If you think I am not comparing apples-to-apples with regards to what type of water a boat can handle - Here's a video about some similar style boats to the Polycraft 410 that come with an engine and trailer for the $10,000 Polycraft is asking for just the hull - ua-cam.com/video/ZhgNfGIBor4/v-deo.html
Good vid Wayne , however you probably should go ride in a 410 Challenger first , just so you can understand the benefits of owning a Poly boat . I wont go into all the details , but a few selling points are the stability , low maintenance , low vibration and less on water noise, a true soft ride not just an advertising slogan ,and the longevity you can expect over many, many years of boating. The price points maybe higher in the US , and that's because they come from the other side of the world and freight not free . Just like your Tracker Boats we have imported here, they more expensive than a Polycraft in Australia .As for upgrades , if you have a drill , hot air gun and some screws your good to go , because unlike a Alloy boat with a single skin , the Polycraft have 2 skins, inner and outer so that allows you to screw , add, drill , weld anything you like to the inside skin without compromising the outer skin .And if you make a mistake you can repair it yourself with hot air gun and some welding cable . Oh and they LDPE , not HDPE .Thanks again for highlighting our products :)
Thanks for commenting! I know the shipping cost is a real bugger and without moving manufacturing here, there's no way around it. When we get a dealer closer to me - I really want to experience one in person. Currently the closest dealer is 4 hours away.
Let him try it on Great Lakes or ocean with a nice swell, and not on a swamp next door to truly appreciate how deeply mistaken he is. Wayne, this boat designed to go on big water. You buy it to go fishing for Salmon and steelhead in Great Lakes or ocean (something you need 19 footer or bigger to be somewhat safe) and yet you can store this one in a small garage. The price is reasonable if you compare it to Stabicraft or DNA boats.
One of the advantages of the poly boat is it is virtually unsinkable. There is a guy on you tube that alters these boats, including adding triple small motors.
I own a 3M tuffy, it's very stable, me and brother over 200lbs x2 can sit on same beam for fishing whole day, excellent stability, it won't sink or over turn and it brought it less USD1,800 in Honkong
Unfortunately this isn't an apple for apple comparison. These are high sided ocean going boats. But very expensive. Polycraft are not flat bottom river boats . I've been in 2m swells 20kms off shore in my 4.8 Polycraft. There very capable.
Well Wayne, although overall you are misguided about Polycraft boats, I give you credit for staying on topic with your discussion that revolves around comparing Polycraft with cheap boats. Those who disagreed with you in the comments area are familiar with Polycraft boats and they know the reason these boats are higher priced is because they are a premium product. Unfortunately some people who are watching your video are unfamiliar with Polycraft and they think you are giving an educated well rounded opinion when in fact you spent 5 minutes mainly just reiterating that the price tag is higher...... I paid triple the price for a 3 layer plastic (polyethylene) canoe 35yrs ago and when it was recently stolen, it still looked like it did 35yrs ago, which is why it probably got stolen. In any event, that canoe would've sunk on multiple occasions in the past if it was aluminum. Plastic has it's place and small boats are probably one of the best applications to use plastic as the main material. There's a few reasons these boat hulls are expensive which include the price of the plastic and the price of manufacturing but realistically they are expensive because the knowledgeable public is willing to pay the extra expense because these boats are worth every penny. When My canoe was stolen I priced every boat you showed in your video and many others that you omitted and at the end of the day I opted for paying the extra money and I bought a Polycraft because I know it will still be around for my grandkids - grandkids in 35 years. I have nothing against aluminum boats and don't get me wrong, if money was my #1 driver - i'd rather have a cheap aluminum boat than nothing at all.
I can't stand when people steal things! If they had stolen an aluminum canoe from you at least you would be able to hope it sunk on the thief - but you know that wont happen. In the small boat segment, cost seems to be the #1 factor for most buyers and if the Polycraft boats were only slightly more costly, it would be quite easy to recommend them. Which model did you get to replace your canoe - a 300 Tuffy or did you go for the 410?
@@WayneTheBoatGuy - Hello Wayne, I opted for the PolyCraft 410 only because of immediate availability and location for the pickup. Honestly there are other plastic players on the market such as Whally, etc. that are relatively indestructible but you hit on their key drawback and it's price. I'm on board with your explanation to your audience regarding the price disadvantage of the PolyCraft but your omission of the advantages of plastic was a disservice to any readers who are more interested in robustness over initial price.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy You should probably do some basic research on the actual product before giving an opinions. Do you understand what apples to apples means.
But you didn't even test drive one. Sure I get the price argument but you could have gone deeper if you actually used one...and you would have answered a few of your own questions.
Last year after MIBS, a Miami guy began hawking these boats and got a couple of the YT Haulover Boat guys to help. When the cost was revealed I lol’d because an aluminum skiff of greater size is still cheaper, leaving $$$ to add accessories. Inflation in the Boating industry was runaway prior to the current mess and outlandish prices such as for these boats simply aren’t a value for many casual fishermen. For about $2K, we have a 12’ Jon, FF, TM, 2 live tanks, and safety gear and I just got a 6.5 motor (used) for $500. I think I’m money ahead.
Those poly Craft boats are set up for saltwater deep sea fishing aluminum boats you are talking about that we sell in the United States are set up for ponds and lakes and not really good in open ocean..
You bring up some good points! They don't really emphasize the deep sea aspect on their US web site - and they might be able to make a better case for their products in that environment. And I'm curious how a 13 ft boat would feel out there. As far as other options, I did not seek out boats based on being good for that environment but Lowe offers the WV1670 which is a deep V hull (6 ft beam and 6 ft long) under $5,000 which might work in similar conditions as the 410 for half the cost.
@@vitoparrinello4003 not entirely true. The 3m and 4.1 aren't made for deep-sea fishing. They're for inland waters, estuaries and dams etc. The 4.5 is a bit of an all-rounder. But also isn't made specifically for deep-sea. If the seas are calm the 4.5 will be adequate.
What makes these boats so expensive is the shipping from Australia, and import duty when the boats arrive into stayed. I live in Ireland, where US made aluminium boats are incredibly more expensive here than the US for the same reasons. One of my mates has a Polyethylene boat made in New Zealand, a smartwave. It's very easy to modify.
If they get around that by setting up a factory in the US that could change things. It wouldnt be hard to convert a factory that works with PET to switch their molds to make these.
I would be curious to see a side-by-side of how they perform next to a similar price 14-16 ft V hull aluminum boat in rough waters. That might be a great selling point for them.
I see a lot of comments from people talking about how great they are in coastal waters. However, this video(I believe) is targeted towards the overall value here in the US. Here, where there are over 100k lakes, ponds and rivers. Sure, they may be great out in the ocean but do I need that in an inland lake? Not at that cost. Polycraft won't be a competitor until they can bring the cost down. I'd rather get a used Sundolphin 120 pro for a few thousand.
Yes! And when I made this video, their US website did not promote their coastal water strengths but actually seemed to be targeting inland water use and trying to compete with the aluminum boats I mention in the video.
In Sydney I owned a Polycraft Tuffy 3 metre with a 15 hp Yamaha 2 stroke... bright blue.. called it the Flying Esky. Advantages - very stable, quiet dry ride, very fast and corners like it is on rails with a 15 hp. It is a tri hull with foam interior. Unsinkable, does not dent. Huge demand here for them second hand. No comparison to and alloy boat of same size. Aluminum is noisy, wetter, much less stable at rest, heats up in the sun & paint scratches. Sold it and bought a NZ made Smartwave 3500 with a light weight 25 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. This was also a revaluation. So much more space, corner seat bait tanks / ice lockers, centre seat storage and it is removal, built in cup holder. A mate also bought one. We have been boating since the age of 12 with alloy and fibreglass boats. Now 69. These polyethylene boats are fantastic and indestructible (easily repairable if you monster it some how. Highly recommended... never going back to alloy.
