Hi there,
As with any boat, this will be a compromise. I have an FC465 runabout, which is based on the same footprint as the 430, but has a different stern shape and rear boarding platforms, and has the solid ali windscreen - and two seats up front.
That serves to make the boat feel slightly longer - hence the 35cm extra in the LOA. Mine has the 40hp Merc four stroke which came with the package from new. The rating was 40-60hp and I might go for a 60hp down the track, but it's fine at 40hp for what I need.
My experience after 7 years has been an excellent one. I regularly fish similar areas as you describe in moderate winds, and have fished in the open ocean in the Far North with confidence. The boat seems to punch above its weight in terms of dryness and stability.
It's never going to match a larger, deeper v boat, or glass boat for ride, but that's the compromise with being able to easily beach launch and store.
I like the security of the bungs into the livebait tank, which means if you ship water over the stern you can drain it into the tank, or forget the bung (only once!) but have the other two in, you don't have a problem.
There is heaps of fishing room - more so than most much larger boats. I have taken my wife and two young boys out many times, but I can see how it will become a bit cramped when they are strapping teenagers. There is nowhere for young kids to lie down and sleep - like you'd find in larger cuddy style boats - but that's a different ballgame in terms of size and cost. And in reality, my kids are so into fishing they don't get bored.
I suspect you might find the 430 a bit sluggish with three or four on board and a 30hp outboard.
My handy dad built a folding wooden seat to my design which clips over the rear shelves for a 3rd seat. I've also added some extra rod holders near the front of the boat - one Railblazer and two stick on. I think the horizontal ones that came with the boat are okay for rod storage when going from A to B, but useless when moving spot and you don't want the rods in the side holders getting splashed.
I also added a flat wooden platform to hold my tote tank, rather than have it sitting at a wonky angle with the way the stern is designed to drain into the self-filling livebait tank.
Only one issue on the boat - with the weld of the small access 'window' through the windscreen to the anchor well. That just crumbled and came off in my hands. Unfortunately out of warranty at the time.
I think the weld stuff you are referring to re the hulls was a long time ago.
I also think the Voyager trailer design is wrong at the wiring end, as tight backing turns crush the cable to the lights - due to the way the trailer chain and the electrical cable emerge from the trailer together. I came up with a way of preventing that happening again, but it's poor to be in that position in the first place.
Overall, I'd highly recommend the small FCs. I've been out a few times in Redfinger's FC430CC, and that's an excellent format too.
I think Geoff 'Far Quirk' on this forum - a moderator - has the 430 tiller. Maybe drop him a PM.
Good luck.
Tinfisher wrote:
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