THE 100% ALUMINIUM BOAT MAGAZINE
SUMMER/AUTUMN 2016 - ISSUE 7
YE
AR
ANNIVERSAR
1996
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SOUTHERN
XP 856 POWER PLUS
a Buyers Guide
TO CENTRE CONSOLE BOATS
family boat to game boat
also reviewed SO UTH ER N XP 856 SEN ATO R RH 800 JET FRE WZ A F21 HT RA MC O FIS HM AS TER 625 0 HT DN A 570 XH T PR OF ILE 545 C FC 535 CC
$10.00 inc GST I SSN 2 3 2 4 -5 2 5 5
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9 772324 525507
HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR CATCH
New Zealand’s Favourite Fish Finder - now with bathy charts! Our popular GP1870F and GP1670F plotter/sounder combos now come with true Bathymetric charts. Perfect for the keen game fishermen wanting to find previously uncharted structure. Talk to your Furuno dealer about whether your current GP1870F or GP1670F is eligible for a FREE chart upgrade.
Share your Team Furuno Pics & WIN!
REAL BATHY DATA
$10,000 of Furuno Vouchers to be WON!
Share your #teamfurunonz photos and screen shots on Facebook and Instagram to be in to win.
Boyd Ingle and his first puka under the watchful eye of proud Mum Louise on Reel Busy!! TZ Touch 14
Ben Allen with a solid 20kg kingi out of 200m on the TZTouch, wide of the Mokes
The yellowfin return! Jed Radaly with a nice ‘fin from 230m off Rocky Point, Bay of Islands on the FCV295
Luke Davis with a nice yellowfin caught in the NinePin trench on his FCV587
56kg bass on jig using by Zarn Reichardt on the boat HOOK’EM using Furuno FCV587 sounder
The ADOS Addicted to Fishing crew scored this nice Hapuka using their TZTouch
Check out www.furuno.co.nz for more details or to find your local dealer
/furunonz
/furunonewzealand
For a full range of Aluminium Runabouts, Center Consoles, Cuddy Cabins and Hard Tops.
DB066
If you are after a top preforming Alloy boat between 3.9 and 6.75m Give the team at Fish City a call. Fish City Albany: 09 476 4282 Fish City Hamilton: 07 846 6675
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REGULAR
Columns Point of View
What is the best boat on the market? by Barry Thompson
News & Notable News, new products, new boats and movements.
Hot Electronics for 2016 The latest new releases in the electronics world.
Aluminium Boat Guide
60
Looking for an alloy boat, then check out our comprehensive guide of over 65 manufacturers and 600 models.
106
ON THE
cover #7 The very latest SOUTHERN XP 856 with twin Yamaha 250’s. See Page 20
THE 100% ALUMINIUM BOAT MAGAZINE
SUMMER/AUTUMN 2016 - ISSUE 7
YE
AR
ANNIVERSAR
1996
SOUTHERN
XP 856
POWER PLUS
a Buyers Guide
TO CENTRE CONSOLE BOATS
family boat to game boat
$10.00 inc GST ISSN 2324-5255
02
2
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
also reviewed SOUTHERN XP 856 SENATOR RH800 JET FREWZA F21 HT RAMCO FISHMASTER 6250 HT DNA 570 XHT PROFILE 545C FC 535 CC
9 772324 525507
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
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- 2016
HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR CATCH
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Features Buyers Guide to Centre Consoles
Jigging for Kingfish
Designed for the serious fisherman who doesn’t mind being in the open, the centre console is unequalled when it comes to workable space.
Shane Kelly looks at his earliest introduction to jigging for kingfish, looks back at its history and explains how to do it and the gear you need.
Keep or Release
Tasmanian Jetboat Expedition
Catching the fish is one thing. Looking after the ones you are going to return to the sea or as importantly the ones you are going to keep. Paul Walker explains how.
Fresh from conquering Cape York this group of adventurers now head south to Tasmania in the very capable Hamilton Jet boats. Text by Matthew Fallow.
Understanding Your Battery
Setting your boat up for game fishing
Evan Honore explains why batteries for marine use, can mean the difference between blissful boating or an exercise in crisis management.
When the gamefishing bug struck Shane Kelly, he had no idea of the learning curve ahead. In this article, he recalls how the 5.6m boat became a game fishing vessel.
The Truth About Sinkers Paul Walker looks at the wide world of sinkers and how we have come from using rocks and old bolts to some very sophisticated ‘lumps’ of lead.
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
Company Profile: Senator Boats Senator Boats has cemented itself as one of the prominent aluminium boat manufacturers in New Zealand. Freddy Foote talks with the company’s owner, Wayne McKinley.
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
gineered
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QUALITY MARINE EQUIPMENT FROM AROUND THE WORLD
® acoustica Rigid Acoustic the quiet Australian
laminate noise barrier, fire rated to AS1530.3. Available in 8mm and 16mm thickness.
VyBar® 848F
made
boat reviews SOUTHERN XP 856
right
here New Zealand
They just seem to get better and better.
NEW COLOUR - DARK GREY
SENATOR RH800 JET Twin jets power this beached launched hard top.
4000 SERIES ACCESS HATCHES
• 3 SIZES; 305 X 205, 325 X 255, 525 X 275 MM
FREWZA F21 HT
(CUT OUT) • AVAILABLE: WHITE, GREY, DARK GREY • UV RESISTANT, STRONG ASA PLASTIC
An expectionally versatile family boat if you’re looking for a compact hard top.
Approved
RAMCO FISHMASTER 6250 HT The 6250 has proven to be one of Ramco’s most popular models.
DNA 570 XHT A boat that brings together all the requirements for its owner.
PROFILE 545C The 545C is packed with features you would expect to find in a much larger model.
p. +64 9 448 5900 f. +64 9 448 5911 e. info@sopac.co.nz
FC 535 CC Another addition to the growing FC range of center consoles.
www.sopac.co.nz
41c William Pickering Dr | Albany, Auckland ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
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THE WORLD’S BEST DELIVERS
TIME FOR CHAINS
WHAT DRIVES YOU?
Scan to see the facts
N O B E LT A D J U S T M E N T N E C E S S A R Y, N O M A I N T E N A N C E R E Q U I R E D TIMING CHAIN: These engines (DF40–DF300) use a self-tensioning oil bathed timing chain for reduced noise and improved durability.
Fuel saving efficiency.
See the facts at suzukimarine.co.nz
POINT OF VIEW
What is the best boat on the market?
PUBLISHER D&B Publishing Ltd Barry Thompson & Doug Dukeson EDITORIAL Barry Thompson, Editor DDI: +64 (0)9 428 2086 Mob: +64 (0)21 777 355 email: barry@boatmags.com CONTRIBUTORS Freddy Foote, Mike Rose, Mike Broome, Mathew Hewetson, Paul Walker. ADVERTISING New Zealand & Australia Doug Dukeson DDI: +64 (0)9 428 2328 Mob: +64 (0)21 772 202 email: doug@boatmags.com Alex Ram DDI: +64 (0)9 428 7277 Mob: +64 (0)21 0286 5298 email: alex@boatmags.com Aust: Peter Rhodes DDI: +61 (0) 38786 8993 Mob: 0413154 460 email: pete.rhodes@bigpond.com PRODUCTION Design & Prepress: Annabelle Rose Design Mob: +64 (0)27 427 4559 email: design@annabellerose.co.nz Printer: MH Publications Ltd WEBSITE Momentum Marketing Carl Thompson Tel: +64 (0)21 762 275 email: carl@gomomentum.marketing ACCOUNTS Soraja Thompson Tel: +64 (0)9 428 2086 Fax: +64 (0)9 424 2786 email: accounts@boatmags.com CIRCULATION NZ: Netlink Ltd Aust: Gordon & Gotch Ltd SUBSCRIPTIONS Carla Dukeson Pacific PowerBoat Subscriptions PO Box 886, Whangaparoa, Auck. NZ Tel: +64 (0)9 428 2328 email: subs@boatmags.com REGISTERED OFFICE Advertising & Editorial enquiries: 14 Glamis Ave, Manly, Whangaparaoa, Auckland, New Zealand. Tel: +64 (0)9 428 2086 email: barry@boatmags.com www.boatmags.com Postal Address: PO Box 132 Whangaparaoa, Auckland 0930, New Zealand.
I was asked recently, what is the best 6m alloy hardtop on the market? Well as the saying goes…how long’s a piece of string! When you look at the alloy boat market today your choices, not just in the 6m hardtop market are so vast that it is impossible to single one boat out. We all have our preferences, but what suits me, may be totally different from what you consider being the right boat. Currently, I own a 4.8m tiller steer McLay Fortress, which suits my fishing needs perfectly. Not suitable to go offshore, but I don’t have a need to either. It’s a matter of finding a boat that suits your needs. Not everyone’s requirements are the same and while it’s obvious that most who own an alloy boat go fishing, it is not the only prerequisite of ownership. I have some friends that don’t like fishing and have a small alloy runabout that they use for towing the kids on water toys and heading across to one of the many islands in the inner Hauraki Gulf for family picnics. They have an alloy boat because it’s light, easy to handle and easy maintenance. Alloy boats come in all shapes and sizes, so the first call is to understand what you are going to use the boat for. If you are into serious fishing, then there’s nothing better than a centre console (See our buyers guide page 34), but if you want protection from the elements, then a hardtop is the way to go. I have said it many times, Kiwi boat builders probably make the best alloy hardtop trailer boats in the world. Another thing to consider is size. If you are doing most of your boating offshore in blue water, then the bigger, the better and that’s where hardtops excel. However if you’re just mooching around close inshore then something a lot smaller, such as a cuddy or centre console is fine. The bigger the boat, the more horsepower you need, so the cost of both the rig and running it goes up. Another thing is weight. While alloy boats have a reputation for being lighter than GRP, I find that’s not always a good thing, especially when it comes to the ride. Traditionally alloy boats have a shallower deadrise than GRP boats, so when it gets rough, they don’t generally ride as well. However in my experience, if the alloy boat is weighed-up, either with gear or a stiffer 5-6mm hull, the ride is as good and sometimes better than a GRP equivalent. The layout is important also, as it’s no point in having a huge cockpit and small cabin if you plan to use the boat as an overnighter. Despite what I hear, the majority of trailer boats are day boats, so cockpit space to me is more important than cabin space. The cabin quite often just becomes a place to stow gear. This may not be the case in 7m-9m boats, but it is in anything under 6m. So back to the initial question. What is the best 6m alloy hardtop boat on the market? When you look at the options, there are many and I can’t single one out. Given that the hulls are all around 6m overall with a beam of around 2.4m and have a 16-18 deg deadrise, the real difference comes in the quality of build, finish and presentation. It’s really a matter of finding a boat that not only you like the look of, but the layout suits your needs and the price is right. Try before you buy so you have some idea how the boat handles and rides. Boat tests are a great source of information, but, to be honest, magazine reviews such as myself, generally only get a very brief run in a boat and can only report on the performance and handling of the boat in the conditions at the time. If you can find an owner who has had a season or two with a particular model you are looking at, then all the better. Experience on the water can tell you a lot. Barry Thompson
barry@boatmags.com
All rights reserved. Reprinting in whole or part is expressly forbidden, except by written permission of the publisher.
Printed in New Zealand ISSN 2324-5255 (Printed) ISSN 2324-5263 (Online)
My McLay Fortress 4.8 with a Mercury 75 4S suits my fishing needs perfectly.
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We let our boats do the talking for themselves... PRESS QUOTES:
R O T A R T S N D E M O R SA L E FO
THE EVERYMAN 470 CUDDY “This little boat, with a hull length of just 4.7m is undoubtedly the most stable and comfortable under 5m conventional hull boat I have ever tested” THE EVERYMAN 550 “Put simply, the 550s are built well and priced right; they punch well above their weight, with hull design and construction finish making them fantastic performers and enormous value for money.”
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THE EVERYMAN 595 “The Everyman 595 is a very useful and good-looking fishing boat. The construction is robust and the level of finish is excellent. Good use of space is made in the layout, making it an easy craft to fish from. It is stable, travels well, and is a dry, soft rider.”
HUTCHWILCO NZ BOATSHOW
2016
THE EVERYMAN 635 HARD TOP “With an exceptional finish, a chine that must be the widest on the market and a relatively shallow 15 degree deadrise, this ‘tinnie’ bucks the trend with its smooth ride” THE EVERYMAN 685 SPORT FISHER “This hull seems just as soft riding and quiet as its smaller sibling’s. Stability at rest is excellent, and putting all the weight on one side produced very little lean.”
OWNER TESTIMONIALS:
From 4.7m to 9.5m available in Cuddy Cabin, Centre Console and Hard Top versions
THE EVERYMAN 550 “What a lovely boat, soft through the water no hammering and a very stable boat at rest.” THE EVERYMAN 595 “The whole experience from beginning to end has been a positive one. I am a very happy customer.” “She runs like a dream, handles well on the water. “The boat’s lines and the finish are exceptional. The boat rides great, soft and predictable. They are a very beamy boat giving it fantastic stability.” THE EVERYMAN 635 “I use the Everyman 635 off the West Coast out of Mokau. “We can’t say enough about this boat it really does go like a dream and turns on a dime. We have been out in some rough weather and the Everyman handles it beautifully, making us feel very safe.” THE EVERYMAN 685 “I researched a wide range of boats, both aluminium and fibreglass, and I believe that the boat I now own satisfies all of my needs and represents the best quality for money currently available on the market.” “The boat has lived up to our expectations and would recommend Everyman Boats.”
P 07 847 6335 E info@everymanboats.co.nz W www.everymanboats.co.nz
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Visit our website for more reports and testimonials.
& Notable
Surtees Surtees has revitalised their entire range with new model designations, sizing and some new models. In total, there is now 21 models available from three styles, cuddy, hardtop and centre console. Through an ingenious combination of design and dimension, the amount of space on every model has been increased to accommodate serious fishermen and all their gear. And that’s without compromising any trademark Surtees features including the non-pounding super deep ‘V’ hull, legendary ballast technology and ultra-strong deck system.
VIPER DRUM WINCHES
The Surtees range now consists of five Workmate models, from the new all new 495 Workmate, (4.95m) with an impressive 2m beam to the tough, durable and built to fish, 700 Workmate. The Hardtop range has grown to 11 models, starting with the 575 Hardtop (5.75m) to the very impressive 850 Game Fisher (8.65m). In between there are four other base models, 610, 650, 700 & 750, all available in a variety of layouts. The workhorse of the Surtees fleet, Workmate is designed with a reduced cabin and larger cockpit that maximises deck space for serious fishermen - and serious
fishing gear. The hard top can also be substituted with an ingenious fold-down roof that enables garage storage. If you are looking for the wide-open spaces that a centre console offers you, then Surtees have five models available. The all new widebodied 495 Pro Fisher comes packed with all the goodies you’d expect from Surtees and is based on the same new hull as the 495 Workmate. Top of the Centre Console model line up is the 700 Pro Fisher, a serious fishing machine that offers 360 degrees of manoeuvrability and fishing space. www.surteesboats.com
Kiwi Yachting brings to New Zealand the latest in drum winches with the Viper Pro Series featuring a fully sealed stainless steel motor. Viper drum winches are designed in Australia by Bell Marine and are made of the highest quality from hand polished stainless. They are robust and reliable, and due to their compact nature are set to fill the spaces where other anchor winches just won’t fit. The flagship Viper 1000 Pro Series II comes with a submersible 1000 Watt motor in a 316 electro-polished stainless. It also
features a very high-speed motor, meaning the problems associated with free-fall are negated when you are right on “Spot X”. The powerful motor is capable of drop speeds of 45m per minute and retrieval at 36m per min means no messing around when moving between spots. As well as three models of drum winch, the Viper Pro Series includes game outriggers, bait boards, rod holders and much more for the discerning boatie. www.kiwiyachting.co.nz
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EVOLUTION WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Minn Kota Saltwater Ulterra arrives
Constantly improving, constantly evolving. For every new generation of engines the Volvo Penta diesel range get greener and cleaner. And the new D6-400 – the world’s most powerful diesel engine with sterndrive – doesn’t compromise. By re-
Building off the overwhelming success of freshwater Ulterra, Minn Kota now offers Riptide Ulterra to saltwater fishermen. The revolutionary Riptide Ulterra bow-mount trolling motor features fully automated stow and deploy. In addition, Riptide Ulterra includes power trim, which raises and lowers the depth of the motor with the push of a button. These innovative functions, controlled wirelessly with the i-Pilot remote, make boat control easier than ever. “Riptide Ulterra will be a game-changer for saltwater anglers,” said Minn Kota Senior Product Manager Dave Maryanov. “They won’t have to get down from the tower or move to the bow to deploy and stow the motor, or adjust shaft length while fishing. Combine these key features with i-Pilot functionality like Spot-Lock anchoring and recording paths, and it’s clear this saltwater motor really does it all.” Riptide Ulterra l comes standard with i-Pilot GPS functionality and is available in 80lb and 112lb with shaft lengths from 60” to a massive 72” to cater for the offshore angler who wants to hold on those off-shore marks. The optional foot pedal features a spot lock button, power trim and stow/deploy all from the pedal. The motor comes standard with a remote control providing full operation including trim and stow and deploy. www.bla.co.nz / www.bla.com.au
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
ducing the environmental impact without undermining the unparalleled performance and by meeting the Tier 3 emission standards, the D6-400 is the obvious choice. For the present and for future generations.