@@user-cg9oi5ug4d Both are great boats with different sizes and form. They are heavy for the size. Payoff is stability at rest, better ride and quieter than aluminum. Smartwave 3500 is a especially good rig with custom canopy. 25 hp Yammie is perfect. Only things that are noticeable as with the 15hp on the SW 2 up the passenger needed to move forward to get on the plane. The bow of the 3500 SW is low to the water in comparison some other boats. Generally it has good lift in the bow, but a big wash when stationary and 3 or 4 on board can be close to coming over the bow.
I would say the real test would be take it to haulover inlet in Miami. If it run the pass like a Boston whaler can then it passes the test. Go up against blue top legend. Let's see what this boat is made of.
Yeh not a very informed review here. Its like saying look Nokia does a cheaper phone than Apple. Therefore you should buy the Nokia. Not all boats are the same. You certainly can't compare Polycraft boats to Aluminium boats...
It isn't a review at all. When I made this video, they were marketing themselves (and other videos were promoting them) as a small aluminum boat alternative at over twice the cost. To use your example - so they were an iPhone alternative that cost over twice as much as an iPhone. If they stuck with promoting their products to offshore/rough water environments, they could possibly justify the significantly higher cost and show why their product is a better option.
If you want quality, you have to pay for quality. If you want to cheap-out, buy aluminium. If you want to risk sinking, buy aluminium. If you don't care about the quality of the ride, the foam-filled double-skin, the lack of maintenance, blah, blah, blah. Also, surprise! Welcome to the real world where you have to pay import tax and freight charges. When Australians want to buy cheap american goods, they are made very expensive by import tax and freight. That's life mate. You get what you pay for.
I can pick up a Starcraft SVX171 with a yamaha 115 for the same price as the polycraft 488. In the USA, there are far better options out their that have the same weight ratio as polycraft for the same asking price.
I think I prefer the polycraft boat over any Jon Boat , as they are designed to handle the rougher waters , hence the higher sides . This guy that owns this channel should have done some proper research on poly boats , rather than go along with every other non informed bloke about polycraft boats .
In the U.S. we can buy a high-sided 16 ft aluminum boat, with engine and trailer for the price of the Polycraft 410 hull only. That's the biggest challenge they have in my opinion. Here's a video about some of the bigger boats with an engine and trailer you can get for $10,000 ua-cam.com/video/ZhgNfGIBor4/v-deo.html
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Really? Name one. I would beach launch that Poly and take it 30 miles out for Marlin without a second thought. None of the aluminum boats that you referenced in this or the other video are remotely in that performance class. I’m no Polycraft cheerleader, but you’re clearly comparing apples and oranges.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Really? Name one. I would beach launch that Poly and take it 30 miles out for Marlin without a second thought. None of the aluminum boats that you referenced in this or the other video are remotely in that performance class. I’m no Polycraft cheerleader, but you’re clearly comparing apples and oranges.
I had a Sears game fisher years ago. It wasn't quite a true plastic boat but it was a good boat. Wouldn't handle a very big motor but it got the job done. Nothing wrong with plastic. Money aside.
The tracker boat sinks when a wave fills your boat. There is a big difference between a double layered wall with air in the middle, then a single layered wall boat. A double layered wall Aluminum boat cost $30,000, while a plastic one cost $10,000. Terrible comparison. The Poly 410 destroys that garbage tracker boat. The 410 is seaworthy, the tracker is not.
Yes, some were lower sided - but for $10,000 you can get much more boat with a trailer and an engine - I have that video linked here: ua-cam.com/video/ZhgNfGIBor4/v-deo.html
Problem with everything Australian made is that it is WAY OVER priced. Quality is generally very good, it has to be otherwise Aussies won't buy it, but reason for these being so expensive is that they are made in Australia and wages in Australia are fairly high. Then they need to be shipped to the USA and that just makes them more expensive. Polycraft should have set up a manufacturing facility in the US as these are really good boats. Also, Polycraft boats can't sink and people take them out onto the big blue in very rough conditions.
Lots of comments tell me how their boats are really well suited for being in the ocean and rougher conditions. They should really push that 'angle' harder in their marketing efforts - because they really miss the mark when their main 410 page says that the boat is for people who just: "enjoy just getting out and exploring the rivers and dams" And yes, the price probably isn't such a barrier in Australia - but with shipping, taxes, exchange rates, and any other barriers - it's not a nice price here in the US.
It would be great if you actually had gone for a test run. Frankly they are far safer, softer ride, quieter. Try getting 2 guys standing on the same gunnel without flipping. Value translates to what you really get for your money, everything you have compared to the Polycraft reall just dont compare. You are only talking bucks no experience. Dumb review when you havent ever been on one.
Not an apples to apples comparison, common use is very different. Plastic boat with a 15 HP outboard is essentially a salt water rescue boat capable of handling choppy ocean with ease. Comparable size aluminum would never dream of those conditions. Plastic boats are a great bargain when looking for a saltwater boat capable of handling rough conditions. A small aluminum boat capable of handling those same conditions is very rare and much more costly. I have a 10 foot Waley and a 10 foot aluminum......my Waley is a true ocean going champ, my aluminum is a small lake boat that I would never take out on the ocean
Comparing a polycraft boat to those other American made boats is not apples to apples. Do some more research. If you need is with the price, well is not just a plastic busy as you stated. You don't have to buy one or discourage anyone from buying one. Some people prefer quality, safety and versatility over cheap made specific use crap.
Your totally wrong. Yes they are higher priced but there capabilities way exceed there aluminum counterparts. First the Tuffy 10ft vs the West Marine. Night and day difference here. Your talking about a boat that supports a 15hp engine vs one that supports a messily 3hp. The Tuffy will literally run circles around the West Marine. And I want to bring this up - just look at the high sides and the floor of the Tuffy. Now this is a fishing platform that does not care if the wind and waves kick up. Try being in the West Marine when the wave kick up or when you get a bunch of bigger boats going by. And I would hate that molded bench in the West Marine! And the Tuffy will hold 3 people vs the WM only 2. Plus the Tuffy is 5” wider so it is vastly more stable than the WM. And this goes for the 14 ft Tuffy vs the Trackers. The Tracker may do fine in calm water but any rough water and the thing is toast! I love how you compare your dinky little Jon boat which has no stability at all vs a boat that is 72” wide! And the tracker 16/48 has a beam of 48”. Again the extra width is going to make it a much more capable boat. I look at the boats here in Colorado and for the most part they are 17/18ft Deep V’s. These things are made for when the mountain winds pick up and the waves pick up. It would crush these little Jon boats with low sides.
I appreciate the points you bring up - but I think it's a hard-sell for Polycraft to try to convince people to pay significantly more for a smaller boat. The Tuffy certainly seems to outclass the West Marine boat in many ways (as it should at nearly 4x the cost) but they are both very small 10 ft boats. I don't think there's a big market for really expensive 10 foot boats. The Tracker 1648 actually has a beam of 6 ft. It is 48" at the bottom. I doubt many people in Colorado would go for a Polycraft 410 when they could get a bigger Lowe WV1670 deep V for literally half as much.
PolyCraft is not competitive in price period. That is my opinion from research. That material is going to take more reinforcement if going to build them bigger. Rigidity and strength in larger boats with larger/heavier motors I think will require stringers and bulk heads.
Hi Wayne. I’ve been watching your videos for the last few years and really enjoy the way you present them. I find the content really useful, informative and non-biased. I own an older 14’ Lund with a 9.9HP 2 stroke Mercury and live on the coast in British Columbia, Canada where choices are more limited and the costs are higher. I did see one of your videos where you did a factory tour of a trailer manufacturer’s facility that was an eye opener to the quality of their products. Have you considered making a video about affordable trailers for smaller boats with the associated cost comparisons for different types ie galvanized, alumninum, painted and DIY? I’m asking this as my current trailer is on its way to the scrap yard🤷🏻
I like these boats in theory but they are just so small for the price. Furthermore living on the gulf coast I can get a used bay boat anywhere from 18-22' in length for the same price or cheaper. Even the 480, which is nearly 16' long would be considered a small boat for the bay. Just about nobody here would take them off-shore. I like the theory and simplicity a lot. But would have a hard time pulling the trigger on one.
