boats
Submitted: Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 at 09:32
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Member - Daryl N (NSW)
We are heading north to the top end for winter and are considering taking a boat. We currently have access to a 3.3 m tinny and motor but are also considering buying an inflatable boat and motor. However there has been some concerns raised about using inflatable boats in waters where large crocs may be present.
Any comments on the pros or cons of inflatable boats would be appreciated.
Cheers
Daryl
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 at 09:52
Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 at 09:52
Daryl,
If you plan to take anything mate, take the tinnie.
Some of those lizards will still be longer than the boat.
I took my 3.4 m Stessl with a 15hp OB up to the Top End and used it twice. However, it was no problem as I had it on a trailer, which I also used to carry the camping gear.
Must have looked a little funny in some
places (like Ayers
Rock) where there is no water.
We fished the
Mary River and caught a couple of good sized Barra.
Also launched it in the
Roper River but had no luck.
I had no problem with the "splincter valve" being in the same stretch of water, in a 3.4 metre tinnie, with those crocks.
It may be different in river sections frequented by crock tourist boats where they actually feed the things.
There I would be somewhat worried methinks.
AnswerID:
285075
Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 at 16:19
Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 at 16:19
Daryl, I would always go the tinnie, but I will admit I have no experience with inflatables.
I spent several weeks in the Gulf last year with a 3.5m tinnie and 15HP outboard. We are heading back in a few weeks and I've upgraded to a 3.75m tinnie (Quintrex Dart) and 20 HP outboard.
When in croc territory, I like a nice deep boat that I can get on the plane quickly.
AnswerID:
285143
Reply By: Member - Steve NT - Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 at 17:12
Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 at 17:12
On occasion I take tours to
Shady Camp on the
Mary river, This place is recognised as the largest
population of Estuarine crocs any where in the world.
I use the 3.5 tinnies provided by
Shady Camp Boat Hire, the punters can drive there own boat under instruction by the guide.
I would never ever ever put a inflatable in any river system above the 26 parallel.and I have lived around Crocs all my life.!MPG:17!!MPG:15!!MPG:19!
Cheers Steve.
AnswerID:
285154
Reply By: tonysmc - Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 at 21:26
Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 at 21:26
Daryl, I would take the tinny, not because of crocs, but because of the big tides and snags which sit just under the water line, you are at a big risk of getting a hole in it. Many of the rivers are tidal and you may zoom down a river and all is fine, coming back up you may find many exposed rocks (oyster covered in the sea) or trees that have washed in during wet season floods. Also you will find that you will more likely use the tinny as it is just a matter of chucking the motor on and away you go. When you have to inflate/deflate then pack it away you may tend not use an inflatable so much. If you are planning alot of fishing I would be inclined to put a shade canopy on a tinny as
well.
Cheers Tony
AnswerID:
285211
Reply By: Member - andrew B (Kununurra) - Sunday, Feb 03, 2008 at 08:24
Sunday, Feb 03, 2008 at 08:24
Gday Daryl
I used to have 2 fishing boats, a 12 fotter and a 17 fotter. Last time I took the 12 footer on the Ord there was a very large crock smashing into a bloated cow carcuss not far from us. It is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen with my own eyes (ie not on tv). It was almost lifting the carcuss (400kg??) out of the water and tearing large pieces off......hence it was the last time I took the 12 footer out, I feel much better in a bigger boat, even though the chances of being attacked are very slim.
The tinny served me
well, as similar boats have for countless people, and I have not heard of people being attacked in boats (there has been the odd incident in the past, but IMO most of these would be due to people feeding or hasstleing the crocs)
I just no longer felt comfortable in the little boat, and the 17 footer has a bigger beer esky!
I'd take the biggest boat you can in your circumstances.
Cheers Andrew
AnswerID:
285251