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First post, having looked over the forum and it seems to be a wealth of information.
I'd like to ask for suggestions for a possible boat purchase (looking at the US Market and importing one to Oz).
I live in the Pilbara region of Australia, remote Westerna Australia.
I'm looking for a boat that will take me out to 80 miles offshore to a group of islands (Montebello Islands).
The water temp here in Summer is 86F and in Winter is approximately 70F+
We often get 15-25knot afternoon sea breezes with wave/swell heights of up to 3 feet.
I'm looking at spending up to $50,000 USD.
I'm not sure whether to get a Centre Console or a Cabin, but with regards to heading offshore, will be fishing and camping out at the islands. It's quiet shallow out there, so will need to beach the boat in the evenings.
Oi mate! A cabin on a cabin boat (IMHO) is a waste of space. What do your fellow Aussies fish out of? At the very most, I would consider a cuddy cabin. Not being stereotypical but most noobies and the older crowd I think may lean towards the cabin boat? Real gangstas fish console boats.
Hey SpearnReel, we fish out of everything over here, from CC to Cabin to small side consoles. We certainly don't have the range of boats for the price you guys get over there. We have a lot of Aluminium hulls over here, but fibre hulls definitely seem to ride better in the chop we get here.
Pilbara, before you go nuts looking did you check on the cost of 1st to put the boat in a container, and pay the shipping and then the duties and taxes to bring it in to Australia
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30' Pursuit Offshore
I usually fish on days that end with a Y
Yes, it's about $20,000 - $25,000 to get a boat from the US to Australia.
Not cheap, but the options you guys have over there, it's well worth the expense (for the right boat of course).
Any ideas on what a good purchase would be for max of $50,000 USD?
Location: Seattle, Los Angeles, FL.or Georgia, depends..
Posts: 4,169
U need to look at used. I do not think the warranty on boat motors sold in US is valid In Australia so that is a point to check with the mfgr in your area. So the motor would have no warranty. There are quite a few 30' to 32' 4 to 6 yr. old boats in that price range. Try Western US Brands first as that would save you a bundle in cross country shipping.
You could start with traderonline.com
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1. We need Lemon Laws for new boats. Fix same thing Three times in two years and get a new boat with engines, or all your money back . It's the right thing to do.
I'm sure proud that you want a US made boat, but have you tried looking local for someone who has already done what you want to do and wants to sell? For offshore, you need gunnel height so you don't fall out and a nice hefty bow and something that will cut through the swell, at least 25 feet. I'm partial to Grady White, but anything new over 24 feet will cost you well over 50000, with say twin 150s.
What about the Boats at edencraft, pretty sweet and they will eat up the chop being based on the 233 Formula. If you dont plan on sleeping on the boat a Center console makes more sense in my opinion. There are a lot of boats around 25 feet that will meet your price requirements just dont know about the weight restrictions. I dont know what a 23 Regulator weighs but that might be a good option. Anyway good luck, and enjoy the search.
Suggestions for Boat Purchase
. It's the right thing to do..jpg)
