LOOKING AT BUYING FI-GLASS DOMINATOR, OPINIONS
G'day,
Been looking at boats for over two months and struggling to find something I like, until today.
I've been chasing a 15-17.5 foot fibreglass boat (haines, savage, etc) that is suitable for fishing the five fathom, 3 mile,
cockburn sound with an occasional trip further out when the conditions suit. Also want something thats not too big
so that I can tow it North/South to fish Kalbarri, Exmouth and the like.
I came across the fi-glass dominator today, its a 5.1 mtr fibreglass boat, powered by a 60hp merc,
comes complete with all safety gear, radio, bimini, the dealer has said he will upgrade the safety to an
offshore kit including epirb and offshore flares, comes with 6 year hull warranty, 5 year motor warranty
and three years on the trailer all for under $30,000. I reckon this is a pretty good price as a similar size savage
or haines signature is around about $27000 2nd hand.
Just wondering if anyone may have owned one of these boats or has been in one and could give an indication
on there performance, (it may take a kiwi to answer this question as they are made in NZ)
any help would be greatly appreciated.
dodgy
Posts: 4578
Date Joined: 01/02/10
Goodz has one. Might be an
Goodz has one. Might be an idea to send him a pm.
Does anyone know where the love of god goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
clogwog
Posts: 265
Date Joined: 01/02/11
Thanks mate, appreciate the
Thanks mate,
appreciate the help.
Goodz
Posts: 2332
Date Joined: 20/07/09
Yep just bought one 2nd hand
Yep just bought one 2nd hand (only 7 hours on the clock tho) about 3 or 4 months ago. Was looking for the biggest boat with a cabin that would fit in my garage and that led me to the dominator. Just fits in if I flip the jockey wheel up and get the windscreen under the front of the garage door before flipping it back up.
I also wanted one for the same reasons as yourself, fishing in closer a bit but being able to head out when the weather allowed. Had to be a family friendly boat having 2 little ones and it's suited as well so far with the kids enjoying the comfort of the cabin.
Since buying the tub I've been out a bit around GI and the FFB as well as towing it down to Albany twice and Esperance (towed great, barely notice it's there apart from the lower fuel economy) over the christmas break and getting out deep in some pretty sloppy conditions down there. She handles the chop great, very soft ride being so light and having the foam filled hull. The only downfall being the shape of the bow being quite low so if you hit any waves too slow you'll get a nice bit of water rolling up and over the screen (happened once of twice so far but the water was refreshing :) but that's only if you're out in rather windy and bad conditions.
The only other negative thing I can think of is that it's not the most stable boat in the world but you can't really expect to be able to jump around the boat and not have it move a bit.
Other than that I love the Quicksilver Dominator and can't wait to head out deep on Weds up here for the first time since I've got it and go jig up a few fish!
The 60hp Merc is super economical and pushes her along well once on the plane, just a little slow to get up to it. I've pulled a few boys behind wakeboarding and it even preformed well doing that. Could do with a bit more power but the great fuel economy overides that.
Anything else you'd like to know just ask mate! I'd definately recommend one, good boat for the price and for what you want it for.
clogwog
Posts: 265
Date Joined: 01/02/11
Good on ya goodz
Thanks mate,
That info is great, thanks for taking the time.
The boats sound like it's definetley an allrounder and will suit exactly what I want it for, Pretty much exactly what you have
written down that you use it for.
My major concern was if the 60hp was powerful enough, the dealer gave me an estimate of about $2000 grand to upgrade to a 75hp but
from what your saying it sounds adequate for what we want to do.
Funny thing is that I also liked the boat cause i can get it under the roller door, great minds think alike hey!!!
thanks again for your help,
Regards
marty
Goodz
Posts: 2332
Date Joined: 20/07/09
Will have to keep an eye out
Will have to keep an eye out for you on the water soon by the sounds of it
As far as the power goes, I presume it's the 60hp 4 stroke on there? That's the biggest 4stroke that will fit on it weight wise so if you want more power you'd be going the 2stroke and for the better fuel economy and quiter engine of the 4stroke I personally would leave the 60 on there. Top speed of 29-30 knots and easily cruises on 20-25 knots comfortably. As I said just a little slow getting up on the plane but I can't see that being an issue for what you want to use it for?
Who you buying it from btw? I got mine from Aquasport, good blokes in there.
clogwog
Posts: 265
Date Joined: 01/02/11
dominator 510
Yeah, reckon it will be a goer, misses likes the idea of a new boat and also like what the boat offers so the first hurdle is sorted.
The engine on its a 60 hp oil injected two stroke so as you said probably a little more power, probably going to stick with this option
unless he does a super deal on a 75hp, the dealer has said he will throw in some fins for the outboard which he said will help it plane quicker.
Also Looking at buying it from Aquasports, the guys are pretty cruisey and easy to deal with, been to a few dealers and found some of the guys to be
pretty uninterested, so bugger them.
I reckon the guys are on to a winner with this model, like I said i've had a look around and found a few boats (haines signature, savage)
around the 20,000 mark, all of which where in ordinary condition with better ones for sale around for 25000 - 28000!!!
Under $30k for a new boat with warranties has gotta be the best value around.
The_Wanderer
Posts: 735
Date Joined: 24/09/08
Pay the extra and go a 4stk
Pay the extra and go a 4stk you will notice it. makes everything more enjoyable less smoke, less oil, less fuel and quieter running.