im looking at both of these machines as the next purchase - intial thoughts are im after the 600 but the 530 Ute seems to have a butt tone of deck space... anyone been in either to compare? 

Is there anyone who has one in the lower north island that minds if I come and have a look see? see how big they really are etc? There is a 600 in rotorua (with a old style smoker on board/not interested in) and a good 530 ute on trade me way up north.... 

Im based near Palmerston north if there are any nearish to look at (welly to taupo is fine)

neil

 

Cheers

 

My yammie 115 has done 1300 + hours and still going strong, I am cautious about loading, never take more than 3 over the bar.

 

Cheers

Neil have you owned a 6m Glass boat before?

You are right there is nothing but a good thing pushing torque to the maximum recommended. Which is what you need to consider, not the HP but the weight and torque recommended.

Keep in mind older boats are recommended HP based on 2 stroke. Dont go thinking chucking the maximum 4 stroke on is just that without consulting the builder. In most cases it should be fine. The reality is you will be dealing with less torque on the transom, but much more weight, so the extra weight with slightly less torque is the only concern. Just consult the builder and ask, just for peace of mind.

In my experience 6m 150hp, 5.5115hp, 5m Ived owned a haines signature that did 75kph (sorry cant be bothered converting to knots) with a 75hp 2 stroke suzuki on it.

Its all about weight mostly, once you get to 6m you are starting to haul weight. Heavy glass boat and if repowered with 4 stroke extra heavy donk = New vehicle in a lot of instances.

Just stating the obvious just in case you havnt thought the basics through yet.

Otherwise a good 6m glass boat is a potential inshore, offshore on good days weapon.

Haines SF600.

Seaforce are good boats though.

Not hard to attend Coast Guard bar crossing day/course. Also pretty easy to convince a local skipper to come out with you and teahc you the bar. Just remember the time rules 2.5-3 hours going out, 2 hours max coming back in. That may change per bar. Glass boats are no diff to any other boat on a crossing. Except once out their they have the best, nice fluffy soft angelic ride lol.

I think Seaforce have the right hull shape, nice entry, fairly dee deadrise, downturned chines for stability at rest. Thats whY i would go a Haines Sports Fisher, but each to their own.

I know some spearos who love their old haines v17l which is all deadrise, know attempt at stability at rest aside from normal beam width. But the ride under way they are amazing boats.

As for size. If you can afford 6m DO IT imo. Nothing beats size. The difference between a 5.5 and a 6 is surprisingly noticeable in decent swell.

If I was limited to west coast Id consider a Deep Vee Ally pontoon of which Osprey is the only real fine entry and deadrise Im aware of The rest are good boats but designed to get you home without addressing the comfort issue, My opinion. Or you could go a 6m RIB, Light to tow and and will handle surf well. But most do not offer full cabins, I think the 6m Naiad might.

Cheers for the below - Not really - grew up on a oldschool 5.8 Glastron. 

Yeah I understand weight is the limit for what hangs off the back. The boat has the max Hp and has a weight limit as per the manufacturer 200kg- which the 115 is under. 

I began to think I required a 6m boat, but the reality is I need to be able to manage maneuvering and launching it pretty much on my own. We have parking and driveway considerations - but I also wish to be able to go out solo which really pushed me towards the mid 5s.. 

All Haines looks super sweet - I have unofficially bought the Seaforce Ute - pending an inspection and service etc.

Thanks for all the input!

 The new Merc 115 four stroke which has been out for a few years now is exactly the same weight as an old 115 2 stroke Yamaha, so worrying about extra weight is with older four stroke motors .

I did not know that, cheers Rowboat. I will have to check out comparative fuel usage but that sounds promising.

All up to you Neil, but Ive not had any issue launching any boat single handed. Do you beach launch? In the surf like Ahipara would be the one occassion you would struggle. But from a ramp, Ive launch 8m boats single handed.

Its simply a process. Once you know the process. As long as the ramp is not bombarded with 1m+ chop, you should be fine.

The difference in offshore capability rises dramatically imo in 6m+, especially overnight accommodation, non existant in 5.5m which really unless is a RIB or possibly Back Breaker (Ally Pontoon) then isnt really offshore suited (consistently). Of course people experienced who have skippered etc will know how to handle most boats.

If you are really concerned, ask for help on how to launch solo, aint no shame in that.

Also you may want to consider a HEAVY plate ally boat with a flooding keel like the Extreme 605 or 650 Game King. 

https://inverlochmarine.com.au/extreme-boats/game-king/605-game-king" rel="nofollow - https://inverlochmarine.com.au/extreme-boats/game-king/605-game-king

That is the smallest 605 game king and still manages a full lockable cabin which can have an electric toilet fitted.

Total tow weight is 1200-1500kg. 

They are designed to be a quiet ally, I would go for the marine 2000 cork teak like floor boarding as thats what mostly makes ally boats noisey. No pontoons to full with foam needed.

The flooding keels really do work giving you that glass like feel in a chop. Not as good, but very close. The enclosed Helm Models get even thicker plate ally and once you get to 8mm its very much like glass.

The reason I raise this is, 1. It saves on motor size significantly 2. Saves on cost due to engine (not sure total package comparison) 3. It maybe easier to handle 1 up for you than a glass boat (but personally I think its just learning the process and experience).

https://inverlochmarine.com.au/extreme-boats/game-king/605-game-king" rel="nofollow - https://inverlochmarine.com.au/extreme-boats/game-king/605-game-king

http://www.extremeboats.co.nz/aluminium-boats/more-6m" rel="nofollow - http://www.extremeboats.co.nz/aluminium-boats/more-6m

I had a good look at all the ali options and was very close to jumping on that band wagon. The space and layout is unbeatable compared to a std Glass boat. Then there is seaforce......

I had a good think about the type of boating I will be doing and simply put I need a fishable boat, no overnighting space required but safe and stable that can be towed by a medium car and handled 100% by me as Ill fish solo often. If I have to stay home due Chop then thats ok.

It sadly will take a few months to come together but cant wait, second boat - first ever new boat....exciting!