best tinny in the 6 to 7 metre range
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Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: The Briny Bar
Forum Description: The place for general chat on saltwater fishing!
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20460
Printed Date: 29 May 2026 at 7:18am
Topic: best tinny in the 6 to 7 metre range
Posted By: Reel Magic
Subject: best tinny in the 6 to 7 metre range
Date Posted: 01 May 2007 at 10:08pm
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Whats everybody's opinion of the best alloy boat in the 6 to 7 metre size length and why. Wanting to upsize and going to check out the various models at the boat show. Needs to be capable of bar crossings, rough seas and game fishing, as well as inshore stuff. |
Replies:
Posted By: The Cod Father
Date Posted: 01 May 2007 at 11:09pm
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I like the Senator 680 although there are obviously heaps of models nowadays to choose from. Huge reserve buoyancy, lots of storage for a pontoon boat and best of all stable as. I fish some real fat bastar** off my Stabi 630 and we often all end up hanging over the side untangling pukas in rough seas down here of Welly and u dont give it a second thought. Try doing it in a normal monohull and it doesn't take too long to get the "big fright". Senator 780 Widebody is my dreamboat. Could fit all the fat buggers on that one no worries!
------------- No Gut No Glory |
Posted By: Dohboy
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 6:39am
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I have a Surtees 6.7 and am very happy with it, you wont find a boat with a better ride. I you are looking a one I would be happy to take you out for a ride. But it is not my drem boat. If i had the money would have a 7-7.5 m Whitepointer. ------------- www.acewash.co.nz |
Posted By: tobez
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 7:21am
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Mclay 680...go and look at one ------------- Waikato North Harbourmaster...Got a Nav Safety question for the Waikato region?...call me 021705642 or download the app Marine Mate! |
Posted By: Diversion
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 7:53am
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I remember a similar thread here a few years ago and recall someone
stating that "all boats come with rose tinted glasses" ie
whatever the owner has becomes the "best" boat on the water. all boats
have their good and bad points .my advice is to go out in as many boats
as you can in the conditions you normally fish in, make your decision
on your own requirements, and don't compromise. having said all
that and wearing my rose tinted glasses i can't/wont have any
other boat but a pontoon model ie senator.
------------- From the office of His Lordship (Mayor of Whangapoua) |
Posted By: Dead Ant
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 9:16am
Why does it have to be Ally?
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Posted By: Diversion
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 9:34am
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why not?
------------- From the office of His Lordship (Mayor of Whangapoua) |
Posted By: Bender
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 9:45am
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The one you can afford. ------------- Nobody has ever come up with a great idea after a second bottle of water. |
Posted By: Leelay
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 10:25am
| In my experience, usually the best one is the one you CAN"T afford! |
Posted By: Espresso
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 10:49am
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Start with the reality check i.e. physically write down what you want and think you want to do with the boat - the boat design will need to fit that criteria. Also this eliminates getting something that you don't use e.g. I don't go wakeboarding, so all the b.s. around that is not a selling point for me, I don't dive, I usually fish solo, can't stand any clutter in the cockpit, mostly used for fast fishing sessions within an hour from home etc etc. It's the usage situation that should determine what is ideal for you. In my case a 6.1m Surtees Barcrusher, near perfect for my needs
 |
Posted By: Dead Ant
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 11:03am
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Espresso makes some great points. Before you can choose a boat you need to know what you think you are going to use it for most of the time, what your budget is, then fit it together. Bar crossings would mean heaps of power, a hardtop, grab rails and a self draining cockpit. Rough Seas means you should get a soft riding, well constructed boat as the constant stress is hard on joints. You should also look at passenger comfort if you intend on doing long rough water trips. Game fishing is just too big to look at in a short post but good vision, a clear unobstructed cockpit, good mounting points for poles and economy are all important. Inshore fishing usually means room to store your catch, 4 guys to fish, decent bait station, livebait tank. Put all these in a boat and you'll start finding the problem of compromises! Don't forget you need to tow it so you vehicle needs to be big enough or upgraded. Good luck shopping. Cheers DA |
Posted By: Bender
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 11:18am
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Indeed he does. When choosing my new boat, I started with a simple parameter: it had to be towable by my existing vehicle. therefore, 1700kg-ish.
I didn't want to spend too much but I did want a new four stroke outboard.
I took 2 years of looking and eventually found something that would do the trick. Like all boats its a compromise, but I'm happy with where I've ended up.
