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20 Apr 2012 | Work is about to begin on TrailerBoat's Haines Hunter V15 giveaway boat. Only one question remains...

Ok folks, here's the deal.

See that old boat up there? Underneath it is a superb classic-era Haines Hunter V15 runabout. It's going to be fully restored by TrailerBoat and Haines Hunter, and after we're done showing it off at boat shows and tournaments we're giving it away to one extremely lucky reader.

We just want to know one more thing: should it be converted to a centre-console? Or should we retain the runabout configuration. Tell us what you'd go for if this was your boat, and please leave a comment below (keep it clean please).

You can also vote in the poll (just visit the front page and scroll to the bottom left). 

 
COMMENTS (58)
Comment by Unknown
posted 5 months ago
i have one and made it a tiller. is awesome. one thing I had to do is put the tank forward to counteract the very full boyant bow. Sits level with a 50hp tohatsu. awesome rig. made a custom transom setup. kept the deck on it - makes for good stowage.
Comment by Unknown
posted 6 months ago
Definitely a centre console, but with my specially designed frill added. This will provide the comfort and cover from the elements while traveling to and from fishing destinations.
While still keeping maximum space for fishing this will keep Wendy and the girls happy. A compromise design makes it family friendly and fishing friendly. A four stroke on the back and this would make my family very happy indeed !
mum and daughters happy, Matty and dad still able to fish estuaries and offshore.
My dream machine !
Chris & Matty Koke
Comment by Unknown
posted 8 months ago
Center Console all the way!!! I got a 445F which is 15 foot but that hull looks like it has a deeper V which would create a much smoother ride in the rough. Kind Reards, Spotto from Eimeo, Qld
Comment by Unknown
posted 8 months ago
I think you should leave it as a classic runabout in old haines style with all the glory of feeling revamp with some colour
Thanks Flex
Comment by Unknown
posted 8 months ago
you have to go cc for practicality, rebuild transom with a pod, max hp (4STROKE would be my pref) weight up front, casting deck with under floor storage,as wide as practical console with t-top forward to casting deck double seat with esky under,led lighting throughout it,s a classic hull turn it into a classic fishing platform
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
Don't know what your planning to do, but perhaps a runabout with a nice windscreen and a canopy. Can't wait to see what you do, as I'm currently restoring a runabout myself.

Tony Connor
aconnor70@bigpond.com
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
It doesn’t matter what you put on top it’s the hull that gave it its sterling reputation. But for my opinion a hard core fishing CC. that hull was made to get wet it would be a shame to see it restored sitting in a garage collecting dust as a memento of what use to be
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
completly gut it add bait tanks and fitted esky combineing centre console and seat front and back of steering console and add a bimini top that slides up and down the console as to take drag away when traveling on hiway [ eg not a big sail then ]
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
Keep it original I have a runabout and love it,somewhere to get out of the wind and rain.
regards keith
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
A classic boat - keep her as a classic!
Bryan M
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
i beleve it should kept to its arigde style why mess with a classic.
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
Can't wait to see the finished job! CC definitely the way to go.
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
I think you should make it into a girly boat .. Nice hot pink with something on top that will keep the girls nice and covered and not turning prune like but also keep it as it is so there is plenty of room for fishing and drinking etc . About time someone made a boat for the girls ..


Julie Jarvis
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
Being a ex V17L owner I can see the benifits of centre console, whatever is done to it it would be a fantastic boat. Maybee a bimini for a bit of shade. good one lozza.
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
Make it a centre console with seat, with bimini or hard top and definetly a screen for a bit of protection.
it would make an ideal walkaround.I can see my rods out back now if only I could get my friends and rellies out of the way.
Regards
Garry.A.Woodbridge
Beaconsfield Victoria
Comment by Unknown
posted 10 months ago
I would convert to a centre-console, add a bimini cover, some fishing-rod holders (for that nice Gold Coast weekend) and even put in a marine sound system to set the romantic scene for those nice warm evenings..
Looking forward to seeing the finished project.

Cheers Guys,

Kelvin
Comment by Unknown
posted 11 months ago
Great project to do, I have own,d one that was converted and was such a good boat I am currently building a second.
Comment by Unknown
posted 11 months ago
I've been looking forward to following your rebuild project. I'am in the final stages of rebuilding my own 76 V15 runabout (including new floor, stringers & transom). I have kept things pretty much original, but to be honest as far as fishability is concerned a 12' tinny would be better....Go the center console.

Ps. Also give some thought to adding bouyancy pods to the back of the transom. These boats sit quite low in the stern while at rest on the water.

