Thread: Boat upgrade, 14-15ft range

Currently running a Mac360, it's an awesome wee boat but limiting when the weather cuts up (wet/wind) especially going to Kapiti etc.
The boys are getting bigger 16 and 11, ok for the small lakes trout fishing but really got to the stage where something bigger is required.

So far I reckon something in the 14ft range would be ideal and still be easy enough to launch solo and fish shallow water, small lakes chasing Trout. Looking at Stabicraft 389, 1410, 1450 Frewza, Profile etc in similar sizes. Pretty set on pontoon style rather than V, centre console, cuddy or tiller steer would all be options.

Any experiences with the above boats or other recommendations? I realise the ride in the chop with the above boats can be a bit rough but priority is stability.

Cheers

James

Sensible going for pontoon construction imo. I’ve had Stabi until recently, but my mates Profile is far softer riding.

got a 390 rockhopper got new in 08 put a 40hp yamaha new in 16 done 45 hrs sounder gps etc was going to sell in feb 26 has 2 trailers 1 all terrain but getting rusty but still good can launch anywhere locking 15 k in porirua my back cant handle it now as 70 so going use my haines v17 can email some pics

You will outgrow a 15 foot boat quite quickly with boys your ages.
I had a 580 Ramco when my kids were small. But once they were about mid teens we had to be very careful as we were close to loaded with three people. Add dive gear and chilly bin etc and little boats become top heavy. And Ramco's aren't unstable boats.
Some of the flash names (surtees, Extreme) are shockers for being unstable if everyone goes to one side to deal with a fish etc.
So be aware of that when you make a descion.

Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

You will outgrow a 15 foot boat quite quickly with boys your ages.
I had a 580 Ramco when my kids were small. But once they were about mid teens we had to be very careful as we were close to loaded with three people. Add dive gear and chilly bin etc and little boats become top heavy. And Ramco's aren't unstable boats.
Some of the flash names (surtees, Extreme) are shockers for being unstable if everyone goes to one side to deal with a fish etc.
So be aware of that when you make a descion.

What he said, I had a 4m Ramco tiller steer and it was nice with 3 people on flat water without too much gear. As soon as we added a bigger chilly bin etc it started getting cramped, remote steering takes up a bit more space. I'd say 5.8m would be a min for 3 people

I've got a marco 440 dory - its a bit flat in the bottom should it ger real rough but if you trim the engine well and load correctly it will do as well as anything out there. I put a 50hp tohatsu tiller on mine and it goes very well - she's beamie, high guwhales and a 4mm bottom 3 mm sides - very tough and half the price of the big names. They also do one now with remotes called trhe thresher.

https://www.marcoboats.co.nz/thresher

on my second frewza, first was the f14 tiller and now have a f15xw tiller. heaps more room in the f15 about 200mm wider from memory, also with the xw sides it provides quite a bit more storage. both great boats but i am definitely enjoying the extra space, rides much the same. i think it was about 2-3k extra to go the next size up with the same motor (50hp 2stroke). next boat will be from the same company. feel free to ask any questions if you go in that direction

Everything in boating is a compromise. Pontoon boats are sloppy, noisy and don’t ride well but very stable and safe – plenty of options out there.

What’s your budget – buying new then Frewza are hard to beat in terms of value for money. Then there is the whole 2 stroke 4 stroke equation.

I’ve got a couple for Stabicrafts and should probably shift the 1550 fisher if you're interested in that sort of thing. Easily handled by one but safe enough to have 4 adults in it or a power of gear. I agree with Mr 7mm – as your kids grow the smaller boat will limit your options.

I’ve got a stabicraft 1410, centre console model, 40 e-tec, on the back, been a good little boat, rough ride in chop due to the flat floor,
Only complaint I had, was it wouldn’t plane at low speed, had to be about 28-30 km, a shark fin fitted to the outboard, reduced that down to about 17-19km,
I have had it about Ten years, caught a lot of fish of the Taranaki coast, including a couple Marlin, towed it over to coromandel and taupo a couple times,
Nice we boat, I think the 14 foot class, is going to be a bit small for you, in a short period of time,

We are looking to sell this and upgrade to a 5-5.5 m boat, more suitable for west coast conditions, now that we are living permanently back in NZ,
Bit bigger, full frt window, covered bow, most likely an electric anchor, etc. ( waiting on house in Canada to sell)
If you would like to take if for a spin, And see how you feel about a 1410, you are welcome to come for a visit,
It’s taken me ages to learn, that there is no perfect boat, one good for one set of conditions, isn’t likely great for other choices. Ie fishing and skiing, casting or trolling, rivers or bay.

The FC 430 is a pretty good option. Massive deck for the size and pontoons. Cool live bait tank.

I like the look of those little Stabicraft boats. A few YouTubers use them and they look like very capable, good advertising. Although I'd prefer a V-hull for a bigger boat, if I was going smaller, I'd buy one. I don't see the benefit of a V-hull on a 14ft boat. Most people won't be taking it over the horizon to chase marlin.

Soft riding pontoon boats.

Profile
Senator
Osprey

Hard riding pontoon boats.

Stabicraft
Frewza

Stabicraft are hugely overvalued IMHO.
But they have done a great job marketing and are on the global market.
They are the toyota hilux of trailer boats.

Osprey are great riding boats but do need to be very well powered with the rounded pontoon outer sucking onto the water and don't offer much room inside.

The new senator 500 and 550 are I think a cut above all others in the size class.
Modular accessories you can add or remove.....Stabicraft you get what your given.
Full flat floor! Biggest selling point ever. No slippery angled bits of floor at the gunnals to tip you in when landing a fish.
Foam filled pontoon as standard so much quieter.

The 500 cuddy is my dream boat because I could still fit it under the house....If I had a bigger place I would have a bigger dream boat.

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

Soft riding pontoon boats.

Profile
Senator
Osprey

Hard riding pontoon boats.

Stabicraft
Frewza

Stabicraft are hugely overvalued IMHO.
But they have done a great job marketing and are on the global market.
They are the toyota hilux of trailer boats.

Osprey are great riding boats but do need to be very well powered with the rounded pontoon outer sucking onto the water and don't offer much room inside.

The new senator 500 and 550 are I think a cut above all others in the size class.
Modular accessories you can add or remove.....Stabicraft you get what your given.
Full flat floor! Biggest selling point ever. No slippery angled bits of floor at the gunnals to tip you in when landing a fish.
Foam filled pontoon as standard so much quieter.

The 500 cuddy is my dream boat because I could still fit it under the house....If I had a bigger place I would have a bigger dream boat.

Agree with you about Stabi.
Good serviceable boat with good reputation.
But I think they just think they look clunky and ugly.
Regarding price tags, I don't know where the value is in the Extreme name.

double up

Although not made anymore, I would add Aqualite to your soft riding list. The rest I broadly agree with.

However......... foam filled pontoons are not a good idea. The first time someone forgets to put the bung in that side pontoon, or it gets damaged or gets a crack etc. You now have a salt filled cavity with no way to flush it out and a corrosion problem that's when not if.