12:45 AM Fri 15 Jan 2010 GMT
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'Buyer will see locally produced and imported boats when on the hunt for that new rig - this is a genuine class act from the United States, Cobalt, a marque that has won fame for its standard of finish and fitout.'
Michael Kemp
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Welcome to part two of our series aimed at assisting the first-time boat buyer.
Last week we concentrated our advice towards those planning the purchase of a new or second-hand aluminium runabout.
This week, the 'target' is the fibreglass runabout.
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This neat rig from Polycraft is not quite a fibreglass boat - its made from polyurethane and is an ideal choice for the novice boater. - so your going to buy a fibreglass boat - Michael Kemp
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As with the aluminium piece, we have again called on the help of a couple of real experts to offer some sound advice for the novice boat buyer, with Matt Robinson, proprietor of Moby Marine Services and prominent dealer, Alan Blake, of Blake's Marine.
Moby Marine Services is one of the boating industry's major suppliers of new and second-hand spare parts and Matt Robinson has spent most of his life 'messing about in boats.'
Alan Blake's high-profile marine dealership holds Evinrude and Yamaha franchises together with Ally Craft, Bay Sports and the Canadian-built Champion boats.
Of course, many of the valuable tips handed out last week by Ken Evans, a director of industry leader Mercury Marine, can be equally valuable when the discussion centres on fibreglass craft.
Although we're aiming here at potential fibreglass boat buyers, both Robinson and Blake found themselves in total agreement with Evans on many of the points he made.
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Streaker Boats, turns out efficient family runabouts and excellent specialised fishing boats like this one chancing its crews luck off Melbourne. - so your going to buy a fibreglass boat - Michael Kemp
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All agreed that 'hanging around' a busy boat ramp is a prime method of learning; talk to owners, ask questions, look and observe.
For the total novice with little or no boating knowledge, visiting boat ramps is a definite plus.
As our experts all agree, the vast majority of boat owners are only too happy to talk about their 'pride and joy.'
So let's get underway by posing the question; why buy a fibreglass boat in preference to an aluminium craft?
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This neat rig from Polycraft is not quite a fibreglass boat - its made from polyurethane and is an ideal choice for the novice boater. - so your going to buy a fibreglass boat - Michael Kemp
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One prominent point is 'style.' Builders of fibreglass boats can produce sweeping curves, stylish profiles that can't be achieved with sheets of alloy.
Alan Blake used the word 'refined'. 'Fibreglass boats are definitely more refined, certainly more appealing to the ladies,' he said, 'they deliver a softer ride and are generally more stable.'
For the moment we'll concentrate on those thinking second-hand and turn the 'floor' over to our experts.
As Robinson points out, second-hand fibreglass buyers are more likely to encounter boats powered by stern-drive engines than those looking at the aluminium range.
If you're unsure what 'stern drive' means think of an automotive-style engine, reversed 360 degrees with what resembles the lower half of an outboard engine outside the stern of the hull. For obvious reasons, they're also known as inboard/outboard engines.
So, if the object of your desire is a second-hand, stern-drive powered rig, what do you look for?
Firstly, make sure the boat and power will suit your specific boating needs.
'If water skiing is high on your agenda, be very careful of the small four-cylinder stern drive engines, they simply don't have the 'grunt' to pull a skier out of the hole,' Robinson warns.
'It's also worth remembering that if a stern-drive boat is chosen don't forget to institute a regular maintenance program, at least every 12 months and that includes the 'leg' or drive unit as well as the actual engine,' he added.
In view of the fact that we're discussing trailerable boats, both our experts rate 5.5-metres (18') as being the maximum size that can be efficiently towed by the family sedan.
Anything larger and start thinking V8 power of four-wheel drive.
Ensure prior to purchase that boat and trailer are a suitable match and remember when it comes to a maintenance program for the boat and its engine, don't forget the trailer!
Wheel bearings and the trailer winch need to be closely watched and serviced to avoid what could well be expensive embarrassment.
