Fishing Boat SIZE GUIDE Comparison WHAT CAN YOU SAFELY do in 3m,4m,5m,6m,7m BOAT?

[@gypana]

You'll see a lot more tinnies fishing offshore as the boat prices become unaffordable for most people, I see lots out there already and as long as you pick your days and stay coastal instead of powering out to the shelf there shouldn't be any dramas.

[@BaitBallin]

Yep absolutely. Gotta pick the weather and it can be safe and comfortable. But when most of us only have weekends it can be a real challenge to get out there...

[@Massiverobsfishing]

I see small 14ft tinnies over 100km offshore here all the time here in nz all the time

[@wps1150]

@@Massiverobsfishingare they stabicraft?

[@officialWWM]

I chance tuna in my 4.5 metre tinny off the coast of Tassie all the time!

[@whiteknuckle30]

Great video! I just recently redone a 25 fb bertram. Completely gutted and refit with a d4 penta. First time I have a had a fibreglass boat ever and a replacement for my sailfish cat. Love the ride, love the space. It has been used more in the last 3 months by my family than the sailfish was used in 3 years. You are spot on with feeling at the end of the day on these boats compared to a smaller one.

[@BaitBallin]

Awesome! Love a good Bertram story.yep they really are something special that you can't understand until you experience it. Early next year Il be doing custom fuel tank and new rocket launcher

[@longway1]

Have watch a few of your posts on the 23 and yes mate there is always maintenance do be done on an offshore boat. My son and l have been running a 23 for 12 or 13 years, they definitely a 2 person operation you can do it by yourself but if the wind comes up its a real struggle. On water draining in through the rod holders the slightly raised one help but a automatic bilge pump is the go we run 2 you won't stop water getting in. You have got one of best hulls ever built they can handle big seas and are one of the safest around. Hope you get as much enjoyment as we have keep up the maintenance

[@BaitBallin]

Thanks man that's good to hear. Yes it's got an automatic bulge pump, I might add a second one. Definitely look forward to making some great memories in this boat!

[@BaitBallin]

I seem to always get water running to front of the boat due to the boat being so deep at the bow. Do you guys get the same? If water goes in and the boat is level, it runs forward

[@longway1]

@@BaitBallin Yes mate we do but it just helps to make it more stable at rest and then gets pump out when on plain. Good way to check bilge pump is working

[@mattholley3642]

Very interesting video, well summed up. Coming at this from a sailing keelboat perspective, and these trailer powerboats are a completely different kettle of fish. Among the sailing world, keel profile and hull characteristics are king, not so much hull length. Problem is, there’s very few small yachts with full keels that people regard as blue water capable boats. The Albin Vega 27 and Cape Dory 28 are pretty much considered ‘pocket’ offshore yachts. Outboards are basically universally considered a no-go for offshore work, because they pitch out of the water in heavy seas. Inboard diesels with props way down in the water are the standard. I suppose it comes down to what you’re trying to achieve, most sailors are trying to stay on the water for extended periods of time and make long passages. Big trailer powerboat guys are trying to get offshore to do fishing for a number of hours and head back in. The big outboards you guys run mean you can power through stuff, while a yacht is travelling much slower and at the mercy of the elements. The planing hulls of trailer powerboats mean those outboards stay in the water with the transom dug in, while displacement yachts stay flat. Super cool discussion, and another thing to dive into to extend my love of all things boating. I’ve got to hand it to guys that run big trailer boats, they look hard to tow/launch/store, expensive to run and hard to work single or double handed. Once they’re out there though, I bet it’s all worth it. Cheers, Matt

[@BaitBallin]

Yeah man that's it. All the pre work etc sux! But when you get a big heavy glass rig out on the water it really is an amazing experience, comparatively speaking. My old boat at the moment is ridiculously smooth for a 7m boat. Has all the weight in the right places, but definitely has its compromises. Anyway, it's a good experience. Bit of fun for now

[@mattholley3642]

@@BaitBallin All boating is compromise right. Can’t beat a big older glass boat like that for noise and comfort. Look forward to more vids, subbed

[@BaitBallin]

Now worries man yep going to do some big adventures shortly. New tank and rocket launcher also booked mid April.