Well put and I agree. But you should also look at the inflatables such as Saturn that offer really good boats for not much money. I owned a 14 foot Saturn with a 6 HP Mercury and it was an ideal, low cost fishing boat that I used for years. Once I bought my much more expensive Legend X16/90HP Mercury, I began to miss my inflatable more and more. Lower overall cost, much more convenient with a small trailer, easier maintenance overall and frankly just as "usable". I still have the Legend but would buy the inflatable over again if I had a choice. Check them out....
@@WayneTheBoatGuy I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. Most inflatable up to 16 feet cost less than $3000 and with a small motor, bringing them up to maybe $4K. Personally, I paid $2100 for the Saturn boat and another $1350 for a new 6 HP Mercury, and sold the whole setup for $3000 many years later. Superb in shallow bays plus there are untold additional accessories you can add to make them a great fishing boat. They are also VERY stable in rough water and one of the reasons why search and rescue use RIB versions of inflatables for their jobs on the high seas. They can also be deflated for easy storage (but that gets pretty old very fast.....). Also, they are very difficult to puncture and are easily repaired if you do. I never did, and did some awful rapids with mine for a year or two... IMO, a far better purchase than a small aluminum boat but of course, to each his own
A mate has a 6.0m poly craft and nothing but regret.. The hull is splitting on one side of the keel line below the waterline. He's had it repaired once already and splitting again where it's taking on water. It's also very difficult to get someone to weld the poly again. I'd stay away from them.
I'm pretty sure they're losing $1000 a boat just shipping it over here, in their defense....still expensive...I wanted a 410, might just get a LT25 with a 25hp on the back
Those polycraft boats seem way overpriced! I mentioned on your community post I got a rigiflex newmatic 360 which is made completely from polyethylene it cost £2,400 3.6M in length and can take up to a 30hp outboard. I use it for in shore sea fishing and its great for that. Someone I know has had a plastic boat for 20+ years the only thing that has happened is the plastic has lost a lot of its colour due to the being out in the sun so they are durable.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy yeah when I was looking into buying a 12ft boat I was between a rigiflex or a aluminium one here in the UK they’re priced about the same but the rigiflex was rated as category C boat instead of D like all the aluminium ones were. I’m not sure if you have a similar rating system in the US but basically just means the rigiflex can go out in rougher waters. Really enjoy your videos by the way mate!
broooo how can you make a video on polycraft like this and do them dirty. it truly is on you to do more research if you're gona try and educate people. you barely scratched the surface
For many people cost is the biggest factor in a decision. It might be a better product for some people but at 3x to 5x the cost it's really hard to justify, especially in the small boat segment.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy You're correct.These days people want cheap.Cheap is never better.A Polly boat will outlive 50 of those flimsy jon boats you showed.But again people look at price.
Look at the shape of the hulls you are comparing. Deep V ocean going hulls vs flat bottom river boats. Come on! Did someone write this for you or do you seriously not notice the difference?
Definitely not apples to apples. I have a Whaly boat 370 (Please research it). This 12' boat can go Anywhere! Super tough,super stable and is rated for 6 adults! Most aluminum boats are rated for 3. They are cheaper than Polycrafts and far cheaper in Europe than the US .
bro. u making a big mistake, polyboat or smartwave and mac boat, these can handle much big waves and more softride. easy to go around bay or even cross bar. they are totally different level. alos dont forget they fill with all foam to make the boat unsinkable.
go play in one for a while.....talking about something you don't know squat about is kind of like being a politician....and you know what we think of them.
Can’t compare polycrafts too any of the boats you’ve named they are miles ahead of all of them, in aus they are literally half the price as that of America
They are a very hard boat to compare without having test driven one on the water. I’ve owned 3 polycrafts now a 300, 4.1 and a 4.55 centre console they are by far the most stable and tough boats I’ve ever owned a lot of them were over ten years old when I bought them and still looked brand new zero maintenance!!! Can be fixed with a heat gun if you do scratch it up. They are a different ride better than aluminium but not as good as a fibreglass boat. Downsides are you need a specific trailer made for them that supports them on the keel the other downside is they are more expensive however after having owned fibreglass/aluminium and polycraft boats I would only ever buy another polycraft purely because they are virtually unsinkable a 4m polycraft would match a 5.5m glass boat on stability if not beat it!! And I’ve never lost any money when I’ve sold them I got every dollar back and I’ve enjoyed owning every one of them most glass boats have cost me thousands in repairs only to get less for the boat than what I paid for it in the first place. Happy to answer more questions if you have any
Thank you so much for your comments and thoughts!! It's nice to hear from someone with real first hand experience! I feel that the brand has a big hurdle to overcome here in the US because they're new on our scene and the smaller boat market is very cost-conscious.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy when polycraft boats first came out in Australia people were also very hesitant due to the look/finish of the boats (has improved in their more recent models) they have gained a lot of traction here now especially as work boats and boat rentals. Labour to fix fibreglass boats in Australia is very expensive as well. Definitely worth trying a ride in one i should also mention in Australia we generally have chines fitted aftermarket to stop water spraying in they are a very wet boat!! They do have up to a 6m polycraft in Australia but it’s very expensive
Having seen and used these boats in Australia for years I can say a polycraft will last an age longer than aluminium. They are basically the definition of rugged as you couldn't kill them with a brick. They don't boast too much beyond that though...
They ride better than ally, slightly lighter than fibre and way tougher than fibre. Build layout obviously isn't customisable like an ally but a great boat with many benefits that you haven't listed:)
I did all the research and opted for a Ranger RT188P. Fully rigged and with all the bells and whistles, the PolyCraft was gonna cost me about $22k. I’m not completely sold on them, now if it was for half the price I would of jumped on it quicker than a tick.
Hi Wayne, how much more for a trailer? Are there different trailer options for these small boats? I had a choice of single, or tandem axel when I bought my 19' runabout. I chose the tandem axel for $500 more; cheap insurance policy. I see the trailers for these small boats at the lake and most of them have tiny tires. I know they're safe, but but I wonder. R, Steve
Yes definitely I’m sure people holding out I’m not spinning more money on a plastic boat now don’t get me wrong with the military one that one what day were using it for something that’s no maintenance but it don’t matter if it’s no maintenance or not you still gotta cover that thing up and I was still clean it to keep the salt water off the plastic just like your JetSki when you have to run the water through them that water is nasty if you don’t do that they can mess your Motor up if I had that plastic the one that military uses every time I brought it in from taking the boat out I would power wash it that’s just how I am just because I would want it to stay looking nice and who knows what the salt water can do to it overtime salt water rainwater weather tears anything up so you still got to take care of it
Theres afforfable then theres overall performance and safety. All these boats you compare the polycraft too simply sink. These polys do not. They handle much much better and can handle alot larger motors. In other words you pay for what you get. I'm the second owner of my 4.1 poly and its 14yrs old this year. No dramas at all, no cracks "because they dont", no dents "because they dont", no rust or growth. Well again because they dont. Its a great boat, they are just heavy. But the heavy makes them safe.
Reminds me of triumph boats from years ago. They had a great commercial you can find on UA-cam of a truck dragging the boat without a trailer and launching it into the water stating it’s a tuff boat
Thanks for posting Wayne. Comparing the 4.1 Polycraft to the Jon boat photo at 2.44 in your video is like comparing Apples to peanuts. That said, the mark up in price in the US is crazy so not sure I would buy one if i lived there. I recommend you so another review and take one out for a ride. Thanks again Mate.
we use them at work, get completely trashed and abused nobodys cares for them or looks after them, I dont think a glass boat would last 1 day with what we do to our polys. these things are literally indestructible.
