Classic Boats -- Top 10 Trailerboats Under 6.0m (Pt 8)
The Seafarer V-Sea 474 is the go-to boat for young anglers heading offshoreThe popularity of the V-Sea was founded on a combination of its compact size, low cost, and fisherman-friendly configuration.
The hull under the V-Sea is also a beauty. Up forward it has a fine entry for softening out the chop, but the vee tapers quickly coming aft, finishing up with a vee angle or transom deadrise of 19 degrees. The result is a ride that is much softer than a tinnie, yet quite stable enough at rest.
Internally, the V-Sea has few frills. It was available with bucket chairs with arm rests, cockpit carpet and other accessories, but most fishermen wanted a bare-as-bones hull. The result is that most original examples on the used market will be basically outfitted.
The layout of the V-Sea can be likened to a cross between a cuddy and a standard runabout. It doesn’t have berths, but instead has two large storage bins under the windscreen and a large rear cockpit.
The V-Sea was rated for power to 100hp, but achieves speeds to 31 knots with a 70hp outboard (usually Johnson or Yamaha) on the transom.
As an entry-level craft for a couple of fishermen, the Seafarer V-Sea is probably the best second-hand boat available.
Price range: $5,000 - $12,000 (Estimated price is a general guide only.)
Length: 4.74m
Beam: 2.06m
Hull weight: 410kg
Deadrise: 19 degrees
Maximum power: 100hp
Best power: 70hp
For detailed information on the Seafarer V-Sea 474 and reviews on dozens of other great used boats, pick up a copy of Jeff Webster’s Secondhand Boat Secrets magazine. This 148 page used boat buyer’s guide can be purchased at selected newsagents or online at
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