[@whitewhale-gq2kc]

Great video and honest opinion

[@BaitBallin]

Thanks man!

[@sjsisdhdjdkssosjdhxnx]

Remember guys its not just about the size but the motion in the ocean as well.

[@dangdang8106]

my 14.6 easy rider runabout I think its a vickers is my first boat its an 85 model fiberglass had a mercury 50 stroke. Ive put a 60 ct mercury on it and it flys I only do bay fishing. I find it comfortable with 3 best with 2 but it handles a slight swell ive had it out in 30km winds and its super stable. Id love to get something the same shape but in aluminum around 5.5meters

[@BaitBallin]

Yeah I've had one of those as my first boats I think I had a 50 off memory also.

[@jaywurst4450]

very good points bro and alot of the same mind set I have. 100% 7m (23-25 foot) is where it's at if ur serious about a trailer game boat. very good point on true length man, lots of brands for years and years have sneaky ways of making the boat sound bigger, brands will give over all length or gunwall length or length including outboard etc. bigger boats use to be measured at water line length which to me is far more accurate on how much hull is really in the water.

[@BaitBallin]

Absolutely I've watched these companies slowly upsize their boats one after another without actually making it bigger or being a different boat. I am literally talking 2 or 3 times in some brands by sneakily scamming people. it's actually so hard to truly compare anything off manufacturers claims. Mostly BS.

[@jamescraig8601]

Thank you. I was leary of taking it on a river,catfishing. I have a 16ft. Fiber glass bass boat.

[@peter112999]

I was surprised to see the Stacer and Quintrex 4.5 to 5.5 mtr range actually measure what they state . My Crossfire 449 is 4.52 from the bow sprit to the top of transom . The Quintrex top ender 481 is actually 4.91, and their other models seem to be the same , good to see these days .

[@BaitBallin]

Yeah that's not bad...

[@easemailboxes]

Great video, again.

[@BaitBallin]

Thanks man

[@olivercook8808]

I got a 7.6m yellowfin plate and it’s easy to launch and retrieve on your own. Not a super heavy boat. Just need to have your ropes set up ready to go - and obviously know how to handle your boat in winds

[@BaitBallin]

Yep good stuff.... These new boats are definitely well set up for doing it

[@BaitBallin]

How's the Yellowfin going?

[@SailingLaManga]

It's not necessarily the size of the vessel with most of the time way to powerful and way to heavy engines what counts. More likely the wind and weather, the technical equipment and skills of the captain. I run a Hobie Tandem Island Kayak offshore and very happy with it.

[@BaitBallin]

Yeah but I guess I am talking about boats you can more regularly get out in etc without waiting for the absolutely perfect day. I've also had a hobie, loved it

[@montyspearo]

Good video. Can definitely relate to comfort of +7m boats. Done few 100nm days in friends 7.5m pontoon boat with hardtop. We cruise at 20-25knts it total comfort even in 20nt winds. While always glass conditions when going 40nm offshore sea is quite often lumpy. We launch on less than idea ramp and it is 3-4 man job. Minimum of 2 ideally 3 in water holding it especially in 15-20knts as it has lot windage. One class of boat you didn't cover is ali pontoon boats eg Stabicraft. These are very capable sea boats, with pontoons adding extra level of safety especially in 3.5-6m range. Given good bilge pump or better still decent self bailers these boats can handle some serious seas, crew is going take a pounding but the boat will get you home.

[@BaitBallin]

Yeah the reason I don't talk about the pontoon style hulls like stabicraft is because of the sheet amount of fabrication involved they cost so much more to purchase. They are capable no doubt...

[@Mryjin88]

hi @bait Ballin what do u think about Quintrex 650 trident? i really like the boat..but im not sure if really good in real world.

[@BaitBallin]

Hey man, they are OK. They aren't the fastest or softest riding boat out there. But they are practical and good value for money second hand etc for sure. So definitely not awesome but all things considered, reasonable.

