neilvin replied:

We have just finished a 2yr trip around Oz. We took a 3.4 m boat on the roof, started off with a 9.8hp motor then after a few months we upgraded to an 18hp.
Taking the boat was worth it for us, but we do like our fishing. Will definitley be with us on the next trip. wouldn't feel right without one....to many places to explore by boat.
Regards
Neil

Tessysdad replied:

We took a tinnie on the roof last year when we toured the Kimberley. We are planning to begin an around Oz trip next year and will definitely take the tinnie. Its not much trouble or expense to take it and if you are at a place where fishing from the beach/river bank will get you a feed then you haven't lost much. If you are at a place where a boat is needed and you haven't got it.........bugger!! Having said that, don't let the remoteness of an area put you off the idea of being able to hire a dinghy. Its surprising how many out of the way places have them for hire. BTW, a canoe is worth thinking about if you like bird watching in creeks and rivers, but these also are quite often available for hire.
Happy camping,
Mike and Jan.

DEANO WA replied:

in WA and NT I wouldnt be without a boat but it depends on how serious your brand of fishin is. i tow a 5.1 c/console but i REALLY enjoy my fishin. the boat also doubles as a trailer(not tooooooo much weight now!). we have similar setup to you and beleive it to be the best for uor lifestyle. just make sure your trailer is bulletproof.

Member - Cocka replied:

This adds a whole new dimension to the trip. It's obvious that you will get great use anywhere around the Oz coastline as opposed to the central desert regions. I have not taken a boat (yet) and have tried fishing many shorelines especially up north and it's very frustrating knowing sometimes there is great water but you can't access it by land. Also it's not really comfortable in the croc country walking through Mangroves trying to reach a stretch of water.

I'm not really happy with the idea of canoes in croc country either - crocs are very territorial and from below the water a paddling canoe could look not dissimilar to another croc from below.

If your a mad keen -- go the tinnie.

Grumblebum and Dragon (WA) replied:

Got a 2.6 m Zodiac inflatable with a 5 hp Mariner two stroke short shaft. Boat 33 Kg motor 21 kg fold into a small bag about 950 x 480 x 350 - or something close. The great thing is the permanently mounted wide plastic sand wheels on the trasom, just a 'click' and they are locked into place. Dead easy for a stroll across the sand to the water - more better than a roof mounted tinnie. Runs on the smell of an oily rag. Comes with a five year warranty as well plus three years on the motor - whole rig only cost about $3250. Lives in the back of the cruiser or sometimes in the vast stowage hatch on the Bushtracker.

Cheers

Austravel replied:

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

Wheelerdog replied:

i only really travel to go fishing!!!!!!! so answer is yes. i tow a 4.3m stacer barra elite with 40hp yammie 4stroke.

i reckon a 3.5m v nose punt with a 15hp is about the smallest you would want to go, especially for longer distaces on northern territory rivers. shop around for the lightest weight to make it easier to go on the roof and make sure it has 1.6mm bottom. some of the roof toppers are thinner which is to flimmsy.

Member - John (QLD) replied:

We decided on a portabote - bit more fiddly but minimal wind drag - outboard mounts on the trailer.

lives on the roof rack or top of trailer - only weighs 26kg - 3.2mt
tougher than an inflatable - no need to pump up - but 10mins to put together.

goes surprising well with a 5hp (which has an inbuilt fuel tank)

as the name implies - very portable and we have a boat wherever we may roam.

www.portabote.com

Cheers
John

Austravel replied:

Thanks for the ideas and views.