The key was starting with known parameters rather than wandering around waiting for something to take my fancy. ------------- Nobody has ever come up with a great idea after a second bottle of water. |
Posted By: EZ.ON.PC
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 2:39pm
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Reel Boats are made from fiberglass. ------------- I want a big one |
Posted By: Diversion
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 4:20pm
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thats a brave statement, why?
------------- From the office of His Lordship (Mayor of Whangapoua) |
Posted By: Bender
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 4:35pm
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Reel boats may be made from fibreglass.
But real boats are made from alloy. ------------- Nobody has ever come up with a great idea after a second bottle of water. |
Posted By: tobez
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 5:05pm
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like i said fishfinda - 680 mclay...please call into orams fri thru tuesday and ill show you what i mean - out of the 315 boats in the stack its the one i would have hands down. ------------- Waikato North Harbourmaster...Got a Nav Safety question for the Waikato region?...call me 021705642 or download the app Marine Mate! |
Posted By: Bender
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 5:15pm
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Good call Tobez. Make a seriously good boat, McLay. ------------- Nobody has ever come up with a great idea after a second bottle of water. |
Posted By: Ski
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 5:59pm
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safety first...pontoons.2 kids would still be alive if the father had chosen a pontoon boat
economy...fourstroke even better 2 of them pref yamaha with stainless props of course
hard top best in rough stuff but harder to see at night
bigger fuel tank the better
bunks up front big enuf to sleep
lock up wheelhouse good option, sliding side windows bonus too
have a hgood look around at the boatshow and if you go new the manufacturers should be able to deck out the boat of your choice with whatever options you ask for....extra rod holders....livebait tank...shelve here ,canholder there...solid baitstation basically anything thats gonna be easier to fit from new rather than try and add on later get it done.a good coat of nyalic right from the word go is also a good move as without it the alloy wil llose its new gloss in the years to come and the "shiny" bits help with the gamfishin(well i reckon anyway!)good luck with your choice and if you want a testdrive in a senator giz a pm
------------- yamaha reliability senator stability shimano superiority the rest is up to the fish! |
Posted By: A C
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 6:27pm
Or even a normal alloy hull with positve floatation. ------------- Aye-Aye cloth eyes. |
Ski wrote:Posted By: fush
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 6:34pm
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EZONOD - I am with you. If I had to own a 6 - 7 meter boat I would go
glass. I throughly enjoy the ride of a glass boat, the smell of new
fiberglass and the comfort you feel in a quality glass craft. But my
resaons arent the same as everyone elses. Obvious starting point would
be Haines Hunter. Good mate just went through the process of buying one. He and I test drove a number of brands to see how they suited what we would be doing. There are some great options out there but you cant go past the HH. Strangely I didnt have any say on the motor and he decided on Suzuki would suit him best, not all bad as the boat will see most of its days at Lake Tarawera. I also use a mates 6. buccaner and we tested one of these against the HH. Also tried the ramco but for family trout fishing the HH was the top pick Mate brought a 6.2m Kiwi Craft so we could game fish. He didnt have much sea experience so wanted a boat he would feel comfortable in letting someone else drive so he could gain experience, so he throws me the keys when we head out and he is learning his way around boats and NZ s sea conditions. He wanted a boat that was comfortable for guests to fish from something the a guest would not have a problem getting dirty. Its been a great boat across the manakau bar, aldermans on a bloody rough day and great for strangers to fish from for snapper. It does handle more like a ship than a trailer boat. I must say I love poonton boats and would seriously say to those looking at boats to consider the safety aspects not only for them selves but for guests coming out for a enjoyable day. One thing about boating its such a great thing to share with others that making their experience a good one is important.. The senators are a beautiful boat to cruise and fish from - has anyone ever heard of quaility issues from the brand I would suggest prbably not - definately a option hard to pass up. Anyhow give this same guy a glass boat and he would ding it on the ramp. I own a Bonito 5.2M but spend as much time on mates boats. |
Posted By: A C
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 6:39pm
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Fishfinda - if you're serious you'll be needing to look at the AMF
range as well as all mentioned above. If I had the notion again to sell
my old boneshaker plus the dosh I'd be straight in to a custom built
AMF........ Soon my precious-soon  Don't get caught out with the old "my turbo six potter saloon will tow it no problem" ........not up a slippery ramp it won't and it won't stop it from going forward in a hurry either - trailer brakes or otherwise if it's a wet road. However I love the McClay and the Surtees for the ride, smooth as. ------------- Aye-Aye cloth eyes. |
Posted By: fush
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 6:41pm
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PS - I also fish regulary from a mates Bayliner Trophy 25FT Now thats one beautiful boat to fish from. Its a huge piece of equipment and when the weather gets rough the ride is impressive. Its also a great game fishing boat. |
Posted By: fush
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 6:44pm
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AC - fished from Adri AMF when he had it. Only 5. something M but a
very well made boat. The cockpit area reminded me of the room of have
in the Bonito (my boats biggest strength) but the ride of the AMF is
far superior to what I get Hopefully he might catch up on the thread and drop his thoughts. Nice product |
Posted By: A C
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 7:02pm
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Hey Herring, no doubt the AMF sport range is good but the bigger AMF's
are well built and a great ride but the cost is a factor. I know two
blokes that had them built one a 7m and the other a bit longer - simply
the best. You have a Bonito eh - wasn't named "Bluebird" by any chance ?. My first ride was a 186 offshore and was an excellent boat. ------------- Aye-Aye cloth eyes. |
Posted By: Rotowarriors
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 7:07pm
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whatever boat the wife lets you buy is the best one
if no have wife and can buy anything, then surtees,stabi,senator,mclay,whitepointer,westcoaster,marco,ramco,amf.....