[@philip4193]

Yeah, it's definitely horses for courses as you pointed out regarding what you can actually achieve with various lengths of boat regarding capacity and stability. However people should also consider other factors before they buy such as how the towability of different sized boats will suit the streets & ramps they intend to use too (as well as where they intend to park the boat & trailer at home as well). My local ramp is very tight in turnaround/manoeuvring space and trailer parking is also tight & limited (the actual ramp itself is reasonably wide & long though after a recent upgrade); the suburban access streets are also narrow, winding & lined with parked cars and there are steep hills with tight turns that must be navigated both in & out. Due to these limiting factors the ramp is rarely too busy though & is mainly utilised by smaller boats & tinnies which is very convenient, unlike most of the larger ramps with better facilities & access elsewhere which tend to be crowded and can have long waiting times. For this very reason I chose a 4.5m alloy runabout on a compact single axle alloy trailer for its lightweight and manoeuvrable towing qualities and towing it can still be challenging at times (particularly navigating the winding, narrow, hilly, car-lined suburban roads on the way in & out). The boat suits my needs, is extremely easy to launch & retrieve by myself and is used purely on Sydney Harbour & it's estuaries however if I was nearer to a more spacious ramp with better access & facilities (and had more space to park it at home) then in hindsight I probably would have gone up an extra metre or so in length so I could tackle a bit of the offshore stuff in the future. Again, horses for courses.

[@BaitBallin]

Yeah absolutely. My boat is now easy to launch and retrieve from the perfect ramp scenario, wouldn't want to be trying it at anything average. Ultimately I'd love to keep my current boat and have a 4.5m tinny also for the river days etc. But will see what happens.....

[@tag_76]

While I generally agree with all points made, I think the biggest factor to a boat being offshore capable is hull design. A boat at 23' or 7 meters if you prefer with a shallow running hull design will be far more affected by current and wind than a 20' or 6 meter deep V design. Just my own experience.

[@BaitBallin]

Yep absolutely 💯

[@adventurehungry]

probably 20 years ago they used to measure boats based on waterline , now they measure from anchor to the propeller

[@BaitBallin]

☺️👌🤣

[@aaronhapi-smith8398]

What are your thoughts on a cruise craft outsider 685 2004-2008? Would be used mainly for inshore but some offshore work aswell?

[@BaitBallin]

honestly. which I always am..... they are one of my favorite boats. great layout, plenty of weight, nice ride etc. it all comes down to how much you can get one for with what engine etc. Good luck.

[@youtubevanced4900]

No mention of the Polycraft as an option to fiberglass or aluminum.. They go upto 5.99m advertised with a real length of 6.1m. Everything I an see about them talk about them being a soft comfortable ride and very stable, with high sides. Also they are basically unsinkable. Even if they get swamped they apparently sit high enough in the water to keep the motor out of the water.

[@BaitBallin]

Hey man, yeah I just honestly don't know enough about them. I.e haven't spent enough time in different models to comment with educated view. At a minimum they offer a great alternative for an estuary and bay boat for sure.....I do know how ever a few people that had them bow out of shape on their trailers.

[@youtubevanced4900]

@@BaitBallin that's fair enough.

[@BaitBallin]

As Tony Abbott once said 'nobody can be the suppository of all knowledge '......

[@youtubevanced4900]

@@BaitBallin lol. A true icon of Australia. It's a real surprise he didn't get to serve a full term as PM with his mighty intellect.

[@Venturehuntingaus]

Hey Mark hope you are well mate 🙌 Have been watching a lot of your content and love it. I was wondering if you could shoot a video on things you have to think about when upgrading the size of your boat. I have a 4.8 meter now and I’m about to step into a new 7.2 plate with all the gear like trim tabs which I have never used, a 300 merc instead of a 80 Honda etc. Things like punching into swell for the first time or coming home in a following sea, a bit of a first time gear list would be awesome as well. Just tips and tricks and things to think about. Over all if you were to give a young bloke a bag of advice and tips what would it be. Hope you are well mate and again love the content.