Those are some strong positives - but as they first became available here in the US they were not marketing them in that way and they were priced much higher than the alternative boat options that people have been using.
Wayne I absolutely love ❤️ all your videos..this manufacturer is very pricey I like your comparison with other boats..I wonder what demographic are they targeting?
My friend, you sound a bit fixated on tinny John boats. Policraft, SmartWave some some other polyethylene boats are out of the league. If you insist to compare those to small aluminum boats you have to compare them to brand names like Stabicraft, Senator or Frewsa. Those are also Australian and NZ brands. they are all designed to bring you safely home from 10-30 miles of offshore fishing. I fish Lake Ontario for Salmon in a 16ft Starcraft. Some might describe it as not safe. So I’m seriously considering buying one of those. And yes, they are expensive. If I had a place where I could keep my boat and gear other than my garage I would rather go for a bigger boat. And here we go, these boats design for a narrow market margin.
If Polycraft primarily marketed themselves as a viable offshore competitor here, I wouldn't have made this video. From what you and some others have said, it seems they are a very capable offshore boat - possibly being as capable as much bigger, and more costly fiberglass boats.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy They do not have to market themselves as an offshore.. UA-cam did it for them better than even if they had tried. Are you saying you never saw those clips with “mates” going solo or by 2 50km offshore and slamming yellowfins and marlins in those boats? It’s all over UA-cam. One should never market any such small boat as a viable offshore vessel for liability reasons. But yet in a pinch that is a boat people turn to when they do go offshore and who understand what are they dealing with. Still better than using an “offshore kayak” if you think ;)
I live in Sydney Australia and can tell you Buying/Buying Manufacturing anything in Australia is expensive due to the price of raw materials,wages,etc.I work an unskilled factory job and earn over 100k a year for a 40hr week as an example.Things are way cheaper in the states as you guys have the population and your wages are way lower.To give you another example a 40hp yamaha 4stroke here costs over 8k.Polly craft boats are indestructible,ride well,are easy to maintain and modify,repair.I have friends with them.MY 14ft alloy boat cost me 14k ten years ago. A 55lb Minn kota costs over 3k here. People are paying 5,6,$700 or more here in rent a week for a crappy house. Our famous aluminium boats come from Quintrex and Stacer among others.In Fibreglass Haines Hunter,Haines Signature are famous among others.
Yep, most people I know have a hard time spending several grand on a kayak. I would rather buy two cheap ones and fabricate a catamaran than spend $5k on a hobie. It seems like every hobby has gotten ridiculously expensive, as manufacturers quit producing low-cost options. Most consumers are looking for low-cost solutions.
Yes, these Tuffys are double hull designs, virtually unsinkable. The aluminum boats are for calm to a little choppy waters. On a windy day here I watched two guys launch a 12/36. They did not go far! I was even nervous in my 13ft Gregor. Now that I have a 16ft deep V the wind and waves are not really a factor. Yes the Aussie plastic is more expensive but they are a lot more stable and capable. And if the Aussies ever came over with their small aluminum boats it would be game over! They have some killer V hulls that are highly capable machines (just watch a couple tinny boat races they do).
I would love to really see a side-by-side of a 410 compared to a 16 ft deep V - but even if it is a much better handling boat, it's still nearly TWICE the cost of a 16 ft deep V here in the US.
You are correct. The PolyCrafts are expensive and not really unique. Pelican has been making the 10 foot Bass Raider for years; I purchased mine, new, for $699; with Bidenflation, they are a bit more expensive now and, as I recall, recommend no more than 3hp gas outboards. A much better buy than the PolyCrafts. Pelican also makes a "Predator' which is an option for those looking for an inexpensive fishing boat. The Bass Raider is made of rotomolded polyethylene and has foam floatation inside the pontoons.
I can promise you something about the aluminium boats you compared them to…. They will not ride as well and they certainly are not as strong. Apples with apples you say? I would say you get what you pay for. Seemed like a very bias and terrible review considering you don’t even get one in the water. I mean how can you really compare?
If you think I am not comparing apples-to-apples with regards to what type of water a boat can handle - Here's a video about some similar style boats to the Polycraft 410 that come with an engine and trailer for the $10,000 Polycraft is asking for just the hull - ua-cam.com/video/ZhgNfGIBor4/v-deo.html
chep ñóat halef whaer 13
Good vid Wayne , however you probably should go ride in a 410 Challenger first , just so you can understand the benefits of owning a Poly boat . I wont go into all the details , but a few selling points are the stability , low maintenance , low vibration and less on water noise, a true soft ride not just an advertising slogan ,and the longevity you can expect over many, many years of boating. The price points maybe higher in the US , and that's because they come from the other side of the world and freight not free . Just like your Tracker Boats we have imported here, they more expensive than a Polycraft in Australia .As for upgrades , if you have a drill , hot air gun and some screws your good to go , because unlike a Alloy boat with a single skin , the Polycraft have 2 skins, inner and outer so that allows you to screw , add, drill , weld anything you like to the inside skin without compromising the outer skin .And if you make a mistake you can repair it yourself with hot air gun and some welding cable . Oh and they LDPE , not HDPE .Thanks again for highlighting our products :)
Thanks for commenting! I know the shipping cost is a real bugger and without moving manufacturing here, there's no way around it. When we get a dealer closer to me - I really want to experience one in person. Currently the closest dealer is 4 hours away.
Let him try it on Great Lakes or ocean with a nice swell, and not on a swamp next door to truly appreciate how deeply mistaken he is.
Wayne, this boat designed to go on big water. You buy it to go fishing for Salmon and steelhead in Great Lakes or ocean (something you need 19 footer or bigger to be somewhat safe) and yet you can store this one in a small garage. The price is reasonable if you compare it to Stabicraft or DNA boats.
For 10 grand I can buy a tracker 1648 package with a motor and trailer and still have money left over for beer to celebrate my new boat purchase
One of the advantages of the poly boat is it is virtually unsinkable. There is a guy on you tube that alters these boats, including adding triple small motors.
I own a 3M tuffy, it's very stable, me and brother over 200lbs x2 can sit on same beam for fishing whole day, excellent stability, it won't sink or over turn and it brought it less USD1,800 in Honkong
Great price!!
Unfortunately this isn't an apple for apple comparison.
These are high sided ocean going boats.
But very expensive.
Polycraft are not flat bottom river boats .
I've been in 2m swells 20kms off shore in my 4.8 Polycraft.
There very capable.
that what cef hss csbin cruser vérrs 6 foot wave icew ocean bahmas
@@sharonbraselton4302 Yeah.
What he said
Shipping and taxes levied on the importation from Australia must play a significant part. Unless they are already producing them in the US?
I don't think they are producing them here. If they do someday, that would probably really help them be more competitively priced.
You do a really great job on your videos
I appreciate that!
Hey Wayne, I love the tracker best deal😊
Thanks!!!!
You bet!
Well Wayne, although overall you are misguided about Polycraft boats, I give you credit for staying on topic with your discussion that revolves around comparing Polycraft with cheap boats. Those who disagreed with you in the comments area are familiar with Polycraft boats and they know the reason these boats are higher priced is because they are a premium product. Unfortunately some people who are watching your video are unfamiliar with Polycraft and they think you are giving an educated well rounded opinion when in fact you spent 5 minutes mainly just reiterating that the price tag is higher...... I paid triple the price for a 3 layer plastic (polyethylene) canoe 35yrs ago and when it was recently stolen, it still looked like it did 35yrs ago, which is why it probably got stolen. In any event, that canoe would've sunk on multiple occasions in the past if it was aluminum. Plastic has it's place and small boats are probably one of the best applications to use plastic as the main material. There's a few reasons these boat hulls are expensive which include the price of the plastic and the price of manufacturing but realistically they are expensive because the knowledgeable public is willing to pay the extra expense because these boats are worth every penny. When My canoe was stolen I priced every boat you showed in your video and many others that you omitted and at the end of the day I opted for paying the extra money and I bought a Polycraft because I know it will still be around for my grandkids - grandkids in 35 years. I have nothing against aluminum boats and don't get me wrong, if money was my #1 driver - i'd rather have a cheap aluminum boat than nothing at all.