PPB004
New Zealand & Pacific Islands – Volpower NZ Limited Ph. 0800 865 769 or +649-2744305 www.volvopenta.co.nz
EASY BOATING 9
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
& Notable
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$100,000 PACKAGE TO BE WON AT 2016 HUTCHWILCO NZ BOAT SHOW Visitors to the 2016 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in May will have the chance to win a spectacular, “goodiepacked” Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize Package worth more than $100,000! All paying visitors to the show, at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane, Auckland on May 12-15, can enter the draw for this “must be won” package simply by collecting stamps from clearly marked booths, answering a simple question and filling in their contact details. On the Sunday night of the show, some
lucky visitor is going to get the phone call of their life, telling them they have won this incredible $100,000 Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize Package. At the core of the 2016 Grand Prize Package is the new Surtees 610 Game Fisher powered by a Yamaha F150B. With a Tasman Blue hull and Arctic White cabin, the Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize Package comes complete with a whole “goodie bag’ of great extras, too. These include a Garmin 12in GPS/Fishfinder, Garmin VHF, StressFree freefall drum winch, Fusion Ipod
stereo and much more. The Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize Package will also come on a registered and warranted Surtees single axle trailer fitted with a Balex Automatic Boat Loader. “This is truly an incredible ready-to-goboating-and-fishing prize package”, says Dave Gibbs. “There is even a full Hutchwilco safety package (four Mariner lifejackets and a flare pack) on board, together with a year’s worth of insurance from Yamaha Marine Insurance.” www.boatshow.co.nz.
CMY TOH118 Advertising HP dealers background.ai
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What makes Tohatsu outboards different? While other manufacturers focus on building higher horsepower engines, at Tohatsu our focus has always been on building the most reliable engines.
For more information on the full range of 2 Stroke and 4 Stroke Tohatsu engines Visit www.tohatsu.co.nz
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Our huge range of 4-Stroke and award-winning TLDI engines also include some of the lowest emission outboards available. Our engines deliver both power you can rely on, and all the benefits of lower emissions.
What makes Tohatsu outboards different? While other manufacturers focus on building higher horsepower engines, at Tohatsu our focus has always been on building the most reliable engines.
Try a Tohatsu and experience the dif erence. The dif erence is reliability.
Our huge range of 4-Stroke and award-winning TLDI engines also include some of the lowest emission outboards available. Our engines deliver both power you can rely on, and all the benefits of lower emissions. Try a Tohatsu and experience the difference. The difference is reliability. | fx 02 4392 1587 | sales@lakesidemarineptyltd.com
www.tohatsu.com.au WWW.TOHATSU.CO.NZ
Australian National Distributor Lakeside Marine Pty Ltd ph 02 4392 6110 | fx 02 4392 1587 | sales@lakesidemarineptyltd.com
www.tohatsu.com.au
Pty Ltd ph 02 4392 6110 Phone:Australian 04 237National 7800 Distributor 0800 Lakeside 528 318MarineFax: 04 237 0822
sales@diversifiedproducts.co.nz
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SEABOSS NEW LOOK
Boat Building Business
Seaboss has recently upgraded their range of hardtop models with new colours and a few design changes. Now available in Auckland through Auckland Marine Centre, Seaboss also provide a full custom build programme in a variety of sizes through to around 8m, in virtually any style, open, cuddy, centre console, targa top or hardtop. The 700HT is one of five hardtop models available in the Seaboss range from 6.2m up to 7.5m. The 700 HT is almost a mirror image of the 670 HT, it’s just it is a little bigger overall. While the 670 HT is, as the name suggests, 6.70m overall, the 700 HT is accordingly 7.0m. The 700 HT carries a beam of 2.50m and the 670HT is slightly narrower at 2.42m. Freeboard is the same at 750mm and both boats are built standard with 5mm hulls and 4mm topsides, 6mm upgrade is available. As expected the 700 HT weighs in at 650kg dry/1750kg towing weight and the 670 HT is 600 kg dry and 1600kg on the road. While the hull design is similar, the 670 HT has a 17.5 deg deadrise at the transom and the 700 is marginally steeper at 18 deg. Engine options are 115hp-150hp for the 670 HT and 140hp-200hp for the 700 HT. Look for a full review in the next issue (AB #8 May 2016). www.seaboss.co.nz
Dickey Boats are enjoying ongoing success and growth across all three lines of their business – trailer boats, launches and the newly released LRC 58. The interest Dickey Boats has experienced lately from all corners of the globe and across all their product lines has also meant they have just doubled the size of their premises and are on a significant recruitment drive. In 2015 they appointed new team members in all areas of the business including new operations team members, design and admin support as well as a Service Manager dedicated to taking customer service to the next level. With ongoing demand they are now searching for an additional senior aluminium boat builder and a fit out technician to join the team early in 2016 to work across all ranges. These opportunities are expected to attract new interest to the sunny Hawke’s Bay as marine industry workers who have a passion for building quality customised vessels look for interesting work with variety and attention to detail. www.dickeyboats.co.nz
New Hella LED Light Setting the standard for energy efficient and long-lasting illumination, Hella Marine introduces the EuroLED 75 Downlight. Combining a proven design philosophy and incorporating state-of-the-art components and materials, this stylish fixture produces 190-lumen output while consuming less than 3W. The EuroLED 75 supplies a very wide and
even radiance, replicating the attractive appearance of a traditional round lamp. Available in warm or neutral white LEDs, it delivers exceptional colour rendering (CRI), reproducing hues in their natural richness and enhancing a vessel’s décor. The optic and reflector are also designed to reduce individual light source glare, which can lead to discomfort and eye strain.
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Hella marine EuroLED lamps are completely sealed and manufactured using the highestgrade materials that will not corrode, fade or embrittle in the harsh marine environment. They are also UV- and impact-resistant, making them ideal for both interior and exterior applications. www.hellamarine.com.
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
& Notable
WHITE POINTER LAUNCH ANOTHER 1050 Gisborne based White Pointer Boats recently delivered their latest 1050, but the first with a custom built game tower complete with helm station. This new release is the most dedicated fishing design the company have done. There is a cleverly designed integral transom door that folds down close to the water line that enables easy access for a big fish onto a wet deck self-draining floor. This design features a flush deck with the
engine mounted underfloor providing a vast uncluttered fishing cockpit with plenty of storage. The interior consists of a forward cabin with two level bunks, head with full height shower, handbasin and electric toilet. The saloon has a functional layout including a galley, double bench seating with a folding backrest for the forward seat, timber table, plenty of storage and an electric rear window. Beautifully detailed with a painted
finish, teak decking and leather upholstery. The 10.5m x 3.1m White Pointer 1050 carries 1000 litres of fuel and is powered by a Volvo Penta D6-400 sterndrive. Many power options are available on this model; single, twins, triples, jets, shafts, diesel or petrol. Being custom builders, White Pointer can accommodate most requests. www.whitepointerboats.co.nz
DB086
QUALITY
STRENGTH
STABILITY
PERFORMANCE
North Island Sales Phone: 06 835 9718 | e: sales@firmansmarine.co.nz South Island Sales Phone: 03 389 1146 | Email: sales@powerboatcentre.co.nz
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Marco release f irst 650 WA in NZ Although Marco Boats has already built 15, 650 Walkaround models, it was only recently they delivered the first one to a local buyer. Available in outboard or sterndrive mode, the 7.1m LOA x 2.48m beam, mid cabin model is built using 5mm plate on the running surfaces and 4mm sides. The first Kiwi sale is set up for game fishing with a live bait tank, tuna tubes and even has a chair on the roof. While the latest model is powered by a Yamaha 175hp, the majority has been sold overseas with the Mercury 150 4S. Power options are from 150 to 225hp. Fuel capacity is 150-180 litres. www.marcoboats.co.nz
MAKAIRA LAUNCH LATEST KING BANK 940 Makaira Boats has launched it’s latest King Bank 940, a purpose built trailerable sport fishing boat. The King Bank 940 has longrange capacity for serious offshore fishing and carries a massive 850L of fuel giving a fishing range of over 1000 nm. The boat sleeps 6 in large berths without using the saloon. With a cruising speed of 30 knots and top speed of 37.5 knots you can cover large
distances in comfort with excellent economy. It has a proper cockpit helm station allowing you to fish light crew or even solo with steering and throttle controls from the cock pit. Speced with 4 tuna tubes and a 180 L live well tank you will never be caught without live baits. While the 940 is a sport fishing machine at heart, it is also a great platform for family adventures with all the creature
comforts of home. Makaira Boats can tailor your boat’s finish to suit your needs from bare alloy or vinyl wrap to full faired high gloss paint with a quality of finish that you would expect on a super yacht. All their boats are built to survey standard with self draining decks. www.makairaboats.co.nz
DIYNO 701 Kitset launched
Finlay Bach Series Finlay Boats have released a small simple boat for use at the bach (or crib). A boat that is easy to recover so a single person or older couple can launch it easily. An ideal boat that can be used to pop out in the morning to catch a snapper or cod. Consequent Finlay “Bach Series” has been born. The 4.3m Striker 400 weighs only 400kg, with a towing weight on the trailer of 560kg. Suitable for outboard from 25hp-50hp, the Bach Series are available in a range of sizes. Finlay Boats NZ Ltd | Ph+64 274 88 33 02 | www.finlayboats.co.nz WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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The latest DIYNO 701 (7.12m) kit set boat to hit the water was built by Grant Craill (Azure Lures) for sport fishing out of Whakatane. Grant had very clear ideas on what he wanted and approached Jim Pauling at DIYNO Kitset Boats about shortening the pilothouse top to increase cockpit space for fishing and an interior customised to his own needs. This is the first 701 to use the alloy building jig that becomes the trailer. The boat is running a Yamaha 200, for a top speed of 34 knots. DIYNO Kitset Boats Ltd | Ph +64 09 5308374 info@diynokitsetboats.com | www.diynokitsetboats.com ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
News
WHAT’S HOT IN ELECTRONICS FOR 2016 2016 promises to be a great year for new innovative and game changing electronics, from transducer to fishfinders, radars to marine sound systems. We look at the very latest from some of the world’s leading electronics brands.
Humminbird release new range of Helix sounders The all new Helix 12 CHIRP is Humminbird’s biggest display yet. The Helix 12 CHIRP sports a bonded glass display, with a super bright and sharp 1280H x 800V pixel colour screen. Added to this is an increased performance processor to help run exclusive Humminbird features such as AutoChart LIVE. The Sonar performance on the Helix 12 Chirp offers as standard a built-in 1kW broadband CHIRP on all models and both Down Imaging and Side Imaging models are available with CHIRP. In addition to providing pre-defined frequency bandwidths, the Helix 12 CHIRP also allows the user to select multiple bandwidth settings to customise the sonar to their unique preferences. The Helix 12 CHIRP features a large 12.1”
display with LED backlight, with CHIRP sonar with up to 8000 Watts PTP power output, GPS Chartplotting with built-in Humminbird UniMap, AutoChart LIVE, and Ethernet networking capabilities. If the 12” unit is too large for you, then Humminbird have also added two new smaller fishfinders. Hot on the back of the introduction of the Helix 5 and Helix 7 are the newest members of the family the Helix 9 and Helix 10. Humminbird is now offering their class leading super clear imaging sonar in a larger 9” and 10” format while still continuing to offer Side Imaging, Down Imaging and 2D sonar in the one transducer. The super bright 1500 nit glass-bonded display provides brilliant all day view-ability while the upgraded RAM provides lightning
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fast map refreshing and menu functions. Now with built in AutoChart LIVE, you can custom contour chart without having to update or share your data. The built-in quick-release gimbal mount makes angle adjustments and removal easy. The new 9” and 10” Helix units are available in Down Imaging and Side Imaging models, which feature a super bright LED backlit 10.1” display. The HD Side Imaging/HD Down Imaging Sonar with DualBeam PLUS and SwitchFire has up to 4000 watts PTP power output, GPS Chartplotting with built-in Humminbird UniMap, AutoChart LIVE and Ethernet Networking capabilities. www.bla.com.au www.bla.co.nz
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The new Quantum radar from Raymarine Raymarine’s new Quantum CHIRP radar, the first recreational marine radar dome to feature CHIRP pulse compression technology, is setting a high new standard for compact solid state radar. Quantum CHIRP radar delivers superior radar imaging in both long and short ranges, thanks to multiple compressed radar pulses and Raymarine’s exclusive ATX advanced target separation technology. This enables Quantum to display targets like boats, landmarks, rocks, buoys and weather cells with unsurpassed resolution and separation quality, especially when compared to traditional radars.
In tight quarters, Quantum’s CHIRP technology easily identifies targets as close as 5.5m while, offshore, Quantum delivers exceptional long-range imagery and highly accurate target returns. Quantum’s on-board processing also automatically eliminates rain and sea clutter, blocks interference from other radars and ensures noise-free, easy to interpret images in congested waterways. Quantum’s lightweight design and Wi-Fi connectivity make it easy to install and super simple to operate. Weighing just 5.4kgs, (50 percent less than traditional radars), Quantum also breaks new ground
with Wi-Fi networking to Raymarine MFDs, eliminating the need for additional cabling or interface boxes. Quantum’s solid state design and highly efficient electronics significantly reduce power consumption, extending vessel battery life and making it ideal for both launches and yachts. Quantum CHIRP Radar will be available from Lusty and Blundell’s nationwide network of leading marine dealers in the first quarter of 2016, from $3099 RRP. Lusty and Blundell on (09) 415-8303 or at www.lusty-blundell.co.nz.
New Raymarine Dragonfly 7 Pro Raymarine’s new Dragonfly 7 Pro is the perfect MFD (multi-function display) for small to medium sized powerboats, kayaks and PWCs. Dragonfly 7 Pro combines Raymarine’s advanced dual-channel CHIRP Down Vision sonar, conventional sonar, precision GPS chartplotting AND built in Wi-Fi in an all-weather 7” high-definition LED backlit display! Raymarine’s wide-spectrum dual CHIRP DownVision technology delivers crystal clear, photo-like sonar images of fish, reef structures and other underwater objects, even at high speed and in deep water. The 50-channel GPS makes precise navigation a breeze while the built-in Wi-Fi enables live sonar streaming straight to a smartphone or tablet.”
Using Raymarine’s free Wi-Fish app, Dragonfly 7 Pro users can rewind, re-watch and save the day’s underwater record, and even share it with friends on social media. Dragonfly 7 Pro comes with an optically bonded display that delivers exceptionally sharp colour, wide viewing angles and no internal fogging. Its MicroSD memory card reader is great for loading for maps and saving sonar screen shots and is compatible with C-MAP by Jeppesen, Navionics, and Raymarine LightHouseTM format charts. Dragonfly 7 Pro will be available from Lusty and Blundell’s nationwide network of leading marine dealers in the first quarter of 2016, from $1349. Lusty and Blundell on (09) 415-8303 or at www.lusty-blundell.co.nz.
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News
SMARTMORE BOAT?LIKE
GENIUS BOAT! BLA Adds Cobra Marine Cobra Marine Electronics are a g provider of communication and navigation products, with a track record of delivering innovative and award-winning products. BLA now offers a range of Cobra’s handheld and fixed mount marine products featuring innovative and easy to use features. The range features three handheld models, and 2 fixed mount models with GPS capabilities. The 75 Series is GPS compatible while the 77 Series has a built-in GPS receiver. This gives you an out-of-the-box life-saving solution so that all of your rescue authorities will know your exact position once you send a distress signal. www.bla.com.au
NEW
WITH DRAGONFLY’S WIDE-SPECTRUM CHIRP
eSSERIES
DOWNVISION TECHNOLOGY YOU CAN SPEND MORE TIME CATCHING FISH AND LESS TIME LOOKING FOR THEM.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAYS Sleek glass bridge design with three mounting options. Bracket, surface, or fully recessed flush mounting. HybridTouch - responsive touch screen control with punch to zoom or simple keypad interaction using the new multifunction rotary control and keypad. Super bright displays (1250 nits) with optional bonding technology for sharper colours and contrast.
GME-GR300BT with Bluetooth audio streaming A powerful, yet compact AM/FM radio with Bluetooth® audio streaming that can be wirelessly paired with any smart phone, tablet or compatible device. Access any of your favourite tunes on the water and be truly impressed with the audio clarity and minimal distortion, even in windy and noisy ocean conditions. Built to withstand the harsh marine environment, the GR300BT chassis is waterproof to the IPx7 standard – submersible to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes. The stereo features a large backlit LCD display, making it easy to read on-screen information, even on a bright sunny day, yet the compact depth design enables mounting in limited space. www.gme.net.au or phone GME - Auckland 09 274 0955
Contact your local Raymarine dealer or call L&B: Auckland 09 415 8303, Whangarei 09 438 6353, Tauranga 07 927 9270 www.raymarinedealer.co.nz
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Simrad announces GO7 XSE Newly released, the Simrad GO7 XSE is a powerful, full-featured standalone marine chart plotter/fishfinder packed into a compact, easy-to-use display. Loaded with today’s latest boating technologies, GO7 XSE features a super-bright multitouch display, internal 10 Hz GPS receiver, StructureScan HD and CHIRP Sonar, autopilot integration/control, engine data monitoring, full audio entertainment integration with SonicHub2, integrated wireless connectivity and the powerful, new Simrad TripIntel trip computer. The GO7 XSE display offers intuitive multitouch controls that smartphone and tablet
users will instantly find familiar. Boaters can tap the screen to create or select waypoints, pinch-to-zoom, or tap-and-drag to pan smoothly across charts while simple home screen and menu layouts allow quick access to all functions. Adjustable split-screen views and customizable panel layouts with large, clearly captioned icons that are easy to recognise, make the GO7 XSE a simpleto-use, full-featured chart plotter. Also unique to the GO7 XSE, the Cruise Charting page combines crucial navigation data and charts into one easy to read display, while new TripIntel technology tracks and displays the essential information
needed to plan a safe and enjoyable day on the water. TripIntel provides fuel range overlaid on charts, current and future tide levels, and a detailed history of previous trips including the route taken and how the boat performed. The Simrad GO7 XSE connects to any NMEA 2000-compatible equipment aboard a vessel including outboard and inboard engines, as well as fuel flow, fluid level, speed, heading, and water temperature sensors and more. For unsurpassed navigation, the chart plotter supports the widest available range of cartography options. www.simrad-yachting.com.
