After finding the need to upgrade our boat, we weren't sure whether we wanted to go to aluminium or fibreglass. So we set off one weekend to do some research, returning home Sunday afternoon, we still didn't know what we were after.
I walked into Watson's Marine on the Monday afternoon where Frank spent a good couple of hours showing me over a 6.2m Vindicator Plate Boat.
I immediately knew this was what we were looking for. Sandra & I went in to order a 5.8m Vindicator.
Having owned it now for over six months we have clocked in excess of 90 hours. Why so many hours? WE LUV IT.
The look, finish, attention to detail, the ride & the stability is absolutely superb. Throughout the whole contract Frank, Denise, Glenn & Co. could not do enough for us, answering all our questions & modifying the boat to suit our specifications.
On delivery day a water test was organised and at the end of the day we walked away extremely happy but also more as family rather than a customer.
Congratulations Frank, Denise, Glenn & Co.
Tony & Sandra Schmidt
Having come to Noosa in 2002, we purchased a new boat to work the river and venture offshore. It soon became apparent that our 4.55mtr run-a-bout was not ideal for the Noosa Bar and the changing off-shore conditions.
We spent from 2004 to 2006 researching seaworthy boats in the 5.5 to 6.0mtr range - cuddy or half cabin.
We were frustrated with a lot of the major suppliers because we had to deal with sales personnel who really did not know a great deal about the product they were selling, nor instilled any confidence about the actual product that would be delivered at the end of the day. There was little scope for customizing to our own requirements or any assurance that requirements would be incorporated.
Therefore we set out trying to find a reputable boat builder, who had an operation the size of which would allow us to have input during the building process.
By pure chance, on a trip back from Hervey Bay, my wife sighted a boat from the Highway in a yard at Gympie that she thought was pretty good. I returned to Gympie some 3 weeks later and had a good look over the 6.2mtr and having had a lengthy talk with Frank and viewed his welding shop, I decided there and then that Frank was the man to build me a boat.
We decided on the 5.8mtr (really 6.3mtrs as everyone else measures theirs) with twin engine set up. The building process was a greatly satisfying experience as our own requirements were happily accommodated during the building process. Frank actually encouraged frequent visits during the building process.
The end product was superb; looks, finish, handling and ride and above all its seaworthiness. The seaworthiness has been put to the test on numerous occasions in some very ordinary conditions way out to sea and the boat came shining through.
Frank and his team stand behind their product and their after sales support and service is second to none. We have now owned the boat for two years and my decision to buy the Vindicator product has been greatly rewarded. I could not think of a better boat to buy. It will be the best we will ever own!
Well done Frank & Team
Fred & Elizabeth Van Vugt
Hi, I am David Draper I have owned numerous fibreglass and aluminium plate boats. For practicality, the last four boats I have owned have been of aluminium plate construction.
My 6.2 metre Vindicator has exceeded all of my expectations. The days of having to completely sacrifice a soft ride when owning an aluminium boat are no longer.
Prior to purchasing a boat for my family, it had to satisfy the following criteria.
I am pleased that all of these expectations have been met. The boat does not broach whether trimmed in or out.
Our family, fish through Queensland and NSW Coastal Bars our Vindicator 6.2m Half Cabin performs very well.
We have recently fished several Billfish Tournaments and the boat continues to perform. I have found Frank Watson, Family and Staff very helpful and genuine.
Regards
David Draper
In December 2008, Shirley & I took delivery on our new 5.5m Vindicator Cuddy Cabin from Watson's Marine Centre.
We decided to purchase a Vindicator Boat from Frank Watson after going fishing with our neighbour in his 5.8m Vindicator Half Cabin. It did not take to many trips before deciding a Vindicator Boat was the one for us.
One of the best things about buying a Vindicator from Watson's Marine Centre, was that Frank encouraged us to visit the factory at anytime to watch the boat building process. Also to adjust & change certain things on the boat to suit our requirements. Frank Watson & staff were excellent to deal with.
On our first off shore trip, we were very pleased with the performance of our new 5.5m Vindicator. The hull offers a very soft dry ride, it handled the crossing of our notorious Noosa Bar and the comfort it offers while fishing the outside waters, both South & North of Noosa was superb. Having a spacious back deck to fish out of makes it easy when bringing in those big ones that don't get away.
The twin 60hp Four Stroke engines are the perfect match when crossing the bar. Having twin engines helps if encountering any shallow waters. Towing the vessel is a breeze on the highway as well as off road on the Belco Custom Multi Roller Trailer. It is with much ease we tow our Vindicator 5.5m with our Toyota Prado.
Shirley & I have nothing but praise for Watson's Marine Centre, their team and the Vindicator Quality Aluminium Boats they build.
Very Satisfied Customers,
Allan & Shirley Davidson.
After many years away from our favourite pastime of fishing my son Brett and I decided that the only way we could spend some quality time together with family and friends was to buy ourselves a good boat. We like offshore fishing as well as being able to put the grandchildren on board for a day on the water in comfort and safety.
The choice of boats on the market is mind boggling, so we set ourselves a few must have features for the boat we would purchase. We wanted a boat that we could go offshore safely set up by someone who understands fishing. We also wanted the option of towing and launching the boat off the beach at Fraser Island.
After a lot of useless research we found ourselves at Watson's Marine in Gympie. I have known Frank, Denise and Glenn for a long time and knew from experience that Frank understands what fishing offshore is all about. We walked into Watson's to have a look at the 5.5 metre Vindicator only to find that there was a 7.2 metre Vindicator on the yard as well. When we considered our options the 7.2 Vindicator was the boat we'd been looking for.
After having several trips offshore from the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island and 1770 we are very pleased with the overall performance of all aspects of our Vindicator. The most surprising thing is the low noise level for an alloy boat. Fuel efficiency and fuel capacity allows us to do overnight trips with plenty of fuel in reserve. We also completed a bar crossing one day course with Bill Corten on the Stradbroke bar. This is something I could highly recommend to any new boaties, not only did we hone our own skills but we were able to fully test the Vindicator under some pretty severe conditions.
Owning our Vindicator is an enjoyable experience because we have the full package, a trouble free boat, excellent back up service and friendly advice.
Ken & Brett Mills
Ken Mills Toyota
Maroochydore, Nambour
Kingaroy & Mundubbera
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