For many keen boaters, the mid-size boat is a step up from a small tinny or first boat. It’s a boat that you’ll most likely hold onto for years and find many uses for it, whether it’s fishing, family fun, tow sports or just lounging around enjoying the water. Before we go any further, what exactly is a mid-size boat? For the purpose of this article, let’s call a mid-size boat any style of power boat between five and six metres. Sometimes they’re slightly smaller, sometimes larger, but overall they’re roughly this size. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages, different types, materials and outboard choices.
Advantages
There is no shortage of advantages with mid-size boats. Above all else is their convenient size; not too big and not too small. Choosing the right boat size is important. It can dictate where you use it, how many people you have onboard, what vehicle you use to tow it and more.
A boat between five and six metres is capable of handling rough water, and while it’s not a big boat, it can be used as an offshore fishing boat or a bay boat for cruising around. To be honest, if you can’t go offshore in a six-metre boat because of poor weather, you probably won’t tackle the same conditions in a seven-metre boat either. It’s a personal thing and comes down to experience and individual locations. While these boats are capable of handling rougher water, they’re equally at home in calm water estuaries and freshwater rivers. For that reason, the mid-size boat is one of the most versatile boats money can buy. Speaking of money, in most cases, this size boat won’t break the bank. They’re an average size and the availability of this size and style of boat makes them more competitive and affordable than some large boats. They also require smaller outboards and that keeps costs lower. Mid-size boats are also incredibly easy to operate. They’re simple to drive and handle well on the water given their size. They’re also easy to launch and retrieve.
Until recently, I owned a mid-size Bar Crusher and it was the easiest boat to launch and retrieve I’ve ever owned. Some people may think a smaller boat is easier to launch. That’s not quite right. Small tinnies are often launched and retrieved by hand. They typically don’t have drive-on trailers and that means you’re using the winch, ropes and often walking down the trailer hooking up the winch. Add a gust of wind and your small tinny becomes an awkward boat to launch. Conversely, a mid-size boat is typically on a roller trailer and designed to be driven on and off. It’s a simple matter of jumping onboard, trimming the engine, putting it in gear and unhooking the winch. It couldn’t be simpler. Needless to say, large trailer boats become more difficult as they’re bigger, require extra hands to help and can sometimes get caught in the wind. Another advantage is you probably won’t need a big and expensive 4WD to tow a mid-size boat. This really depends on the size and material of the boat. Aluminium boats at the lower end of the scale – around five metres – are usually less than 1 tonne and can easily be towed with a common SUV. This keeps the overall price of your car and boat package significantly lower.
What about disadvantages?
Like anything in boating, there will be compromises. For starters, most mid-size boats will comfortably accommodate around three or four passengers. Any more than that and you will need a larger boat or a different style of boat such as a pontoon. Another disadvantage in having a “versatile” or “all-rounder” means it’s not perfect for any one particular job. They don’t make a perfect offshore boat and they don’t make a perfect freshwater boat. That said, unless you can afford one of each, having a mid-size boat capable of covering all of these roles is a pretty good choice for most boaters.
Boat types
- Cabin: Cabin boats are one of the most popular mid-size boats. The classic cuddy cabin offers protection from wind and water spray and plenty of space in the back for fishing or enjoying the water. There are also plenty of hardtops in this size range. These make fantastic fishing boats. The hardtops are typically quite tall and spacious inside. They offer plenty of visibility. As a bonus, I find the added weight of a hardtop in this size range adds to the overall performance and makes for a very capable boat.
- Centre console: Over the past few years, centre consoles have become almost as popular as cabin boats. They’re known for their versatility and exceptional fishing features. Being fully open, they allow you to move around and fish without obstructions. They also open up more space and you can potentially accommodate another passenger. The disadvantage, of course, is that an open boat is more susceptible in poor weather. It really comes down to choice and application.
- RIBs: Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) have become very popular in recent years. There are many RIB models in mid-sizes and they make a great family or fun boat. They’re not bad for fishing, either. They also make a great tender if you’re lucky enough to have a much larger boat.
Power
Mid-range outboards between 90hp and 200hp are suitable for boats around this size. Mid-size boats are so popular in Australia, marine brands design engines such as the popular 130hp especially for the Australian market and this boat category. As mentioned above, the mid-range outboards are more affordable than some and there’s plenty of choice. I won’t go into detail about brands, other than to mention they’re all good. These days there are very few “dud” outboards and it comes down to price, warranty and availability.
