My 1st time on a posting on a forum.

Was hoping anybody may have some advise/ experience on the boat mentioned above, which Im quite keen on buying.

Im totally new to boating, Ive done a fair amount of research, but not experienced in any way.

The boat add in question;

  https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1589232777" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1589232777

Any help or input would be greatly appreciated!

Ive been looking through the web trying to find specs for the 2001 model and ones that are slightly older, but theres not much info. I know the latest ones are 3mm bottom.

Fyrans of similar length and age seem to be mostly 1.6 - 2mm and rivetted, with an ave weight around 140kg (hull only).

I think the weight of this quintrex is 325kg (hull only), so ive made the assumption that its a 3mm hull, and Im hoping its fully welded...?

I don't have any experience of Quintrex, but it's quite popular in Australia for estuary and inshore fishing.

Have you searched the forum threads for Quintrex? I know there were some strong opinions about the older ones, in terms of ride and hull sturdiness. 

From my perspective, a couple of the things on the listing are curious. One, the vague comment that "I have never used the auxiliary but it looks new"... makes me wonder how long they've had the boat, or what the circumstances of the sale are. 

Also, it may be an optical illusion, but there appears to be some damage on the bottom of the hull near the first rollers on the trailer, looks like it's been pulled up hard on some pebbles or rocks. I would inquire more about that.

I personally wouldn't want the seat at the stern if you intend to anchor and bait fish, as it would get right in the way of access to the bait board etc. Can it be removed easily?

Here's a video on YouTube of a guy who's a legend in Aussie top water fishing who takes a slightly bigger Quintrex (475) out to the Barrier reef to nail some big GTs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSVth1NcE9k" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSVth1NcE9k

Alot of volume for a 5m boat thanks to beamy design, so nice and stable at rest... but fine entry ment it rode pretty good. Could fish 4 people easily.

I had to lift thefloor (ply) to fix the fuel sender once and was pretty shocked to see the state of the underfloor metalwork. Thin gauge alloy slotted over longitudinal stringers with the odd spot weld holding it together. Looked very weak.

From there over time the bottom of the hull was deformed inwards due to water pressure on the thin gauged bottom plates, which I think was 3mm corogated to provide strength and aid tracking by acting a bit like a strake.

Granted we went out in some snotty conditions with dive gear so there was alot of weight in the boat.... But we were not exactly punching over a west coast bar daily. Just Hauraki Gulf. At about 90 hrs I sold it.

I think for what they are intended for ie: waterways, lakes etc they are fine. 

Nz conditions are pretty full on some days, and I dont think smaller Quintrexs are built aswell as nz built boats. I have herd a few storys of owners dealing with cracked welds...and warrentys not being honoured. Have even seen statements online from ex-owners saying that they should not be sold in NZ

But... The boat on TM looks good. They nice inshore fishing rig. Just treat it carefully. They aint no AMF.

All this info is very valuable, and its got me thinking a bit.

Ive started thinking maybe I should sit tight for now rather and just research and pick people's brains rather.

Have anyone had any experience or know anyone with a Seaforce 430 Winna?

Would 3 people be able to fish of the back without being completely sardined together?

Or rather, would two people be able to stand up at the same time fishing, or one fishing and another assisting to net/ gaff a hooked kingy, while a 3rd sits on a seat supervising or watching rod tips?

As recommended above, have a read of the threads in the boats section. Some you'll find talked about a lot are the Frewza F14, FC430, some of the smaller fibreglass boats including the classic Sea Nymph V14 gullwing etc.

There are whole threads about the best 5m pontoon style boat as well. And pontoons versus standard hulls. There are moulded plastic boats such as Mac as well, to compare with the others.

My final advice is to do a sea trial before you buy anything.

Yes I think i'll go and window shop around a few boat yards for the time being, and I'll keep weighing up pros and cons of ali vs glass, and keep my eye on nz brands a bit..

Been doing alot of research, but might be good to see it in front of me.

Anybody have suggestions of any decent boat yards around Palmerston North general area?

I can see Fibre Form and City Marine via google, but doesnt look like they have websites. 

Im considering to maybe drive through to Taupo and Rotorua, looks like at least a couple of good yards up there... Trev terry and Telfer.

I also go down to Wellington every now and then, passing Boat city on the way,.. any other ones down that way worth having a look at.

Ideally i'd like a 4.3- 4.9m just because my garage is 5.8m long, which I think should fit the trailer + boat + motor....touch wood.

And took my tape measure to the boat yard and triple checked it would all fit - I've got a few cm to spare on either side of the trailer (split double garage entrance), and a bit in terms of length. That's with a 4.65m LOA boat, + motor, and single axle trailer. 

I had a mate at work who moved to a new place and didn't check the height of his hard top Extreme compared to the new house's separate external garage - now the boat sits outside.

DIY wrote: I have a Seaforce 430 Winna and it’s an awesome boat for its size. Good for 2 fishing and can fish 3 ok if the canopy is down. We also tow the kids around etc no problems getting in/out of the boat. Always thought I’d have tinnys but having this would stick to fibreglass. Would like to upgrade to the 530 Ute.

DIY how do you find the Winna in short sharp chop?  The sort of thing that results from the wind blowing against a current?

I would buy another.. Looks like a great boat

Cheers

Wefaknis