Need advice on first NZ boat
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: General Forums
Forum Name: The Boat Shed
Forum Description: Discuss all things boating.
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138725
Printed Date: 04 Jun 2026 at 6:41pm
Topic: Need advice on first NZ boat
Posted By: rykk
Subject: Need advice on first NZ boat
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2024 at 6:38pm
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Hi folks! Moved to NZ last August - my wife is kiwi, wanted to come home! Looking to buy my first NZ boat (last boat I had was a 12' tin with 7.5 hp motor, in British Columbia about 40 years ago... We live in Far North - I have taken up rock fishing with some good results, but want a boat. My bro-in-law has a Surtees 5.5 Workmate that I have been out on a few times, up to Cape Reinga - amazing days, with boat full of Kings and snapper! After a lot of research on this site, looking at Trademe, and talking to friends, I have some initial ideas and criteria: - Size 4-5m (15-16 feet) - want to be able to launch/retrieve/fish by myself, but also take wife or buddy (3-4 people max, 2 people fishing) - East coast, Northland primarily, fair weather ideally, but weather/seas change quickly - want something safe and comfortable - budget is $8k-$15k - willing to put work/time/$ into the right boat if it needs something (within the $15k total budget), but want a solid hull and good, reliable motor One question is fiberglass vs. aluminium. I know this has been broadly debated on this site already - fg heavier, but maybe more comfy in the chop. Welded aluminium lighter (easier to launch/retrieve). I don't mind an older boat if it is solid and well maintained. Here are some that I have shortlisted - Fiberglass: - Haines Hunter V163 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4824703521" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4824703521 - Haines Signature 1550 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4844592214" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4844592214 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4298721735" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4298721735 - Sea Nymph 146 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4786598450" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4786598450 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4848118059?bof=O4w2CrHt" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4848118059?bof=O4w2CrHt https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4854088286?bof=O4w2CrHt" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4854088286?bof=O4w2CrHt - Sea Nymph Hornet 4.9 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4850674272?bof=O4w2CrHt" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4850674272?bof=O4w2CrHt - Cresta 16ft https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4847487513?bof=O4w2CrHt" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4847487513?bof=O4w2CrHt - FiGlass Scamp 4.8 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4829988660?bof=O4w2CrHt" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4829988660?bof=O4w2CrHt Aluminium: - Bluefin 490 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4827363423?bof=O4w2CrHt" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4827363423?bof=O4w2CrHt - Lazercraft 470 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4839734696?bof=O4w2CrHt" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4839734696?bof=O4w2CrHt - Wattsline 16 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4817160189?bof=O4w2CrHt" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4817160189?bof=O4w2CrHt - Ramco 470 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4850831077?bof=O4w2CrHt" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4850831077?bof=O4w2CrHt Any perspectives would be appreciated! Any of these a standout? Any to avoid? Any other suggestions? Looking forward to getting out and enjoying the NZ coasts! Rykk |
Replies:
Posted By: MB
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2024 at 7:45pm
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My opinion and it is only that. If it's a boat under 5 metres, you're not going too far offshore on a regular basis, or at least I wouldn't be. Those rare days when we have flat seas would be the exception. With this in mind, I would rate stability over ride, so would choose at a pontoon boat like a Stabicraft. Another opinion. With a boat that size, a cabin is a waste of time. It's too small to sit in for anyone but small children and causes instant sea sickness. Cabins on small boats end up as untidy tackle lockers. My choice would be a centre or side console to maximise fishing space. Others prefer tiller still.
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Posted By: rykk
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2024 at 9:25am
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thanks MB! Yes, will generally be inshore and closer reef fishing. Most of the pontoon boats seem to have a low gunnel height and I hear they can be quite wet. Good point on the cabin- would prefer extra deck space for fishing. The Haines Hunter v163 does have a cuddie cabin, but seems to maximize deck space. These designs also have higher helms, so you can stand easily and presumably keep a bit drier in chop. The Wattsline 16 custom aluminium I listed looks interesting from this respect- no cabin, forward, high helm, good deck space, and super low hours on 90 Yammie. But being a custom design, no comparisons. From what I can tell though, it looks like a good hull design - pretty deep v gull wing at transom. Any thoughts on this one?
