check out. razor lines, chivers, seariders, or allys using a dave jackman design hull. Matched with 4 stroke outboards. With that money you will pick up a beauty. The CRV's tow capacity might be under weight so youll need the check first. 

1200 kg max tow capacity with a CRV with trailer brakes....

That will limit you to a 17 ft ali single axle I trhink when you add a bit of fuel and gear. No insurance if you have a prang and are overwieght.....that includes the Ferrari you stove into as well........

Some of the cheaper boats on offer recently have had great hulls but older two strokes

There's nothing wrong with two strokes but after changing from a two to a four the fuel usage reduction, less fumes and noise are a solid win in my book

Just make sure when you're close to finding the unit you want get the Outboard checked out before handing over money. A replacement outboard could be the firey pit your money ends up in

Think about what you're going to use it for. If it's mainly fishing what config will give you the best comfort vs deck space and functionality
Centre consoles can be great hull configs for fishing but it might not be best for your 10 yo who wants to lounge and play on the iPad

Possibly look at walk arounds which still give more deck room while giving some cabin space for the kid

lastly if you've narrowed it down to a few models do some google research on how they handle in rough conditions and ask on here as someone's probably owned one before.
You might not plan to go out in rough water but it gives a good account of the boat because eventually you'll have the weather change on you and you'll want that safety & comfort

Yea i read the Tow capacity was this low i will buy 4x4 just for towing no way am i going to hit a ferrari :). if i do this this will allow me to get a fibreglass boat whats your thoughts on Aluminium vs Fibreglass

 after riding in an ali then jumping into a fibreglass you will not pick a Aluminimum boat. if you want better fuel economy whilst towing then pick the Ali, but if comfort while fishing and travelling then you cant beat fibreglass. the added weight of the glass will also add to the running costs but with the lad in the cabin and you on the deck..... Agree with the fourstroke as the best option. Don't discount an import too, although the exchange rate may be a bit shit, you get heaps better bang for your buck than aussie boats. 

 Boating does cost money but just about everything does that is enjoyable. If you buy a boat and dont use it it is a terrible waste of money. If you use it, you will be having a blast. It certainly beats a lot of activities that give nothing more than a headache. IMO.

 Mostly women :), i will be in the mindsite of work hard boat hard for a good few years. i will be mainly doing Hillarys which is 5 mins drive from home so this means the towing cost should be minimal, but in relation to boats there are so many out there and it can be so confusing and when purchasing something that is probably your 2nd highest purchase in your life i would hate to make the wrong decision i will be one of them guys walking round boat yards for months, and the sales peeps will be like its him agian lol

http://www.allboatsandcaravans.com.au/shop/trailcraft-560-trail-blazer/

 Very nice boat just issue on cabin space 

Trailcraft are a good first boat. But the budget you have a barcrusher is the best you mentioned. I love my Trailcraft 540. But then we never sleep on it, dont use the cabin for anything other than dry storage, so thats not an issue.

Trailies are tough, very forgiving for a novice, but a bang bang back sore ride in rough seas. Glass WAY better for this. But again if its a pleasure boat then more cabin makes a difference, but more cabin = less fishing space. So decide first on your priorities, then pick the best fit. IMO 10yo sitting in a cabin playing Ipad = seasickness, and a 2 stroke increase the chance heaps.

If my 10 year old was in the cabin of the boat out on the water the ipad would get the float on water test quick smart . To each their own in bring up kids, in my case we are out on the water to enjoy the experience and nature not bloody ipads or any other electronic games, if they need to look at a lcd screen to be happy keep your eyes on the sounder kids.

 Totally agree on the Electronic devices but it's a coaxing method, child hates the sea but I'm hoping a boat will bring out the love 4 water

My advice would be to not spend as much on your first boat, but something towards the lower end of your budget and see how often you use it, no point spending $45-50k on something thats parked up 2/3rds of the year, this way you will have some extra $$ to spend on a new tow vehicle for your next rig...

