4.8cc or 5.3cc

[geoff]

I am tossing up between the the 4.8m or the 5.3m center console and would lke some feedback on what everyone thinks would be best for requirements.

I am based in Sydney and looking for a boat that is small enough for me to launch on myself but also big enough to go outside and do some jigging for kings ect. I used to have a 4.6m Stessel side console. It was awesome for inside the harbour but crap once you went outside with a little bit of swell

I do a lot of flyfishing so the unclutterd space of the poly is a bonus. The 4.8 would be fine for in the harbour but I feel it may struggle a bit offshore. Does it have high enough sides for say three guys doing some jigging?

What are people thoughts?

[Brucesta]

5.3, but i'm biased :) the 5.3 has nice sized sides (i'm 6'3") and will handle the jigging out in the blue no worries we get two guys casting for GT's on the 5.3 no worries, the front deck is prime realestate whenw e go out for a chuck due to the space and the fact the esky is right there too

[BigFella]

Hey Geoff,

I have to agree with Brucesta, I had a 4.8 as my demo boat for while and although it was a great performer. yippy
The 5.3 is that much steadier in the water with a larger footprint and more spacious cockpit!
If your wallet can stretch that far, mate go for the 5.3!
You will not be dissapointed!

[wrassinator]

Geoff,

I'm with the others. Had my 530 (albeit cuddy cab) now for 3 months. Have put 30hrs on her already and very impressed. I can easilly launch and retrieve it myself, so you will also have no worries, esp if it's your second boat by sounds and you have some previous boating knowledge. If you can afford it go bigger rather than smaller, as like me you will just end up upgrading bigger in a few years if you don't.

Just beware towing weight will be much greater than the tincan, look into this otherwise new car may also be on cards. If you go the 530 try to get the tandem axel trailer too as it makes life much easier.

Good luck mate,

Ado

[Doug]

Ado's right - there's a huge weight difference. Check your car can handle it.

[Pirate Pete]

As another 5.3 owner I would have to say I live mine. I always drive on & off but have winched her back onto the trailer from the hard ground when I redid the blue rub strips on the trailer.

I have a single axle RM Trailers trailer. Its rated to 1600Kgs & Im sure I weighed mine in at 1540Kgs all up so my thinking is its a bit close to the rating. I dont know what the load ratings of the new trailers being supplied under the polys now so a tandem might be the go.