Hey ppl. It’s been 25 years since I last owned a boat, a 475 stabi and I’m looking for a new vessel for offshore trips 25-50km off akaroa. Looking for secondhand $30K to spend. Main requirement is a decent ride and able to handle the nasty harbour entrance when it chops up. Only going to be used for fishing, no diving and only 2-3 blokes, not for the family. Thinking either McLay or Kiwikraft. I’ve heard and experienced too many ppl complaining about the harsh ride into a head sea in both stabi and frewza. Thinking the pontoons are pretty unnecessary for what I require. Needs to be easy to tow and launch for an old bugger. Any recommendations please fellas? Open to any suggestions, figlass, surtees, kiwikraft, stabi osprey McLay, lazercraft renegade etc, but especially interested in McLay 5.3-5.6 and kiwikraft 505 - 550. Or would a 6m McLay be a better option for what I want? Obviously would need underfloor tank and pref a Honda/yamaha/zooki 4 stroke for economy?

Yes definitely will consider glass. It’s been so long since I’ve had a boat that I’m happy for any advice

Appreciate the advice. I have been looking at a figlass lightning just now

Rockhoppa123 wrote: Appreciate the advice. I have been looking at a figlass lightning just now

Nephew just brought a "Lightening" for softer ride as has a bad neck/back. Sold his Stabi  due to riding and had a senator as a replacement but still didnt help his back but reckons lightening smooth riding,he use to  come out with me in my old glasscraft due to no pounding.

Kandrew wrote: The Figlass Cavalier is a good 5.7mtr boat as well

I like their "Dominator"  one day it might happen.

I have had a Figlass Firestar for 5 years. Its around 5.4m I think.  Basically I think its a very good boat, and particularly good value, being a bit cheaper than others. I didnt get a bigger one, as its about all the trailer width I can handle and all the size (windage) when handling by myself at the ramp.