Hi guys,

Looking for some considered advice from some experts...

My budget is maximum $25k but I'd prefer to spend $20k or less and make some minor improvements, purchase some electronics, safety gear and maybe some toys like skis etc.

I'm looking for something in the 5-6m range and need to be able to tow it behind a late-model Nissan X-Trail (compact SUV) without too much hassle.

I want a pleasure boat (not a fishing boat) for a bit of summer fun. Day trips in the Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Islands, and Coromandel areas, and water sports etc.

I have a load of experience on displacement launches and high-speed RHIBs, but a runabout in the 5-6m class is fairly new territory (ie I've driven them, but never owned).

Late '90s Bayliner Capris represent great value for money on the face of it, but I've been warned away from them by everyone I've talked to (except the salesman at the boat yard :) but no-one can really tell me why. Are they rubbish, or are they just at the cheaper end of the spectrum and value for money due to high production numbers? What does a trailered one weigh exactly?

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

As for the boats themselves, they are well featured for boats in their price range, and they are set up well as a day boat. They are not ideal fishing platforms, and are not a boat that I would be heading off on trips to Gt Barrier in etc etc. The biggest downside to these boats is the low deadrise (lack of 'V'). This makes them relatively quick and economical to push, but they ride more harshly than boats with more deadrise. If you are a 'calm day boatie', they are fine, but if you are a person who is out on more windy days you will find that you can't travel too fast without loosening a few fillings. This is why they are often referred to as 'lake boats' by NZ boaties. This is the main issue that has Kiwi boaties rubbishing them. As for general quality, they are a mass production boat, but when I look at the one we have you couldn't say that it is wearing any worse than most other boats of that age would be. They aren't a Tristram, Rayglass or similar, but for a 15 year old boat I don't think that anyone would have much to complain about in relation to build quality.

If you are interested in this boat, please let me know asap. We already have one sea-trial planned for sometime this week with a prospective buyer, so I can't guarantee that the boat will be on the market for very long.

Ideally I'm after a boat with a cuddy cabin but I have been seriously looking at a couple of bow riders.

I guess I need to sea trial a Bayliner. I'm used to capable sea boats and while I intend on only really going when it's nice as it is a day boat after al, I appreciate a good handling sea boat. The proof may be in the driving...

I was wondering about those changes you were making to the boat. Don't call her 'El Donkey' for nothing aye 

A good bit of wood will do that 

To be honest I haven't looked back. I emjoy my boating much more these days.

IMO, any sterndrive around that 10 year mark is looking to have some serious money to be spent on it, risers. manifolds, bellows, and gimbal bearing. The 3.0 has the starter in the bottom of the bilge and plenty of other bits which like to corrode/plastic deteriorate which I've replaced.

I personally like the hulls, and were fairly cheap to put gas in, but I definately wouldn't buy another one. unless it was a lake boat from new, under 5 years old, and I was keeping it on the lake. (Only because of maintainence issues)

 

Have a look at mine, whether or not your after a craft like mine, it all adds to your knowledge, and if it's midweek, can get out for a fish too.

 

The toilet belongs to Bull on a short / long term borrow!

Solid boat, nothing wrong with it, but Dave's comments about the ride are spot on. No swell, maybe around half a metre of chop in 10-15kts of westerly near the harbour bridge. Tide was on the make (so you were right Dave - wind against tide). Handling was fine with correct trim, but ride was harsh - very.

I would normally have put a boat through some serious paces, but it would've just been uncomfortable so after a couple of turns up and downwind decided to head back in.

Great boat for skiing as you wouldn't ski in these conditions, but not very good for day tripping out to the islands, etc for the run back with afternoon sea breeze.

Once again Dave, thanks. Has helped alot.