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Posted By: rykk
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2024 at 9:46am
| oh ya, I did see a Blackdog Cat 4XL (high sides) with tiller steer that looked good, but it sold. There is another on trademe but just out of my budget at $17.3k |
Posted By: MB
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2024 at 10:20am
| Blackdog Cats get mixed reviews (good and bad), so do your research. Haines Hunter have a good reputation. Can't comment on the other boat I'm afraid. |
Posted By: rykk
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2024 at 5:29pm
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Thanks. Came across a couple others based on your input: - Tsunami 4.3m 40HP Mercury - can't seem to find out much on these, but it is aluminium pontoon style https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4179271934" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4179271934 - Mclay 560 softie - a bit bigger than initial plan, but looks like it might not be too heavy to launch solo on ramps https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4839314018" rel="nofollow - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4839314018 Any perspective welcome!
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Posted By: MB
Date Posted: 12 Aug 2024 at 10:50am
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Again, I can't comment on those specific boats. The gunnel height on that Tsunami is low. I was thinking more like an older Senator or Stabicraft, but they might be out of your price range. Boat prices are falling though!
Surprised no one else has commented!
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Posted By: rykk
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2024 at 5:00pm
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Thanks MB! Yes, I'm surprised their have been no other response. I guess you ae the MAN! I went to see the Tsunami today . very tidy, but I also thought the gunnel height was too low.I would like to rest thighs on gunnel while hauling in the monster kingfish  !Found a Stabicraft 389F with 30hp Yamaha that looks interesting. A bit short, but looks like there is enough deck space for 2 fishing, and might be pretty good solo. Going to take a look.
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Posted By: Keith C
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2024 at 5:07pm
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I have had a Stabi 389 and an older 390. Both were excellent boats for solo or 2-person fishing. Very stable. Good to have scuppers rather than a bilge pump on the Stabi. (I had a deck full of water on the 390 and drove around until it all ran off.) |
Posted By: Sufishent
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2024 at 5:08pm
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Like MB, my
opinion only. I have a 15
foot aluminum boat with a 40hp 2s motor. I chose ali over f/glass as I have a
2wd car and predominantly beach launch. I disconnect and launch the boat manually
and retrieve with strops. I can do it solo but obviously easier with 2 people. The ride is
certainly harder than my mates with bigger, heavier boats - but there is really
no difference on a lighter wind days. I also deliberately chose ali as mine is
a pure fishing vessel and I do no pleasure cruises with the wife. My boat
works best with 2 on board but I’ve been fishing with 3 pob. Planning and utilizing
space is of paramount importance. I agree that a cabin on a small boat is pointless
as it just consumes the fishing area. Having a small boat makes one think
carefully about where to go and how to fish specific areas whereas bigger boats,
I find, tend to head for the horizon. I only launch
on favorable weather days and have learnt what tides/winds suit what areas best,
but have been caught out a couple of times and had a slow wet ride home. I now have
a set of weather sites that I monitor prior to going out and have become quite
confident with weather and trip planning. The biggest
pro (for me) has to be the cost of running – it doesn’t cost a fortune to tow
anywhere and a day on the water uses around 15L gas. Do I wish I
had a bigger, more comfortable boat – yes. Am I happy
with the boat I have – yes. If I was to
change, and as I exclusively fish with lures, a vessel with a bit more
stability at rest would be my choice - so it would probably be to an ali
pontoon style: think Frewza, Senator, Stabi. ------------- You can never have enough fishing tackle |
Posted By: MB
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2024 at 9:28pm
Haha, not really! Full disclosure, I've only been a boat owner for 2 years, jetski for 7 years before that and a kayaker for the preceding 5 years. I've also spent quite a bit of time on boats belonging to my mates if that counts. There are people on this forum with decades of boating knowledge. Continue doing as much research as possible, then make up your own mind.
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rykk wrote:Posted By: smudge
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2024 at 6:11am
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All the advice you've had here is good. As Sufishent alluded to, small boats teach you how to fish. I guess he nailed with his comments about learning about weather too. ------------- Best gurnard fisherman in my street |
Posted By: rykk
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2024 at 8:46am
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thanks! MB that adds up to 14 years on the water, in small craft! Sufishent, thanks for your great input! Safety is paramount, the little pontoon boats seem smart. Understanding weather, tides will be important. What are the weather sites you use? Going to look at the Stabi 389 tomorrow. Looks like they don’t make them anymore, but look solid.
