A lovely vice it is. What engine(s) have you got in her? @Rixter would you mind sharing some rough figures on fuel usage, running costs, repairs/maintenance of that bad girl. I think I will be in the maket for a 40-50footer in a few years - so may as well start looking now. Blacky
I couldnt catch a fish to save my life. I remember sitting on a boat and we could see the fish swimming around my bait - ignoring it. So I said "f-this" Grabed a mask and a spear gun, dived down and shot the ****er. Basically havent tried fishing since. There is a fine line between sitting on a boat drinking beer all day and fishing. Blacky
I thoroughly enjoy deep sea fishing. It has been the reason along with diving that I have had boats for over 30 yrs. I could sit on a boat all day drinking too as long as someone sober could get me back to shore. I also enjoy eating what I catch. Seafood is my most desired food.
I had an awesome day fishing once. The WHOLE day from sunrise to sunset. We actually caught lots of fish too. Being completely baked the whole day may have made the fishing trip extra good.
One thing to do is go in a boating syndicate . We've this twice with smart boating on Pittwater . First with a Hanse 43 and then a sea wind 1000 . We enjoyed it and it was a cheaper way than buying a boat to see if you like it . Our decision afterwards was to buy a weekender . We now have a small cat on the nearby beach . ( and two dogs in the house ...) Aim is to get one of these further down the line . Twin shaft drive . Good reputations . Just need ......... to double in the next few year Cliff
I had a look at this recently as well as a few a bit smaller. Milkraft are a great yard and the Gardner diesels are bulletproof and economical. Nice liveaboard and cheap harbourfront real estate. http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-f...ardner])&Service=Boatsales)&pso=0&pss=Premium
In a former incarnation a good mate of mine had a 45ft Senior one of the best afternoons we had was one day when neither of us had clients and we took the boat out on the Waitemata. Caught this gorgeous snapper and smoked it while we were out there, it was the sweetest fish I can ever remember and the 2 of us just having a quiet beer on the harbour with no one else around. One of those days that I will never forget......ah good times!
Some really solid advice in here from @Blacky and @See Change. My background is working on Sydney harbour repairing all different types of boats similar to the ones linked. If your stepping out and getting something big, as See Change said try a timeshare initially to see how much you like it. They also have good training programs to familiarize you with driving and navigating that can be applied when you buy your own. I used to work for Pacific Boating and can vouch they have a nice range of vessels and run a good operation. Most of their boats are Sea Rays with Yamar diesels. There are a few others out there that run differently like boating syndication, where they basically sell shares in large boats and share the costs between a few owners. Such things required yearly when you moor a boat; Engine and gearbox servicing Antifouling and anodes to stop corrosion Generator servicing if fitted Detailing (usually need a buff 1/yr with your anti foul) Mooring or berthing fees A lot of people ditch a berth in place for a mooring but don't use the boat enough. I see so many people get to there boat and their battery is flat and boat is filthy in bird poop. Since your on a mooring you can't just charge them and give it a wash... The Riv 3000 linked by see change would be my pick for a moored boat/value/reliability in that size.
Actually, even though I'm not a fishing fan, a day out on a boat with a few mates, having a few beers and soaking up a few rays of sunshine is a pretty good day.
My favourite spot is the end of smiths creek . Peaceful quiet , fish jumping , though we had one interesting day when the fire brigade were using it as the water pick up point for the helicopters .... Cliff
Riv 48 enclosed fly. twin turbo charge cat c12 diesels, fuel consumpt ~150ltr/hr @1800rpm cruising 22kts. $400k therebouts - as seech points outs more cost effective syndicated.
I have had a few Signature trailer boats over the years and I must say that I just didn't get the time to fully enjoy it due to work/family commitments. Biggest thing is the running costs etc are an absolute killer and in retrospect I would never buy another boat I would hire as required.
150lph Ouchie. That 60ft liveaboard with the Gardners I linked to above plods along at " Her estimated top speed is 7.5 Knots and cruises at approximately 6.5 Knots. Her average fuel consumption is a frugal 6 L/h @ 900 rpm" although I think they are being a bit low on the top speed, she should see 9's or even 10's at full noise and they are overly generous on the fuel burn unless that is on one screw only.
My old boy has always had boats when i was growing up, he currently has a 7.2m noosacat with twin 150 yammie 4-strokes. Hes out atleast once a week i always try to tag along when i get the chance. Id love to get a decent boat for myself, but can never justify the spend for whatever reason. Have had few 15' runabouts but they have always been old and not very well looked after so maintenance is a pain. Currently looking at buying a tinny for over summer to take the boy fishing in. I love the water
Just don't go for a highly strung supercharged jetski and you should be fine. A good 4-stroke Yamaha ski will do all the things you require without constantly breaking down. Being a car mechanic you should be able to navigate around the engine easily enough. The Maritime really sting you per year for a PWC license as opposed to a boat license though...
http://www.riviera.com.au/eNewsArchive/dec/corporate/eNewsDecJan11/WhyILoveRiv.cfm.html The pic on the right hand side, 2nd down, is the uncropped version of your pic if you'd like to have a bigger version of the pic for your goal book?
This is my boat (with me in it !). It's a stitch & glue I built with the kids. Just 4 sheets of 4mm ply & a couple of hundred dollars worth of epoxy & fittings. Those reno tools came in handy......