Dean Savage skipper for the "Pete & Pio" show (Choice TV 2016) has chosen the Aqualite 775WHT. We have chosen the Aqualite 775WHT for its excellent sea riding qualities, massive cockpit area for filming and spacious cabin. The Aqualite Hull is the best on the market, soft riding and offers a very dry ride.
Aqualite 645 Special Edition
Dean Savage
Aqualite 775WHT
Qualified Offshore Skipper and Commercial Tourist Operator
DB076
Aqualite have a model to suit your style of boating, in your option of Cabin, Centre Console and Walkaround versions. 775 – 645 – 601 – 570 ... and the soon to be released 665
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News
Fusion Product Line Increases for 2016 Fusion continues to release new products to the marine market, with the digital adapter (DAB) for compatible Fusion Stereo Systems amongst the latest. The new MS-DAB100A module offers users a plug-and-play converter for existing Fusion stereo systems, allowing access to the latest DAB and DAB+ radio stations. The Fusion DAB module is IPx3 rated and, like all Fusion Entertainment components is designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. Installations are discreet as the unit has a compact footprint and the included adhesive pad or screw-mounted bracket make set-up easy. The MS-DAB100A package will be available in 2016 and will be compatible with the following stereos: MS-UD650, MS-AV650,
MS-UD750 and MS-AV750. Fusion-Link Lite is an open-source audio control platform, allowing accessory manufacturers the opportunity to network with Fusion’s marine entertainment systems. Whether a steering wheel manufacturer, smartwatch designer, digital switching provider, or anything in between, FusionLink Lite simplifies implementation of the advanced Fusion source code. The platform gives third-party accessories the ability to adjust volume, skip tracks or change sources on compatible Fusion systems and is capable of being networked to a host of devices via NMEA 2000, Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. The Fusion-Link remote control app now allows for Bluetooth control of compatible
Fusion marine entertainment systems directly from Android mobile devices. Designed for smartphones and tablets, once it is downloaded the Fusion-Link remote control app allows navigation, streaming and control of music sources and independent audio zones. The FUSION-Link Remote control Bluetooth app for Android is compatible with the following Fusion-Link stereos via Bluetooth: MS-UD650, MS-AV650, MS-UD750 and MS-AV750. The app is also capable of Wi-Fi control of the MS-AV750, MS-UD750, MSIP700i and MS-AV700i stereos. The app is now available as a free download from the iTunes App Store and Google Play for Apple and Android mobile devices. www.fusionentertainment.com.
Hook Series from Lowrance The new Lowrance Hook series are a range of affordable colour fishfinders to suit any amateur angler. Hook fishfinders will be available in 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9-inch screen sizes, with combo fishfinder/chart plotter models available from 4” and up. With built-in GPS, the combo models enable you to map your favourite inland and coastal fishing spots using the free Insight Genesis
service. Insight Genesis also lets you download free community-created social maps to your Hook. You can choose from proven Broadband Sounder, DownScan Imaging, and CHIRP sonar options. Select Hook models support all three technologies together with DownScan Overlay functionality for a
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combined view of fish and structure. With a broad range of Hook models and transducer options, it’s easy to find a model that perfectly fits your fishing style and boating budget – from an affordable fishfinder for your kayak or dinghy, to a full chart plotter and sonar solution. www.navico.com
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BOAT TEST
SOUTHERN XP 856 COVER STORY
Twin Yamaha 250hp fourstroke outboards push the XP 856 to 44 knots.
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THE WORKS Southern Boats have always been a popular choice in the big alloy hardtop segment amongst discerning buyers. Freddy Foote checks out the new custom XP 856, their latest release. By Freddy Foote This Southern XP 856 was designed and built as a well appointed day boat, with the main criteria that it had to transport comfortably up to eight passengers, and have all the features onboard for diving and game fishing. The layout was specified by the owner and having stepped aboard I could immediately see how well the whole package worked together. “The hull is standard, but the entire layout was all custom. The owner is very happy with it¬ and so are we,” says Southern Boats General Manager, Jono Bakker. “The 856 range has a number of configurations with enclosed and open hardtops, it all depends on what the owner wants as far as seating configuration and general appointments.” CUSTOM LAYOUT On the water, the boat visually is well balanced with a good split between cockpit and cabin size compared to its overall length. Should you choose, you can have an enclosed hardtop, but you would loose some of the seating that this particular model has. Forward, the generous cabin has a traditional upholstered vee berth, with a toilet located under the squab to the starboard side immediately forward to the helm bulkhead. For privacy, a canvas curtain can be zipped across. A full lock-up cabin option is also available, –a nice feature to add if you haven’t gone for the enclosed hardtop configuration. The helm is lavishly well appointed and finished. Centre is a large Garmin GPS Map 7412 multi-function display. Above that are the Yamaha engine instruments while to the left is the control for the Maxwell anchor winch and wiper switches. Below the helm is the VHF, stereo system and switch panels. The helm seat is finished in leather and features a lift up WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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This particular model is largely custom at the request of it’s owner.
There are boarding platforms on both sides of the outboards, to port. Here we have access to the live bait tank below.
A califont located in the port corner is connected to the heat exchanger on the outboards providing hot water to the boat. bolster, with a footrest below. The dual throttles are well positioned within easy reach and a sliding window provides ventilation while underway. The seating is made up of two large bench seats on either side, the port side seating area featuring a wooden table alongside. There is plenty of storage under both seats, with the starboard side seat insulated to keep items cold when filled with ice – more than enough room to hold a couple of big kingies too. To port there is an additional bench seat with an adjustable backrest so that passengers can face forward when seated or face aft should they wish. The seating configuration isn’t one you commonly see on this style of boat, but if you want a layout that invites more of a social feel for your passengers, this one certainly achieves that. The interior of the cabin is finished with black vinyl and grey macro suede giving a very nice look and finish. Moving through into the spacious cockpit, it has high gunwales with thigh padding to assist anglers. Double cockpit shelving takes care of storage for rods and like the rest of the cockpit and top decks, is lined with a soft foam, detailed to replicate teak. A low profile walk through ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
Three-rod holders and cup holders built into the coamings on both sides.
is a feature of both aft corners, leading through to twin dive ladders. To port, there is a live bait tank complete with viewing window, while on the opposite side is a califont that is integrated with the heat exchanger on the outboards providing hot water via two pullout wash down hoses. In the centre of the transom are two lockers for the batteries and various items, while below is housed the onboard systems for engines fuel filters and pumps etc. A small sink sits alongside the bait board in the centre of the transom. Wide side decks around the cabin provide access to the foredeck, and can be finished with the same foam detailing as seen on the rest of the boat. Above, there are handrails to aid in navigating your way to the foredeck and plenty of space on top to secure a small inflatable tender. For navigating in and out of bays at night, a large spotlight is mounted on the roof. THE TWINS The owner of this big Southern specified twin Yamaha 250hp four strokes and although it doesn’t need that much horsepower, it can certainly handle it.
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The boat is finished in a soft foam finish that is made to look like teak but is soft under foot.
The dash is well finished and has a wide variety of controls and instruments.
The cabin features a toilet, which is located under the starboard squab.
The leather helm seat has a lift up bolster that allows you to stand while helming.
A table is a nice feature for the port side seating.
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Wide open throttle, swinging 17” props, the big Southern 856 hit 44 knots @ 6100 rpm, burning 175 lph total for the two engines. Economy across the two engines was pretty good. A comfortable cruise speed of 24 knots @ 3500 rpm saw fuel use of 47.8 lph for the two engines combined. Given that the 856 has a very generous 400L fuel tank, that cruise speed would give the boat a range of 180 nautical miles. Family Boats aren’t quite happy with the performance of the boat just yet, and on our test day had been doing a bit of prop testing to find the optimal set-up. A couple of 19” props are going on next, which should improve the fuel economy and push the top speed up close to the 50-knot mark. Yeeha! The engines weren’t overly noisy, in fact, they sounded fantastic. Midrange response was great and the elevated helm position gave excellent visibility not only forward but out to the side and astern. Three of us onboard we were able to talk normally amongst ourselves even while under full throttle. With a Yamaha F350 V8 outboard on the transom, expect to achieve around 40 knots. Other power options come in the form of a diesel sterndrive. “Most models we sell have the big single 350hp outboards, but the boat is certainly wide enough to handle twins as we see here, and it can also handle the horsepower,” adds Bakker. The hull of the XP 856 is constructed from 6mm aluminum while the hardtop section above is resin infused meaning you still get all the strength without a whole lot of weight. Stability on the water is excellent. The boat is big and wide, and you can feel that when you’re aboard. Moving around the cockpit, it was like you were on a 40 footer, it just didn’t budge. Packages for an XP 856 start from $NZ239,000 and that will get you a Yamaha F350 V8 outboard on the transom. I’ve tested a number of Southern’s over the years, and this one is exceptional – it has ‘The Works’. Everything seems to work exceedingly well, and I thought the general layout was just fantastic. The price tag is certainly up there at $NZ289,995, but once you count up all the items aboard, it’s all justified for this excellent vessel.
SPECIFICATIONS Model & Model: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Height on trailer: Trailerable weight: Test Power: Propeller: Power options: HP Range: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
Southern XP 856 $NZ239,000 $NZ289,995 Hardtop Aluminium 8.60m 2.8m 20 degree 3.20m 3350kg Twin Yamaha 250hp 17” Single/twin outboard, diesel sterndrive 250-500hp 400L Braked Tandem Axle
FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6100
Knots 5.0 8.0 10.0 16.0 21.0 24.0 30.0 34.0 35.0 40.0 44.0
L/h 10 15.6 24.4 33.4 39.4 47.8 72.0 86.7 103 126 175
L/nm 2.000 2.000 2.500 2.100 1.900 2.000 2.400 2.600 3.000 3.200 4.000
Range (NM) 180 180 140 170 180 180 150 130 120 110 90
This boat could be protected against the effects of corrosion, oxidation and discolouration.
The ideal cost effective product to protect your valuable asset. www.nyalic.co.nz
Notable Standard Items GRP Hardtop roof and dash, Curved Glass Windscreen w/ sliding side windows, Live bait tank with pump, Keel Wear Strip, Heavy duty Marine Paint finish, Macro suede upholstery, Rocket launcher with Integrated grab rails. Notable Options on Test Boat Two x Yamaha 250hp Four-stroke outboard, Garmin GPS Map 7412 multi function display, Radar and Panoptix 3D Sounder, Califont, Fresh water shower/sink, Custom seating with built in Ice bin, Triple Batteries, Ultralon Teak look flooring, Upgraded Fusion sound system with subwoofer and extra speakers. Boat Supplied by Family Boats, Phone: 09 274 0511 Email: sales@familyboats.co.nz, www.familyboats.co.nz
Three-rod holders and cup holders built into the coamings on both sides. ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
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READY TO PERFORM 3 TONNE TOW RATING
Introducing the All-New ISUZU MU-X. With an impressive 3 tonne towing capacity (braked), The All-New ISUZU MU-X never knocks back hard work. Be it towing your boat, caravan, horse float or trailer, the MU-X does it effortlessly and with seven seats you can bring the whole family along for the ride.
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TWICE THE PUNCH
BOAT TEST
SENATOR RH800 JET
A serious boat, needs a serious tow vehicle! ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
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From the outside this Senator RH800 looks like any other big aluminum pontoon hardtop. But far from it, this big beast boasts two Mercury Optimax Sport Jets. Yes, two! We sent Freddy Foote to the Hawkes Bay to investigate.
This RH800 was built for a Hawkes Bay owner and was designed to suit his requirements. Firstly, he wanted a 7-8m boat h that he could launch off Waimarama beach, on the coast out from Havelock North. It also had to have a jet drive, to aid in quick launching through the surf. Now jet drives in alloy trailer boats aren’t uncommon, but what is different about this build, is that it was specified to have two jet units for extra performance and reliability. No easy task for Senator Boats, says Wayne McKinley (Senator Boats owner). No one had done a twin Sport Jet configuration in an alloy trailer boat in New Zealand. That was until now. “It was a reasonably long build, as we’ve never done a boat like this before, so there was a certain amount of engineering and customisation we had to do as the build progressed. We had to engineer it as we went along.” says McKinley. ‘The most complex part of the build was how we would position the engines and jet units, to get the best performance, so we mounted them slightly to the sides and at an angle. “We’re quite pleased with how it all turned out. It performs very well on the water and the owner cannot be happier.” CUSTOM CONFIGURATION While the RH800 is essentially a lengthened RH 770,it is largely a custom boat, so it has a lot of extra features added at the owner’s request. This is his sixth Senator and he also has a smaller 6m Sport Jet model on the drawing board. The RH800 is designed as an all-rounder with all the amenities to be
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Powered by twin Mercury 200hp Optimax Sport Jets, the RH800 will do 40 knots.
The helm has a very tidy and uncluttered finish.
The cabin is light and airy, and features a drop down dinette table to port.
a very comfortable day boat. From the outside, it is well balanced visually, with a good split between cockpit and cabin size compared to its overall length. Access in and out is via two points; either the drop down ladder built into the bow rail or via a drop down ladder in the centre of the transom that doubles as the transom guard railing. A good option considering this vessel is always beach launched so depending on conditions, you always have a safe and easy option for embarking and disembarking passengers. At the helm, everything is well appointed and positioned for easy viewing or access. The helm seat is elevated and gives you excellent viewing forward when helming. The seat has a built-in bolster, which can lift up, allowing you to stand and helm should you wish. Sliding windows on both sides is a great feature, particular keeping the helm area ventilated, especially when we were re-baiting the cray pots. With all the windows and doors open, it is a nice airy and cool environment on those hot summer days. Access to the main saloon area is via a large slide away aluminum door, which tucks away nicely to port. Forward in the very large
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cabin, there is the traditional vee berth and with the addition of an in-fill converts to a very largely and comfortable double. There is plenty of storage underneath, and also a toilet under the squab forward of the helm bulkhead. For added privacy, another sliding door can close off the cabin entirely. To the port side of the main saloon area is an L-shaped dinette. This table can drop down, and with the addition of an infill, forms another bunk for sleeping accommodation. Opposite under the helm seat, there is a small kitchenette with a sink and gas burner stove - this is all accessed by lifting the helm seat up. There is further storage available underneath this unit, which can be accessed by two hatches. ROOMY COCKPIT Stepping out into the cockpit through the sliding door, you are greeted by a very open and roomy work area. There is one large hatch covering both engines, with a walk between them and step up to the transom. Very comfortable forward facing seating is built into the engine covers.
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The new Senator RH800 off the coast of Hawkes Bay.
The sport jets are mounted to the side instead of centre.
The hearts of the operation, the two Mercury 200hp Optimax Sport Jets.
The spacious cockpit has high gunwales that give you a safe feeling when moving around. Very large cockpit shelving takes care of storage for rods and other items on both sides, while a rocket launcher is above. A pot hauler is located in the forward starboard corner of the cockpit, and with the maneuverability of the jet units, quickly allowed us to motor up to the pot lines and pull them up. What was very evident was the sheer stability of the RH800. When at rest and pulling up the pots, in quite choppy conditions, the boat felt rock solid at all times. A true testament to Senators aluminium pontoon design. There is a wash-down hose in the aft starboard corner of the cockpit, while in the forward port corner is a storage locker and housing for the califont (fed by the 100L onboard water tank) and storage for the LPG gas bottle opposite. A drop down seat resides on the other side and is completely movable to wherever you want to position it in the cockpit. TWIN JET PERFORMANCE Nestled into the aft corners of the RH800 are two Mercury 200hp Optimax Sport Jets. The Optimax Sport Jets were chosen largely
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Access to the full width-boarding platform is via a built in step as part of the engines cover.