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Posted By: Sufishent
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2024 at 10:29am
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I would
strongly advise you to get out on the water in a few different size and shaped
boats – deciding on a few comments and pictures won’t give you the answer for what’s
right for YOU. My first
test run was on a 10 foot inflatable with a pull start 15hp motor and my second
test run was on a 13 foot fiberglass with a 30hp motor. In between I’d been out
fishing on a 15 foot homemade wooden boat with a dodgy 40hp motor and manual tilt, a 5.5
meter Fyran with a 90hp motor and a 20+foot launch. I also went on a 10foot
dinghy at the Hamilton Boat Show. I decided I
needed an ali boat least 15 foot length for the cockpit space, it would fit into
my garage, it was lighter as I have a seriously steep driveway that I needed to
reverse the boat up, a decent height of the gunnels for water clearance, and very
importantly a good motor with electric start, trim and tilt. ------------- You can never have enough fishing tackle |
Posted By: rykk
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2024 at 5:41pm
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Alright! I pulled the trigger on a 2011 Stabi 389F. Low hours with a 30 hp Yamaha and an anchor capstan, which I think could be useful. I have pulled the bimini off for now as it is too low for standing. Super easy towing! Hopefully get it out this week out of Mill Bay/Mangonui for first run. The guy I bought it from had disconnected the capstan as it was being powered by a loose battery stowed up front that he didn't want bouncing around. Original owner would just charge the battery before going out. I am thinking to install battery properly in the forward cubby and hook up with proper wires/switch to charge/isolate as house battery. I am sure I will have more questions as I go. Thanks for input so far!   |
Posted By: Super Womble
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2024 at 6:37pm
| Should be a good little rig for inshore work. Nothing to flash, but gets you out there and amongst the action. Hopefully you should be able to find a productive spot in the North. |
Posted By: smudge
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2024 at 9:49pm
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Good to see you bought a boat! Looks very tidy, well done.
------------- Best gurnard fisherman in my street |
Posted By: MB
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2024 at 10:26pm
| Nice little boat! |
Posted By: Sufishent
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2024 at 11:38am
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Congrats - and here's a toast to getting heaps of good fish. My goto weather sites are: PredictWind - https://www.forecast.predictwind.com" rel="nofollow - https://www.forecast.predictwind.com Windy - https://www.windy.com" rel="nofollow - https://www.windy.com Windguru - https://www.windguru.cz" rel="nofollow - https://www.windguru.cz ------------- You can never have enough fishing tackle |
Posted By: MB
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2024 at 2:42pm
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https://www.metservice.com/marine/regions/northland/tides/locations/marsden-point%20" rel="nofollow - https://www.metservice.com/marine/regions/northland/tides/locations/marsden-point
https://www.sunrisesunsettime.org/australia-pacific/new-zealand/whangarei.htm" rel="nofollow - https://www.sunrisesunsettime.org/australia-pacific/new-zealand/whangarei.htm
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Posted By: smudge
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2024 at 7:01pm
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Our local Coastguard have always said, learn two weather apps, learn how they work and tick to them. I use Metvuw to get an over view and Swellmap Shelf break boating guide for my Manukau west coast adventures. My limits are 0.7m chop and 1.5m swell at the shelf break - not that I ever go there but it's only when I've broken my own rules when using those parameters when I've had real issues. Like 3 weeks ago. We got absolutely hammered. Swell was down but that 1.0m chop was close to being unbearable. Of course I factor in tide sizes and rising or falling wind/chop/swell as well as wind & swell direction & boat loading - which is why only two of us went last time. Lots of variables to consider but bar crossings are extreme. Don't do those just yet ------------- Best gurnard fisherman in my street |
Posted By: rykk
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2024 at 6:28pm
Allright! Had the Stabi 389 out twice now. First solo trip today! No fish but a lot of learning. Launched at Mill Bay, Mangonui, out to Berghans Point, Albert Reef, and other spots in Doubtless Bay. Dropped the anchor in two spots. Learning how to use the Garmin Echoplus 45 sounder - any tips on this welcome! Tried stickbaits, trolling lures, straylining with pilchards, jigging. Good day overall! |
Posted By: Keith C
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2024 at 8:03pm
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Great stuff Rick. Good to see you are out there doing it. Can you access your anchor without climbing round to the bow? |
Posted By: smudge
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2024 at 9:45pm
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If I may offer some advice, don't try and do everything at first. Give bait fishing a go and after you get one or two fish then thry jigs/softbaits but best to master one style first. That's my advice anyway
------------- Best gurnard fisherman in my street |
Posted By: rykk
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2024 at 8:53am
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thanks Keith! Yes, can access the anchor by reaching over the windscreen and dropping over side. Found it easy enough to retrieve by hand. So far, loving the boat. It was a bit choppier yesterday than the first time out, but handled it fine. Thanks Smudge - that sounds like very solid advice!
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