4.55 Drifter Open - advice needed.

[4.50_Drifter]

Okay,
I have a lot of questions to ask, so here's the first few. I decided to put this post under gen discuss as the questions relate to a lot of topics, so:

1. Anyone got a 4.55 open that they left as an open? What mods did you make? I've looked around on here but can't find anyone that's left it open. Why would I leave it open? Throwing castnets; crabpots; and I can take my time deciding whether to change to a CC.

2. Anyone got a late model 50hp 4stke they are really happy with, with easy access trim/tilt? I really want to extend the handle with some pvc pipe but can i do this with trim/tilt on the handle? No biggy if I can't. What is fuel economy like? How long does a caddy last?

3. What's the price difference for foam? has anyone had a boat with and without foam, what was the difference like? I'm guessing heavier with foam, better ride, less fuel economy?

4. Am I better off buying the hull and motor separately? I'm not in a rush so can happily wait for sales etc.

Ok, far too many questions and I apologise but I've got a heap of questions that I want answered now damnit! ;)

Thanks in advance for your time, love some of the mods I've seen like the chines, tubs in the rear seat frames (open model); glue welded electric motor seat; gps etc on a plastic cutting board etc. Great work guys.

p.s. I'm not going carpet, I'm going the rubber flooring (cross hatch style), a mate had them in QLD and they are gold for grip, and for cleaning the boat.

[bushbeachboy]

Welcome aboard 450.2thumbsup
I am a big fan of open boats for fishing, but I'm mostly fishing in creeks or close inshore. If you want to go offshore, go a console boat.

I highly recommend getting a motor with PTT. There are currently only three motors that are true one-hand operations by virtue of the positioning of their PTT button. In order of user-friendliness (IMO) they are Honda, Yamaha, Etec. This is not because they are better motors than the others, just that they have positioned the PTT switch so that you can use it with your throttle hand without removing said hand from the throttle. I find that this is very useful for when I need to hang onto the boat with the other hand and still be able to trim the boat.

Gotta get off the computer now, the second one who thinks she must be obeyed want to use it before she goes to school.wtf

[4.50_Drifter]

Thanks Bushbeachboy,

I'm going open for the same reasons, I've had a cuddycab before but want the freedom of an open primarily for river work and close in-shore sessions when the weather is good. I might upgrade to a CC later but I think it will take up a fair bit of space, maybe when I can afford the 5.99 in a few years.

So if I get a motor with PTT I can't put the pvc extension onto the tiller arm? Oh well sacrifices I guess, definitely getting PTT as I'm not manually adjusting the motor in croc infested rivers :)

thanks again, will lean towards those three motors for sure. I want the one handed PTT operation to be exactly that, not a rubics cube.

[bushbeachboy]

If the tiller extension was really important to you, you could get a remote trim switch installed. Not too sure what it would cost, but it shouldn't be too much.

The Yamaha I've got has a long tiller handle anyway, and I often stand up to drive the boat when doing close manouvering, either around other boats or when positioning the boat for cast-netting.

If you live around Townsville, you are welcome to come and have a look at mine. If that happily co-incides with a fishing day......yeah baby!!!!!2thumbsup

[4.50_Drifter]

hahaha,

moving back to Cairns from interstate mate, maybe have a two boat fishing day sometime in the near future! thanks for the info.

[bushbeachboy]

Hinchinbrook's lookin good!!!!

[4.50_Drifter]

sweet, so's Cooktown!

[mossiesuck]

I've got a 4.55 quickcraft (2007) with a tiller 50 hp Mariner on the back and love it. Even in a bit of swell it performs well. Must admit that the estuaries don't get that bad, but Moreton Bay can pick-up in the right wind. I am still getting used to the electric trim, but find the engine isn't too thirsty. I have a large middle seat which provides an ice box and storage if needed, but generally separates the kids when they come out. Anyway, I really like the open boat and don't think i will change in a hurray for my style of fishing.

[poly]

welcome mossiesuck, the 4.55's are a very good boat,, enjoy your time with us here at ratbag central

Paul

[4.50_Drifter]

Thanks Mossie,
How many Litres/Nautical Mile? 4-Stroke Mariner?