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because they are the only product on the market capable for such a project. They also provided a very compact configuration and take up minimal cockpit space. As this engine configuration had never been done before, there was quite a lot of extra engineering work to go into the setup, such as a custom designed steering system and some extra alloy deflection plates to aid with reversing. Underway and on full power the RH800 will hit 40 knots. We didn’t achieve that on our test day; sea conditions did chop up pretty well, and with a seven adult passengers and a child onboard there was no real point in pushing the boat that hard. 4000rpm saw the RH800 cruise at 27.8knots with the Optimax engines using 22.7lph each. For a boat of its size, it performed very well with the twin 200hp Optimax sport jets, especially considering we were fully loaded with fuel (480L) and water (100L). Trailerable weight is over 3500kg. The engines were responsive, albeit a bit noisy, but once the doors to the saloon area are closed, the noise is much less obtrusive. As can be seen, in the photos we launched the RH800 straight into the light surf at Waimarama Beach, which was quite an easy process. Essentially, get all of you passengers onboard, back it into the water with the most impressive tow vehicle I have seen for some time. Once enough water is underneath the hull and inbetween waves, reverse off the trailer, then using the jets, quickly rotate the boat 180 degrees so that you’re facing into the waves and off you go. The retrieval process was just as simple; the trailer is backed into the water, and the boat is driven on. The RH800 delivers that superb rough water performance that the brand is known for and felt like a very confidence-building hull. Overall, a fantastic bit of kit, beautifully finished and appointed on the inside, with some great engineering. Speaking with the owner at the end of the day, I asked if there was anything he would change. The answer was “Nope, not a thing.” I’d say that is a resounding job well done for Senator Boats.
SPECIFICATIONS Model: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Power: Propeller: Power options: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
Senator RH800 Jet $185,000 [twin outboards] or $200,000 [twin Mercury Sport-Jets] $NZ265,000 Pontoon Hardtop 6mm/3mm Aluminium 8.0m 2.5m 18 degrees 2 x Mercury 200hp Optimax Sport Jets Jet Single/Twin outboard/Single Jet/ Twin Jet 480L Custom Alloy Dual Axle
This boat could be protected against the effects of corrosion, oxidation and discolouration.
The ideal cost effective product to protect your valuable asset. www.nyalic.co.nz Notable Standard Features: Fully Carpeted Cabin, Clear Safety Glass Windows, Hydraulic Steering, Switch Panel & Wiring Loom, Port & Starboard LED Navigation Lights, LED Mast Light, Under Floor Fish Bin x 2, Second Shelf in Pontoons. Notable Options on Test Boat Twin Sport-Jet drives with twin independent battery charging systems, Locking wheelhouse, Fresh water system with caliphont and shower, Pot hauler setup with pontoon protector plate, Full bowrail with front boarding ladder, Luxury cabin seating with drop-down table.
Despite the large engine hatch and built in seats, the cockpit is very roomy.
Contact: Senator Boats, 21 Hamilton Place, Onekawa 2110 Ph: +64 6 8436882, www.senatorboats.com
Bringing up some crays with the pot hauler.
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A BUYERS GUIDE
The FC535 is a typical centre console boat which offers maximum use of the deck space.
TO CENTRE CONSOLE BOATS
OPEN ALL HOURS Design for the serious fisherman who doesn’t mind being in the open, the centre console is unequalled when it comes to workable space. The beauty is they come in just about any size you want.
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While centre console boats are not for everyone, they do serve a great purpose as a fishing platform. With the massive popularity for inshore saltwater fishing and freshwater trolling, the centre console style has become increasingly popular with a plethora of models being built to cater for the fisherman. In the US, it is not uncommon to see 12m, triple and quad outboard powered fibreglass centre console boats, laced with all the gear for a day offshore game fishing. They go huge distances offshore to the deep canyons, so require the speed and handling to get there and back home in the shortest possible time. In this part of the world, we are not so obsessed with speed and we do our fishing a lot closer to land. Traditionally if we are ‘going out wide’ we choose hardtops, a style of alloy boat that New Zealand leads the world in. However, not everyone wants the size or the protection that a big hardtop gives and this is where the centre console boat really comes into its own. When it comes to aluminium centre console boats, they are unashamedly targeted to fishing. These are not really the sort of boats you buy if you are into family cruising, picnics and towing water toys, although will do all of the above no problem.
A centre console is essentially a hull with no cabin or foredeck, with the helm station in the centre and total access all around the boat. When you talk about console style boats there are those with side consoles, which do much the same job as the centre console, it’s just the console is over to one side. They are still marketed to the fishing clients. Manufacturers will often only list a few console models in the line-up, but in most cases any boat they have can be turned into a centre console, no matter what the size. In our list of around 90 production centre console boats available locally, they vary from under 4m to over 8m and everything in between. That is the beauty of aluminium construction, which allows the total customisation of a boat to transform it into what you want. Not every manufacturer will be prepared to chop their design around, but most will. OPEN PLAN LAYOUT The centre console design is all about space, so the size of the console will be determined by the size of the available floor space. In the case of a 5-6m model, the console should be big enough to provide some dry storage area inside, have a dash that will handle a reasonable size MFD, plus
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all your necessary controls, VHF, navigation aids and whatever. When you start getting into the 7-9m style console boats, then the console can take on a whole new purpose and not only is it a storage area, it’s also suitable for a toilet and if it’s large enough a small bunk. You just need to make sure you have adequate head height. Seating is usually a single or twin helm seat, depending on the size of the boat and in some cases the box base is transformed into another storage area or somewhere for a small fridge. A reversible backrest bolster is a good option, as is a padded isky/chilly bin for an extra double seat. Again depending on the side of the console a forward seat can be built-in and again this gives you yet another dry storage area or another optional place for the fridge. There needs to be good access either side of the console, so if you are fishing you can work the entire deck. If you are into soft baiting, then you will appreciate why a centre console boat is so good. Wide flat side decks are also ideal so you have somewhere to sit between bites. We all know how crowded a cockpit can get when divers are gearing up for a dive, so this is where the extra floor space of the centre console really works well.
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
The dash on the Finlay Escape 5900 offers plenty of space for instruments and electronics. Note the reversible bolster. PLUS & MINUS Centre console boats are lighter than the equivalent size hardtop or cabin boat, so you have the advantage of requiring less horsepower for the same performance. While there are some stern drive models around, most centre console boats are outboard powered. If there is one thing a centre console boat does not do well, is give you all-weather protection. Unfortunately, in New Zealand, we don’t have that year round warm weather so that centre consoles can be cold and draughty. A bimini will certainly give you some UV protection and the alloy frame that holds it will serve as handrails for your passengers, somewhere to mount your aerials and also for a rocket launcher for the rods. The windscreen on the console will give those at the helm station some wind protection, but if you want to go one step further, then adding clears all round (right to the cockpit sole) is a good addition. While centre consoles are almost the norm when it comes to RIBs, and are not common amongst the fibreglass boat builders in NZ or Australia, they are growing in popularity when it comes to aluminium. We checked out some of the leading aluminium boat builders in the country and picked a real cross section of centre console models. It’s a broad range of size and style, but essentially they all do the same job, it’s just how big or small you want to go and how much you want to spend. ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
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COMMANDO TROOPER - READY FOR ACTION The Commando Trooper range of boats is available in a variety of hull sizes to suit your requirements. Commando Boats has for some time been building the 3.9 Trooper in open tiller steer, cuddy cabin and centre console options. Built with a whole raft of boating activities in mind, the 3.9 Trooper will ultimately appeal mostly to divers and fishermen who want to fish or dive close inshore. In a small boat, it’s often difficult to find a place to stow a 25-litre tote tank so it’s out of the way. Commando Boats has addressed that perfectly by incorporating a built-in 25-litre alloy tank across the centre of the transom. It even comes with a trio of rod holders, one of which doubles as the base for the bait board. Between the outboard pod and the pontoon hull extensions are large boarding platforms, with the option of a dropdown ladder on one side. Featuring a full height pontoon construction, and a massive internal volume, it’s a boat that can easily carry and fish 2-3 adults. www.metaldesigns.co.nz
DNA 440 JETX - BUSH MEETS WRAP DNA’s newest releases include some interesting and vibrant colour options as well as standard textures and colours currently available. They have added their custom themed bush camo vinyl wraps, available in a range of colours from fluro to more conventional camo patterns. With a lot of DNA boats sold to fishos who are
also very interested in hunting, DNA felt it appropriate also to offer themed vinyl wraps. The DNA 440 JETX was originally designed for clients fishing over the west coast bars and estuaries, where beach launching was restricted. With the DNA JETX it meant they were able to launch into a river and travel downstream to reach the salt and cross the bar safely. Fitted with a marinised Toyota
110hp engine running a Kawasaki ST X 15F pump - other engine/jet options are available -pushing a Solas impeller, the 440 JETX reaches a top speed of 69km/h and burns 13 lph. The engine runs a bowman type closed loop cooling system so no salt water is being circulated through the engine. www.dnaboats.co.nz
Pontoon & Plate Boats Custom & Production Boats 3m - 12m Full 3D design and build service Ace Engineering NZ Ltd
42 Factory Rd. Brightwater Nelson NZ Tel +64 3 542 3977 Mob 027 635 2425 www.dnaboats.co.nz WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
EVERYMAN 595 - CUSTOMISED
With the 6.4m Enduro 6400, Hamilton-based Enduro Boats (a subsidiary of ALM Group) have moved out of the open and console dinghy market into the full-on fishing sector. The 6400 centre console is built to the highest quality, with 5mm hull bottom, 4mm sides and 6mm transom. Standard features include massive storage areas throughout, deep forward anchor locker, large console and fold down bimini. With a 160-litre underfloor tank, the Enduro 6400 is well equipped for offshore boating. One of the very special features of the Enduro 6400 is the helm seat base, which is mounted on sliders. You have it back when driving and then slide it forward 300mm when you want maximum space in the 1.90m wide cockpit for fishing. There is a pair of fold-away bench seats that are ideal when underway and can then be dropped out of the way when fishing. Running down the centre line of the boat is the 160-litre fuel tank, with a huge wet locker aft. Another neat feature of the Enduro 6400 is the big boarding platforms that extend either side of the outboard. www.almgroup.co.nz
The Everyman 595 Centre Console is constructed using 5mm bottom and transom, 4mm sides and decks, and a 4mm chequerplate cockpit sole. The design of the 595 features a fine entry, variable to a 15° deadrise at the transom, with modest down-turned chines. This is a beamy hull with plenty of wetted surface and no planing strakes are required. The sealed chequerplate deck drains to a sump under the transom wall, from where water is removed via an 1100gph bilge pump. Hatches in the floor give access to storage holds in the bow and stern. An upholstered seat with backrest is built into the front of the console with grab rails on each side, and a hatched plastic tank underneath provides stowage. Further stowage is inside the helm bench seat, which also has a backrest that can be reversed when facing astern. Large side pockets add to stowage space and are wide enough to take dive tanks if necessary. The transom wall features a step-through on the port side, as well as a shelf that houses the two batteries and isolation switching behind a domeon cover.Everyman Boats pay attention to detail and are willing to customise to owners’ requirements. www.everymanboats.co.nz
DB082
ENDURO 6400 - FOCUS ON QUALITY
Seaboss Boats 31 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua | 0800 95 95 90 | 07 348 4997 | office@seaboss.co.nz Auckland Marine Centre 247 Ti Rakau Drive, Pakaranga, Auckland | 09 579-7981 | sales@aucklandmarine.co.nz
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w w w. s e a b o s s . c o . n z
FC 600 CC - SECRET PROJECT FC Boats are one of the fastest growing alloy brands to the New Zealand market, offering a wide range of console, open, cuddy and cabin/hardtop boats. The FC 600 CC is one of five centre console models and comes with some revolutionary features. The FC600 sees a separate ballast and flooding keel system incorporated into its design, which allows the driver to balance the boat perfectly for the conditions. One of the first prerequisites for the 600CC was a double console so that a driver and passenger can be immediately behind, with a further two standing behind that, and all four being protected from the elements. The FC 600CC features a ‘passive live bait tank’ meaning it doesn’t have pumps and has been cleverly integrated into the aft floor area. There is plenty of dry storage under the console for all the days gear, which also accommodates the onboard systems such as batteries and oil etc. In the bow area, the floor has been raised to provide more surface area. www.fishcity.co.nz
FINLAY ESCAPE 5900 - SUMMER ESCAPE A follow-up to the Sports and Hardtop 5900s, the Escape 5900 opens yet another market for this new and progressive Timaru builder.The underwater sections feature a deeper deadrise than many pontoon boats of a similar size at 20.5 deg (23.5 deg for the 6300) which goes a long way towards providing a soft, smooth bump free ride. The Escape 5900 is very traditional in its layout, with a large centre console helm area and an above waterline deck that drains into the sump fitted with a pump. Under the chequer plate sole, there is buoyancy both sides of two longitudinal stringers, with storage and the 180-litre fuel tank down the centre. Standard seating is a double bench seat with reversible bolster, all mounted on a pipe frame with a parcel tray. If you are looking for more storage, then the base could easily be made as full storage or a cooler bin, although this will inhibit access to the underfloor locker. There’s a small raised casting deck forward and an optional clip on Engel storage bin/seat ahead of the console. The wide coamings come standard with eight-rod holders and an antiskid surface. wwwfinlayboats.co.nz WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
Pontoon Party Boats ENGINEERING & MARINE SHEETMETAL & MARINE SPECIALISTS
FREWZA F16 SPORT CONSOLE SOUTHERN SURPRISE
ats
uilt B m to
Cus
m Bo u i n i m
Alu
Orca Engineering & Marine www.orcaengineering.co.nz
AB005
81 View Road, Rotorua. Tel: 07 349 2977
The Frewza F16 Sport Console is one of three centre console boats offered by Invercargill-based Frewza Boats. The other two, the F14 and the F18 follow a similar style and construction, it’s just a matter of going bigger or smaller. The Frewza F16 Centre Console is a great all rounder boat having lots of space and is an excellent platform for fishing, diving and water sports. It can be custom built to suit your needs. It is a reasonable full bodied boat with a length overall of 4.95m and a beam of 2m. The hull is 4mm and the tubes 2.5mm, with a 16 deg deadrise at the transom and a dry hull weight of 320 kgs. The F16 is rated to 60hp. It’s a boat that is loaded with standard features, such as a boarding platform, bilge pump, deck hardware, a removeable bait board and a pair of padded Icey Tek/bin seats. The centre console unit offers a generous size facia for instruments, controls and an MFD, plus great dry storage behind a So Pac hatch. www.frewzaboats.co.nz
Performance, Style, Quality!
KIWI KRAFT 390 JET - PWC PACKAGE Rayglass did it with a Protector RIB and now it seems that Kiwi Kraft has also done it, by taking a standard PWC and wrapping a ‘boat’ around it. In the case of the Kiwi Kraft 390 Jet, a 160hp Kawasaki 4-stroke was planted into a 3.9 m pontoon boat. The centre jockey seat layout has been given the addition of a high screen and forward seat, plus there is a casting deck forward with storage under. To be used for shallow water fishing and white baiting, the all-alloy boat also has plug-in wheels. With these in place and a 12-volt winch the boat can be pulled over the ground and in extremely shallow water. www.kiwikraft.co.nz
FINLAY BOATS PO Box 2158 Washdyke, Timaru 7941 45A Treneglos Street, Timaru, 7910 P: 03 929 2677 M: 027 488 3302 E: grant@finlayboats.co.nz
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MCLAY FORTRESS 571 - ALL ROUND PERFECTION The McLay Fortress range of boats are available in tiller steer, side console or centre console and are available in sizes from 4.4 to 5.5 m. Since the release of these boats they have instantly gained a reputation of being a very strong, great handling soft riding boat that is also very stable at rest. With lots of great standard features including extensive fitting of closed cell foam in addition to the air buoyancy to meet both Australian and CE standards that make them virtually unsinkable. The Fortress 571 uses the same proven hull as the 571 Sportsman and carries a 2.20m beam and a length overall of 5.65m. The centre console is carried well forward, giving maximum cockpit space aft. There are a forward casting deck and a large console, with a bimini for some weather protection. The back to back helm seat provides plenty of dry storage under and there are also wide side trays for extra gear. www.mclayboats.co.nz
MAVERICK MARINE - DOUBLE HULL At 4.5m (LOA 4.9m) the Maverick power cat is crafted from tough marine-grade 4mm aluminium. This isn’t just another mono-hulled alloy boat either, a Maverick is an asymmetrical planning catamaran, something that is not common in the trailerable alloy boat market. The centre console layout means all the boat space is usable for fishing. Power options are single outboards 60-90hp. One of the huge advantages of a power cat is the softer riding hull design, stability and as much as 40% more interior space than an equivalent length monohull. A Maverick is virtually impossible to sink, with over 1600 litres of reserve buoyancy in multiple watertight compartments, to keep it afloat even when filled with water. www.maverickmarine.co.nz
Hunter-Gatherer-Provider Twenty years in the making. Twenty years of single minded focus in making the Ramco Boat range, the best Hunter Gatherer tool on the water. Get alongside the action in our range of alloy boats. Whether it’s river prey you’re
Ramco 5800r Intercepoutotboard
with a 90hp uary-March ec Sp ial offer Febr
$44,500
after or blue water giants, our designs and skill base gives you the best platform on the water to make your move.
