Aquajeep 430 boat

Discussion in 'Powerboats' started by valvebounce, Sep 18, 2017.

  1. valvebounce
    Joined: Dec 2010
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    Location: manchester uk

    valvebounce Senior Member

    I have been looking at ads for the Aquajeep 430,I believe they were used by some Australian clubs as rescue boats.
    Apparently they are unsinkable (foam filled)and can be pretty quick.
    Because of my age (72) I think a dip in the drink wouldn't do me any favours,especially in cold UK waters.
    My present boat is a 14ft f/glass boat with a nice planing hull,but it's not unsinkable.
    Has anybody had any experience of the Aquajeep? any info would be handy.
     
  2. Steve con
    Joined: Oct 2017
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    Location: Essex

    Steve con New Member

    Good morning
    Just come across your post
    I have an aquajeep 430 and they are a cracking small boat
    This one is still original gel coat and in greate shape
    Getting harder to find
    They can be picked up cheep when they come onto eBay
    I fish 2-3 max from it in some quite lively weather
    Plenty of storage
    I'm running a 20hp four stroke which gets aprox 15-18
    Cheep to run and very stable due to hull design
    They are rated for 8 people max and up to 80hp ( tow stroke ) if used would be a rocket ship
    Easy to launch and retrieve and just a good alround fun boat
    Regards Steve
     

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  3. valvebounce
    Joined: Dec 2010
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    valvebounce Senior Member

    Thanks for your input Steve it's much appreciated.With not seeing the Jeep about anywhere,it's handy to know some of the specs etc.
    What size leg do they have on the outboard(short or longshaft?)
    The fact that they can handle a bit of chop is a point in it's favour.
    I've got a 1999 25hp Johnson longshaft with not a lot of hours on it.I fish the North Wales coast and the Menia straits.
    Do you know what the draft is on the Jeep?
     
  4. Steve con
    Joined: Oct 2017
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    Location: Essex

    Steve con New Member

    Good morning
    I'm running 2016 long shaft which gives me enough speed and power for any thing on the Thames
    Tides can be pretty lively here and it handles it very well considering it's only 4.3 metres
    Iv been out in 22mph winds ( not by choice it picked up one day unexpectedly ) and made it home with a bit of slamming and no dramas
    I need 18 inches of water to go out but have made it in less with the odd scrape across a sand bank
    25hp will go nicely and keep the economy cheep
    I can go out to red sands towers and back 20 mile trip and use under fifteen quids worth of fuel on a nice day
    I'd recomend if you want a light nippy day fisher with good capabilities
    It turns heads as well as these are quite rare now
    I sold my 18foot cheverton and am just as happy with this as that one while at sea
    And as a plus it can pull the ringo for the kids so win win for me
     
  5. Steve con
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    Steve con New Member

    Few mor pics
     

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  6. valvebounce
    Joined: Dec 2010
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    valvebounce Senior Member

    Sounds just the ticket,thanks.I'll need to sell my boat first because I need the room on my drive.
    I'll have to get a plan Haha.
    Thanks for the pics,I don't know if you know,but they are upside down.I had to flatten my laptop screen to have a look at them.
    I think this 25hp will give me a nice low planing speed to get out to where I want,and that extra bit of power if the weather cuts up.
    The tide comes in from both ends of the Straits,and there is a tricky bar at the southern end when it changes.
    18"draft would be perfect for the sandbars in the Conway estuary,and at Prestatyn.My present boat has a 6" draft and a well designed hull.
    It's fairly light,with a covered bow and dashboard and two seats,(no cuddy) I have to watch the weather,and it's a bit restricting.
    The Jeep sounds pretty seaworthy.
    thanks for your input.
     