[@BaitBallin]

Hey man, yeah good stuff I can do something like that shortly. Hope you enjoy the new boat! I am temporarily back into a 5m boat with a Honda 80 hahaha

[@Venturehuntingaus]

@@BaitBallin mate can’t knock the 5m with an 80 I have a Captain Boat Collar on mine and on calmish days have been 30klms off shore and felt safe as. Looking forward to seeing this video and learning mate.

[@SamDavis-d3v]

That one guy who caught a marlin from a 3 meter plastic boat

[@alwaysaway69]

Hi ~ bait ballin. Thank you for your videos and upfront, honest and very informative presentation format. Sadly, I have zero experience ocean boating and fishing. I have only ever done river, lake, bay, and some minor estuary fishing. We recently moved to Cairns in the hope of doing something more. A dream really. We just bought a Bar Crusher 535c Gen 2 1999 model. Given this, what would you say we could eventually hope to achieve in the bar crusher? Is it capable of reaching any decent reefs or blue water for decent fishing? I have no idea? Did we buy the wrong boat?

[@BaitBallin]

It will be fine for that up there, but you have to be careful and pick your weather. Down south here we run out to the shelf approx 35-50km in totally open rough waters so a boat like that doesn't cut it. But if you are careful and smart should be fine.

[@alwaysaway69]

@@BaitBallin Thanks mate. Just hope I figure it all out and don’t drown my son and dog along the way.😏

[@alwaysaway69]

@@BaitBallin one last question if that’s ok? Do you think it’s worth it to put some trim tabs on the 535? I added them to my 5.1 fibreglass boat and WOW!

[@BaitBallin]

Well trim tabs are always worth it and even better if zipwakes

[@theblade4x464]

whats your thoughts on a 610 quintrex ocean sport for going 30-40kms out? i currently have a 510 coast runner which i take 20-30kms out on good days, goes good but wouldnt mind a bit of a cabin and a bit bigger hull.

[@BaitBallin]

Man, these boats ride bloody hard. You can do it, but it's a slow hard ride there and back. Get yourself into a deep vee plate boat or glass. If you really want to stick with a Quintrex, at least go to a trident. All the best

[@themeanaverage.1692]

You could send a 610 100km plus mate.

[@Peter-wc4kr]

Does the design or material make much difference? I’m thinking twin hull cat, twin skin plastic Polycrafts and pontoon Stabicrafts. Would these outperform aluminium boats of a larger size?

[@BaitBallin]

Design makes a huge difference, then weight, then material. Honestly so many factors....so many boats sound good on paper and perform ratshit in the real world

[@BeowulfNode]

I'm assuming when you say 'true hull length' you mean the length of the hull at the waterline?

[@BaitBallin]

No that's even truer and not a term which is used often in trailer boats anymore.

[@andrewoelofsen940]

Length at the water line , true Length 👍

[@BaitBallin]

That's how they used to measure them and they got softer and softer over the years ; )

[@andrewoelofsen940]

@@BaitBallin some are just not cut the same way

[@BaitBallin]

Yeah some of the glass boats extending their length these days is crazy. Such as the Haines signatures.... It's actually a joke. No more boat there at all.

[@gypana]

Yep you got to check all the specs...they have to give actually hull length and not just overall length which is what they usually use for marketing which can be close a metre if its podded... very sneaky mate.

[@BaitBallin]

Absolutely! Fake length but they bloody charge you for it....

[@panosagrafiotis5321]

Hi Mate Genuine question Why are RIB style boats with deep V hulls not that popular in Aus? They will normally deal with weather better than the same size fibreglass boat.

[@BaitBallin]

I think it's just the open style, due to people wanting more weather protection etc they go for other models. They are popular in the dove industry etc though. Yes agree they are awesome

[@Patty-q1j]

What do you mean by glass plate (5-6m boat).