DB080
Interceptor 5800
Ramco 5800 Interceptor
Fisherman 6020HT
Fishmaster 6250HT
Provider 7010HT
see web site for dealer contacts www.ramcoboats.co.nz
Phone: Gary 021280 1123 | Kevin 027 5774232 | WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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Seahunter 7450HT
305 Flaxton Road, Rangiora.
EMAIL sales@ramcoboats.co.nz
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
PROFILE 585CC - SAFE AND STEADY
SEA BLADE - SUPERIOR SEAKEEPING
The Profile 585 Centre Console is a specialist fishing boat that offers maximum room for anglers. The complete walk-around design has a large raised forward deck specifically designed for casting flys, lures and soft bait. This fully pontoon designed vessel offers extra safety due to its multi-chambered construction (virtually unsinkable) and superior stability for passenger comfort. Standard features include a three years structural hull warranty, dry storage in the console, fully welded treadplate sole and portofino style stern. The 585 CC also comes with the siganture transom wave deflector, designed to stop any ingress of water when backing up on a fish or launching in the surf. Forward there is a raised casting deck, which is a great place for soft baiting. There are the usual side and transom storage areas and the 585CC comes with an optional underfloor fuel tank and walk through transom. You also add a live bait tank, bimini with canopy and rocket launcher, cray pot davit, external grab rails and the boat is available either painted or unpainted. While the 585CC is one of only two centre console listed in the Profile model line up, (the other is the 4.3m 1410CC), the company will customise any of their range to centre console. www.profileboats.co.nz
The Sea Blade is a joint US-NZ project, with US Company Navatek and Rotorua-based Orca Engineering Ltd. With the Sea Blade it is all about the hull design. It looks like an unusual trimaran with an aggressive central hull and skinny outriggers. Flat surfaces extend from the hull and the pronounced tunnels give the appearance of a modern art piece more than a highly efficient craft. The Sea Blade is the brainchild of Navatek Ltd, a Hawaiian company that claims to be at the forefront of innovative naval design. The Sea Blade style hull design has been around for a few years in a rudimentary form. With Navatek’s stable of innovative and talented designers they were able to throw modern technology at the design. Following on from those initial export orders, Orca is now offering the Sea Blade on the local market. Recently one was completed as a water taxi for Cathedral Cove and a couple of Sea Blade 22s have been built as RIBs, using Lancer inflatable Hypalon tubes, in an RIB open layout. www.orcaengineering.co.nz
QUINTREX - PLENTY OF CHOICE
RĒVO 551 JET - PULLING POWER
With almost a dozen centre console models listed in their standard lineup, Quintrex offers more than any other alloy boat manufacturer. They are offered under two model ranges, Top Ender and renegade. They also offer a whole raft of open tiller steer, side console. Cuddy cabins and runabouts in the same size range. Originally invented for the ‘top end’, the Top Ender range (4.61m to 6.05m) is a popular fishing favourite Australia wide. The Top Ender’s barrabass tournament style layout, deep sides and the blade hull and flared bow combination make the range perfect for remote creeks, estuaries and open bays. If you like sports angling, this is the boat for you. The Renegade Range is fast becoming a favourite among keen fisherman as a no-fuss, fishing machine. Complete with a front and rear casting platform the Renegade is capable of some serious fishing. These range from 4.60m to 5.48m. www.quintrex.com.au
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
Launched by Pacific Hydraulics in Whangarei, this Rēvo 5.5 metre commercial jet boat has been specifically designed to the customers need. Three key factors expressed at the design stage were the boat had to be stable, it had to be a good sea boat, as it works literally in the open ocean in all conditions. Plus it had to have good bollard pull. Also, the boat had to be powered by a diesel engine that was reliable, cost effective and serviceable anywhere in the world as the mother ship travels the globe. Pacific Hydraulics marinised a 1kz Toyota diesel and this was matched up to a Scott Water Jet 851 jet unit. Displacement is 1150 kg including a fire pump in the bow. Bollard pull is 500kg and top speed is 30 knots. www.revoboats.co.nz
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Go to our website for Most models specifications and pricing or get down to your local available with dealer for details the light weight Mercury 4 stroke outboards
MCLAY BOATS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DEALERSHIPS NATIONWIDE:
DB083
WHANGAREI: Warren Hay Marine, ph 09 430 2666. AUCKLAND: Fish City, Albany, ph 09 476 4282. HAMILTON: Fish City, Frankton, ph 07 846 6675. WHAKATANE: Oceansports Marine Ltd, ph 07 308 4241. WELLINGTON: Boat City, ph 04 298 5931. HAWERA: Tasman Marine, ph 06 278 7187. MOTUEKA: Bays Boating, ph 03 528 5200. CHRISTCHURCH: Powerboat Centre, ph 03 389 1146. DUNEDIN: McLay Boats Milton, ph 03 417 8135. INVERCARGILL Marine South ph 03 218 2700 WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
SENATOR RCC450 - BUILT TO FISH A truly multi-purpose boat that can access those out-of-theway beaches hiding the best fishing spots, the RCC450 is one of five models available in Senator’s centre console range. The RCC450 is recommended for a 40-60hp engine. It is a very uncluttered boat with space to fish from and good storage for your tackle and rods. The layout leaves plenty of room for three anglers to fish from comfortably. The seats conveniently lock into the sides, with a large storage locker in the centre console and two handy drink holders. There is a large anchor well with a lid and a good storage shelf running around the sides and rear of the boat. The boat looks like it is built to fish from. www.senatorboats.co.nz
SEALEGS 6.1 D-TUBE - LAND & SEA The Sealegs 6.1m D-Tube is the only all-aluminium hulled craft in the Sealegs family, making it the perfect Sealegs for fishing trips and getting through rough terrain. The state-of-the-art sport console featured on the D-tube can be customised to suit your needs. The 6.1m D-Tube encapsulates the best of Sealegs technology in a rugged, agile package. The standard package includes an Evinrude 90HP E-TEC outboard, Fusion marine stereo, Simrad Go7 GPS chart plotter/fish finder, Simrad VHF radio, boarding ladder and dual floodlights. The 6.1m D-Tube also comes with Sealegs Amphibious Enablement System (AES). The AES provides a fully integrated, turn-key amphibious package, including a hydraulic transmission powered by a 22HP Honda engine, all-wheel drive, extended run time, ABS automatic braking system and power steering for land and water. www.sealegsrecreational.com
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
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KINGFISHER 670 POWERCAT - SUPER STABLE
SCORPION 470 - ENTRY PACK
Built in Tauranga by Alloy Cats (NZ) Ltd, the Kingfisher 670 powercat is one of a number of alloy centre console power cats and monohulls built by the company. They have an enviable reputation not only for quality but also diversity and can just about customise any of their designs to become a centre console model. Roomy, stable, comfortable and dry are the special features of the 670 powercat. Size for size the powercat offers more workable space than a monohull and the ride and handling are exceptional. This is a trailerable cat for the sports fisherman who wants 360 degree fishing space - plus all the powercat comforts This new rig from the Kingfisher has an engine rating from twin 70hp to 90hp, double helm seat, extended deck platform between the outboards, a foredeck casting platform, specially housed icebin and, yes, a toilet! Of course not every Kingfisher 670 powercat has to have all these features, but even the basic boat offers loads of fishing room and the kind of stability that has to be experienced to be believed. www.alloycats.co.nz
This is the ideal little cousin to the Bluefin 620 model walk around, but in a smaller and more affordable package. It is a great little boat for those into great for the soft baiting or fly fisherman in sheltered waters as you can follow the fish right around the boat. It’s a boat that comes well features, including a fold down acrylic screen, separate anchor locker, battery box and switch, bilge pump, boarding ladder and platform and all the necessary deck hardware. There is a fully welded and sealed treadplate floor, with plenty of built-in buoyancy, plus a bin seat with upholstered top, rear seats with upholstery and hydraulic steering. You can have the boat either painted or unpainted and ideal power is a 50hp outboard. All this on a single axle multi roller trailer. The 4.7m hull is constructed with 4mm plate on the hull and 3mm sides and has a towing weight under 1000 kgs. The medium vee 17 deg hull means yo get a great ride in the light to moderate water, with the 2.3m beam adding to the stability both at rest and underway. www.sportcraftboats.co.nz
command performance
CE
mance!
Commando Trooper 3.9 Delux Sport
...when quality counts
Stable, affordable boats with a superior ride
Available factory direct All of the Commando Trooper range of boats have been approved for survey build
the edge in safety, performance and style
Aluminium Boat Manufacturers www.metaldesigns.co.nz
www.kiwikraft.com COMMANDO 1010
KIWI ENGINEERING & MARINE LTD 18 Victoira Ave, Invercargill New Zealand Phone: 03 214 1388 Email: rodney@kiwikraft.com
Call Bruce or Allen Ph (09) 274 5586 WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
SURTEES 495 PRO FISHER - SPACE SAVER
STABICRAFT FRONTIER - CARBON FOOTPRINT
The name says it all. The Surtees centre-console range opens up deck space at the bow, stern, as well as both port and starboard sides. For the fisho that wants nothing to get in the way of them and their catch, Pro Fisher is designed for you. Surtees 495 Pro Fisher is te smallest in their five boat centre console range and also their most popular. The all new 495 Pro Fisher, with an impressive 2m beam, comes packed with all the goodies you’d expect from Surtees. Along with the strong, deep V hull and floor, the two flotation chambers, and the Surtees ballast system this fishing machine combines real stability at rest with a smooth ride. Recommended for outboards 30-75hp, the 495 Pro Fisher features a six-year hull warranty and is built to CE safety standards. The console comes with a toughened tinted glass screen, large dashboard and footrests/luggage holders Extra storage is available in side storage shelves, an underfloor storage bin and in the fully adjustable seat bases. www.surteesboats.com
Stabicraft’s new 1600s are believed to be the world’s first aluminium trailer boats to feature carbon fibre in their construction. Under the name Project Carbon, the new construction system has been used first in the company’s newly-designed 1600s: the centre console Frontier and the open cuddy style Fisher. The new console is made from carbon fibre and other composites and features some subtle ergonomics such as the recessed throttle control and deliberately angled, protected flat area on top for an MFD. Like other Frontier models, the 1600 comes complete with a handy chilly bin/helm seat. In this case, however, provision has been made for the chilly bin seat to slide away into an opening in the base of the console, leaving the aft cockpit clear and uncluttered. In front of the screen is another padded seat, with a shallow open locker beneath. Another innovative addition is the forward casting platform, which comes standard with dry stowage below and is ideal for a wide variety of fishing styles. www.stabicraft.com
C E N T R E CO N S O L ES B U YE RS G U I D E ALLENCO 500 AMF COBRA 750 AMF 580 PRO SPORT AMF 610 PRO SPORT AMF 660 PRO SPORT BIG EYE 450 BLADERUNNER 5 CAT BLUEFIN 620CC DNA 621CC ENDURO 6400 EVERYMAN 470 EVERYMAN 550 EVERYMAN 595 EVERYMAN 635 EVERYMAN 650 EVERYMAN 690 EXTREME 540 EXTREME 570 EXTREME 610 FC430 FC500 FC535 FC600 FC640 FINLAY IGNITE 5900 KINGFISHER 500 KINGFISHER 575 KINGFISHER 650 KINGFISH CAT 575 KINGFISH CAT 620 KINGFISH CAT 670 MARCO 520 ANGLER MARCO 550 STRIKER MARCO 570 ANGLER MARCO 600 MARCO 625 MARCO 650 MARCO 700 Souwester MARCO 760 Souwester MCLAY FORTRESS 571 ORCA 19 ORCA 22 ORCA 24 QUINTREX 490 LEGEND QUINTREX 520 CLASSIC QUINTREX 510 LEGEND QUINTREX 530 LEGEND
LOA
BEAM
HULL
4.70m 7.50m 5.80m 6.10m 6.80m 4.50m 5.00m 6.20m 6.15m 6.40m 4.70m 5.60m 5.95m 6.35m 6.55m 6.90m 5.50m 5.75m 6.18m 4.30m 5.00m 5.35m 6.00m 6.40m 5.90m 5.00m 5.75m 6.60m 5.75m 6.20m 6.70m 5.20m 5.50m 5.70m 6.00m 6.25m 6.50m 7.40m 8.00m 5.65m 6.25m 6.60m 8.29m 5.21m 5.32m 5.41m 5.61m
2.17m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.00m 2.45m 2.30m 2.41m 2.45m 1.86m 2.05m 2.35m 2.35m 2.45m 2.50m 2.10m 2.22m 2.50m 2.02m 2.06m 2.05m 2.50m 2.50m 2.43m 2.08m 2.30m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.07m 2.07m 2.20m 2.20m 2.27m 2.49m 2.49m 2.49m 2.20m 2.25m 2.43m 2.65m 2.25m 2.10m 2.25m 2.25m
6mm 8mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 5mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
QUINTREX 570 LEGEND QUINTREX 610 TOP ENDER QUINTREX 610 LEGEND QUINTREX 650 FREEDOM RAMCO 4750 PRELUDE SAVAGE 455 SCORPION SAVAGE 485 SCORPION SCORPION 470 SKELTONCRAFT BARDOZER SOUTHERN XP616 CC SURTEES 495 PROFISHER SURTEES 575 PROFISHER SURTEES 610 PROFISHER SURTEES 650 PROFISHER SURTEES 700 PROFISHER WHITE POINTER 550 CC
LOA
BEAM
HULL
5.88m 6.16m 6.16m 6.43m 4.75m 4.55m 4.85m 4.70m 3.5-4.8m 6.20m 4.95m 5.75m 6.10m 6.50m 7.00m 5.60m
2.38m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.05m 2.05m 2.07m 2.17m 2.00m 2.40m 2.00m 2.15m 2.35m 2.35m 2.35m 2.10m
4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 4mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm
4.50m 4.20m 5.40m 8.50m 3.90m 5.15m 4.40m 4.95m 5.75m 4.50m 6.00m 7.00m 5.20m 5.65m 4.30m 5.85m 6.00m 6.13m 4.10m 4.74m 5.40m 6.13m 7.97m 4.30m 4.88m 5.26m 5.60m
2.20m 1.72m 2.22m 2.48m 1.71m 2.13m 1.75m 2.00m 2.25m 2.05m 2.40m 2.40m 2.25m 2.25m 1.74m 2.14m 2.39m 2.25m 1.80m 1.87m 1.98m 2.20m 2.70m 1.70m 2.02m 2.15m 2.40m
4mm 3mm 4mm 6mm 3mm 4mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 4mm 3mm 5mm 4mm 5mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 6mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm
PONTOON BOATS BLACKDOG CAT 4.5CC COMMANDO 3.9 TROOPER COMMANDO 5.4 TROOPER COMMANDO 8.5 TROOPER DNA 420 DNA 515 FREWZA F14 FREWZA F16 FREWZA F18 ORCA 4.5 ORCA 6 ORCA 7 OSPREY CLASSIC 520 OSPREY CLASSIC 565 PROFILE 1410 CC PROFILE 585 CC REVO 601 SEALEGS 6.1 D-Tube SENATOR ICC 400 SENATOR RCC 450 SENATOR RCC 510 SENATOR RCC 580 SENATOR RCC 780 STABICRAFT 1410 FRONTIER STABICRAFT 1600 FRONTIER STABICRAFT 1750 FRONTIER STABICRAFT 2100 FRONTIER
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ALLOY BOAT SPECIALISTS SCORPION 610 HARDTOP SPECIAL $42,950
NEW ZEALAND’S BEST VALUE HARDTOPS $39,950
$33,950
SCORPION 610 CABIN good cabin room with 1900 mm long bunks and good head height complete package on trailer incl 90hp Mercury, canopy, fishfinder, VHF, fully lined cabin Retail $44,700 Special $39,950 paint extra
$68,500
BLUEFIN 600 FISHERMAN New 6 metre boat on trailer, including motor. A boat built to hunt. 5mm hull, treadplate floor, nice and stable, heaps of fishing room and big anchor hatch. Complete on trailer including 90hp Mercury outboard. Retail $36,250 Special $33,950
BLUEFIN 665HT OFFSHORE Available with 150hp optimax. Comes on trailer with vhf and sounder. Fully lined, full size cabin. (Paint extra). Retail $80,500 Special $68,500
Mercury FourStrokes have long led the pack in clean, quiet, fuel-efficient power... > Ultimate Durability > Exclusive EFI technology > Available in 40-150hp
SAVE $$$ BUY DIRECT WE MAKE THE BOATS $34,950
SCORPION 470 CUDDY - unbeatable value, roomy boat, complete package incl fishfinder, VHF, deluxe canopy, helm upholstery, back seat upholstery, nav lights, switch panel, baitboard, Sportline trailer, 50hp Mercury, separate anchorwell. Retail $30,750 Special $29,250 paint extra
MORRINSVILLE
Thames Street West, Morrinsville %+*" 6 ax: (07) 889 5405 ( * +((4 6 "*'
$78,500
BLUEFIN 620 CENTRE CONSOLE The ultimate centre console. with 5mm hull and treadplate floor standard this is one strong boat. This boat comes complete on trailer including 90hp Mercury, VHF, fishfinder, 6 rodholders, deluxe bait board (bimini extra). Retail $37,250 Special $34,950
OPEN 7 DAYS
OVER 200 BOATS www.sportcraftboats.co.nz
TAURANGA
119 Hewletts Road, Mt Maunganui Phone: (07) 928 7193 ax: (07) 928 7194 +$"-
6 )&" .+*
Email: sportcraftboats@xtra.co.nz
Sportcraft placed for Printing.indd 130
BLUEFIN 720 WEEKENDER Separate toilet and shower closet with hot and cold water included as standard. Complete packages on water from $78,500 – paint extra.
FN6177
$29,250
Email: sales@sportcraftmarine.co.nz WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
16/03/2015 8:52:28 a.m.
BOAT TEST
FREWZA F21 HT
The F21 is one of three hardtop models offered by Frewza Boats and slots in between the F18 and F22.
