Bandit 450 or C-Ski 444 for newcomer/first category E boat

[flyfisherman]

Hi,


New to boating. I am in the market for a small easy to launch boat from Rooiels or Hangklip that me and a friend can use to put-put about and do some light fishing and freediving from but also leasurely trips along the mountainside on flat calm days. Not interested in rough weather etc.


The two boats I have shortlisted are:


- Bandit 450 with 30HP. It is light and easy to handle and launch from the sheltered bay in rooiels and Hangklip. Stable cathedral hull but not too sure how it handles small swell? Should be dryer than a C-ski 444 and better for general joyrides and light fishing.


- C-Ski 444 with 40HP. It is a very good hull and good seagoing / riding apparently and great for taking waves and swell and to spearfish from but apparently not too stable? So maybe not best boat to take partner and child on? But can handle worse seas than a bandit I am sure.


I am really torn between the two. The C-Ski I can probably get away with better than category E and on calm days go far on it, but it is more pricey than a Bandit 450 and not too stable I was told but at speed and cruising is amazing…


Any input greatly appreciated 🙏🏼


As mentioned plan is inshore ocean close to shore, sheltered bay / beach launch from Rooiels or Hangklip on those nice sunny calm days.

[UmdlotiOnDad]

Hey there,
I’ve been fishing off a C-Ski 444 with two 30HP engines. I bought it before getting a chance to test it and found the stability a bit disappointing. We’ve learned to manage it and have done quite a few offshore trips without issues, but if you’re planning to take family along, make sure it’s on very calm days. The low gunwales can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if anyone decides to walk around while on the water.

I’m not sure where you’ll be fishing, but a single 40HP engine may feel underpowered, particularly for choppy days, skiing, or any heavy loads.

DM your number and ill whats app you some pics. 

[UmdlotiOnDad]

Heres the last rig and the new rig. The Evo is the answer to everything.

[UmdlotiOnDad]

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[UmdlotiOnDad]

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[UmdlotiOnDad]

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[FishStyx]

Howzit. I owned the C-Ski 440 and currently own a Bandit 380.


The boats you are talking about are upgrades on both of mine, but just talking principles... I'd take the 444.


I would honestly not even consider taking a cathedral hull into the ocean. Yes they are super stable... but they cannot take chop. The hull slaps a lot in the slightest breeze. I love my little Bandit for stability, but only on flat water.


The C-Ski as you mention, is a spearo boat... But unbelievably capable if you can get to terms with the stability. My 440 was even worse than the 444, but I trusted it implicitly to get through waves and swell.


Talking build quality, it's chalk and cheese... I was super impressed with the glasswork on the C-Ski. The builder (Steve Ellis if I remember correctly) did a phenomenal job.


I reckon if you want stability on the ocean, rather look for a cat. At least they cope well with chop with a full-on tunnel.