When buying a boat, it is important to do your research before you arrive at a dealership. Ask yourself these questions: What features would you like on your boat? What do you want to do with the boat? Do you want a centre console or a cabin? Will it need to be in survey? Where will you keep the boat when not in use?
People often buy a boat for the wrong purpose. If you want a fisher, then buy a sportfisher boat. If you want to just cruise around, then buy a cruiser. If you are going to use the boat for watersports, like skiing, then buy a ski boat.
Do not be put off by a big size boat, as I have found that after a little while you will get used to the large size boat and wish you bought an even bigger boat.
The boats I build are fishing boats, so I get great satisfaction to build a vessel then take it fishing. To be passionate about your occupation is a great motivation to strive for perfection.
When conceptualising my ideal boat, my considerations are: long range fuel for extended trips; saltwater wash down to get rid of the fish blood; fresh water to shower or wash down my equipment when needed, and also, if for some reason you become stranded, to use it as drinking water until you sort out any problems; storage facilities for the killed fish or an area for fish storage bags; sounder and transducer setup; a boat that could either live in water or be easily trailerable; toilet for the ladies and for us in extended trips. We put all these ideas into our boats and offer the buyers the options so they have input into what they want on their ideal boat.
The VMAX 24
The VMAX24 is built on the Gold Coast, so it is very rewarding to see these tough-looking boats cruising around, catching all the big fish. The easy to handle VMAX24 can go out where the big charter boats and game boats go, and catch the same fish species. I have been out on these 24’ boats to the Continental Shelf chasing big blue marlin and big yellow fin tuna. My personal boat is fitted with 2 x 300hp outboards, so I tend to get out to where I want to go pretty quick. I have also installed outriggers, and each of our boats has underfloor storage bins to keep the caught fish fresh with slurry. Our 24’ can also be trailered by one person. I regularly go out fishing on one of these by myself. This model is the only centre console available in Australia built to 2C survey standard.
Interview with Vlad Tesic
By Andy Kancachian