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TEN YEARS ON
While it may not be one of the more well-known alloy boat brands, especially in the North Island, Invercargill-based Frewza Boats is celebrating their 10th year in business and close to 1000 boats to their credit. Text & Images by Barry Thompson Brendon Frews started his business building dinghies and over the years has seen his model range increase in size as the market dictates. In the early years, boats such as their 4.1 high sided dinghy saw sales more than 100 a year. “We went right through the GFC building dinghies, but as the economy has grown so too has our range and we are now offering boats right through to over 7m”. The current model line-up starts with the dinghy range (3.4m & 4.1m) and carries on to the F14, F16, F18, F21 and F22, available in a variety of runabout, cuddy, centre console and hardtop variants. While the dinghies are still the most popular models for Frewza today, sales of the F16 and F18 have ramped up in recent years and there is also an increase in enquiries for the larger models. According to Brendon, his boats are sold throughout New Zealand and exports to Australia also have been quite good. Frewza builds the F21 with a 5mm plate hull and 3mm used for the pontoons and superstructure. A 4mm floor with double bearings running the full length of the hull helps tie the whole structure together. The F21, like all the Frewza boats, has three separate air compartments in the pontoons and a separate sealed underfloor compartment, which makes it virtually unsinkable! CONDITIONS DICTATE Stewart Island and Foveaux Strait are interesting places to go for a boat test. You can never rely on the weather and even making it out past the Bluff Harbour entrance and into open water is never guaranteed. It’s all a bit of a crapshoot really, especially when you have travelled all the way from Auckland. What you see is what you get. I have on two occasions been thwarted from crossing to Stewart Island WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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The fishing wasn’t great, but it beat being in the office.
The Lonestar GX2 drum winch was very easy to operate from the helm.
Wide side decks are really handy.
With and without the removeable bin seats.
(25nm from Bluff) due to foul weather and headed inland to do boat tests on Lake Horoko and Lake Te Anau. Although we never intended to cross over to Stewart Island this time, we did have ideas about going to Ruapuke Island, about 10nm off the Bluff entrance to catch a few blue cod and collect a few paua. However, while the inner harbour was glassy calm, the same could not be said for the entrance, especially when the tide turned. Meter and a half standing waves less than 5m apart were enough of a test for both the F21 and me, and that was inside the harbour entrance. Outside there was a 3-4m swell from the SW that was throwing up some awesome breaking seas around Dog Island. As we also had a smaller Frewza F16 jet boat along as well, it didn’t seem like the right course of action to carry on with the original plan. Our F21 was powered by a Honda 150 and with a 150-litre underfloor fuel tank, there’s no doubt you have plenty aboard for an average day’s boating. Top speed was 38 knots @ 6500 rpm, swinging 17” Solas three blade stainless propeller. The F21 slipped up onto the plane at around 3000 rpm @ 12.5 knots and in the calm conditions of Bluff Harbour had a sweet cruise around 4500 rpm @ 25.5 knots. After running our performance trials in the flat calm water, we then decided to have a play in the big fast flowing convergence near the entrance. The first impression of the F21 was its surefootedness and comforting feel in even the harshest conditions. The hull is a conventional pontoon monohull with a fine entry that tapers back to 20 deg at the transom. The fine bow sections help keep the boat on track and what really impressed me was the lack of hull noise and no pounding in the big swells. Even when I drove a little overzealously
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
into the steep vertical waves at the entrance and had the F21 completely out of the water, the landing was still very acceptable. I was impressed not only with the ride but also the stability, both at rest and underway. The F21 is one of three hardtop models offered by Frewza Boats and slots in between the F18 and F22. It started as the 605 Frewza in 2007 and was given a facelift in early 2015. The changes are quite significant, with the new boat not only being a 150mm longer, but it also has larger pontoons, that are more in keeping with the size of the boat. Both the F21 and F22 share the same hull, with the only difference being that the F22 is 500 mm longer. PERSONAL FIT OUT When you order an F21, you get a very basic boat with minimal seating and then you tick the boxes for what you want from there. The cabin, for example, starts as a big open void and then you can add the squabs, infill to turn them into a large berth and any cabin lining. With that you also get extra storage, as well as in the side trays. A deck hatch allows you access to the anchoring area, although an auto anchoring system is the best option. In our boat, we had a Lonestar GX2 drum winch and Sarca anchor that was very easy to operate from the helm. Moving aft to the helm area, the dash is large enough to handle large flush mounted screens, plus all the necessary switches and instruments. Our dash was fitted with a Simrad Go7, Simrad VHF and Sony stereo. The dash size and layout is totally customisable. The fully lined hardtop affords good protection, is at a good height and
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SPECIFICATIONS Model: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Height on trailer: Trailerable weight: Test Power: Propeller: Power Range: Power options: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
An open expansive cockpit lends itself to fishing.
Frewza F21 HT $NZ62990 $NZ95600 Hardtop Pontoon 5mm/3mm alloy 6.30m 2.30m 20 deg 2.90m 1600 kgs Honda 150 17” Solas 115-200 outboard only 150 litres Mudgway
FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA
The cabin starts as a big open void and then you can add the squabs. with sliding side windows there is a cooling air-flow available. The seating arrangement that is very customised had twin pipe frames with upholstered High Tech moulded seats and provision for a pair of upholstered 56 litre Icey Tek chilly bins underneath. These also double as extra seats and can also be repositioned at the rear of the cockpit to form a full-width bench seat when you are not fishing. Seating options include twin singles on pedestals or cantilevered and back to back king/queens. Across the transom, the F21 has a walk through to starboard with a drop-in splash guard and a live bait tank or bait locker to port. Batteries are kept in a rear central locker and off the floor. Space under the transom is all open and presents extra storage or if you need to carry more fuel in a couple of tote tanks. I got the opportunity to use the central bait board that is set well back so it doesn’t protrude too far into the cockpit fishing space and is at a good height. Although we didn’t have long to fish, I did manage to land a couple of Blue Cod, so yes, the boat works well for fishing. Plenty of room for four anglers. FAMILY WINNER The F21 is a good all round boat for a family who are looking for a compact hardtop suitable for fishing, cruising and towing water toys. It offers comfort and convenience in a lightweight package, that doesn’t require a lot of horsepower, both in the outboard that drives it and the car that tows it. Being a semi-custom boat you have the ability to get carried away with extras, including painted or unpainted, seating, flooring and your canvas package. Overall a very comfortable, well-built family hardtop and another winner from this progressive builder that for some years has moved under the radar. However, that’s all changing and plans are for bigger things in the future. Look for a twin-engine 7.5m hardtop weekender from Frewza next year. Might even be able to get across to Stewart Island next time!
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RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6000 6500
Knots 3.5 5.5 6.5 8.0 12.5 18.0 21.5 25.5 29.0 33.5 36.0 36.0 38.0
This boat could be protected against the effects of corrosion, oxidation and discolouration.
The ideal cost effective product to protect your valuable asset. www.nyalic.co.nz
Notable Standard Items on Test Boat 5mm hull, 6mm toughened glass screen, hydraulic steering Notable Options on Test Boat Painted hull, Lone Star GX2 drum winch, twin wipers, 2 x Icey Tek bins, Simrad VHFD, Simrad Go7, cabin upholstery, twin batteries, deck strip lighting hella underwater lights, Wash Down Pump, Live Bait Tank, Underfloor Storage, Ski Pole. Manufacturer: Frewza Boats 193 Bond Street, Invercargill, Ph +64 3 214 1021 frewsmarine@xtra.co.nz www.frewzaboats.co.nz
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
KEEP OR
If you are going to hold a fish that you are going to release with your bare hands, make sure they are wet. Or better still use a damp cloth.
A GUIDE TO ENHANCING YOUR CATCH Text by Paul Walker
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Lately there is hardly a week goes by without discussion in the media about the state of our fish stocks. Taking out all the bullshit coming from some interested parties in these discussions and doing a fair bit of reading between the lines, it would seem that in some areas of the country fish stocks certainly aren’t that great. Taking into account the daily costs of going fishing e.g. fuel, tackle, bait, lures, plus all the general costs of keeping a boat up to scratch, it seems only logical to keep the fish you do catch in prime eating condition. Off course you can always go and buy fish, but with snapper fetching up to NZ$42 a kilo and the uncertainty of just how fresh it is, if you are able to catch your own very fresh fish with all the fun that involves, it seems a much better option to me. Catching the fish is one thing. Looking after the ones you are going to return to the sea or as importantly the ones you are going to keep requires some finesse if you want to keep the fish in good condition.
COOLERS Coolers come in all shapes and sizes and in a big price range. Many fishermen tend to go for the longer style bins rather than square as fish fit into these better. As for size, something in the 50 to 90 litres range seems to suit most boats and catch limits. Cost is a whole different ball game If you regularly just go out for a few hours then you can possibly get away with a cheaper brand, but if your out all day or even overnighting for a couple of days then your going to need a bin of a much higher quality with far superior insulation. There are many good brands out there that are ideally suited to the recreational fisho, that are almost commercial in build, but they will keep your fish cold for days on end. They also make a great extra seat if needed and are well worth the money.
IKI SPIKE This little tool is first in line to keep your catch in top eating quality. They can be bought at any tackle shop (Kilwell make a great little Iki Spike) or if you like, you can fashion one out of an old Philips screwdriver. It’s basically a thin steel shaft with a handle. If you have caught a nice plump healthy snapper and are keeping it to eat, before taking the hook out drive the iki spike into the fishes brain killing it instantly. The brain on a snapper is about 20mm above and behind the eye, you will know when the brain has been pierced, as the fish will go ridged and the tail will curl up. You can now simply remove the hook from a dead unmoving fish, easy. I have seen many people using a fillet or bait knife for this purpose, I have also seen the results of a greasy hand slipping down the blade when trying to iki fish with a knife, its not pretty. Simple answer don’t use knifes for this job. A fish killed instantly with an iki spike suffers a lot less stress and put on ice will always taste better than a fish left to die slowly in an open bin out in the sun.
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SALT ICE Ice made with salted water freezes at a much lower temperature than fresh water, therefore it takes longer to melt. Because of this salt content and lower temperature it is the perfect ice to chill down fish, keeping that just caught freshness locked in. There are a few ways to achieve this. After loosening up the ice put
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a thin layer along the bottom of the bin, then lay your fish on it, after that cover your catch with another layer of ice, if you’ve had a real good day, repeat the process with more fish then more ice. The second method is to grab half a bucket of salt water straight out of the ocean and pour it into your chilly bin, then shake out a bag of loose ice into the bin turning the water and ice into a slurry and place your fish into this. Salt slurry cools fish down very quickly, setting the flesh and keeping it very fresh and safe to eat.
quota. I often put back big snapper as the old ones don’t really taste as good as the youngies. Lets assume you have had a good day, and a good feed is in the chilly bin but the fish are still biting and there’s the odd big one in the school so you want to keep fishing and having fun. This is where the art of releasing fish safely so they will survive comes in. If your not using them already you will now need to switch to recurve or circle hooks, these hooks will generally always hook up in the corner of the jaw making them easy to remove with little damage to the fish. Striking with this type of hook isn’t really necessary, as these hooks naturally roll into the corner of the fish’s mouth when it takes the bait. If your using lures like softbaits, or slow jigs these also tend to always hook up in the mouth or lips, so again are easy to remove. One tool you will find invaluable for removing hooks is pair of long nosed pliers. You may want to shout yourself a good pair of stainless ones, but a cheep pair of steel ones from your local hardware store will do the job. You will just have to clean and oil them after each use that’s all. A good trick is to use these pliers to flatten down the barb on the hooks making them really easy to remove, just keep a good steady pressure on the rod and you wont loose to many fish.
FILLETING Having fish well chilled down and the flesh nice and firm makes the job of filleting so much easier. I will quite often leave my catch on ice overnight, and fillet them the following day if time allows. Firm flesh comes off a fish frame a lot easier than unchilled fish, which is quite rubbery when fresh. Although it may sound strange the most dangerous knife is a blunt knife. Your fillet knives should be razor sharp. Sharp blades go through firm flesh like hot butter, making the filleting process a lot simpler, they will take the fillet off cleanly and leave very little flesh on the fish frame. Trying to force a blunt knife through a fish is when nasty accidents can occur, so keep your knives really sharp. I put my fish frames, skin, and gut in a plastic bag and put them straight into the freezer. Then I either dump them at sea next time I am out fishing, or in the bin on rubbish day, it keeps every thing clean and tidy with no smell.
Most fish have a protective slime coating on the outside of their skin. Holding fish with your bare hands removes this coating allowing bacteria to penetrate its skin and making the fish susceptible to disease. Far better to use wet cotton gloves or hold the fish about to be released with a wet cloth or small wet towel. If you lay the fish on a wet towel or cloth while the hook is removed covering the fish’s eyes often helps to calm it down. If you must touch the fish make sure your hands are wet or use a wet cloth or wet gloves between you and the fish. Never touch a fish’s gills, they are extremely delicate and just touching them can damage them. If you hold the fish by the base of the tail and under the head with wet hands, you will do he least damage the fish. Never, ever, not even once, lift a fish out of the water by holding the belly area. You will almost certainly damage internal organs. It reduces survival chances dramatically. Using a net to land fish for releasing also takes the pressure off them, and if you bring a big one to the surface, try not lifting it into the boat but use the pliers to remove the hook while it lies quietly alongside the boat. There are some excellent nets available now, with the soft flexible rubber ones, minimises fish stress and tangled hooks. Rough, hard netting will remove slime and scales from the fish, which is its natural protection against parasites and infection.
RELEASING FISH Releasing fish is more than simply removing the hook and tossing them back from whence they came. A little care is important, whether the fish is undersize, or you need to put it back because you have your
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Should you want some photos of your big fish and who wouldn’t, just remember this fish is probably exhausted after a long fight so will need looking after really well if you wish to release it to survive. The faster you can get a fish to the boat the better its chances of survival. The longer the fight the less chance the fish has of surviving. Get it back into the water ASAP and make sure it swims away strongly, those big ones are our breeders and our grandkids will be sure pissed off if we kill all them off, leaving few for there fishing days in the future. Never throw a fish back but gently hold it in the water until it finds the energy to swim away on its own.
condition, so what do you do. Small legal fish might as well be kept for the table, but if it’s a big breeding snapper and you really want to put it back, then there is a way. The tool you will need is a hypodermic needle and syringe, lay the fish on a wet towel, remove the plunger from the syringe and at a forty five degree angle slide the needle under the fish scales and into the swim bladder. then place a wet hand onto the fishes stomach and very gently push down. If you have done everything correctly you should hear air being dispelled through the syringe and the fishes stomach should disappear back down its throat to where it belongs. This isn’t an easy process but it does work and allow that big breeder to live another day. Try googleing barotrauma fish release / how to vent a fish. Another easier way is to take a very heavy sinker 20 to 30oz attach it to your main line then tie a short light trace to the sinker with a sprat hook on the trace. Push the sprat hook through a tiny amount of the snappers lip skin then carefully place the fish in the water and very very slowly lower it to the bottom, after about five minuets allowing the swim bladder gasses to re adjust, with a sharp rip of the rod remove the small hook and the fish is free. I have heard several accounts of this working I hope it does.
BAROTRAUMA One major problem that can occur when pulling big fish up out of deep water too quickly is that the gasses in the fishes swim bladder do not have time to release or equalise. This causes an over inflation of the swim bladder, and this pressure can then cause the stomach to protrude from its mouth and sometimes pushing intestines out of its rear vent. It is impossible to release a fish in this
PROTECTING OUR PRIZED RESOURCE I strongly believe the fish around our coastal waters belong to the people of New Zealand, and recreational fishermen should be first in line with the commercial fishing sector taking a back seat. I’m sure this political hot potato will be fought long and hard into our fishing future so in the meantime take care and look after your edible catch for it’s a very prized resource.
THE SOFTRIDER IS THE ULTIMATE MARINE PEDESTAL... it utilises a gas powered cylinder inside the pedestal to absorb the harshness of boating, enabling height adjustment and suspension. With 8 different Softrider heights and 2 sliders and Footrests to choose from, the Softrider Pedestal is a must. Check out our range of Fixed Height pedestals. All our pedestals can be used in conjunction with all our seating range. See the full rang at www.hitechplastics.co.nz.
LIVE BAIT AND CATCH BIGGER FISH Simple…. Live bait catch bigger fish.
DB040
Hi Tech Plastics are specialists in Live Bait Tanks and Tuna Tubes. • Custom set ups our specialty. • Tube and Pump combos available. • Medium sized tube can also be added to back of live bait tanks for the ultimate live bait tank set up. • Available in Black, White and Grey • Check out the popular Twin Large Tuna Tube which comes with attached base so that the tubes can easily be removed. The All-New 30 Litre Live bait tank is available in a wide range of combos. Portable or duckboard mounted, with Acrylic see through hatch or sealed Sopac Hatch. Can be customised to suit all types of boats. Other tank sizes available from 15-300 litres, visit website for more details
Hi Tech Plastics 2002 Ltd and Marine Tech Industries 10 CLow Place, PO Box 5303, Frankton, Hamilton 3242, New Zealand. Phone +64 7 843 3343 Fax: +64 7 843 3346 email: info@hitechplastics.co.nz
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
BOAT TEST
RAMCO FISHMASTER 6250 HT
Our boat was running a Yamaha 130 2S, which returned a top speed of 33 knots (38mph).
