Tinny suggestions

[Watty2975]

Hi All
I am looking at options for tinnies to mount on the top of our camper trailer" it is a campomatic with boat loader. Campomatic website says 3-3.75m and 80kg.

There are 4 of us (two small kids 4 & . We are only looking for something to explore creeks, rivers, light sea conditions in close.

Interested to know what people are using, size, height of sides and engine size. Any pics of set ups would be great. Also how much use do you get out of the boat when away.

Thanks
Watty

[D4D]

Some ideas here http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=1046

It really is a compromise when you plan to load it on the top of your camper. You need to be able to lift it and your camper needs to be able to carry it. You're limited to 3-3.5m punts. Mate of mine had an inflatable then bought a portabote, lots of options out there.

Some more
http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=23079
http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=20856

[speewa158]

l have a 10ft Savage Gull with a 6HP beater on the back . Ant pretty or fast but neither am l 

[Finners]

A bit off-topic Watty - but I imagine you've thought through how to get tinnie from your set-up camper, down to the water?

I'd played with collapsible boat trailers and boat racks on campers past - but have moved away from that as was PIA getting boat or Kayak to the river/sea, once set-up at camp. Now planning on putting boat on fourbie's rack instead, though that'll take my weight to smidge off max GVM.

I reckon porta-boat or kayak for camper boat rack is best (then use trolley to get X metres to water), or if boat >30kg, then top it on fourbie.

Oh - and I'm a RIB guy - but that's cause I need sea-going stability. They can be swamped and will drain. And they are light(ish) for their length. But RIBs ain't gr8 for top end estuaries when the crocs are biting ;p

G'luck with the deciding.

- Finners

[Finners]

And getting it on/off fourbie rack...

http://www.boathoist.com.au/boat-loader.html

[Jeepers Creepers]

Carlton Dry would be my choice for a tinny and you'll get plenty on the roof rack, as they come in sensible boxes.

[Watty2975]

Thanks all for the responses. Had a look at a few options today. I think around 3.75m is the size that would suit us. After reading the links above I must confess to confusion over the traveller / punt style vs the dart deeper hull. Seems traveller would be more stable but with 2 young kids thinking deeper sides would be a benefit?

Points well taken about the weight and mobility when at camp. Am currently looking at a couple of second hand options with folding trailers.

The search continues!

[HEM19X]

Thanks all for the responses. Had a look at a few options today. I think around 3.75m is the size that would suit us. After reading the links above I must confess to confusion over the traveller / punt style vs the dart deeper hull. Seems traveller would be more stable but with 2 young kids thinking deeper sides would be a benefit?

Points well taken about the weight and mobility when at camp. Am currently looking at a couple of second hand options with folding trailers.

The search continues!

Watty, being up where you are, I would go for the biggest [with the highest gunnels] to combat the lizards!  A 3.75 would run up to a 15hp [I think] but don't forget all the other stuff needed, storing/transporting the motor is a PIA but we added a "Slide-n-Easy" motor rack to the Safari, then there is all the safety gear, fuel containers etc..

[morcon]

I have been trying to work out the best boat for a similar situation as yours - I've decided on Stacer 379 Proline with a 15HP Yamaha. It's the "biggest lightest" outfit that I could find at a good price (around $6k with a trailer) and I will buy a folding trailer also. If your cheque book is a little more generous than mine, have a look at the fibreglass Cross Country boats - you'll get a bigger boat that weighs around the same as the tinnie you're looking at, very stable, but expect to pay around the $6k mark for the hull.

[Watty2975]

Considering the lizards is a good point. Went back to a couple of boat dealers today. I am thinking the 375 dart or similar is looking like the way to go although I will check out the proline as suggested by morcon. Although anything we buy will have to come from south of here to avoid the mining tax!!
Will continue to contemplate over some of Jeepers tinnies!

[Bird]

Have a look in teh forsale section at Garys one he is selling.
very cheap too

[Barra]

We have a 3.5 Seajay Nomad with a 15 Yamaha. Boat goes on the roof of the vehicle (Auto boat loader makes is easy to drop into the water) and motor goes in the back of the vehicle (more secure).

Car toppers are a lot easier to get to the water without a trailer, it takes about 15min to launch and be underway.

[Watty2975]

Well after much searching the purchase has been made.
We bought a 3.75m stacer tinnie with a 15hp Johnson. Came on a fairly well used trailer. Has a canopy, colour sounder and few other extras.
Pretty happy with it for the dollars, all about 1988 vintage.

Now just looking at motor storage options. Watching a few flip n easy loaders on eBay etc.
And looking at folding trailers.

I know
 

I will get a few pics this week end.