as suspension as opposed to sitting down( not that poly's are a rough boat),also a better view if you are crossing surf bars.I have the CC set back a bit and have a 115lt Iceytec esky infront of the console,this balances out well.You can check out my CC in mods in the old forum.Also I went for the 24lt Yammy tanks x 2, for ease of emptying any cr@p out them.

Cheers
Giffo

[Fishmarket]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like the CC is the one for me, I'll be ordering mid Jan so will keep you posted on when she arrives. Looking to put in a rear deck to enclose the fuel tanks and extended deck in front of the console ... just out of curiosity does anyone have a measurement from the end of the front deck to to start of the CC?

Ta
Matt

[Dave]

Hey Matt

Hit up that bloke from down Newcastle way.. with all the free advertising he has been getting on here he should be able to give you a ripper deal!!!

Wot do ya say Big Pontoon Fella? ;)

[bushbeachboy]

Which outboard aren't you allowed to mention around here Matt? Chrysler? Force? Seagull?

Yanmar are making a nice 35HP diesel outboard now.

Like el presidento Davo says: Hit up the Big Fella.

Cheers mate

[Nog]

Hey matt
I did a few conversions on my 4.55 extending the front deck all the way to the CC, and a small rear deck. The boat is "almost" perfect for what I do now.

see under my mods as well.

Norm

P.S. I have 2x 25 tote tanks, one sits under the front deck as spare.