[@paul-sm3wh]

I think carp fisherman are built different..iv got a fox 2metre 40cm inflatable I absolutely ram it full of kit and set out on big lake big waves 🌊 and it handles the lot 🎣👍🏻

[@mulletoutdooradventures6286]

So I run a 16ft starcraft out of Atlantic City NJ. I run that boat 40 to 50 miles offshore for tuna sharks and other pelagics. I've been doing this for almost 20 years. People still talk shit and think I'm crazy. I literally out fish every single boat out there every single trip that are 30 plus ft. I'm restoring a 17ft glass boat this winter and will be running that out to about 60 miles offshore. It's not the boat it's the captain. I know how to handle rough seas and watch my weather and don't try to squeeze trips in between weather. Also we don't have anything as far as deep water within 20 miles of shore. At 20 miles you're only in like 90ft of water so either you go 30 or not catch anything with the effort

[@BaitBallin]

Wow yeah there you go. At our local fishery it's about 35km offshore to the shelf where it drops off from 180m to 1km plus. That's where the good fishing starts. Yep you definitely can do it, I managed some stupid rough days in a 17ft glass cruise craft.

[@mulletoutdooradventures6286]

If I want water like that is 80 miles to our canyons. We get bluefin and occasionally yellowfin inshore with white marlin mahi wahoo etc in summer

[@BaitBallin]

Damn and I think I have to travel a long way to the fishing grounds. Honestly that's next level distance!

[@Massiverobsfishing]

It's much the same where I am too have first good fishing around 70 km offshore sometimes doing upto 400km per trip in a 16ft alloy with a 100hp.

[@BaitBallin]

Wow huge trip. What we do for fish

[@Thoeun-uj1sy]

Good to know

[@Severe2jz]

Currently looking at getting a bowrider with an outboard to go offshore 6m glass whats your opinion? People are saying I'll get waves over the front but I don't see it any different from a centre consol

[@BaitBallin]

I mean you will, you can get one of those covers made up to enclose front.. bowriders are of my lesser favourite designs but I can definitely see how they appeal to people. I've always liked the barcrusher bowriders tbh. Pretty cool edgy design for mix of family and fishing. bowriders definitely aren't great for offshore (yes same as centre consoles). For offshore you can't beat a cuddy cab. But up to you

[@Severe2jz]

@@BaitBallin I'm a lure fisherman I want to use the front as casting deck for gt. Where a cab you can. Like you said with covers clears and a bimini I don't find them that much different from a cab

[@BaitBallin]

Yeah figured as much. Check out the barcrusher 615 bowrider. Just for interest sake. Yeah it can definitely work if you have it set up right

[@Severe2jz]

@@BaitBallin I haven't been a fan of plate boats I've been in a few over 7m inc a sutees 780 game fisher I think it was. Was still stiff like you talk about the next day. That's why I've been looking towards glass

[@BaitBallin]

Yep all good. Agree!

[@harrygoodenough]

Hey mate good first boat for light ocean work and estuary/lake for under 10k? I was looking at 5m fibreglass boats but they are all very old so very unsure

[@BaitBallin]

445r or C Haines hunter. Or a cruise craft 533 reef finder. Alternatively a pressed alloy boat would probably work ok for you also....

[@harrygoodenough]

@@BaitBallin thanks mate! Will keep a eye out for a gem for the right price.

[@harrygoodenough]

@@BaitBallin ever used a Haines hunter 146R? Few around locally

[@BaitBallin]

Yes same boat as 445. Just different seat config at back. Great first boat.

[@harrygoodenough]

@@BaitBallin legend! What about poly craft 4.5s? Thanks heaps for your knowledge mate.

[@zaidethompson5680]

what do you think of the sea doo fish pro trophy for light offshore fishing ?

[@BaitBallin]

I mean people go out in kayaks... I have no experience but my bro in law has one and loves it tbh. Pick your days and would be possible

[@glenwilkie1331]

Mate on a calm day a small tinny can go pretty much anywhere

[@BaitBallin]

Agree. But there ain't many calm days and when your not a local at the coast even harder. When I get there, I need to man up and fish or not, regardless of what weather doing. Unfortunately

[@stronzer59]

3M tinny good for epic Herring bites, 7M boat getting closer to Marlin territory

[@stefangarmey7699]

Whats ya thoughts on the Haines 530 Breeze?