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RAMCO’S BACK Ramco is one of the oldest names in alloy boat building and while the brand has been quiet for the last few years, it’s all changing. Barry Thompson went to the Marlborough Sounds to check out one of their most popular models. Built in Rangiora by Ramco Boats New Zealand, a division of Icon Brands, the Ramco name is going through a growth curve, with the appointment of a much-enlarged dealer network throughout the country now in progress. Ramco, once a brand you could just about buy in every town and city in the country, has come out of hibernation and according to Director of Ramco Boats, Kevin Jenkins, 2016 is the start of the new growth cycle for Ramco. “We have been talking with some boat retailers throughout the country who are keen to add the Ramco name to their franchise and consequently we have ramped our production programme up to meet the demands”, says Kevin. I have tested dozens of Ramco’s right back to their very first runabouts in the 1980s and it is a brand that has stood the test of time. It is an iconic name that at its height saw annual production more than 600 boats a year and was number one in the production alloy boat market. When Icon Brands picked up Ramco a few years ago, the first thing they did was consolidate the expansive range and brought along designer Scott Robson to give each boat a new look. Some models were tweaked, others dropped and most replaced with new designs from the keel to the top of the hardtop. Ramco boats are now available from 4m to 8.3m in length. Kevin points out that quality and attention to detail is paramount in the build process. ”We put a huge importance on making certain that every boat that leaves the factory is built to the highest standard, with care and precision in every detail”. To back that up, Ramco offer a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. FAMILY OF FIVE The Fishmaster 6250 Hardtop started live as the Ramco 600 but was given some hull changes to not only improve the balance of the boat but also to offer more cockpit space. Now 300mm longer it was also to fit in between the 6m and 6.5m Ramco hardtops.
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The cabin comes with the conventional twin singles and a central infill.
The anchor locker is deep enough to handle an auto rope chain winch.
There are a number of seating options. The Fishmaster 6250 Hardtop has been around for four years and has proven one of the most popular of the larger hardtops in the Ramco range. In all, there are five hardtop models from 6.0m through to 8.45m and all are also available as cuddy cabins or centre console models. The layout of the Fishmaster 6250 is, as the name suggests designed around fishing, so naturally our test boat came with all the extras. As the company demonstrator, it came with all the fishing orientated add-ons and then some. When you buy the basic 6250 standard features, include such items as twin moulded pedestal seats, underfloor fuel tank, hydraulic steering, boarding/dive ladder and a full nav light package. As well as the usual deck hardware, handrails and storage lockers, the 6250 comes ready to go boating. It’s what you add after, that transforms the boat and gives it your personal touch. For example, extras on our test boat included a Simrad 7” fishfinder, walk-through transom, Maxwell windlass, trim tabs, live bait tank, wash down hose, dual battery set up, painted hull and sliding rear bench seat. The forward cabin space comes with the conventional twin single berths with storage under and a central infill. The berths are a generous length, with plenty of sitting headroom and I liked the cosy atmosphere of the fully lined interior. I don’t like being exposed to a raw cold and clinical alloy interior if I am using the cabin overnight. There are storage trays either side and space for a head under the forward squab. While all the anchoring can be done from the helm, there is a deck hatch should you need to access the anchor locker or winch.
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PERFECT HARDTOP Hardtops are great when the weather isn’t. Be it cold winter winds or hot balmy days, the hardtop provides great protection. Sometimes it’s hard to get the aesthetics right when designing a hardtop for a boat of this size and there are some awful examples on the market. However, Ramco and designer Scott Robson have nailed it. The profile is perfectly balanced and the flow from the bow to the rear of the hardtop is pleasing to the eye. It’s also functional, with good standing headroom, handrails for passengers and wide screens that give great visibility. Toughened glass means you can add wipers and sliding side windows help with clean air flow. Cabin lights and fully lined roof and side panels are also standard. The flat dash is designed to handle all the usual electronics, switches, controls, etc. and you have the option of either bracket or flush munted fishfinders and MFDs. We had great sounds from a Fusion IP700 marine entertainment system and a 7” Simrad took care of all our data from under the boat. The cockpit is open and practical so you can maximise the fishing workspace. The seating layout has been kept to minimum with a single helm pedestal and a back to back to port. This features the same Marine Tech seat base as the helm, but the box base provides extra storage as well as a small aft seat. You do have other seat choices such as twin back to backs to give you more dedicated seating or twin pedestals if you want to maximise your fishing space. Our boat came with an extra sliding bench seat that allows you extra seating for three more when required and can be either left at home or taken off and placed in the cabin out of the way when fishing. Storage for rods is in wide side shelves or rod holders both in
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SPECIFICATIONS
The Fishmaster 6250 Hardtop but has more cockpit space than the Ramco 600 it replaced.
Model: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Height on trailer: Trailerable weight: Test Power: Propeller: Power Range: Power options: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
Ramco Fishmaster 6250 HT $NZ65,000 $NZ76,000 Hardtop 5mm/3mm alloy 6.25 m 2.33 m 21 deg 3.10m 1250 kgs Yamaha 130 2S Yamaha 17-K 115-150 outboard only 90-180 litres Ramco alloy
PERFORMANCE DATA
The business end of the cockpit has been designed for fishing. the side decks or overhead in the rocket launcher. Underfloor storage is provided forward of the fuel tank, (90-180 litres) with sealed chambers either side providing positive buoyancy. Ramco uses a 3mm checker plate sole, with optional tube matting or carpet. The business end of the cockpit has been designed for fishing with a central bait board and a live bait tank built into the walk-though transom opening to port. A drop down ladder is also standard, with a six pole option. GREAT PERFORMER Our boat was running a Yamaha 130 2S, which returned a top speed of 33 knots (38mph). The 6250 is rated to 150hp, which is about as much as you would want on this hull. Although test day was reasonably calm, I have had some experience with this hull before and I can testify for its excellent handling in moderate to rough seas. The deep 21 deg deadrise certainly helps the ride in the rough and I was very impressed by the quietness of the hull in the short choppy seas. However, you still need to be aware that this is still only a 6.2m boat so it does have its limitations. In the calm, of course, it proved viceless. It hangs on tight in the turns and even with only 130hp was quick to plane and reach maximum speed. My choice for best cruise in the calm Marlborough Sounds water was around 5000 rpm @ 27mph. The hull and engine package were quiet enough for a two stroke. The Ramco 6250HT is a good all round entry level hardtop. It’s well built, looks good and is well priced. Like Ramco’s of the past, the 6250 is a good wholesome kiwi boat with all the functionality without the frills.
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RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000
Knots 2.5 4.0 5.0 7.0 9.5 13.0 20.0 24.5 27.0 29.5 33.0
N.B.: Speeds are rounded off to nearest 0.5 knot
This boat could be protected against the effects of corrosion, oxidation and discolouration.
The ideal cost effective product to protect your valuable asset. www.nyalic.co.nz
Notable Options on Test Boat Simrad 7 MFD, Fusion IP700, Surf Grip side deck tread, LED lighting, hydraulic steering. Manufacturer: Ramco Boats, 305 Flaxton Road, Rangiora, 4700. Ph +64 3 3133560 | sales@ramcoboats.co.nz www.ramcoboats.co.nz
A sliding bench seat gives you extra seating when you need it. ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
UNDERSTANDING YOUR
BATTERY Batteries for marine use, whether engine start or house batteries (Deep Cycle), can mean the difference between blissful boating or an exercise in crisis management. Evan Honore introduces the technology and make-up of marine batteries systems, the objective being to assist boat owners in making informed decisions, understanding what is happening to batteries on board, knowing when to consult a specialist marine electrician, and what makes up the various battery technologies to effects the life and performance.
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The Hella Endurant Boat Master sealed, maintenance free design eliminates any need for adding electrolyte to the battery.
Optima Blue Marine Bass Boat Installation
What many recognise as a typical battery is called a lead acid battery. This is a plastic box that has a number of plates constructed into cell groups inside. These plates are generally made of lead with metal additives to promote strength and electron flow and a coating of lead oxide paste. The solution that is surrounding the plates is called electrolyte, generally made up of 35% sulphuric acid and 65% distilled water. The chemical reaction that takes place causes electrons to be produced thus releasing some of the energy stored in the battery. A battery only stores energy that has been put into it. It does not produce eon it’s own. An engine starting battery commonly provides very high current for a short discharge period resulting in approximately 1% of the capacity being discharged, easily recovered by the charging system. Conventional charging systems, such as an engine driven alternator, provide a charge for marine engine starting batteries. BASIC PRINCIPLES - FLOODED LEAD ACID BATTERIES: This section deals with the basic principles of the battery, the figures quoted generally apply to
conventional ‘wet’ or ‘flooded’ batteries commonly used in marine applications. Many of the common problems are experienced with house batteries as these are the ones doing a lot of work. In electrical systems, volts is the electrical pressure and the electrical flow is the amps. The amount of flow is dependent upon the restrictions in the electrical circuit called resistance. The battery simply stores power. If the battery is not charged at the right pressure (volts) or does not receive adequate charge because of the amount of current flow or the duration of charge, then it will not be able to deliver if required. It is worth noting that small variations in charging voltages have significant effects. A half charged battery has a terminal voltage of 12.2 volts. If we look at the difference between a charging system supplying 13.8 volts to the battery or 14.5 volts, the difference in electrical pressure pushing the charge current into the battery is in the first instance 1.6 volts and in the second instance is 2.3 volts. Whilst the actual difference is only 0.7 volts this represents a 43% higher charging voltage which will roughly represent the increase
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in charge current or capacity gained by the battery in a given charging period. Batteries and electrical systems can be likened to water tanks and water flow. The battery is the storage tank. It has a positive pressure outlet and a negative pressure return and the electrical system operates on a closed piping system. The alternator is simply an electrical pump which is used to refill the tank. CHARGING THE BATTERY: The alternator or battery charger is an electricity producing pump which generally has a voltage (pressure) restricting device on it called a regulator. To force electrical current back into the battery the voltage of the alternator or battery charger needs to be higher than the voltage of the battery. If the voltage is too low (at the battery) then not enough storage capacity will be achieved. If the voltage is too high then the battery may be damaged through overcharging. As with water tanks, the more full (or charged) the battery is the higher the back pressure. So with a fixed inward voltage and a growing back pressure the current flow into the tank steadily tapers downwards.
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
Optima blue marine AGM batteries offer outstanding vibration resistance, strong starting performance and maintenance free qualities for marine applications.
Hand built in the USA, Lifeline AGM technology batteries promote a low self discharge of around 2% per month compared to up to 10% per month for other batteries.
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BATTERIES VENTILATION: When the battery nears a full charge condition bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen gas are produced which leak out of the battery by way of the vent plugs. This condition is normal but does require that flooded batteries are placed in a ventilated space. Some types of batteries do not produce any gas in normal working conditions, but if overcharged even these batteries will produce gas which can be dangerous meaning that ventilation is required for all battery types. SAFETY: When a battery is being recharged dangerous gases (hydrogen and oxygen) are given off by the battery. More gas is produced at higher charge voltages. If ignited by a mere spark, this mixture will explode and can cause serious injury. Most at risk are the eyes so when working around or on the batteries, particularly during or after charging, always wear safety glasses. FLOAT CHARGE: Once the battery is charged, a longer battery life will be achieved if the charging voltage being applied by the alternator is reduced. A continued application of the normal recharge voltage results in deterioration of the internals of the battery preventing it from holding or delivering as much capacity. The reduction of the charging voltage, once the battery is charged, is called putting it on “float”. However, even
a float charge can cause corrosion of the positive plates. Some marine battery chargers completely automatically turn off, monitoring the batte ry sate of charge and turning back on when required. Continuous float charging of engine starting batteries is not recommended as a reduction in life is inevitable. SULPHATION: If the battery is left flat or partially charged it develops a condition called Sulphation which inhibits the current flow into the battery during recharge. This condition can be likened to a build up of “sludge” in a water tank which effectively increases the back pressure which results in less inward flow. Severe Sulphation can render a battery useless, reducing its capacity and making it unable to be fully charged. MAINTENANCE:The action of charging also causes the loss of water in most batteries and has to be replaced by topping up with clean distilled water. In the case of sealed batteries, if over charged, the loss of this water will still take place and permanently damage the battery as it cannot be replaced. Terminals should be kept clean and dry. MAINTAINING CAPACITY: The action of charging and discharging the battery causes a change in the consistency of the electrolyte. When the battery is charged, acid is produced which is more dense or heavy than the electrolyte. When the battery
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is discharged water is produced which is lighter than the electrolyte. As a result the water floats on the top of the heavier acid. This is called “Acid Stratification”. When the battery is recharged to near full charge the resulting higher voltage causes production of the bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen which gradually move up through the electrolyte and out through the vent plugs in the top of each cell. The movement of these bubbles up through the electrolyte has the effect of mixing the acid. This mixing process is vital to achieve long battery life as Acid Stratification increases the incidence of Sulphation. When house batteries are subjected to normal charge/ discharge use, unless subjected to long engine running times or shore power charging, effective DC-DC charging (or similar), the battery is rarely fully charged. The lead sulphate found in the plates (a normal condition) will ‘harden’ over a period of time and is difficult if not impossible to remove. This results in a loss of capacity. This loss of capacity is progressive and cumulative and will result in reduced performance and life. DEPTH OF DISCHARGE: If the battery is repeatedly drained to low levels of capacity the life will be less than if it is only partially discharged. This is called the depth of discharge or DoD. The greater the DoD, the shorter the life. TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION: When a battery is heated it requires lower
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New Zealand’s most respected marine power
Deka Power Sports AGM batteries are designed for reliable personal watercraft performance.
charging voltage to receive the correct charging current. Accordingly a lower charge voltage should be applied as the temperature increases. This is called temperature compensation. BATTERY ENVIRONMENT: As a chemical device, the activity inside the battery is affected by temperature. A common cause of battery failure is grid corrosion. This is the gradual deterioration of the lead based grid/ plate that is corroded by the electrochemical action. The rate of this corrosion is increased with the temperature surrounding the battery when the battery is being recharged. From this it is quite clear that house batteries in particular will last longer if installed in a cool place as opposed to common engine room installations, even the temperature compensated charging is applied. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AUTOMOTIVE & MARINE BATTERIES: Batteries fitted to cars and trucks are required to provide a very high cranking current to start the engine for a short time. After this is achieved the battery simply receives charge from the alternator. Only rarely is the battery required to deliver power for any duration of time. To achieve high cranking current output, the manufacturer uses very thin plates made in such a way that the acid has good access to the active material which is producing the current. If you
place this type of battery into a marine environment, particularly to provide long and deep discharge periods the battery is likely to have a short life. Marine batteries fall into two categories. Engine Starting and House Bank, of Deep Cycle batteries. The Engine Start type is of similar construction to an automotive battery. Quality marine specific products such as the Hella Endurant Boat Master series are manufactured in such a way to be highly resistant to damage caused by shock and vibration. In general terms, a quality marine battery will be of a more robust construction to automotive batteries that tend to be built to a price rather than a standard. When a battery is regularly charged and discharged, this causes deterioration of the positive plate. Deep cycle batteries, in simple terms have a thicker plate and a more dense active material which is able to withstand the pressures of this type of use. PLATES/CAPACITY - A POPULAR MISCONCEPTION: As described above, plate thickness varies widely and therefore cannot be used as an indication of capacity. To give an example, a high performance engine starting battery with 22 plates per cell is available in New Zealand and is approximately 65 ampere hours in capacity, whilst another battery of 350 ampere hours has only 15 plates per cell. When specifying a battery it is important that the application is considered.
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Premium Grade Engine Starting Superior Deep Cycling Flooded, Gel & AGM Technologies Reliable, Proven, Respected.
24 Month Warranty Available from leading Marine Auto Electricians and Specialist Battery Outlets
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
www.hellaendurant.co.nz
Hella Endurant Cycle Master batteries flooded batteries robust construction provides excellent cycle life and a high resistance to corrosion when subjected to top off charge and float duty charging voltages.
Engel 40 Litre Combi Fridge / Freezer Engel’s latest addition
This new model is a new combination Fridge and Freezer, with added features including the removable internal divider and thermostatically controlled fan. The T45 CP gives three versatile configurations option 1
Freezer 16 litres / Fridge 23 Litres (total 39 Litres)
Freezer 22Litres / Fridge 17 litres
option 2
(total 39 Litres) option 3
Refrigerator Only (Divider removed total 40 Litres)
Three-Year Warranty
For example, when marine engine starting is required then the MCA (Marine Cold Cranking Amps) rating is an indication of the battery’s ability to start an engine, whilst for auxiliary loads and deep cycle applications ampere hour capacity is what you need to consider.
This model also includes the user-friendly digital control with LED display, along with built in battery monitor. Supplied with both cords, the 12 volt cord that plugs straight into your vehicle’s cigarette socket and the 240 volt lead with three pin plug, (Auto switching).