There's a 23ft Trophy going for $50k

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/rockingham/motorboats-powerboats/trophy-2352-walk-around/1037513373

Unfortunately I don't think the Honda will tow it

I want it for myself but sadly my accountant and bank manager (Wife) isn't interested

 Don't mind the Bayliner but liking the surtees too

 I have my 1990 Caribbean reef runner with 2010 Yamaha 150 four stroke for sale!!

just dropped price to 27k!

pm if interested 

 As many have said above, dont spend up big on your first boat.

The Trailcraft you can easily sleep on with swags, did many Abrolhos trips on mine before moving it on.

They are tough, simple, ride like shit but also are very seaworthy and will outlast easily whatever those aboard can cope with and are VERY stable.

Your first boat will get scratched bumped and knocked.

 The issue I have with not getting the boat I want I don't wanna have to hassle with selling to upgrade 

 Yea agreed i will be buying for my 30th in august so hopefully will find a bargain :)

Best bet, upgrade your CRV before then to a more capable towing vehicle....

 Im not buying my first mate but in same "boat" as you.

Just bought abd sold a traily in 2 months. .. wrong configuration. About to trial another traily but am still learning what I (and my family friends needs are).

Dont be afraid to buy but do your price homework so you can sell.

Imho if you buy a well known brand you protect yourself against resale probs later to some extent.

Hope to see you out there! 

Love the punch line.

Looking around there does not seem to be many Surtees, Bar Crushers in the second hand market within WA, so in my eyes i class this as a good thing meaning when you purchase you do not sell.

I think i am going to be looking at the Surtees 5.5m Workmate but a "newbie" It seems to be ticking a lot of boxes for me so far. But going to take my time on it i do not want to make a mistake. 

:)

Mate has a 5.8 Workmate, he wouldn't trade it in and was a bloody good ride when i've been out in it

 Mate just have a read of my post "calling all big ally boat owners"

Some interesting info just come to my notice you might want to consider. 

Cheers

Any off them.

But as a first timer beware the freeboard. Unlike some other Ali's it is low, and this is/can be a good thing, but for a newby the deeper freeboard gives you extra security whilst you get use to boating. I have been on boats for years and the security a deeper freeboard gives you, especially when its a first boat is an important point.

I looked at the Surtees when I got the Trailcraft. I loved it, but the deckie (Mrs) was pretty new to fishing offshore and felt nervous about the height. I wouldnt care (and would have prefered the Surtees) but it does make a difference with novices and confidence on a boat.

 I'm swinging round towards the Surtees Gamefisher 5.8  whats people thoughts on this boat seems a lot more expensive  

Surtees looked good at the boat show yesterday, well built and build strong ...But Im getting closer to buying my first Glass boat, sick of getting the cr*p beaten out of me in Ali boats.
The age old question hey ... Glass or Ali ???
I just feel Im not Im getting a good deal with Ali boats, 4.2m Ali boat for 25k ..you've got to be kidding me. You can buy a glass boat with a nicer finish ,ride, features etc for the same or less. Cant see where the value is with Ali, when you consider you can buy a whole car for the same price as a Ali 5 m boat. I know im not comparing apples with apples but ...

Only ever been in a ally boat, I wanta glass one now.

 Went with a Surtees 5.8 Gamefisher -115hp 4stroke Mercury - so excited role on Aug :)

 How much was the workmate?

 Check out anything by Haines.

 Disregard last comment, obviously because I didnt read the last couple of posts, doh!

 The prices varies dependant on specs

 My boat has arrived off the ship needs it fitout but will only get it for august (like a kid at xmas) been perving on the pics for days but now i need to decide on sounder/chart plotter.

Liking the Dragonfly for the sounder but not sure on the chart plotter its a mindfield out there, as well as this will need boat cover. 

A guy down the road from me has a Barcrusher parked up in his own purpose made boat space. He has a cover thats like a big sock looks a quality want my boat to have the best cover possible being out in the elements.