View Full Version : Ant 3m Poly Boat
campdog
13-06-2008, 06:37 PM
Hi ant, I had a good read about the poly tender in the latest Capeyorker and has me wondering.
I have a crook back and find sitting a canoe for too long causes back problems. Just wondering what you thought of using one for a bass boat on our local rivers and rapids. Also on the Cape are the sides high enough to prevent unwelcome passengers (like crocs).
Campdog,
The PolyCraft are a fantastic boat. Very comfortable and stable and also float very high in the water. The sides are high enough to feel safe, but as you and I know, if a mud gecko wants to get in, it will- regardless of the boat. Mind you, it would take a lot for it to rock the boat or tip it up- they are very stable.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Why don't you subscribe to the 2009 edition and see if you can win that one?
campdog
15-06-2008, 06:53 PM
Campdog,
The PolyCraft are a fantastic boat. Very comfortable and stable and also float very high in the water. The sides are high enough to feel safe, but as you and I know, if a mud gecko wants to get in, it will- regardless of the boat. Mind you, it would take a lot for it to rock the boat or tip it up- they are very stable.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Why don't you subscribe to the 2009 edition and see if you can win that one?
Thanks Ant, I find sitting in a canoe stuffs my back after a while and cant stay in one for too long. I think I could stand and flick lures in the polycraft for a long time.
Found a local agent in Port Macquarie so I might get a price on one.
Something else worth considering too. When you next get to the Cape you can always take the poly boat off the car, and drive onto it so that you don't get the Nissan stuck in any more water crossings!!!!
campdog
16-06-2008, 06:39 PM
Something else worth considering too. When you next get to the Cape you can always take the poly boat off the car, and drive onto it so that you don't get the Nissan stuck in any more water crossings!!!!
Thats not very nice Ant. Just because they found a 3m polycraft floating in the water with an old toyota stuck underneath it.
Do you think it would fit ok.
highlift80
19-06-2008, 08:53 PM
Hey Ant I enjoyed reading the article on the Polycraft I was a bit dissapointed though to see that Miss Cape York wasn't included in the picture spread. After her last apperance, she seemed to be a big hit.
She was back in the kitchen cooking up my one meal for the day and finishing the housework.
Doing trips like that out in the boat is a luxury and one that she doesn't often get to be part of. Thanks to Batesy, she was able to go along with me for that particular photo shoot.
campdog
19-06-2008, 09:33 PM
Got a price on one today and isnt too bad, Might put the old canoes on the market.
highlift80
19-06-2008, 09:35 PM
What sought of $$$ we talking for a Poly John, I am thinking of retiring the old tinnie.
Got a price on one today and isnt too bad, Might put the old canoes on the market.
Great work- they really are a top boat. Can't hurt them, they are very bouyant,and easy to move around on the water.
If this keeps up we may get a Poly Convention. May also be worth having a look at the Poly Boat Owners website as there are some great ideas there on setting up the boats, including the 3mtr Tuff Tender. Mine is still in original configuration.
campdog
20-06-2008, 06:08 PM
What sought of $$$ we talking for a Poly John, I am thinking of retiring the old tinnie.
Been quoted somewhere around the 1700 mark, probably cheaper in QLD
That is a good price. I have seen them up to $1900 up this way.
campdog
20-06-2008, 07:49 PM
That is a good price. I have seen them up to $1900 up this way.
Going to check one out next week.Apparently a local tackleshop owner has fitted one out with a ply floor casting platform and runs a 15hp Tohasu on one, including live bait well.
How do I explain I need one to the mrs.
Just explain that you need it so that your back doesn't get as sore anymore and it is a safer boat than the canoe.
Of course you could always do what I did when I bought my first Poly. Wife came home.
Ant "Hi darl, guess what"
Wife "What have you done"
Ant " I bought a new boat for the fishing up here (Weipa)"
Wife " Are you serious"
Things settled down by the time the boat arrived and I took her out in the first run. Come to think of it, that is the last time she has been out in a boat with me.
When I bought my second Poly, I had it home before she got back from work and had it suspended from the roof in the carport. She didn't see it until our daughter pointed out that she had a new boat.
The reception the second time was a little better.
Now for the third one...........
Hi Campdog,
Sounds like it's a lot lighter than a Tinnie, so should be easier on the fuel shouldn't it, if it's true that more weight means more fuel used. Sounds logical to me. Appeal to her practical side. You never know, it might work.
Cheers,
xina.
campdog
20-06-2008, 08:45 PM
Think I might go the deposit and layby, dont need the boat until September and the Bass season so it will be paid for by then.
highlift80
20-06-2008, 08:58 PM
After reading Ant's story they sound to be the goods, the price sounds good too, My old tinnie is over 30 years old I can still remember when my ol man brought it home it was a second handie but was in near new condition, wonder if the ol poly craft would last that long.
I've had my first one now for over five years and still going strong. If anyone has seen me with my gear they would also know that I do not 'baby' things. I buy them for a purpose and if they don't fit that purpose then I won't use or recommend them. Don't get me wrong, I look after my gear but it has to do what I want. The big positive with the Poly is that you won't crack ribs/welds which is quite a common factor with Aluminium boats. Poly boats also have a dual skin that is 10mm thick (each side). To sum them up in one word "Tuff"
If by chance you are worried about cosmetics (scratches, etc) it is a simple case of running a heat source over them and smoothing that area with something like a blunt knife blade or similar. Never had to do it and not into making things look pretty-it's a boat.
highlift80
20-06-2008, 09:24 PM
I am with ya there Ant in the rough and tough department I have dropped my tinnie a few times now and some of the welds have started to crack the Aluminium appears to be getting brittle as it ages.
STOP PRESS: I am planning a big trip in November with the guys from TJM, PolyCraft, Engel, Rhino Rack, etc, and have just been told by Darren at PolyCraft that the two boats he is bringing up with him (both 3mtr Tuff Tenders) will be given to Cape Yorker magazine after the trip to be auctioned on the site. These boats will be set up with electrics, etc but will not have the outboards on them. If you can hold off till late November this year, it will be a great opportunity to secure a fantastic boat.
I will post more details as they come to hand.
campdog
01-07-2008, 08:07 PM
STOP PRESS: I am planning a big trip in November with the guys from TJM, PolyCraft, Engel, Rhino Rack, etc, and have just been told by Darren at PolyCraft that the two boats he is bringing up with him (both 3mtr Tuff Tenders) will be given to Cape Yorker magazine after the trip to be auctioned on the site. These boats will be set up with electrics, etc but will not have the outboards on them. If you can hold off till late November this year, it will be a great opportunity to secure a fantastic boat.
I will post more details as they come to hand.
Maybe December 25th Anterclause.
Razor blades for dinner Campdog? Good one. Cheers,
xina.
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