Fishing Boat Buying Guide for Australia

Buying a fishing boat is one of the best investments you can make if you love fishing, but choosing the wrong boat is very easy. The right fishing boat depends on where you fish, how you fish, and how many people come with you.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying a fishing boat.

1. Where Will You Use the Boat?

This is the most important question when buying a fishing boat. Boats are designed for specific environments such as rivers, bays, or offshore fishing.

Boat Size Guide by Fishing Location

In Australia, most fishing boats are used in estuaries, rivers and bays, so mid-size aluminium boats are the most popular choice.

2. Types of Fishing Boats

Fishing boats come in many different layouts, and each suits different fishing styles.

Common Fishing Boat Types

Open Boat / Tinny

• Simple and affordable
• Great for rivers and dams
• Easy to tow and launch

Side Console

• Great for lure fishing
• Lots of deck space
• Easy to move around

Centre Console

• Best for serious fishing
• Walk around entire boat
• Good for bay and offshore fishing

Runabout / Cabin Boat

• Protection from wind and weather
• Good for offshore fishing
• Good family/fishing combo

Fishing boats are generally divided into freshwater boats and saltwater boats, with aluminium boats commonly used in smaller trailer boats and fibreglass in larger offshore boats.

3. Aluminium vs Fibreglass Fishing Boats

Aluminium Boats

Pros

• Lighter and easier to tow
• Cheaper
• Easy to maintain
• Good for rivers and bays
• Very popular in Australia

Fibreglass Boats

Pros

• Better ride in rough water
• Heavier and more stable offshore
• More storage and features
• Better for offshore fishing

Aluminium boats are common entry-level fishing boats because they are lightweight, affordable and durable.

4. Hull Types (Very Important)

The hull shape determines how the boat rides and where it can be used.

Modified-V hulls are often the most versatile choice for Australian conditions because they balance stability and wave handling.

5. Fishing Features to Look For

A fishing boat should be set up for fishing, not just transport.

Important Fishing Boat Features

Look for:

• Sounder / GPS
• Rod holders
• Live bait tank
• Large casting deck
• Non-slip floor
• Tackle storage
• Kill tank / ice box
• Electric trolling motor
• Boarding ladder
• Deck wash
• Self draining floor

Deck layout and fishing-specific features are very important because a fishing boat deck is essentially a workspace.

6. Outboard Motor Size Guide

General guide for aluminium fishing boats:

Outboards are the most common engines for trailer fishing boats, with horsepower depending on boat size and usage.

7. New vs Used Fishing Boats

Buy New If:

• You want warranty
• You want finance
• You want a matched boat/motor/trailer package
• You want reliability

Buy Used If:

• Lower budget
• Boat already has extras fitted
• You are comfortable checking condition

8. Fishing Boat Buying Checklist

Before buying a fishing boat, ask yourself:

• Where will I fish most?
• How many people will be on the boat?
• Do I want river, bay or offshore capability?
• Can my car tow it?
• Where will I store it?
• New or used?
• Budget including accessories?
• Do I need finance?
• Do I need electronics and electric motor?

9. Most Popular First Fishing Boat Setup (Australia)

If you are unsure what to buy, the most common fishing boat setup in Australia is:

4.5m – 5.0m aluminium side console or centre console with a 60hp outboard

This size boat can be used in:

• Rivers
• Estuaries
• Moreton Bay
• Light offshore fishing

This is why this size range is the most popular fishing boat category.

Simple Advice Most Boat Dealers Will Tell You

Buy the boat for where you fish 80% of the time, not 5% of the time.

Many people buy big offshore boats but actually fish rivers and bays most of the time.