Hey all, so I’m looking to downsize my boat since it’s barely been used since my first kid was born (Haines 163C).

Over the holidays we spent a lot of time in a ski boat on taupo and my 2 yr old loved it. We’d go out and just cruise around for a bit and sight see. She enjoyed the low seats she could get in and out of by herself, where as mine are up high and it wouldn’t be safe to leave her sitting in them alone, which has been one of the main reasons for not taking her out by myself. That and the fact that’s it’s a pita to run single handed with a child in tow.

I used to run a 14ft center console and miss the simplicity of a small rig. I tried a Frewza F14 tiller for a while but that didn’t work with the kid, bit to basic, lacked shelter etc but the size was right.

So I’m thinking small runabout for the next few years, something to go blat around on the harbour for an hour or so then be home in time for lunch. If i get a line in the water that’s always a bonus but the main idea is to be out having fun.

Thinking fibreglass for ride and comfort in colder weather but not opposed to alloy. Wanting something post 2000 and around 4.2m to 4.5m. Budget around 15k, any ideas? Anyone want to trade for an old haines with an alloy hardtop bimini and honda on it? Been looking at Buccaneer 440s, Seaforce 430s, Small Macros and Qunitrexs etc. What else is there?

Cheers