New to boats - not sure what I need?

Hey all, I've been a keen fisherman all my life and played around with a few tinnies in my teens. I'd like to buy a boat now that opens up my options a bit more but really unsure what I need. Hoping to get some advice.

The purpose is solely fishing. 3 or 4 people at most. I'd like to be able to run river, estuary and out to shallow reefs for snapper and mackerel (still in sight of land). I have almost no experience chasing these and I'm very keen to learn!

I assume to go further out I need something over 18ft? Tow vehicle is a 3l petrol Triton (manual). Thinking aluminium (lighter to tow and resistant to knocks) and about 4.5 - 5m. Will that get me where I want to go?

Is my logic ok? Anything I should look for?

Re: New to boats - not sure what I need?

I have a 16 ft Alumaweld. Any more than two people is a crowd. I would think you would need a little larger boat for four men to fish from.

Re: New to boats - not sure what I need?

A 16 to 20 foot center console offshore boat would be the ticket.

Re: New to boats - not sure what I need?

Peter Eikenberry said:

A 16 to 20 foot center console offshore boat would be the ticket.

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That would do it. Lots of them around too.

Re: New to boats - not sure what I need?

Peter Eikenberry said:

A 16 to 20 foot center console offshore boat would be the ticket.

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I agree.

Re: New to boats - not sure what I need?

Ya depanding on the lay out a 16 would be tight, on mine me and my fishing buddy are perfect, another guy is doable but tight but my boat has casting decks, a cc with the open floor plan might be okay.

I will assume from the "keen" "litres" and "meters" that you are from Australia and I am not sure what boats are available over there but a tinny would be nice if you could find one but glass will probably be alot easier to come into.

Re: New to boats - not sure what I need?

19' carolina skiff J series. roomy, lightweight, cheap and seaworthy