[@BaitBallin]

Know them very well. Nice soft riding boats the 530 and 580s. Not the most stable, but soft riding no doubt. I like them

[@stefangarmey7699]

I've got a couple questions on when you installed your pedestal seats. Can I message you through FB? Or what's the best way to contact you?

[@BaitBallin]

Instagram messages will do

[@user-cg9oi5ug4d]

What is a decent tinny to go max 4-5km from the beach , very new beginner looking at about 5-10k for first boat

[@BaitBallin]

When it comes to cheap tinnies, blue fins ate pretty well built. Or you could look at an older boat, something like a Quintrex lazeabout type thing

[@vaskodimoski5690]

Formosa 490 been out in some chop with no problems fishing for reds very stable boat. Would never go offshore un it thats for sure . Barcrusher 670 was previously 620 more realistic number

[@user-xe1ol7xh4i]

Formosa’s are a poor man’s boat built with cheap aluminium non marine grade from China I know this because I used to build them here in Aus they state 5083 grade ally but I’m telling you it’s not. These boats actually rot between the aluminium plate.

[@vaskodimoski5690]

​​Dont see any rot on my boat and have seen a few formosa boats with no rot that are older the my boat as for aluminium from china claiming its not quality is just a claim by you Chinese manufacturing is capable of making just as good products these days as anything we can . As for formosa being poor man's boat is ridiculous the prices these are not much different from any other boat formosa 675 are about 150k whats the price of a barcrusher 670 ​@@user-xe1ol7xh4i

[@WheresTheFun]

What about 17m?

[@BaitBallin]

17m? Hahaha 🤣 that's the bloody go for sure

[@Maddfisher]

Good video I agree I’m in a 5.6m atm but next boat I’m getting a 6m doesn’t sound much bigger but I think the 6m boats are just way more solid more glass in the ass and just that extra room offshore for comfort

[@BaitBallin]

6m upwards glass, the right boat feels like a solid step up even from 5.6m.... once you start getting around that 900kg plus hull weight at that length they ride well. Ideally 1000kg plus hull at 6m

[@petruduca-bz9me]

1850 Stabicraft for offshore its safe or not

[@BaitBallin]

On calm days sure....

[@BaitBallin]

Safe yes, more about comfort though.

[@shannongow8014]

What happened to the 400hp viedo just started watching then gone

[@BaitBallin]

Well it wasn't doing well so I deleted it hahhaha sorry man

[@matthewcollas1404]

Off shore from bundaberg a 5m tinnie is perfect. I'm modifying a 4.6m to head At least 20mile out.

[@BaitBallin]

Perhaps conditions are different up there compared to down south. I mean you can do it for sure, with enough fuel capacity etc

[@matthewcollas1404]

@@BaitBallin yeah we get low swell bit alot of wind chop.

[@tysononeil478]

Took my 4.0 low sided tinny out max 20km My 4.5m max 50km must have epirb and no cracks ect lol or your fucked

[@BaitBallin]

Yeah definitely can be done...but whether it should or not is the question I guess

[@tysononeil478]

@@BaitBallin in the 4.0 only go as far as you can swim

[@BaitBallin]

Ywp good rule haha

[@andrewiannello6548]

If you knew what I knew about the recreational boat industry in au, then you wouldn't go offshore in any of these boats. If you knew how to perform level floatation buoyancy calcs. You wouldn't put your family in any of the big brand Australian made boats. The industry is unregulated, unlike the US

[@BaitBallin]

Yeah people don't ever genuinely think they will have a drama and need to rely on flotation etc. until it happens to them one day. I ran my new barcrusher into a reef at speed and it saved us, unbelievable how it held up. Any shit tinny or glass boat and we could have died.

[@jdub4656]

Way too much talking. No demo 😮

[@AJ-cg7zc]

get to a point.

[@BJT841]

Great video!