did I miss anyone out.
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Posted By: couda
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 7:19pm
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I have a Senator RH 620 wide with heaps of fishing room (bunks too short to overnight which is use no use in Napier anyway)
wide with amazing stability (doesn't cut thru the water as well as non pontoon - coal barges don't make performance boats)
tandem trailor ( cant make the turn in the driveway to store it behind the house)
great to tow (but I seriously need trailor brakes so I can emergency stop)
lighter than fibreglass(I can add water ballast to to make it behave like a fibreglass boat when I want to)
hardtop fantastic for a ginga like me, or when the sea gets a bit rough (can't fit it in my carport)
fish 4 adults easy
I'm extremely happy with it, but like all boats with every plus there's a minus somewhere. Thats a honest self apprasial
|
Posted By: fush
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 9:54pm
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Hi AC - called it Iliamna Great boat at rest. I dont mind what wind strength when going into it or with it but side on and it takes a thumping along with alot of spray over the side. I liked the 186 hence I went bonito. They were a strong brand back then but not as strong these days. Still a very heavy sturdy boat. I have never been out in the new 6m + range of boats. Would be great to see what they are like. But the garage and real estate prices in Akl mean I will never have a bigger boat. I think storage is another strong consideration to make - fiberglass really needs to be stowed in the garage while the tin seems to handle being left outside |
Posted By: Reel Magic
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 10:25pm
| Thanks for all the responses, some helpful comments have been put forward. I will take them on board when making my decision. I have a 5 metre Marco runabout with a 90 hp Evinrude which I have had from new since 1996. Was doing fishing, skiing and wakeboarding back then, so it was a versatile choice. But fishing has taken over now, so a bigger more ocean going craft is the better option for what I want and the other half will feel safer when we are 25 plus kms out at sea as I like to be. |
Posted By: Diversion
Date Posted: 03 May 2007 at 6:53am
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good luck with your quest and let us know the results.
------------- From the office of His Lordship (Mayor of Whangapoua) |
Posted By: Lethal
Date Posted: 03 May 2007 at 9:49pm
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hahaha fishfinda... 25kms out to sea..... i go fishing in a 6-5mt McLay and you can find me 75 to 100kms out to sea on good day..... im betting you going to catch up real soon...... see you out there....... one of the things i have learnt is put a bigger motor on it, not only are they cheeper to run, yeah beleave it, less revs mean less fuel might cost more to buy but will also last a lot longer ...... another one is 4 stroke - 2, dont be sucked in unless your going to own this rig for a very long time.... weigh up the amount of outboard motor oil you can buy for the difference in price normaly $10gs and this will buy at least 10 to 15years worth maybe more, my 2stroke use as little as a 4stroke in the way of petrol just thought you should know that......  |
Posted By: Espresso
Date Posted: 04 May 2007 at 11:16am
 Yeah Lethal has a good point or two there. Going wide is inevitable if you have the capability, if you don't, you'll probably want it e.g. Gt Barrier on a weekend like this one coming, catching the odd Marlin, quick Snapper fishing anywhere in the Gulf, dry/out of sun with a hardtop, tinnys get washed by the rain when outside.
2 st/4 str - do your research into how many hours you will actually do in a year, it's a maths equation. The new model 2 trokes are not that much heavier on gas, especialy if you're only going to do say 100hrs engine time a year (that's a standard 2 hr engine run, Snapper Gulf fishing trip EVERY week!)
All good eh!
