The Fishing Website : Discussion Forums : 12ft boat https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 03:19:58 +0000 Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:10:35 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.01 360 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=140020 <![CDATA[The Fishing Website : Discussion Forums]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[12ft boat : JKJK wrote:I’m also looking...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844200&title=12ft-boat#1844200 Author: Transformations
Subject: 140020
Posted: 13 Sep 2025 at 1:10pm

Originally posted by JKJK JKJK wrote:

I’m also looking for a new small boat - must be super easy to launch, even here in Whangaparoa, Orewa, Hatfields where the beaches are incredibly shallow

Not getting the SW3500 - it’s a bit too small and sits really low in the water. Currently got a True Kit discovery and it’s a great little boat, but it’s like sitting on a surfboard, it’s really really low.

Ppl above who have a Fatcat, what’s it like in the shallows, can you drag it right to the waters edge and then easily push it back in again? Even on a 4500? Let me know please

My other possible choice is a kingfisher 390, that looks really good in the shallows

Cheers
Wink
Fatcat 4500 works fine in the shallows, if it does ground a bit the just wiggle the arse from side to side a bit and she comes unstuck. At Shelly beach if we come in at low with an incoming tide I ride her up onto the mud/sand at speed and just step off the bow. By the time I've got the trailer down and ready we just wiggle her back into the water and onto the trailer. 

I can launch and retrieve without getting water in my gumboots....unless I do something stupid Cry



]]> Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:10:35 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844200&title=12ft-boat#1844200 <![CDATA[12ft boat : I can push and pull my Fatcat...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844198&title=12ft-boat#1844198 Author: Keith C
Subject: 140020
Posted: 12 Sep 2025 at 10:05am

I can push and pull my Fatcat 4000 on and off the sand single-handedly with ease, and I am past retirement age. 20cm draft with motor up, so if you are willing to get your feet wet, you don't need to beach it.]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:05:44 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844198&title=12ft-boat#1844198 <![CDATA[12ft boat : The other boat on my list is a...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844197&title=12ft-boat#1844197 Author: JKJK
Subject: 140020
Posted: 12 Sep 2025 at 9:50am

The other boat on my list is a stabi 1450 tiller version. Theres usually plenty available a couple years old with 50ish hours for a better price

There never seems to be any kingfisher 390/450 or fatcat 4000/4500 2nd hand available tho, I guess anyone who has one is holding on to it

Fatcat is top of my list for now mostly cos of how much space it has
]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:50:16 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844197&title=12ft-boat#1844197 <![CDATA[12ft boat : JKJK wrote:Btw have you seen...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844196&title=12ft-boat#1844196 Author: Sufishent
Subject: 140020
Posted: 12 Sep 2025 at 9:30am

Originally posted by JKJK JKJK wrote:


Btw have you seen the ramp at Hatfields lately?? It’s pretty rough with some seriously large chunks missing. I wouldn’t drive on it

No I haven't and thanks for the heads up. Were a few bits missing last time I was there so time to go and have another look
]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:30:01 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844196&title=12ft-boat#1844196 <![CDATA[12ft boat : Yes I was definitely planning...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844195&title=12ft-boat#1844195 Author: JKJK
Subject: 140020
Posted: 11 Sep 2025 at 10:55pm

Yes I was definitely planning on doing the whole disconnect trailer, push it in the water thing. Keeps the car outta the water which is useful

But I was asking about bringing the boat right up to the waters edge line so I can do beach hopping on the many little beaches up here you can only access by boat. So yeah that’s why I’m interested in knowing about shallow water performance of the fatcats since they’ve been mentioned here before

Btw have you seen the ramp at Hatfields lately?? It’s pretty rough with some seriously large chunks missing. I wouldn’t drive on it
]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 22:55:44 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844195&title=12ft-boat#1844195 <![CDATA[12ft boat : I have a 15&#039; Marco tinny...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844192&title=12ft-boat#1844192 Author: Sufishent
Subject: 140020
Posted: 11 Sep 2025 at 3:47pm

I have a 15' Marco tinny that I have solo launched at Hatfield Beach. 

My preference is to use the long flat concrete ramp for mid to low tide launches and retrievals - less worry about bogging in soft sand as I tow with a normal sedan, so no 4 x 4. The car doesn't go anywhere near the water - I park above the water line, disconnect the trailer/boat from the car and push it into the water manually (there is a slight slope on the beach and ramp). I need about knee deep launch to launch.

Retrieval is the reverse with one exception - push empty trailer into water, winch boat onto trailer and use a 5m or 10m strop to tow the trailer onto firm ground.

The biggest issue is if there's any sort of groundswell at Hatfields - and I won't go anywhere near it in an Easterly.
]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:47:23 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844192&title=12ft-boat#1844192 <![CDATA[12ft boat : I’m also looking for a new small...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844191&title=12ft-boat#1844191 Author: JKJK
Subject: 140020
Posted: 11 Sep 2025 at 1:48pm

I’m also looking for a new small boat - must be super easy to launch, even here in Whangaparoa, Orewa, Hatfields where the beaches are incredibly shallow

Not getting the SW3500 - it’s a bit too small and sits really low in the water. Currently got a True Kit discovery and it’s a great little boat, but it’s like sitting on a surfboard, it’s really really low.

Ppl above who have a Fatcat, what’s it like in the shallows, can you drag it right to the waters edge and then easily push it back in again? Even on a 4500? Let me know please

My other possible choice is a kingfisher 390, that looks really good in the shallows

Cheers
]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:48:21 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844191&title=12ft-boat#1844191 <![CDATA[12ft boat : Thanks for all the input guys,...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844185&title=12ft-boat#1844185 Author: Hopkins
Subject: 140020
Posted: 10 Sep 2025 at 3:48pm

Thanks for all the input guys, i think I'm sold on the SW 3500. Just need to find one that's not underpowered or overpriced or both!]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:48:52 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844185&title=12ft-boat#1844185 <![CDATA[12ft boat : Actually the other little boat...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844150&title=12ft-boat#1844150 Author: Kandrew
Subject: 140020
Posted: 06 Sep 2025 at 6:48pm

Actually the other little boat that gets forgotten is the Seaforce Scout, great boat plenty of room and stable there’s one on trademe.]]> Sat, 06 Sep 2025 18:48:41 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844150&title=12ft-boat#1844150 <![CDATA[12ft boat : Kandrew wrote:I agree the smart...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844148&title=12ft-boat#1844148 Author: smudge
Subject: 140020
Posted: 06 Sep 2025 at 5:04pm

Originally posted by Kandrew Kandrew wrote:

I agree the smart wave is a great little boat and would do anything you want.

I’ve also spent many hours driving small ribs and have always been impressed how well they handled the sea conditions. I driven 4.0 ribs from manly all the way up to the top of kawau island in 26 knots chasing sailing boats and had no problems. You just need to get one with good tubes as leaks on older ribs can be a pain and remember the tubes don’t like fish hooks so I would make it a habit to net every fish.

I reckon I would puncture a rib every trip Big smile
]]> Sat, 06 Sep 2025 17:04:09 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140020&PID=1844148&title=12ft-boat#1844148