surfsabo -
I've been lucky enough to do at least one boat trip every other year for the last 10, 6 trips all together, and I can tell you there are two boats worth trying to get on for the most obvious reason: their captains kick-ass!!!. The Mangalui (or "Mango") w/Capt Matt Cruden. Or, The Barrenjoey w/Capt John McGroder (his nickname is "Buckets", 'cause he's buckets of fun). I've gone with Buckets 2X, and Mattie once. These guys used to crew for Martin Daly, and are they are best of friends. Their boats are mellower and not so "flash", with the charactor to match their captains. But the best part about these guys is their experience and stoke. They want to surf, and they want to surf new and uncrowded waves. They never phone it in, and they're always working to make sure your trip is a stoker, surf or no surf. I've never been skunked when going to Indo, but the trip is made even better when on one of these guys boats!
One word of warning, they're Aussies. The like to have fun and are relentless in their pursuit, even at the expense of an unsuspecting Seppo!!! Advise? Get on one of these boats, and get ready to laugh your ass off!
PM me if I can be of more help.
- SC