Regards,

Dono
Comment by Unknown
posted 11 months ago
mate, where did u find that boat, been looking for similar for ages. sold my h,hunter cuddy and convinced a c,console would be the way to go,as I fish on my own.360 fishability overhead t,top electric anchor winch,live bait tank new electronics set in a purpose built console hmmm mate look forward to see your efforts regards Graeme
Comment by Unknown
posted 11 months ago
I prefer the shelter of the runabout but i think the boat looks too far gone to restore, so modification is the way to go. Maybe a wavebreaker or a cuddy cab configuration (like the 4.85 surtees workmate).
Cheers. Jeff
Comment by Unknown
posted 11 months ago
CC all the way!!!!!!!!!! If it is being built for fishing this configuration is far superior!!! I totally agree it will need protection from the elements in some shape or form. Can't wait to see the end product.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
turn it into a centre console as you can get around to the front to fish and is great for one person to use
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I recently completely stripped, rebuilt and converted a V17R to a center consol and moved the helm a bit further forward than a standard for extra space. It handles unbeleivably. CC all the way!!
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
if the need for a centre console arises one should buy one ...the Hunter V15 is a monument ..the character and design should be maintained ..i believe it should be restored as its original...windscreen soft top with side clears..under floor fuel tanks, and under floor holding tank for catch..then add bait tank for the rear quarter, and rod holders on the canopy/Bimini frame..only update communications, navigation and safety gear
sam
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Keep as original, classic look, good luck and look forward to seeing the results.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
if you want a CC go out & buy one...the Hunter V15 is a icon..maintain the character..restore as original...windscreen soft top with side clears..under floor fuel tanks, and under floor holding tank for catch..then add bait tank for the rear quarter, and rod holders on the canopy/Bimini frame..only update communications, navigation and safety gear
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I'd go CC but move it further forward than a traditional CC with room for one up front, give it a hard top and try to extend it a little when you put the anchor winch in...get it over 16ft so you don't have to wear a life jacket doing 5 knots down a river. Adam B.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Definately centre console no canopy. Throw in a hat, jacket, and a spoonful of cement. Great mag.
Stan
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I completely GUTTED my quintrex when i bought it. C omplete interior Reno including paint. I had the choice- CC or up front. I went with CC. Love em! But I go solo and thats perfect for one. The only thing I would have added is in floor esky, but that aside iv had so much good feedback. It works so **** well.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
i feel if left around about and put centre console in it ive got a bout the same way and have much fun and no problems with it either thanks steve b.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
keep it the origional design ... but at some teak for that real classic look ... michael
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
CC 100%.
Dan W
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I would like to see it as a centre console with a T targa top for fishabilty and protection from the sun NEIL.B.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
keep in original ,, its got style now, why change it.
cheers sam
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
This Haines Hunter was originally the Bertram V15, built by John Haines, which goes back to the early 1960s, along with the Bertram V19 and V12 also being built by John Haines at the time. So we're talking about the first generation of deep-V runabouts in Australia. The centre console configuration did not exist in those early days. Haines had to cease using the Bertram name in 1966 and so introduced the Haines Hunter name. This Haines Hunter V15 has the later deck mould with square-line windscreen, replacing the curved windscreen of the Bertram V15. But it’s still a classic, and deserves to be restored as a classic. That really can only be done if the runabout deck mould is retained as is, with the original back-to-back seating. Regards Giles T
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
That hull as centre console written all over it,would be fantastic to fish from in the harbour and holding it's own with all the modern boats,showing that a class hull design is ageless,can't wait to see this project, good luck
Regards Anthonyr
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Convert it into a trailer that is also a boat...
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Definately go the centre console heaps more room and that hull will handle it nicely.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
go with a Centre Console, and add a canopy for sun /rain protection.
The c/c concept allows for the best utilization of the hull interior, I would add under floor fuel tanks, and under floor holding tank for catch. Then add bait tank for the rear quarter, and rod holders on the canopy/Bimini frame, if you want to get real game , outriggers for game fishing could also be an option.

my 2 cents worth.

Jeff L
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
You dont get more room in a CC, and if you have overhead cover you lose so much casting room. I would do an open plan with room to move, cast, and store equipment.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
If I had my way I would restore it to Runabout as I mostly fish South of Sydney and the added protection in winter would be welcome. I used to spearfish out of a mates V15 years ago and it is a top boat.
Good Luck with the resto BOB A
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
centre console a good way to cast plastics or lures when theres a few casting, covering a bigger area.

wobb's, tight lines
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Convert it to center console I have fished off a few and the 360 degrees of angling room is awsome
Regards will
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
It dosent get much better than fishing with soft plastics from a CC..
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
cenre console only way to go
makes a lot more room in a small space
cheers Wayne
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
No matter how you would restore it, you would still have a classic with a top hull design for its size. Personally i would like it any way.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Go all out and make it a walkaround cab with a hard top canopy, somewhere to keep the kids dry and store the vitals.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
How about keep the front end like a runabout but set the controls at the rear like a centre console moved as far to the rear as possible leaving the middle for fishing and whatever. It could be a new trend, we could call it the gondola style.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Keep the old girl original she was a bluddy Good Boat New and still is.
Regards
Graham Nicol
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I myself am doing the same thing at the moment with an old Pongrass runabout.I have had both the Transom and the floor replaced and have left it original as far as a runabout goes.

Personally I would restore it to it's former classic glory and make the thing shine cos it was born a runabout and should stay a runabout.

Kind Regards

George J.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I have always wanted to do this type of Reno....I can see a spectacular design for this hull, but I bet the people actually doing the job will take the easy road and follow previous designs......Of course I would like to get paid for my Design! I would show these guys how to make perfect use of this hull....Good Luck, wishing I was part of the project design.....RossJ Data56
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I guess it depends on whether or not you are wanting to restore it as it was or come up with something new.If the latter, you may as well go with the centre console.
Good luck
Paul
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Lately I have seen a lot of center console projects it would be nice to see one restored for the family.Also would like to see decient protection from the elements built(sun & wind). Have Fun Gary
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Change the boat to centre console to free up a lot of room in the boat.Making the boat fishable from all points would be a plus.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Needs to be keeped original to maintain a hight sort after and valued boat. Was this model ever a centre console??
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Personally i would turn it into a centre console as i have owned one for a long time, the Haines Hunter hull would be perfect.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I am a fan of the centre console concept because I feel it gives you more room in the boat...

Cheers Alan C
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
What would be nice is to kepp it a runabout but put a hardtop on it.
Regards Ray

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