  7. Steve con
    Joined: Oct 2017
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    Location: Essex

    Steve con New Member

    Sorry about upside down taken on I pad held wrong way
    Please see attached
    Iv just had a boat builder give me a quote for a small fibreglass spray hood like the one in the picture ( this one has a material hood )
    I made the mould and he is willing to do fibreglass work for £200
    This will give me a nice cuddly as at the front of the boat there is a large area Under the bow
    Keep me and electrics dry
    Good luck with your plan
     

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  8. valvebounce
    Joined: Dec 2010
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    valvebounce Senior Member

    That certainly looks the business,I think it's a good move having a f/glass spray hood.As hard as you try,material hoods soon look tatty.
    Sounds a reasonable price for the job.
    The trouble I find with adding bits to boats is there are no continuous straight lines.I usually find the final fitting is where it comes together.
    With some protection from the weather the boat should be perfect.
     
  9. Steve con
    Joined: Oct 2017
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    Steve con New Member

    I totally agree with adding bits
    The one plus with the aquajeep is the lines are quite straight and easy to follow
    As long as you keep scale I recon I can do a good job
    I only need to be seated so I don't need head hight
    When you see the room in the bow I recon il even have enough space for a single burner cooker to make a nice cuppa or bacon roll
    I have a few days off and have purchased a few mods to be fitted over the next 2 weeks
    I set my budget at 250 as I have already all electronics engine and trailer
    I will if you want keep you up dated with a few photos
    These should be re made 16 feet 18 feet and 21 feet they would be winners as all day long as affordable safe fun and fishing
    If your plan comes true you will have a smile and think yep right decision for a nice day out
    All the best
     
  10. valvebounce
    Joined: Dec 2010
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    valvebounce Senior Member

    I'd appreciate an update on your progress Steve,thanks.
    Makes you wonder why,when they make an obvious winner(like the Jeep) why they haven't made other models.Probably a financial dilemma somewhere along the line.
    I've added bits to my boat,cleats etc.I've fitted two internal rod holders in the splashwell for downtiding,and a rod holder either side,so when I reverse the seats they are within reach of the sitting position.I like to keep the deck clear of clutter.
    Like you say,a bit of customising and it's a boon.
    Good luck with your project.
    All the best.
     
  11. Steve con
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    Steve con New Member

    There is one on eBay now if you fancy a cheep easy project
    Regards
     
  12. valvebounce
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    valvebounce Senior Member

    Cheers Steve,I'll have a look.I've been offered £1250 for my boat,but the guy is stuck for where to store it
     
  13. Steve con
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    Steve con New Member

    6B2AE0E3-001C-470B-85C7-5C791EFF4AE9.jpeg
    How have you got on with finding one
    My one is coming on nicely
    Few bits still to do but have decided not to put cabin on as I got a good deal on a Bimini and went for s screen as well
     
  14. valvebounce
    Joined: Dec 2010
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    Location: manchester uk

    valvebounce Senior Member

    Hi Steve,
    Not seen any advertised for quite a while.
    I got a nice surprise a couple of weeks ago,we launched into the Menai Straits near Caernarfon,and the guy that launched us with a tractor Identified my boat (I've tried without much success)It's a 14ft Broome Gemini speedboat.
    The previous owner had it modified for sea fishing,and made a nice job of it,he fished the sea Lochs in Scotland apparently.
    The two rear seats have been removed and there is plenty of deckspace.The freeboard is quite deep,and there are safety rails all round.
    With two leaning over the same side,it's very stable,you don't get to that(whoops point) if you know what I mean.
    From what I can gather,the boat will take up to a 6oHP.
    I might upgrade to a 40hp.My problem is I'm getting on a bit,so I would need an engine lift to get the motor on and off,Haha.
    The Bimini top sounds a good idea.I managed to Aquire some double sided 3/4'' GRP (fibre glassed both sides.)I have toyed with the idea of making a cuddy with it.It can be fret sawed to shape,and is still very strong.It takes fiberglass very well,and the weight is negligible.
    Hoping to get out in September for the bigger fish,it's the best month for fishing.(Tope)
    Nice to hear from you,
    Stan
     

  15. Jim C
    Joined: Jun 2019
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    Location: Scotland

    Jim C New Member

    Hi sorry to jump on your post...!
    I'm having trouble finding any real information on the 430. I have had one for 2/3 years now and still don't know the dry weight. Any ideas...?
    Thanks
    Jim
     
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