    My boat
 |
Posted By: Tzer
Date Posted: 04 May 2007 at 12:09pm
I like your choice of boat Grant
 My boat & my next one below
 |
Posted By: snapp68
Date Posted: 04 May 2007 at 12:39pm
| ive owned 4 tinnies over the past few years including Ramco,s ect. but the best one ive ever had was my 7.3 meter Bluewater, these boats are custom made in Henderson, and they are one of the best on the market for stability and ride. |
Posted By: Espresso
Date Posted: 04 May 2007 at 12:52pm
Hey Tzer - don't those Surtees pull Marlin too? 
I'm going Snapper fishing this weekend - YAY
(I just can't help myself...loading a couple of fish pics from the Surtees....whatever you get Fishfinda - enjoy!!
The odd Kingie brute
 The odd 20lber
 The odd happy kid
 The odd JD
 The odd overnighter
 Then the odd 60lber
 And if you want to, go get a 250lber
  Let me at the weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers
Espresso.
|
Posted By: Mr Bean
Date Posted: 04 May 2007 at 1:52pm
Any of you guys have an opinion/experience on the Extreme boats, have an uncle in law seriously looking at getting one. They look pretty tasty to me but then most new boats over 6m I'd dribble over 
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Posted By: Bender
Date Posted: 04 May 2007 at 1:58pm
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I like the look of them. Scott Robson design. I thought their prices were pretty sharp when I looked at them at the boat show last year.
------------- Nobody has ever come up with a great idea after a second bottle of water. |
Posted By: billfish
Date Posted: 04 May 2007 at 10:47pm
A biased and entirely unsupported view from me FF but you might consider a Westcoaster.
* Handles bar crossings? TICK - name a better boat for that.
* Handles Rough seas?, You bet.
* Gamefishing? I cannot claim much success this year but they hold there own against any other trailer boat no question. I did have to put up with a few novices like Kezza, Boulder and Swannie this year too.
West Coasters ARE sturdier and better built than most though I do rate Blue Waters and W' Pointers which Rob and I had a close look at before deciding.
But most, most of all.............I like the way they move!!!!
Go on admit it. They just look so dam good.
|
Posted By: tugboat
Date Posted: 04 May 2007 at 11:37pm
Hey snap68 got any pics of that 7.3 bluewater machine???? What size is your westcoaster bill???? Awsome name for that boat bill, suits it!!! I was almost gona call one of my boats that years ago, glad i didnt cause the boat just didnt have tuff built exterior to match the name 
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Posted By: Espresso
Date Posted: 05 May 2007 at 5:11am
| Yep a Westcoaster will turn the head of any man, even a Surtees owner. well built machines those. Haven't seen a hardtop one - ? |
Posted By: Adri
Date Posted: 05 May 2007 at 9:29am
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AMF - in my view, (being a qualified sheetmetal worker,)have the highest quality of workmanship I have seen on any alloy craft. Up to 6 metres something manufactured in Wanganui by Rivercity Marine, Brian. Over that length manufactured by AMF in Tauranga, previously Te Puke by Mr Sharrett and his daughter. I have had two both now sold and I have defaulted back to a 38 foot Kauri sloop. MMmmm this is taking some time to get used to fishing from though. I would stake my life on the AMF, it is built to handle West Coast bar conditions, the great ride comes from the hull design, the quality engineerng matches the ride. They will take what ever you hand out to them and then more. Brian said to me when I picked up the second one, they have a 6 year hull warranty but if you can break it any time I will replace it. I am sure they will be at the boat show. And when you add everything up and compare prices, there is not a hell of lot of difference. |
Posted By: Donald Duck
Date Posted: 05 May 2007 at 12:14pm
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Step by step bullet-proof Guide to buying the right ali boat for you: 1. Make a decision.
 2. Go fishing.
3. Wrong decision?
 4. Trade.
 5. More fishing.
6 to ??? Repeat process until:
 Right decision!
 Fish fish fish fish...
Retire
 Fish fish fish fish fish...
Die.
 Leave boat to The Beagle
I can't see any problems if you follow these instructions to the letter.
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Posted By: tobez
Date Posted: 05 May 2007 at 12:20pm
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leave boat to begal...bro you will have to start taking the fountain of youth pills... ------------- Waikato North Harbourmaster...Got a Nav Safety question for the Waikato region?...call me 021705642 or download the app Marine Mate! |
Posted By: Donald Duck
Date Posted: 05 May 2007 at 12:24pm
| Nah bro, it's my fish diet... 13kg of Omega III per week I'm gunna live to 115 ! |