I can't stand when people steal things! If they had stolen an aluminum canoe from you at least you would be able to hope it sunk on the thief - but you know that wont happen. In the small boat segment, cost seems to be the #1 factor for most buyers and if the Polycraft boats were only slightly more costly, it would be quite easy to recommend them. Which model did you get to replace your canoe - a 300 Tuffy or did you go for the 410?
@@WayneTheBoatGuy - Hello Wayne, I opted for the PolyCraft 410 only because of immediate availability and location for the pickup. Honestly there are other plastic players on the market such as Whally, etc. that are relatively indestructible but you hit on their key drawback and it's price. I'm on board with your explanation to your audience regarding the price disadvantage of the PolyCraft but your omission of the advantages of plastic was a disservice to any readers who are more interested in robustness over initial price.
The other Aussie small boat co. in Aluminum boat is sick tho... StabiCarft.
Stabicraft is a New Zealand brand.
Same thing to me.
Yes, people need to weigh their options this way
Their price tag looks like a bad April fool's joke.
Yeah it’s not competitive at all
30k$ for a boat made of plastic , how the hell is that cheap????
Ya they look cool, but way to expensive for a small boat, for that price I can get 10 Saturn inflatable boats
You would have to be a sucker to buy a plastic boat for $10,000
No. They do not compete.
These are way over priced for a piece of molded plastic poly p what ever you want to call it
I don't think this guy know much about boats
I know there are 16 ft high-sided aluminum V bottom boats that might perform just as well in rough waters for half the money.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy .
Lol no.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy
You should probably do some basic research on the actual product before giving an opinions.
Do you understand what apples to apples means.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy .
Hahha it's a terrible video my friend
But you didn't even test drive one. Sure I get the price argument but you could have gone deeper if you actually used one...and you would have answered a few of your own questions.
Unfortunately they are not readily available for a test drive in my area.
Don't make videos if you have absolutely no Idea what your talking about. Your just hurting people and misguiding them. PLS STOP
Please don't comment if you don't actually have something constructive to add.
Maybe specify what’s wrong with the video?
Last year after MIBS, a Miami guy began hawking these boats and got a couple of the YT Haulover Boat guys to help.
When the cost was revealed I lol’d because an aluminum skiff of greater size is still cheaper, leaving $$$ to add accessories.
Inflation in the Boating industry was runaway prior to the current mess and outlandish prices such as for these boats simply aren’t a value for many casual fishermen. For about $2K, we have a 12’ Jon, FF, TM, 2 live tanks, and safety gear and I just got a 6.5 motor (used) for $500. I think I’m money ahead.
Those poly Craft boats are set up for saltwater deep sea fishing aluminum boats you are talking about that we sell in the United States are set up for ponds and lakes and not really good in open ocean..
You bring up some good points! They don't really emphasize the deep sea aspect on their US web site - and they might be able to make a better case for their products in that environment. And I'm curious how a 13 ft boat would feel out there.
As far as other options, I did not seek out boats based on being good for that environment but Lowe offers the WV1670 which is a deep V hull (6 ft beam and 6 ft long) under $5,000 which might work in similar conditions as the 410 for half the cost.
Take a poly craft boat out open sea to deep sea fish? Hmmm. Not sure want a boat and motor combo that size in open water.
@@vitoparrinello4003 not entirely true. The 3m and 4.1 aren't made for deep-sea fishing. They're for inland waters, estuaries and dams etc. The 4.5 is a bit of an all-rounder. But also isn't made specifically for deep-sea. If the seas are calm the 4.5 will be adequate.
I love my double hull west marine water tender. I’ve taken it in some rough sea here in San Diego. Never let me down
That's cool!
What makes these boats so expensive is the shipping from Australia, and import duty when the boats arrive into stayed. I live in Ireland, where US made aluminium boats are incredibly more expensive here than the US for the same reasons. One of my mates has a Polyethylene boat made in New Zealand, a smartwave. It's very easy to modify.
Sounds like they just need to startup a domestic US manufacturing operation and they could really take off.
If they get around that by setting up a factory in the US that could change things. It wouldnt be hard to convert a factory that works with PET to switch their molds to make these.
Try taking one of the aluminum boats out in a rough ocean and compare it to the performance of a Polycraft boat.
I would be curious to see a side-by-side of how they perform next to a similar price 14-16 ft V hull aluminum boat in rough waters. That might be a great selling point for them.
I see a lot of comments from people talking about how great they are in coastal waters. However, this video(I believe) is targeted towards the overall value here in the US. Here, where there are over 100k lakes, ponds and rivers. Sure, they may be great out in the ocean but do I need that in an inland lake? Not at that cost. Polycraft won't be a competitor until they can bring the cost down. I'd rather get a used Sundolphin 120 pro for a few thousand.
Yes! And when I made this video, their US website did not promote their coastal water strengths but actually seemed to be targeting inland water use and trying to compete with the aluminum boats I mention in the video.
Interesting video mate, I never knew just how cheap some of these boats were.
Love my Water Tender 😃. I have a 3.5 hp Mercury on it which is perfect
In Sydney I owned a Polycraft Tuffy 3 metre with a 15 hp Yamaha 2 stroke... bright blue.. called it the Flying Esky.
Advantages - very stable, quiet dry ride, very fast and corners like it is on rails with a 15 hp. It is a tri hull with foam interior. Unsinkable, does not dent. Huge demand here for them second hand.
No comparison to and alloy boat of same size. Aluminum is noisy, wetter, much less stable at rest, heats up in the sun & paint scratches.
Sold it and bought a NZ made Smartwave 3500 with a light weight 25 hp Yamaha 4 stroke.
This was also a revaluation. So much more space, corner seat bait tanks / ice lockers, centre seat storage and it is removal, built in cup holder.
A mate also bought one. We have been boating since the age of 12 with alloy and fibreglass boats. Now 69. These polyethylene boats are fantastic and indestructible (easily repairable if you monster it some how. Highly recommended... never going back to alloy.
How were they priced domestically in Australia?
@@spavliskojr Smartwave 3500 boat only $6,585, 25 HP Yamaha 4 stroke and trailer around $14,400 Australian
Would you rate the smartwave way over the polycraft ? I'm in 2 minds which way to swing
@@user-cg9oi5ug4d Both are great boats with different sizes and form. They are heavy for the size. Payoff is stability at rest, better ride and quieter than aluminum. Smartwave 3500 is a especially good rig with custom canopy. 25 hp Yammie is perfect.
Only things that are noticeable as with the 15hp on the SW 2 up the passenger needed to move forward to get on the plane.
The bow of the 3500 SW is low to the water in comparison some other boats. Generally it has good lift in the bow, but a big wash when stationary and 3 or 4 on board can be close to coming over the bow.
I would say the real test would be take it to haulover inlet in Miami. If it run the pass like a Boston whaler can then it passes the test. Go up against blue top legend. Let's see what this boat is made of.
Yeh not a very informed review here. Its like saying look Nokia does a cheaper phone than Apple. Therefore you should buy the Nokia. Not all boats are the same. You certainly can't compare Polycraft boats to Aluminium boats...
It isn't a review at all.
When I made this video, they were marketing themselves (and other videos were promoting them) as a small aluminum boat alternative at over twice the cost. To use your example - so they were an iPhone alternative that cost over twice as much as an iPhone.
