Finding the right boat for your requirements can be overwhelming for both experienced captains and marine newcomers. Keep the excitement alive while selecting your new fishing or cruising companion by creating a shortlist of available options.
If you’re considering a vessel from Extreme Boats, Formosa, Yellowfin, Stacer or Seafarer, use our 2025 review of Australian boat brands as a hub of information to assist you in making the right choice.
In this article
Extreme Boats
Extreme Boats offers six highly durable and versatile models for all types of marine requirements, including Game King, Walk Around, Sport Fisher, Console, XST SRT, and the 1770 Enduro. Whether you’re navigating challenging coastal waters or having a leisurely day out, each range delivers reliability, safety, and comfort. Across all models, you can expect a stable ride thanks to robust hulls that have been built to withstand tough environments.
Prior to purchasing your own vessel, we recommend consulting a range of expert reviews and viewing the boat firsthand. For further information on the range, visit the Extreme Boats website.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Eight mill hull of 795 Walkaround makes boat really soft to ride. | The materials used mean these boats have a high price tag. |
| Great visibility across the range, especially in the 745 Game King. | Aluminium construction adds weight to the boat. |
| Use of high quality aluminium makes the range strong and reliable in rough conditions. | Built for practicality, not for luxury. |
| A lot of models are available, each tailored to different boating activities and hobbies. | Consumers have reported bubbling on painted aluminum after a couple of years. |
| Plenty of customisation options across the range including configurations, layouts and additional accessories. | More susceptible to long-term damage due to lack of foam flotation feature. |
| Extreme boats tend to retain their value and have a strong resale market. | Range lacks a separate fuel tank which can make cleaning, repairing, replacing the tank a timely and expensive task. |
Formosa
A collection of high-quality, tough boats that can tackle a wide variety of aquatic environments - the Formosa boat range handles harsh coastal and offshore conditions quite well. Select from the GRT and SRT ranges based on your preferences - GRT for rough waters, and SRT for sportier, high-speed uses. If you’re after a stable ride in tough conditions, Formosa is a top choice.
Prior to purchasing your own vessel, we recommend consulting a range of expert reviews and viewing the boat firsthand. For further information on the range, visit the Formosa website.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| The range is fully framed, making them strong and durable boats. | Not 100% customisable. |
| Formosa boats are built to last. | Not designed on a proven commercial hull. |
| Has foam flotation - the range will not sink and benefits from thermal insulation and soundproofing. | Limited by a short 3-year warranty. |
| Separate fuel tanks make cleaning, repair and replacement simple. | Solid construction and premium features mean Formosa boats are pricey. |
| Side console models have a lot of space. | Aluminium inclusions make the range heavier than some rivals. |
| Good stability for fishing purposes. | Consumers have reported Formosa aluminium hulls often amplify engine noise. |
Yellowfin
Chase barra inland or tuna offshore, the Yellowfin range is extensive and packed with well-crafted vessels made for fishermen, by fishermen. From console configurations, console, extended cabin and more - we highly rate the smooth handling and visibility offered across the range. If you’re an adventurous boater seeking a reliable boat for various conditions, especially for offshore fishing, the Yellowfin range provides plenty of storage, comfort, and facilities to match.
Prior to purchasing your own vessel, we recommend consulting a range of expert reviews and viewing the boat firsthand. For further information on the range, visit the Yellowfin website.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| A great riding hull. | Hull is mainly focused on fishing, not cruising or other purposes. |
| Yellowfin 35 has a great riding mono hull despite the small cockpit area. | Cockpits feel small across the range compared to rivals. |
| Yellowfin boats are known for their speed and navigational ease. | Underwhelming number of amenities. |
| Resistant to corrosion - perfect for coastal boating and fishing. | Yellowfin boats that are in 30ft range have issues launching in anything but deep water. |
| Consumers have reported leaks in live wells and bait wells a few years after purchase. | |
| Really short 1-year recreational warranty. |
Stacer
A variety of lengths from 2m to 7m, Stacer boats are suitable for numerous marine purposes. Whether you’re fishing or recreationally cruising, there are nine available series within the range including Open Boats, Prolines, Crossfires, Outlaws, Runabouts, Bowriders, Cabins, and the Plate Series. The variety in size and offerings gives boaters plenty of choice when it comes to finding the right one for their needs, plus numerous extras for full customisation.
Prior to purchasing your own vessel, we recommend consulting a range of expert reviews and viewing the boat firsthand. For further information on the range, visit the Stacer website.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Stacer Outlaw 529 is a good-value fishing machine with efficient power. | Short 3-year warranty. |
| Plenty of models to suit a range of purposes including runabouts and side consoles. | Some models, like the Proline series, start with basic configurations and will require significant upgrades. |
| An Australian-made product manufactured in-country. | Certain upgrades cannot be added after the build process (bow thruster brackets and live bait tanks). |
| Many models in the range feature the Stacer Revolution hull which is renowned for its smooth and stable ride. | Consumers have reported the helm position feels low. |
| ‘Ready 2 Go’ packages available, inclusive of boat, trailer, engine and other essentials. | |
| Lots of quality control checks during manufacture. |
Seafarer
Great companions for fishing and bluewater expeditions, the Seafarer range is known for its solid build quality, as well as overall performance and suitability. Technical contributions across the range have led to boats that are impressive in design as well as in their overall riding experience. We don’t have a lot of negatives for this range, apart from the expensive price tag which is fairly consistent across each model.
Prior to purchasing your own vessel, we recommend consulting a range of expert reviews and viewing the boat firsthand. For further information on the range, visit the Seafarer website.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Range has offshore pedigree. | Seafarers are on the heavier side, especially in X series which includes an extra 100kg of foam flotation, heavy duty fittings and rails. |
| X series has an extra 100kg of construction foam flotation, heavy duty fittings, and rails. | Not as nimble as rivals due to heaviness. |
| Well-regarded fibreglass hulls that have been built to withstand conditions on long coastal cruises. | Not generally built for high-speed performance. |
| Resale value for Seafarers holds up well. | Space can be tight in smaller models like Seafarer 20 despite functional interior layouts. |
| X series includes foam flotation - prevents sinking and benefits from thermal insulation and soundproofing. | Consumers have reported age-related wear and tear including fading gelcoat, small cracks in the fiberglass. |
Looking to Finance Your Boat? Jade Finance Has a Wide Variety of Loan Options Available.
If marine finance is at the front of your mind, get in touch. You’ll be partnered with a Jade Finance consultant who can provide specific details on boat financing facilities and how each could work for your financial situation. Experience why we are Australia’s leading specialist in leisure lending. Get in touch now by calling 1300 000 008 or request a free quote.
