Boat advice required

[Bassaholic]

Hi Guys

I am currently in the market for a new boat and my budget is around R80K. The boats I have been looking at are in the medium range if I can put it that way or around 5m in length. So far the only boats which I have managed to find which fit my criteria have been narrowed down to three.

The CB460 from escape boating
A new mk3 Splash from east rand boating although I am not sure if it will be called a splash. It is a 4.75m boat with 2.1m beam which Carl is in the process of building.
And the last one is the tribal bass boat which seems to offer the best value for money from the three and according to the owner is completely wood free.

So my question is, aside from physically testing the boat on the water, what do I look for to ensure the boats quality is good apart from the obvious visual stuff and finishing, and that I am not getting a dud. How do I know if the hull integrity is great or if the materials used are up to standard. What makes a good hull from a bad hull? etc.
Is there anything else I should be asking about. How many layers of fiberglass should it have?

So far I have fished off the CB460 and it handles fine, but I dont like the small back section and the concealed fuel tank also concerns me as it is not easily accessible. Other than that, it is a great boat.

The new splash is still being built so I have no idea what it will be like, however the new design and space does make for an attractive alternative to the 460. Below is a pic of the template for the mold being built.



As for the tribal I have been to the factory to look at the boat and it looks good. They have made a number of improvements to the original design and finishing and I have been invited by the builders to take it out for a day on the water to test it thoroughly.

So please let me know if there is anything further I should be checking for.

[bigbassboy]

what about a VX70 or a dragonfly MKIII ?

[bigbassboy]

or do they still make RAKERS?

[Jim_From_Zim]

My 2 zim cents worth:

You can buy a lot of 2nd hand boat for R80k. If you look around you will find something that will fit your budget. In searching gumtree, there is a nice Raker with a 115 Johnston on the back, 72ld minn kota etc (its the one with the red seats and red carpeting). I've seen this boat and its in great condition. Its also advertised through Shannon at Boat Centre - so maybe go chat to him on the east rand for some pointers and advice.

Tribal boats I'd stay away from after the last one was completely destroyed in an accident on the water. They are going to have to go a long way to convince me that their hulls have more integrity in the construction process.

The CB460 is a nice hull, but the hidden tank is also a problem to me.

You wont find a VX70 for that budget, maybe double it and you'll get a big boat...

With regards to finding something that is not rotten, best is to take a friend that already owns a boat with you to check one out.

I'd look for a Bass Lightning, Raker, Dragonfly mk3 etc for that budget. You'll certainly pic up something great to fit in the budget. Most important things to look for when buying is the following:
Paperwork (for the boat and the trailer!)
Make sure the motor is not stuffed
The rest can be fixed or bought to replace.

[Toadee]

Don't understand the scepticism surrounding the hidden fuel tank. I've never seen the particular boat; please explain some more.

Also, the 'i' in Tribal Boats is pronounced like the 'u' in 'rubble' ' :blue-badgrin: :blue-badgrin:

[Jim_From_Zim]

As far as I am aware, the tank is integrated into the hull design, which means it's stuck below the main deck down low on the inside of the hull, which improves the lowering of the CG.

But if it leaks, you will have to cut the entire deck off to get to the tank. Makes for an expensive way of fixing a small fuel leak.

[Riprap]

On the older version (Bass seeker), the tank is at the back but it just doesn't fit to pull out if a problem so similar negative although they are marvellous boats.

[Spro]

Bassaholic I would have to agree with Jim from Zim that in that price range your best bet is a second hand Raker/Lightning or a Rebel 532. The Rebel 532 will probably be a bit more expensive.
If you can find a good 2nd hand Raker or Lightning you should be paying in the range of R 70 000 to R 90 000. Only problem is they don't come onto the market that often.

[Riprap]

Bassaholic - not sure if this one is still available:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.peterswatersports.co.za/product_detail.php?product_code=BAS073">http://www.peterswatersports.co.za/prod ... ode=BAS073</a><!-- m -->

and even better:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://boatcentre.co.za/home/show-ad?id=929">http://boatcentre.co.za/home/show-ad?id=929</a><!-- m -->

[clicker]

I have a bass seeker 475 with a 90 Yamaha.Built in tank holds around 80l,and is fitted in the rear.It's a brilliant little boat,does close to 70km/h and is super light on fuel.I have done 3 full day trips on Albert falls with one tank.
It can get into some really tight/shallow spots too.The negatives are that if you fish with more than one person on the boat it gets cramped.The rod locker battles to take my longer rods and it gets a bit scary in rough water.
My advice is buy what you can afford,as long as it's safe...............Bass don't care,

[Bassaholic]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I would prefer a new boat if possible as then I can choose my colours etc. I dont know much about the rakers and would love the Rebel 532 or vx 70 but both these are well in excess of R100K. I would also prefer the biggest boat I can afford as space and stability are my major driving factors. I am not a speed junkie so not looking for the fastest one around, also makes for a hefty fuel bill.

A couple of more questions. How old are the rakers and is there still a local agent?

I see alot of negative comments on the tribals but Im the kind of person that prefers to see for myself and then make up my mind. What is the reason for the Tribal having a bad name, is it the accident or are there other issues which I am not aware of.

[Bassaholic]

Bassaholic - not sure if this one is still available:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.peterswatersports.co.za/product_detail.php?product_code=BAS073">http://www.peterswatersports.co.za/prod ... ode=BAS073</a><!-- m -->

and even better:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://boatcentre.co.za/home/show-ad?id=929">http://boatcentre.co.za/home/show-ad?id=929</a><!-- m -->

Thanks Rip. Those are some really nice Dragons. Decisions, decisions..... :blue-doubt:

[bigbassboy]

cmon boet, Join the DRAGONFLY club! great boats that can handle rough water well, if the MKII which i own is anything to go by then the MKIII must be fantastic!

[Navrik]

Stay with Team Splash...the bigger better faster one looks mean :blue-badgrin:

[Riprap]

Nav, there are a few things in life which a man is reluctant to loan out: - His rifle, wife, car & boat! Why, because these are the things that a man puts a lot of effort, time & money into and which brings him pride and enjoyment.........well, most of the times! :blue-rolleyes:

A boat is a hell of an investment and if it's a bargain then you spend countless hours invested in getting it to your satisfaction least of all of which is the "legal" requirements for road and water. I once bought such a "bargain" but it turned out for the better as you will always get guys that neglect their boats but you have to be on the lookout for this constantly.

Recently, some members are selling their boats and I admire their pride with what they have done with them and the quality they are offering. This comes at a price chaps and Bassaholic, I hear you about making your own decision re model etc but I'm a firm believer in not re-inventing the wheel and on this site I think you will get some honest and real opinions.