If they stuck with promoting their products to offshore/rough water environments, they could possibly justify the significantly higher cost and show why their product is a better option.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy i bet there are Aluminium boats of a similar price. I expect you have just chosen less expensive models?
If you want quality, you have to pay for quality.
If you want to cheap-out, buy aluminium.
If you want to risk sinking, buy aluminium.
If you don't care about the quality of the ride, the foam-filled double-skin, the lack of maintenance, blah, blah, blah.
Also, surprise! Welcome to the real world where you have to pay import tax and freight charges.
When Australians want to buy cheap american goods, they are made very expensive by import tax and freight.
That's life mate.
You get what you pay for.
I can pick up a Starcraft SVX171 with a yamaha 115 for the same price as the polycraft 488. In the USA, there are far better options out their that have the same weight ratio as polycraft for the same asking price.
I think I prefer the polycraft boat over any Jon Boat , as they are designed to handle the rougher waters , hence the higher sides . This guy that owns this channel should have done some proper research on poly boats , rather than go along with every other non informed bloke about polycraft boats .
In the U.S. we can buy a high-sided 16 ft aluminum boat, with engine and trailer for the price of the Polycraft 410 hull only. That's the biggest challenge they have in my opinion. Here's a video about some of the bigger boats with an engine and trailer you can get for $10,000 ua-cam.com/video/ZhgNfGIBor4/v-deo.html
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Really? Name one. I would beach launch that Poly and take it 30 miles out for Marlin without a second thought. None of the aluminum boats that you referenced in this or the other video are remotely in that performance class. I’m no Polycraft cheerleader, but you’re clearly comparing apples and oranges.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Really? Name one. I would beach launch that Poly and take it 30 miles out for Marlin without a second thought. None of the aluminum boats that you referenced in this or the other video are remotely in that performance class. I’m no Polycraft cheerleader, but you’re clearly comparing apples and oranges.
I had a Sears game fisher years ago. It wasn't quite a true plastic boat but it was a good boat. Wouldn't handle a very big motor but it got the job done. Nothing wrong with plastic. Money aside.
The tracker boat sinks when a wave fills your boat. There is a big difference between a double layered wall with air in the middle, then a single layered wall boat. A double layered wall Aluminum boat cost $30,000, while a plastic one cost $10,000. Terrible comparison. The Poly 410 destroys that garbage tracker boat. The 410 is seaworthy, the tracker is not.
Your not comparing apples to apples. Most of the cheaper boats you pointed out were low sided, narrow, poorly constructed death traps.
He damn near compared that first one to a walmart kayak 😆 🤣 😂 😹
Yes, some were lower sided - but for $10,000 you can get much more boat with a trailer and an engine - I have that video linked here: ua-cam.com/video/ZhgNfGIBor4/v-deo.html
@@WayneTheBoatGuy also polycraft are foam filled and almost unsinkable.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy
No thanks - I have no need to watch another video clearly void of common sense
Problem with everything Australian made is that it is WAY OVER priced. Quality is generally very good, it has to be otherwise Aussies won't buy it, but reason for these being so expensive is that they are made in Australia and wages in Australia are fairly high. Then they need to be shipped to the USA and that just makes them more expensive. Polycraft should have set up a manufacturing facility in the US as these are really good boats. Also, Polycraft boats can't sink and people take them out onto the big blue in very rough conditions.
Lots of comments tell me how their boats are really well suited for being in the ocean and rougher conditions. They should really push that 'angle' harder in their marketing efforts - because they really miss the mark when their main 410 page says that the boat is for people who just: "enjoy just getting out and exploring the rivers and dams"
And yes, the price probably isn't such a barrier in Australia - but with shipping, taxes, exchange rates, and any other barriers - it's not a nice price here in the US.
It would be great if you actually had gone for a test run. Frankly they are far safer, softer ride, quieter. Try getting 2 guys standing on the same gunnel without flipping. Value translates to what you really get for your money, everything you have compared to the Polycraft reall just dont compare. You are only talking bucks no experience. Dumb review when you havent ever been on one.
Not an apples to apples comparison, common use is very different. Plastic boat with a 15 HP outboard is essentially a salt water rescue boat capable of handling choppy ocean with ease. Comparable size aluminum would never dream of those conditions. Plastic boats are a great bargain when looking for a saltwater boat capable of handling rough conditions. A small aluminum boat capable of handling those same conditions is very rare and much more costly. I have a 10 foot Waley and a 10 foot aluminum......my Waley is a true ocean going champ, my aluminum is a small lake boat that I would never take out on the ocean
Comparing a polycraft boat to those other American made boats is not apples to apples.
Do some more research. If you need is with the price, well is not just a plastic busy as you stated. You don't have to buy one or discourage anyone from buying one. Some people prefer quality, safety and versatility over cheap made specific use crap.
Your totally wrong. Yes they are higher priced but there capabilities way exceed there aluminum counterparts. First the Tuffy 10ft vs the West Marine. Night and day difference here. Your talking about a boat that supports a 15hp engine vs one that supports a messily 3hp. The Tuffy will literally run circles around the West Marine. And I want to bring this up - just look at the high sides and the floor of the Tuffy. Now this is a fishing platform that does not care if the wind and waves kick up. Try being in the West Marine when the wave kick up or when you get a bunch of bigger boats going by. And I would hate that molded bench in the West Marine! And the Tuffy will hold 3 people vs the WM only 2. Plus the Tuffy is 5” wider so it is vastly more stable than the WM.
And this goes for the 14 ft Tuffy vs the Trackers. The Tracker may do fine in calm water but any rough water and the thing is toast! I love how you compare your dinky little Jon boat which has no stability at all vs a boat that is 72” wide! And the tracker 16/48 has a beam of 48”. Again the extra width is going to make it a much more capable boat.
I look at the boats here in Colorado and for the most part they are 17/18ft Deep V’s. These things are made for when the mountain winds pick up and the waves pick up. It would crush these little Jon boats with low sides.
I appreciate the points you bring up - but I think it's a hard-sell for Polycraft to try to convince people to pay significantly more for a smaller boat.
The Tuffy certainly seems to outclass the West Marine boat in many ways (as it should at nearly 4x the cost) but they are both very small 10 ft boats. I don't think there's a big market for really expensive 10 foot boats.
The Tracker 1648 actually has a beam of 6 ft. It is 48" at the bottom.
I doubt many people in Colorado would go for a Polycraft 410 when they could get a bigger Lowe WV1670 deep V for literally half as much.
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I only discovered this because I had the thought "wouldn't plastic be a good boat material"?
PolyCraft is not competitive in price period. That is my opinion from research. That material is going to take more reinforcement if going to build them bigger. Rigidity and strength in larger boats with larger/heavier motors I think will require stringers and bulk heads.
there is a 4.8, 5.3 and 5.99 version. all awesome
If I wanted a small boat for the Long Island Sound, I’d look seriously at a Polycraft. If I wanted a bass boat, I wouldn’t…
Hi Wayne. I’ve been watching your videos for the last few years and really enjoy the way you present them. I find the content really useful, informative and non-biased. I own an older 14’ Lund with a 9.9HP 2 stroke Mercury and live on the coast in British Columbia, Canada where choices are more limited and the costs are higher. I did see one of your videos where you did a factory tour of a trailer manufacturer’s facility that was an eye opener to the quality of their products. Have you considered making a video about affordable trailers for smaller boats with the associated cost comparisons for different types ie galvanized, alumninum, painted and DIY? I’m asking this as my current trailer is on its way to the scrap yard🤷🏻
That's a good idea and one I should explore - thanks!
I like these boats in theory but they are just so small for the price. Furthermore living on the gulf coast I can get a used bay boat anywhere from 18-22' in length for the same price or cheaper. Even the 480, which is nearly 16' long would be considered a small boat for the bay. Just about nobody here would take them off-shore.
