American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

[boatboy50]

Hey Guys,<br />Im in Australia, and looking to buy a secondhand sportfishing boat, something made in the US.<br />Im looking for something along the lines of a Wellcraft Coastal 230, Bayliner Trophy 21, Searay Laguna, Grady White 23, Seaswirl 23 or similar.<br />Im after a centre cabin, single or twin outboard powered boat, between 20-23 foot.<br />My question is, ive heard that Bayliners arent respected in the US. Is this so, and why? What are the decent boats that fit this criteria built in the US, which may be available in OZ?<br />We generally only have the big brands from the likes of the above manufacturers.<br />Any help would be good. What are the best boats?<br />Regards<br />Darren

 

[JB]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

G'Day, BB.<br /><br />Right. Bayliners are not highly regarded here, but because they give one a lot for the price they are very common.<br /><br />I believe that the top quality US- made boats are Boston Whaler, Grady White, Parker and Scout.<br /><br />My personal choice is alway Boston Whaler.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Bondo]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Ayah,<br />Anything but a Bilgeliner.......<br />There are Many threads here about Bilgeliners......<br />And, <br />I've been quite free with My Opinion about them............... <br /><br />Any of the other boats you mention are Fine Boats...........<br />Grady's are a mighty fine Hull....<br />And, JB's love of Boston Whalers is legendary,+ Well Warranted........

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

In Bayliner’s defense (I cant believe I just said that, I have to go wash after this post) people here say the newer ones are a lot better then they used to be. You can break a whaler into pieces and it will still float but all the hardcore fisherman around here either have or want a Grady White.

 

[KCook]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Bayliner and Wellcraft have had some big ups and downs over the years. Folks remember the bad years more than the good years. Doesn't mean they were not respectable boats in their good years though. Sea Ray and Grady-White are fancy boats, priced accordingly. Whether they actually hold up better over the years is always a thumping good debate. I believe Seaswirl has been a pretty steady value all along. But I have also never been able to get excited about their designs.<br /><br />Instead of worrying about the supposed reputation of these boats in the US I would suggest that you use their resale value in Oz as your guide. Stronger resale = stronger choice. And resale in Oz may not track the same as resale in the US. Which is Ok, your market is different, stick to what works there.<br /><br />Fair dinkum?<br />Kelly Cook

 

[DJ]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Of the two you listed, I would go with Grady or Sea Swirl (Striper).

 

[boatboy50]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Hey Guys,<br />Thank you for the replies.<br />I agree with the Aussie market evaluation, but over here, they all hold the same resale value because there is not too many of them. The Gradys are obviosly much more expensive than the rest, and therefore cost more to buy secondhand (probably more than what you guys pay new!)<br />The Bayliners actually have a good reputation over here, so im all for them.<br />When you talk about the probs, what year models are you guys talking? Im looking for something newer than 1995.<br />I have a preferance for the Wellcrafts, only because of their designs really, nothing else.<br />I have a hating for the Whalers, only due to their looks, and price, but do understand their safety aspects.<br />The Wellcrafts and Bayliners are by far the most popular here, so im very interested in the years and problems they have had.<br />The Sea Swirls are only new to OZ, so they really arent all that popular, except for the odd secondhand one privately imported.<br />Regards<br />Darren

 

[Solittle]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

I have had a 1988 23' Wellcraft CC for the past 10 yrs & love it. Solid good riding boat - - powered by twin 110 hp.

 

[navigator336]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Rumor has it the mid-90's and newer Bayliners are better, but I've made and heard so many well deserved jokes about them, I could never own one. If you've narrowed it down to a WellCraft or BL, I'd go with the WellCraft without any debate. Wellcrafts are good boats. Have you seen any Cabo's, Blackfins,or HydraSports in OZ? These are all excellent boats, with good ride, superior construction and finish.

 

[KCook]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Darren, that is a fair question about which years are the good ones. Unfortunately I don't have an answer. The USCG and a few other outfits try to keep records on problem boats. But those are really spotty. So all that is left is anecdotal chatter on message boards. Such as this thread over on www.TheHullTruth.com -<br /><br /> Wellcraft Boats <br /><br />When in doubt hire a surveyor!<br />Kelly

 

[boatboy50]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Hey Guys,<br />Thank you for the posts.<br />We dont see too many other brands here except for the main ones i have mentioned. Any of the others we do have, have been privately imported, so no-one will touch them second hand for fear of not being able to sell a one off again.<br />I am thinking definately a Wellcraft Coastal or Bayliner Trophy, between 20-23 foot, whatever i can find.<br />Does anyone have any reservations about these boats?<br />I will be getting a surveyors and engine report, but im after any traits these models may have that i should look for.<br />They seem to me to be well designed, although i have reservations on the upholstery holding up over here.<br />Any opinions will be greatly appreciated and heard.<br />Regards<br />Darren

 

[boatboy50]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

I cant afford a Grady White by the way, but it seems they are the best!<br />Regards<br />Darren

 

[boatboy50]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Hey Guys,<br />Just letting you know, ive just placed an order for a 1999 Seaswirl 23. Looks like a fantastic boat, much bigger than any similar boats we have here.<br />I have to wait six weeks to get it though, which im not too happy about.<br />Cant wait!<br />I hope its everything it looks!<br />Regards<br />Darren

 

[Boomyal]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

boatboy, I understand you are entering into summer? Need any deckhands for that new toy? <br /><br />Congratulations! Why does it take so long to get?

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Not only is boatboy entering to summer like us in NZ but also we don't get the white stuff all over and shutting us down for 1/2 the year or more.<br />I feel sorry for you guys up in the north cause our season is 12 months long.<br />Even mid-winter boating is OK with me.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Peter

 

[Boomyal]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Originally posted by peterf:<br /> Not only is boatboy entering to summer like us in NZ but also we don't get the white stuff all over and shutting us down for 1/2 the year or more.<br />I feel sorry for you guys up in the north cause our season is 12 months long.<br />Even mid-winter boating is OK with me.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Peter

Sticking tongue out thru lips and blowing!

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Originally posted by Boomyal:<br /><br />Sticking tongue out thru lips and blowing!

Does it look like this <br /><br />Aldo

 

[RatFish]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

I went Mackerel fishing on a party boat in winter off the coast of NJ. My mustache froze solid. What kept it bearable was the heated water pumped through the railing. It was cold but I caught a lot of fish.

 

[boatboy50]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Hey Guys,<br />Yep, summer is a comin! Had 30 degrees today (celcuis!), and we are still a couple of months off!<br />The Big beast is sure to get a lot of use in the coming six months or so, but even come winter, will still be used at least once a fortnight.<br />The boat is coming over from your home, the states, so thats why i have a six week wait.<br />Got more details about the boat today, and wondering if the trailer, a PERFORMANCE brand is anything to be excited about?<br />Also happy to hear from any Seaswirl owners on things i should look for, or any alterations that have been made to any boats out there, or any owner reports on this particular model.<br />Regards<br />Darren

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: American fishing boat in Australia - What to Buy?

Hey boomyal, best you dont look in the mirror when your blowin thro yr lips or youll get it ALL back at YOU.<br /> <br />Love it all, but I really do feel for you. (just a little bit) but you got to be careful coz too much pity is not good for you.<br /><br /><br />Peter