Was the same when we moved to Karratha. With bombies Ali was the only choice IMO. Wish I went with a Barcrusher but couldnt wait and there was none on Dreamers Hill. LOL

 Check out the Mclay range. Built in NZ. Mate just upgraded to one from a barcrusher and surtees in the past and the mclay killing it in terms of performance and stability. Finish quality super nice as well. 

I have a BC and love it. A mate has a Stabi-- his BC was destroyed when towing and a woman fell asleep at her wheel.  He believes the Stabi is a better fishing plarform

I have a 730HT Barcrusher and love it, had it now for 5 years.

As you are no doubt aware, Ali will never ride like a quality glass boat, but compared to the 6.7 Coraline I previously had, the BC is great.

You are also probably aware that you have the option of locking the ballast water in to smooth out the ride if need be.

I've rarely used this, but it worked a treat when I did (had to call it a day early and punch back into a strong morning easterly 20nm out from Rocko due to father in law getting sea sick and power vomiting all through the cabin...)

BC also great in a following sea, whereas the Coraline scared the crap out of me 2 or 3 times in the 13 years that I had it.

I've heard people bag them at different times, I guess they're entitled to their opinion, but for me hands down definately the best boat I've owned.

I've fished out of a Maclay, and agree with comments above they are great boats, but sadly we don't see many on the second hand market here in WA.

Can't comment on the Stabi, have never fished out of one, but no doubt they would be extremely stable.

Last one 575C bought new and the finish was in very good condition when I sold it, no signs of electrolysis at all.

New one is a 615C bought new in 2023 with a 150 Merc which is a great motor.

Had it 70kms out of Bunno and come home in some average conditions and the boat always feels strong and seaworthy, as per above I rarely lock in the ballast but its there if needed.

Stable on the drift, wide gunnels to sit on, can get your toes under the gunnels when fighting the big ones. 200l of fuel, heaps of storage, good helm position and excellent build quality.

Easy solo launch and retrieve, I drive on/off and you can come up to the easytow trailer at 45 degrees, straighten up and drive on, dont put the trailer in too deep. C has the fold down roof so you can get it under a 2.15m roller door if needed. 

Trim tabs recommended.

Any q's let me know Russ, also a lot of info at Bar Crusher Independent Owners on FB.

Cheers for all the feedback.  Think it's time to find one at the right price. Lots out there to chose from but not up in hedland

my mate was looking at some ali boats recenlty. ended up with a stabi, which ha sproven to be a great boat.

also the extreme boats looked very well finished juist as another option to compare

i looked at barcrushes when i was upgrading, but for me fibreglass was the go as not really fishing up north much.

the barcrushes i t looked at seemed very well finished, and the sea trials were impressive.

Be interested to hear your thoughts on whatever you are sea trialling. Have been looking at a plate ali for a while and the internet opinions make it very difficult to get an accurate gauge of how a particular brand performs.

Congrats mate. Sounds like it's coming home!