I like the theory and simplicity a lot. But would have a hard time pulling the trigger on one.
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Well put and I agree. But you should also look at the inflatables such as Saturn that offer really good boats for not much money. I owned a 14 foot Saturn with a 6 HP Mercury and it was an ideal, low cost fishing boat that I used for years. Once I bought my much more expensive Legend X16/90HP Mercury, I began to miss my inflatable more and more. Lower overall cost, much more convenient with a small trailer, easier maintenance overall and frankly just as "usable". I still have the Legend but would buy the inflatable over again if I had a choice. Check them out....
Yeah - inflatables are certainly on my list to check out!
@@WayneTheBoatGuy I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. Most inflatable up to 16 feet cost less than $3000 and with a small motor, bringing them up to maybe $4K. Personally, I paid $2100 for the Saturn boat and another $1350 for a new 6 HP Mercury, and sold the whole setup for $3000 many years later. Superb in shallow bays plus there are untold additional accessories you can add to make them a great fishing boat. They are also VERY stable in rough water and one of the reasons why search and rescue use RIB versions of inflatables for their jobs on the high seas. They can also be deflated for easy storage (but that gets pretty old very fast.....). Also, they are very difficult to puncture and are easily repaired if you do. I never did, and did some awful rapids with mine for a year or two...
IMO, a far better purchase than a small aluminum boat but of course, to each his own
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I looked at the plastic boats and it’s a lot of money. You can get a lot of used boat for the same price.
Ya, I wouldn't be interested in a plastic boat unless it was half the price.
A mate has a 6.0m poly craft and nothing but regret.. The hull is splitting on one side of the keel line below the waterline. He's had it repaired once already and splitting again where it's taking on water. It's also very difficult to get someone to weld the poly again. I'd stay away from them.
Oh dang that’s rough - but thanks for sharing.
I'm pretty sure they're losing $1000 a boat just shipping it over here, in their defense....still expensive...I wanted a 410, might just get a LT25 with a 25hp on the back
Yeah the exchange rate and shipping is a big hurdle!
Those polycraft boats seem way overpriced! I mentioned on your community post I got a rigiflex newmatic 360 which is made completely from polyethylene it cost £2,400 3.6M in length and can take up to a 30hp outboard. I use it for in shore sea fishing and its great for that. Someone I know has had a plastic boat for 20+ years the only thing that has happened is the plastic has lost a lot of its colour due to the being out in the sun so they are durable.
Yeah I looked up those Rigiflex that you mentioned and they are more like the West Marine offerings and seem pretty awesome!
@@WayneTheBoatGuy yeah when I was looking into buying a 12ft boat I was between a rigiflex or a aluminium one here in the UK they’re priced about the same but the rigiflex was rated as category C boat instead of D like all the aluminium ones were. I’m not sure if you have a similar rating system in the US but basically just means the rigiflex can go out in rougher waters. Really enjoy your videos by the way mate!
broooo how can you make a video on polycraft like this and do them dirty. it truly is on you to do more research if you're gona try and educate people. you barely scratched the surface
For many people cost is the biggest factor in a decision. It might be a better product for some people but at 3x to 5x the cost it's really hard to justify, especially in the small boat segment.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy You're correct.These days people want cheap.Cheap is never better.A Polly boat will outlive 50 of those flimsy jon boats you showed.But again people look at price.
I think your right on point. It’s a bit pricey for plastic
Look at the shape of the hulls you are comparing. Deep V ocean going hulls vs flat bottom river boats. Come on! Did someone write this for you or do you seriously not notice the difference?
When I made this video Polycraft was marketing their boats for river and lakes.
Aluminum in the sun with saltwater 30 -50+ years, no problem. Plastic in the sun hummm.
I have seen quite a few pitted up old aluminum boats and owned one as well.
Plastic repairability is garbage ! Just look at kayaks .
Definitely not apples to apples. I have a Whaly boat 370 (Please research it). This 12' boat can go Anywhere! Super tough,super stable and is rated for 6 adults! Most aluminum boats are rated for 3. They are cheaper than Polycrafts and far cheaper in Europe than the US .
I just looked them up - very cool - and interesting!
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bro. u making a big mistake, polyboat or smartwave and mac boat, these can handle much big waves and more softride. easy to go around bay or even cross bar. they are totally different level. alos dont forget they fill with all foam to make the boat unsinkable.
Happy Canada Day!
go play in one for a while.....talking about something you don't know squat about is kind of like being a politician....and you know what we think of them.
But they cost a lot more than similar sized boats and were being marketed as affordable. That was my point.
To expensive. Can you repair if you poke a hole in one.
The USD conversion almost halves the au dollar you are quoting so 9k quickly turns into about 5k
The prices I quoted are from the US web site.
Whaly are much cheaper.... poly are overpriced
Can’t compare polycrafts too any of the boats you’ve named they are miles ahead of all of them, in aus they are literally half the price as that of America
At half the price they would be extremely competitive!
They are a very hard boat to compare without having test driven one on the water. I’ve owned 3 polycrafts now a 300, 4.1 and a 4.55 centre console they are by far the most stable and tough boats I’ve ever owned a lot of them were over ten years old when I bought them and still looked brand new zero maintenance!!! Can be fixed with a heat gun if you do scratch it up.
They are a different ride better than aluminium but not as good as a fibreglass boat.
Downsides are you need a specific trailer made for them that supports them on the keel the other downside is they are more expensive however after having owned fibreglass/aluminium and polycraft boats I would only ever buy another polycraft purely because they are virtually unsinkable a 4m polycraft would match a 5.5m glass boat on stability if not beat it!! And I’ve never lost any money when I’ve sold them I got every dollar back and I’ve enjoyed owning every one of them most glass boats have cost me thousands in repairs only to get less for the boat than what I paid for it in the first place. Happy to answer more questions if you have any
Thank you so much for your comments and thoughts!! It's nice to hear from someone with real first hand experience! I feel that the brand has a big hurdle to overcome here in the US because they're new on our scene and the smaller boat market is very cost-conscious.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy when polycraft boats first came out in Australia people were also very hesitant due to the look/finish of the boats (has improved in their more recent models) they have gained a lot of traction here now especially as work boats and boat rentals. Labour to fix fibreglass boats in Australia is very expensive as well.
Definitely worth trying a ride in one i should also mention in Australia we generally have chines fitted aftermarket to stop water spraying in they are a very wet boat!! They do have up to a 6m polycraft in Australia but it’s very expensive
sribg glss boat 5 5 mert mstech boat 6.5 netr evoouton 552
@@marcsalzmann873the 599 is greta bang for buck when you start comparing it to a similar fibreglass boat!
Idk, from $10k to $22k I can find nice Baby Cats here on the TX Coast with Jackplates, casting towers, etc. & 60hp Suzuki for $8500 or less.
All those other boats I would not go in the ocean with it that's the big difference I trust poly craft in ocean
Yeah they didn’t promote that aspect when they first came to the US.
WHY only 4 years hull warranty
Having seen and used these boats in Australia for years I can say a polycraft will last an age longer than aluminium. They are basically the definition of rugged as you couldn't kill them with a brick. They don't boast too much beyond that though...
I'm sure they'll last, but there's also a whole lot of old aluminum boats still running around. Some of them are easily over 50 years old.
They ride better than ally, slightly lighter than fibre and way tougher than fibre. Build layout obviously isn't customisable like an ally but a great boat with many benefits that you haven't listed:)
I did all the research and opted for a Ranger RT188P. Fully rigged and with all the bells and whistles, the PolyCraft was gonna cost me about $22k. I’m not completely sold on them, now if it was for half the price I would of jumped on it quicker than a tick.