Trailers
Another often overlooked aspect of choosing a boat is the trailer. The trailer is an important part of the boat package. It’s your connection with the road and if anything can go wrong, it often happens on the trailer. A good trailer will also make launching and retrieving easier. My advice is don’t skimp on a trailer. Buy one that suits your boat or comes as a package with your boat. A perfectly matched trailer is very much welcomed.
The wrap up
As you can see, mid-size boats offer versatility, affordability and ease of use. You won’t need a big vehicle for towing and there’s so much choice across various styles and materials. It’s little wonder these are such popular boats!
Top choices
Surtees 575 Workmate Hardtop
Surtees is a well-known New Zealand boat builder that specialises in plate fishing boats. The 575 Workmate Hardtop is a great example of a mid-size fishing boat that exceeds expectations. The hardtop configuration offers plenty of protection when heading offshore and leaves enough space for fishing out the back. Inside the cabin, there’s space for a large sounder and accessories and storage for safety equipment and excess fishing gear. The Workmate features Surtees’ Anti Roll Lock, a ballast “shut off gate” that offers stability under way and at rest. The 575 Workmate is a good option for serious fishos looking for a mid-size offshore fishing boat without too many compromises.
Visit surteesboats.com
Quintrex 530 Freestyler
Iconic Australian boat brand Quintrex has a wide range of fishing and family boats. The 530 Freestyler is one of its more popular models and makes an ideal family and multi-purpose boat. The Freestyler has a lowrider configuration with space in the bow for passengers to relax on the lounge and protection for the driver and passenger behind the split windscreen. The Apex hull offers more internal space and thanks to its hull design incorporating a wider, sweeping chine and flared bow, the Freestyler offers great performance and a soft ride. The Freestyler is available in a range of sizes and choice of options. There’s also a Pro version with all the bells and whistles. With a maximum horsepower of 140, the 530 Freestyler is a great choice if you’re looking for a family friendly and well-designed boat that’s easy to tow and simple to use.
Visit quintrex.com.au
Bar Crusher 535C
Well-known Australian plate boat manufacturer Bar Crusher builds a range of specialist fishing boats. The 535C ias a great example of a mid-size cabin boat that offers true versatility without compromise. With a maximum horsepower of 115, the 535C would make an ideal and safe boat for someone looking at chasing fish in large bays or around the inshore reefs, while being equally at home in the rivers and estuaries. The 535C shares many features from Bar Crusher’s larger models including the Waveslicer hull, Rigideck, Quickflow ballast system, live well, spacious dash, folding windscreen, and of course, a spacious layout designed for fishing. The 535C really punches above its weight for a boat of this size. It’s stable at rest and offers fantastic performance under way. It’s a perfect option for the serious fisho looking to cover a range of fishing styles and options in a quality plate boat.
Visit barcrusher.com.au
Stabicraft 1550 Fisher
The 1550 Fisher is a smaller Stabicraft model with plenty of clever features. The 1550 Fisher falls just under five metres and has a maximum horsepower of 75. At the smaller end of the “mid-size” range, this is a great option for anyone lacking storage space at home or someone without a large vehicle to tow. Perfect for accommodating two or three people, the Fisher has loads of fishing features and with clears attached to the windscreen would be a safe option for larger bays and even offshore on calm days.
Visit stabicraft.com
Stacer 499 Wild Rider
One of Australia’s most popular aluminium boat brands, Stacer is renowned for its quality and craftsmanship. The 499 Wild Rider is 5.04m in length and, like the rest of the Wild Rider range, is a true allrounder, capable of being used for fishing, skiing, tube riding or simply cruising the waterways. Stacer’s acclaimed Revolution Hull features across the whole Wild Rider range and creates a soft and stable ride. The 499 Wild Rider accommodates up to six people and has a maximum horsepower of 90hp.
Visit stacer.com.au
Oceanworx Axcess 5.3
While Oceanworx is a relative newcomer to the boating scene, the team behind the brand has years of boat-building experience and it shows in the clever designs of these boats. The Axcess 5.3 is a spacious centre console boat built specifically for fishing. It would be perfect for offshore stints in mild weather and just as effective casting lures around washes, inside large bays or even freshwater impoundments. With a “wet” tow weight of around 1200kg, it’s easily towed and has a passenger capacity of six, although it would be ideal for fishing three or four people. The Axcess comes fitted with plenty of fishing friendly features and offers great stability and performance. With a maximum horsepower of 115, the Axcess is no slouch on the water.
Visit stacer.com.au
By Scott Thomas
The February-March issue of Nautilus Marine Magazine is out now.
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