Depending on where you reside, there are other points worth noting; if the boat in your sights is more than 10-years old, there could be an insurance problem.
This can vary from country to country, but with a vessel this age many insurance companies will seek a marine surveyor's assurance of the boat's condition before issuing a policy.
Again, if the vessel is in the 10-year or so age bracket, ethanol fuel, marketed in Australia and many other countries as E10, signifying 10 percent ethanol, can be harmful to older-style fuel tanks and some engine components.
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Haines Signature 580 BR shows its style across the Gold Coast's Broadwater. - so your going to buy a fibreglass boat - Michael Kemp
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Finally, be very careful if buying a second-hand boat privately, unless it happens to be from someone well-known to you.
Ideally, look to buy from an authorised marine dealer, specifically a member of its local industry association.
Such dealerships adhere to a Code of Ethics and offer warranty and after sales service.
A final word on used boats from Matt Robinson; 'If the engine has a few years on it, try to ascertain that spare parts remain available in the market place.'
Don't let the above put you off that purchase.
Sure, there are pitfalls when buying a used vessel, but we've pointed out most of them and if you follow the advice from the experts you won't go too far wrong.
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Australian manufacturer Cruise Craft builds a comprehensive range of boats to suit varied applications. This group certainly knows how to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. - s your going to buy a fibreglass boat - Michael Kemp
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For the new fibreglass boat buyer, some of the advice mentioned is equally applicable.
Buy from an authorised dealer, ensure the boat will meet tour expectations in every way
and if you're a genuine novice follow the tip about making visits to your nearest boat ramp.
Matt Robinson says one of the most common errors people with limited boating knowledge make is choosing the wrong style of vessel.
'Take fishing, you can fish from anything that floats, even a canoe or a kayak, but if you're a keen angler don't end up with a specialist water ski boat,' he said.
'Buy the boat that will meet the style of boating you're most likely to encounter every weekend.
'For the family man who takes the crew picnicking on Saturday and likes to wet a line on Sunday, check out rhe range known as 'all-rounders'.
'If there are kids in the family, consider the bowrider style, where the youngsters virtually have their own cockpit forward and can leave the adults in piece,' he adds.
New boat buyers will also face the decision on whether to choose stern-drive or outboard power.
Sure, some models may only be offered with outboards, some only with stern-drive, but generally it's a buyer's choice.
Advising a novice which one to choose is not easy; it almost comes down simply to personal choice; outboards are probably more economical to maintain and today's models are incredibly efficient.
Stern-drive engines will demand some cockpit space that the outboard leaves clear, but they're generally quieter, very manoeuvrable and as fuel efficient as an outboard.
Horsepower, of course, is up to the buyer as long as it suits the boat.
These days, many manufacturers market a range of boats known as BMT packages.
BMT means boat/motor/trailer, meaning all the work has been done for you.
Just add water and away you go.
One very important point our experts agreed on was budget.
As they pointed out, don't commit to a 'Rolls Royce' if your bank account says 'Hyundai'.
Finally, some well-worn advice to the true beginner; don't forget you're a learner, everyone was at some stage, even the skipper of the QE II.
Driving a boat is no more difficult than driving a car provided the driver realises a few things; boats don't have brakes, reverse gear is your brake.
Be aware of the effect wind, tidal and current conditions can have on your boat.
Ensure you have the correct equipment on board at all times, including a tide chart for the area you are boating in.
Required equipment on board can vary from state to state and country to country, so always check with your local maritime authority.
There's something about being the skipper of your own boat; it's hard to put into words, it's an indefinable aspect of everyday life that goes with enjoying the great outdoors.
Ok, so you're a learner.
Believe me, the learning experience will be an enjoyable one.
Take pride in becoming an efficient skipper, one who knows his boat, cares for his boat and the people on board.
It's terrific 'out there', jump aboard and join the party.
by Bob Wonders
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Rottnest Island, WA