Hi Wayne, how much more for a trailer? Are there different trailer options for these small boats? I had a choice of single, or tandem axel when I bought my 19' runabout. I chose the tandem axel for $500 more; cheap insurance policy. I see the trailers for these small boats at the lake and most of them have tiny tires. I know they're safe, but but I wonder. R, Steve
Yes definitely I’m sure people holding out I’m not spinning more money on a plastic boat now don’t get me wrong with the military one that one what day were using it for something that’s no maintenance but it don’t matter if it’s no maintenance or not you still gotta cover that thing up and I was still clean it to keep the salt water off the plastic just like your JetSki when you have to run the water through them that water is nasty if you don’t do that they can mess your Motor up if I had that plastic the one that military uses every time I brought it in from taking the boat out I would power wash it that’s just how I am just because I would want it to stay looking nice and who knows what the salt water can do to it overtime salt water rainwater weather tears anything up so you still got to take care of it
Is little overpriced
In order for it to be a game changer it needs to markedly more affordable than other boats in it's class.
Agreed
Theres afforfable then theres overall performance and safety. All these boats you compare the polycraft too simply sink. These polys do not. They handle much much better and can handle alot larger motors. In other words you pay for what you get. I'm the second owner of my 4.1 poly and its 14yrs old this year. No dramas at all, no cracks "because they dont", no dents "because they dont", no rust or growth. Well again because they dont.
Its a great boat, they are just heavy. But the heavy makes them safe.
Reminds me of triumph boats from years ago. They had a great commercial you can find on UA-cam of a truck dragging the boat without a trailer and launching it into the water stating it’s a tuff boat
Plastic is good if you want low maintenance And has a quiet hull no slap when sitting fishing
$3000 is not cheap - for a 10’ boat? That’s absurd.
Should we start to talk about the downside of aluminium boats then.
Wayne, spend more time enjoying out boating or fishing mate, rather than armchair boating
Aluminum boats certainly have their flaws as well.
Jon boats are not intended to go into the ocean, whaly boats can used on the ocean in stable seas.
Tracker marine is in my tiny town, Miami, Oklahoma!
Tuffy costs too much for the whole package.
Thanks for posting Wayne. Comparing the 4.1 Polycraft to the Jon boat photo at 2.44 in your video is like comparing Apples to peanuts. That said, the mark up in price in the US is crazy so not sure I would buy one if i lived there. I recommend you so another review and take one out for a ride. Thanks again Mate.
Unfortunately the nearest dealer is 4 hours away but I hope to try one out someday.
we use them at work, get completely trashed and abused nobodys cares for them or looks after them, I dont think a glass boat would last 1 day with what we do to our polys. these things are literally indestructible.
Good testimonial!
Using them for saltwater they will last forever compared to aluminum and there unsinkable pretty much also easy to repair and quieter than aluminum
Those are some strong positives - but as they first became available here in the US they were not marketing them in that way and they were priced much higher than the alternative boat options that people have been using.
Wayne I absolutely love ❤️ all your videos..this manufacturer is very pricey I like your comparison with other boats..I wonder what demographic are they targeting?
Thanks! As far as a target demographic - that's a great question!
Brilliant boats .
There way to expensive.
15 foot boat with a 40hp Yamaha
$48k Australian.
Hahha.
wrnky whaker 15 brst bost money
Brp SeaDoo provided hulls made of plastic. Just feel fiberglass rides better when encountering chop.
I wonder if the hull design of these versus the SeaDoo would make a difference in how they feel in the chop.
seadoó eltrc et boat 19 mile tange 23 miles
My friend, you sound a bit fixated on tinny John boats. Policraft, SmartWave some some other polyethylene boats are out of the league. If you insist to compare those to small aluminum boats you have to compare them to brand names like Stabicraft, Senator or Frewsa. Those are also Australian and NZ brands. they are all designed to bring you safely home from 10-30 miles of offshore fishing. I fish Lake Ontario for Salmon in a 16ft Starcraft. Some might describe it as not safe. So I’m seriously considering buying one of those. And yes, they are expensive. If I had a place where I could keep my boat and gear other than my garage I would rather go for a bigger boat. And here we go, these boats design for a narrow market margin.
If Polycraft primarily marketed themselves as a viable offshore competitor here, I wouldn't have made this video. From what you and some others have said, it seems they are a very capable offshore boat - possibly being as capable as much bigger, and more costly fiberglass boats.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy They do not have to market themselves as an offshore.. UA-cam did it for them better than even if they had tried. Are you saying you never saw those clips with “mates” going solo or by 2 50km offshore and slamming yellowfins and marlins in those boats? It’s all over UA-cam. One should never market any such small boat as a viable offshore vessel for liability reasons. But yet in a pinch that is a boat people turn to when they do go offshore and who understand what are they dealing with. Still better than using an “offshore kayak” if you think ;)
Great analysis
I live in Sydney Australia and can tell you Buying/Buying Manufacturing anything in Australia is expensive due to the price of raw materials,wages,etc.I work an unskilled factory job and earn over 100k a year for a 40hr week as an example.Things are way cheaper in the states as you guys have the population and your wages are way lower.To give you another example a 40hp yamaha 4stroke here costs over 8k.Polly craft boats are indestructible,ride well,are easy to maintain and modify,repair.I have friends with them.MY 14ft alloy boat cost me 14k ten years ago.
A 55lb Minn kota costs over 3k here.
People are paying 5,6,$700 or more here in rent a week for a crappy house.
Our famous aluminium boats come from Quintrex and Stacer among others.In Fibreglass Haines Hunter,Haines Signature are famous among others.
So in Australia, how do these compare price-wise to similar size aluminium boats?
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Similar specs to aluminium usually cost more in Polly.There's a New Zealand Polly manufacturer called Smart Wave.Check them out.
Great information !
Mate!?? One boat make in China other made in Australia mate?
It’s the high labor, shipping and import costs that really take a toll
Poly boats generally weigh far too much as well
I have heard that they can be quite heavy
To expensive the plastic kayak makers are learning that lesson as well
Is that why some of the cheaper kayaks are getting hard to find?
Yep, most people I know have a hard time spending several grand on a kayak. I would rather buy two cheap ones and fabricate a catamaran than spend $5k on a hobie.
It seems like every hobby has gotten ridiculously expensive, as manufacturers quit producing low-cost options. Most consumers are looking for low-cost solutions.
Yes, these Tuffys are double hull designs, virtually unsinkable. The aluminum boats are for calm to a little choppy waters. On a windy day here I watched two guys launch a 12/36. They did not go far! I was even nervous in my 13ft Gregor. Now that I have a 16ft deep V the wind and waves are not really a factor.
Yes the Aussie plastic is more expensive but they are a lot more stable and capable.
And if the Aussies ever came over with their small aluminum boats it would be game over! They have some killer V hulls that are highly capable machines (just watch a couple tinny boat races they do).
I would love to really see a side-by-side of a 410 compared to a 16 ft deep V - but even if it is a much better handling boat, it's still nearly TWICE the cost of a 16 ft deep V here in the US.
China made not that good mate??
@@WayneTheBoatGuy granted the cost is more than double but the capability is more than double
@@johnnydo6410 I’m gonna find that out, hopefully soon
sraray f16 drarider brst jet drivé
You are correct. The PolyCrafts are expensive and not really unique. Pelican has been making the 10 foot Bass Raider for years; I purchased mine, new, for $699; with Bidenflation, they are a bit more expensive now and, as I recall, recommend no more than 3hp gas outboards. A much better buy than the PolyCrafts. Pelican also makes a "Predator' which is an option for those looking for an inexpensive fishing boat. The Bass Raider is made of rotomolded polyethylene and has foam floatation inside the pontoons.
I can promise you something about the aluminium boats you compared them to…. They will not ride as well and they certainly are not as strong. Apples with apples you say? I would say you get what you pay for. Seemed like a very bias and terrible review considering you don’t even get one in the water. I mean how can you really compare?
lol