ALTERNATIVE LEAD ACID BATTERY TYPES: Marine batteries are broadly broken into two categories. The most common is the ‘wet’ or ‘flooded’ technology. This is the conventional type which in principle is largely unchanged from the original design going back over the last 100 years. However significant gains in efficiency, charge acceptance, reduced maintenance requirements and increase energy output have been achieved due to technology over time. Of more recent times the Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) type, often called “sealed” has been introduced. Some confusion may exist over this type of product as often the battery is a flooded type but maintenance free, not requiring a top up of electrolyte. There may also be some confusion over “Gelled Electrolyte” and the alternative VRLA “Absorbed Electrolyte” or “Absorbed Glass Mat” (AGM) technologies. The following passages will hopefully provide some clarity. FLOODED BATTERIES: Most of the information provided in the previous paragraphs pertains to ‘flooded’ batteries. However within this range two types of constructions exist. The most common is the ‘Flat Plate’ construction. This is available in maintainable and ‘maintenance free’ configurations. In simple terms the battery manufacturer alters the alloys used to manufacture the battery so that only very small amounts of Hydrogen and Oxygen gas are produced during charging. This results in minimal water consumption over the life of the battery. However it should be noted that if tipped over this battery will sometimes leak. In larger deep cycle installations where high levels of storage capacity are required, batteries come in the form of 2 volt cells connected in series to make up the required voltage. The reason for this is simply for ease of handling. In the two volt cell form ‘Tubular Positive’ batteries are available. This involves a different method of construction of the positive
DB055
PPB0714
For more information visit:
www.engelnewzealand.co.nz
Kwikkraft New Zealand is a long established business which has been operating since the 1980s, gaining a worldwide reputation for aluminium boats of the highest standard. Kwikkraft NZ has an outstanding reputation for their boats that look good, perform well, have solid construction and exceptional finish!
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A smart charger is essential if you want to leave your batteries in the boat when charging.
plate of the cell, which is very robust and resistant to deterioration caused by deep and regular cycling. This product is generally manufactured in Europe and carries a high quality price point, however over the life, dependent upon application and care and maintenance programs, can represent excellent value. VALVE REGULATED BATTERIES: Years ago it was discovered that by changing the internal construction of the battery and maintaining a positive pressure (3 to 5 psi)
inside the battery, it was possible to get any Hydrogen or Oxygen gas that may be produced during charging to recombine internally. This resulted in completely sealed battery designs, allowing the battery to be installed without fear of acid spillage, emission of corrosive gas and almost zero maintenance. In some cases this type of product can be installed on its side and will work whilst submerged without the production of any chlorine gas which is often produced when a flooded battery comes in contact with salt water.
As briefly mention above, within the VRLA group two different types of technology exist. The most commonly used in a marine environment is the Gelled Electrolyte. Provided it is well manufactured, this type of product provides excellent cycling characteristics with all the benefits of a valve regulated product. The electrolyte inside is in a “jelly” form so no spillage is possible. The second type of VRLA uses a material like blotting paper made from glass fibre to retain the electrolyte. This method also removes any loose electrolyte from sloshing around which may spill or leak. Independent tests tend to demonstrate that Gelled Electrolyte type batteries are better suited to a cycling (charge flat) application like marine house batteries than the AGM type, although premium quality products from AGM manufacturers such as the Lifeline brand provide highly competitive and proven technologies.
AA Solar and Sun Power Plus
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AA CHAMPION DEEP CYCLE SEALED AGM BATTERIES Suitable for start use as well
STANDARD GLASS ‘A’ GRADE SOLAR PANELS 80 WATT 12VDC 100 WATT 12VDC 120 WATT 12VDC 140 WATT 12VDC 150 WATT 12VDC 170 WATT 12VDC 200 WATT 24VDC 250 WATT 24VDC 310 WATT 24VDC
$129 $159 $197 $229 $233 $259 $299 $269 $399
*** SPECIAL *** HALF PRICE FREIGHT Included in 6V and 12V AGM Battery prices Nationwide. LiFePO4 batteries FREE FREIGHT. (Extra charge for NON Main Centres and Rural Addresses)
Votronic MPPT dual controller 12V battery MPP165 MPP250 MPP350 MPP420
Discount for 10 PANELS - Please Ask
NEW TRACER A-SERIES SOLAR CONTROLLERS MPPT with built in Meter
12V 12A/1A 165W Solar Li $169 12V 17A/1A 250W Solar Li $219 12V 24A/1A 350W Solar Li $299 12V 32A/1A 420W Solar $349
Votronic Battery Monitors
TRACER A-ser. MPPT 10A $119 TRACER A-ser. MPPT 20A $189 TRACER A-ser. MPPT 30A $269 TRACER A-ser. MPPT 40A $299 TRACER MT50 Remote $59
LCD100S 12V/24V with 100A Shunt $269 LCD200S 12V/24V with 200A Shunt $299 LCD400S 12V/24V with 400A Shunt $329 48V versions available Circuit Breakers, Switch Panels, Meters, Electrical Wiring Components Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. Please contact us to confirm...
AA Solar, Unit 4, 70 Forge Road SILVERDALE, AUCKLAND 0932 Ph: 09 427 4040 or 09 427 4143 Mob: 0274 905 901 sales@aasolar.co.nz www.aasolar.co.nz
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
6V 195Ahr 6V 260Ahr 6V 286Ahr 6V 390Ahr 12V 71Ahr 12V 104Ahr 12V 130Ahr 12V 156Ahr 12V 195Ahr 12V 260Ahr 12V 325Ahr
$253 $296 $339 $549 $186 $263 $318 $362 $450 $582 $747
5 YEAR CONDITIONAL WARRANTY
LiFePO4 Batteries Sinopoly 10 year conditional wty:-
40Ah 13.2V 60Ah 13.2V 100Ah 13.2V 200Ah 13.2V 300Ah 13.2V 400Ah 13.2V
$473 $695 $1150 $2285 $3420 $4569
ABAT 4 year conditional wty:-
60Ah 13.2V 100Ah 13.2V 150Ah 13.2V
$576 $959 $1439
In reality the VRLA battery is not everything to everyone and have had some reliability problems in the past. Some of these problems can be blamed on factors not provided by the battery itself but in truth the VRLA battery is more ‘sensitive” than the tried and proven flooded battery. This delicacy means that unless the battery is manufactured to perfection and well cared for through an accurate charging program it could provide a shorter life than a cheaper alternative flooded product. To provide an example: If a vessel suffered alternator regulator failure during a passage and the batteries were over charged, in the case of flooded batteries, the lost water would be topped up and would suffer little damage (provided the regulator was replaced within a reasonable time). In the case of VRLA batteries (depending upon running time) it is possible, if not likely that the batteries would require replacement along with the regulator. Now this is not to say that VRLA batteries do not provide a good or even the best option in some instances but these options need to be explored, ideally with a respected marine electrician who can discuss all of the options rather than just one technology. Quality AGM batteries are very robust and due to the tight compacted internal construction perform very well under in harsh vibration where traditional flooded batteries may shed their active material through vibration off the plates, gradually losing capacity. AGM brands such as Optima, Lifeline and Hella Endurant are specified successfully into many demanding commercial applications for both engine starting and deep cycle applications where they consistently outlast their traditional flooded equivalents. As with any choice of equipment and systems onboard, not all Gelled or AGM products are created equally. The old adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ certainly rings true with battery technology. Nationwide service, support, company reputation, inquiring as to the country of origin and company manufacturing the product helps build a complete picture of the quality and reliability on offer.
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
A battery stores charge it does not “Manufacture” it. Insufficient charging voltage will cause poor battery performance. Insufficient charging voltage will cause short battery life. Excessive charging voltage will cause short battery life. Leaving a battery partially charged will reduce life and performance. Periodically batteries need to be fully charged to maximise life and performance. Engine Starting Batteries are required to deliver high current for a short time. If this type of battery is subjected to many cycles of charge/discharge a short life is likely. Deep Cycle Batteries are designed for a charge/discharge usage but can start engines in emergencies. Life is reduced by a warm temperature environment. Not all Valve Regulated Batteries are the same. Valve Regulated Batteries have good features and benefits but are more “Delicate” than flooded batteries. AB031
DB085
Modifications, Repairs and Alterations of all Aluminium Boats
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FOR THE LOVE OF FISHING.
The Elite Ti models are just what you would expect from Lowrance . 7-inch and 5-inch Touch Imaging™ fishfinder/ ®
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BOAT TEST DNA 570 XHT
Flat out, the Honda 115 topped out at 5700 rpm and the GPS nudged 40 knots.
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ONE FOR THE FAMILY DNA’s 570 XHT is the first of a new model that brings together all the requirements for its owner. Barry Thompson went to Nelson to check out DNA’s latest new hardtop. Flying into Nelson at 7.30am on a clear blue morning, I could see that the glistening mirror smooth water of Tasman Bay wasn’t going to present me with many opportunities to test the rough water ability of the pair of DNA boats I had come to review. This same beautiful weather had followed me from Invercargill and Christchurch and looked set to stay for a few more days. When I arrived at the ramp, Jason Elvines owner of DNA Boats said he had brought along a third boat, a DNA 450C, that they had only just finished the previous day. So armed with a trio of DNA’s we headed out into Tasman Bay and as I had already expected, it was smooth, smooth, smooth as far as you could see. First up I started with the DNA 570 XHT, (Look for reviews on the DNA 535XC & DNA 450C in future issues) which is a mid-sized hardtop for DNA and the first of a new model. The 570 XHT was a design and build for a local client who wanted to upgrade from his DNA 5.7m cuddy cabin, into an overnighter that would be suitable for his family. This meant a reasonable size cabin with an infill to transform the two singles into one extra large berth and adequate seating. There are in fact two infills, that transform all the area forward of the seat bases into one massive 2m plus length berth. Perfect for the owner and his wife and two small children. There is plenty of storage under the berths and in wide side trays. The option of a portable head under the forward squab is also available. As the boat was still ‘work in progress’ the interior was yet to be fully lined, including insulation behind the fabric. WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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The transom has a couple of lockers behind plastic hatches and room under for extra tote tanks.
The hardtop provides a lot of all around protecton.
DNA hulls are built tough, strong and to the highest standards.
Twin bucket seats with aft cushions have proven the most popular option. Extra wide side shelves under extra wide coamings.
Plenty of space for overnighting.
This also applied to the yet to be fitted Maxwell RC6 auto winch. Without a winch, you can stand in the forward hatch to do your anchoring, although I would certainly have an auto winch if it were my boat.
A Simrad NSS9 MFD takes up pride of place in the centre of the fabric covered dash, with controls and gauges well placed around for easy viewing. Steering is Teleflex hydraulic. Storage trays either side look after the keys and cellphones, with side trays running the full length of the cockpit for the rods. There was no underfloor storage in Carpe Diem, but there is space forward of the fuel tank if required.
COSY HARDTOP DNA use a two piece toughened glass screen, which offers excellent visibility, especially with a pair of wipers or a coating of Rain-X. Combined with sweeping curved panels and smart tapering folds it helps create very pleasing aesthetics to the boat. The three-sided hardtop wraps around just behind the two forward seats and then with soft clip-on extensions and drop curtains you get all the protection of an enclosed hardtop that closes in all the seating space. I liked the way the short hardtop comes aft about the same distance as the back seats, so when your fishing a bit aggressively you are not going to catch your rods on anything overhead. The driving position can be altered with the sliding bucket seat, mounted on an alloy seat base. The helm seat base is all storage, with the passenger base designed to slip in a chilly bin. With two small rear seats, the 570XHT provides built-in seating for four. ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
FISH EASY The cockpit will comfortably fish four and there are rod holders provided overhead, on the side coamings and around the bait board – 14 in all. A solid alloy frame in the centre of the transom serves both as the mount to tow water toys, wakeboarders and skiers as well as a mount for the hinged and also fully removable bait board. The transom has a couple of lockers behind plastic hatches and room under for extra tote tanks. DNA also offer a sliding rear bench seat that clips on over the side trays and can be removed so it doesn’t get in the way when you are fishing. There was no walkthrough to the large boarding platform, but again this is an option. The chequer plate sole is standard but you can finish it with tube matting or full carpet.
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SPECIFICATIONS
I noticed that DNA has kept the gunnel height quite high, which is something Jason tells me they do in all their hardtop models. He added that the cockpit sole is designed around their “X series” design, which gives a fully flat floor from side to side and still retains a reasonable toehold. X SERIES HULL “The X series hull alloy pontoon boat was introduced to make a wider boat. The key element of doing this was to achieve extra beam but not require extra horsepower to push a wider surface through the water”, says Jason. “We did this by adding tapering down-turned chines to the hull, and thereby step the pontoon out further to increase internal beam. It also meant the pontoons were slightly lifted so not to cause any drag in the water once planning as they are clear. He explained that the tapering chines were better able to deal with spray deflection as they are a nice flowing curve with a more aggressive downturn. The benefits are in the ride also, the chines acting as a shock absorber trapping a cushion of air under them as they land and reducing the impact to the buoyant nature of the pontoon chambers. In addition to this, the X series hulls are designed with a fully welded longitudinal flood plate above the keel line and parallel to the floor. This acts as a stiffener to the hull and offers a unique safety aspect if the keel is breeched in a collision, as it would only allow approx 70L (70kg) of water to enter the hull allowing the boat to float still and function normally. CALM CALM CALM Given the mirror-smooth sea state the only benefit was being able to record my speed runs without mashing my pen all over data sheet as we leapt from wave to wave. Flat out, running a 17” three blade prop, the Honda 115 topped out at 5700 rpm and the GPS nudged 40 knots. Sorry, no fuel data available. Around 4000-4500, the DNA 570 XHT ran 25-28 knots and felt just right if you were cruising along with the family. It’s an easy boat to trim, with plenty of lift and a low angle of transition when getting onto the plane. I did manage to toss the boat into some very severe high-speed turns to check on its stability and just how tight it hangs on. On both counts, the hull performed well. No sliding sideways and no excessive heel in the turns. BUILT TOUGH DNA hulls are designed by Jason and as he says built tough, strong and to the highest standards. He uses an integral hull framing system using CNC cut interlocking full depth, full-length frames, creating a rigid dependable system. Computer design enables the boats to be studied and tested in depth while still in the 3D model stage, also allowing the boats to be fully customised. This along with CNC profile cutting, brings about fine tolerances and perfectly symmetrical and well-balanced designs. The new DNA 570 XHT is another fine example. WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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Model: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Height on trailer: Trailerable weight: Test Power: Propeller: Power Range: Power options: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
DNA 570 XHT $NZ49,500 $NZ68,000 Hardtop Pontoon 5mm/3mm alloy 5.70 m 2.27 m 20 deg 2.80m 1270 kgs (est) Honda 115 17” Solas 115-150 outboard only 120 litres Watercraft
PERFORMANCE DATA RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5700
Knots 3.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 11.5 21.0 25.0 28.5 31.5 34.5 36.0
N.B. Speeds are rounded off to nearest 0.5 knot
This boat could be protected against the effects of corrosion, oxidation and discolouration.
The ideal cost effective product to protect your valuable asset. www.nyalic.co.nz
Notable Standard Items on Test Boat Heavy duty rubbing fender, bilge pump, X series hull, rod arch with 6 tubes, internal liner, NFB steering, nav lights. Notable Options on Test Boat Fusion MSIP600, Uniden UM380 VHF, Simrad NSS9 MFD, Manufacturer DNA Alloy Boats NZ Ltd, 58 Factory Road, Brightwater, Invercargill | Ph: +64 3 5423977 | Mob: +64 276352425 sales@dnaboats.nz | www.dnaboats.co.nz
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
THE TRUTH ABOUT SINKERS Paul Walker looks at the wide world of sinkers and how we have come from using rocks and old bolts to some very sophisticated ‘lumps’ of lead.
SINKER SELECTION Over the years I guess anything that was small and heavy has been used as a sinker. Rocks, nuts and bolts, short bits of chain, spark plugs, steel and of course lead. Today it’s very much all about lead and while you may see a sinker as simply just a lump of lead, there is more to them than you might realise. While lead may have become the material of choice for sinkers due to its low cost, ease of production and casting, chemical inertness (resistance to corrosion), and density, it is known to cause lead poisoning. Because these enter the environment as a result of the occasionally inevitable loss while fishing, most lead-based fishing sinkers have been outlawed in the United Kingdom, Canada, and some states in the United States. These bans have motivated the use of various other materials in sinkers. N ew Zealand has no such laws (yet) banning the use of lead sinkers. Steel, brass, and bismuth sinkers have been marketed, but fishermen have not widely adopted them due to their lower density and higher cost compared to lead. Sandsinkers have also been developed, using sand as weight. However, sand has a comparably low density to that of lead and makes a poor replacement. Tungsten is now in use, especially in the USA among largemouth bass fishermen and although
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several times costlier than lead, tungsten is just under twice as dense as lead. The environmental effects of tungsten, however, are essentially unknown. More recently, terminal tackle manufacturers have been experimenting with high-density composite resins. These materials present a non-toxic alternative to lead sinkers at a lower monetary cost than alternative metallic sinkers. Like most things in fishing tackle, the different shapes and styles work well at what they are specifically designed for. Use them in a different application and chances are they won’t work so well. Over the years, innovations have come and gone. Some caught on because they worked well and were easy to use. Others flopped because they weren’t. If you go to Wikipedia they describe a sinker as; A weight used in conjunction with a fishing lure or hook to increase its rate of sink, anchoring ability, and/or casting distance. Fishing sinkers may be as small as 1 gram for applications in shallow water, and even smaller for fly fishing applications, or as large as several pounds or considerably more for deep sea fishing. They are formed into nearly innumerable shapes for diverse fishing applications.
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Types of sinkers
DEEP WATER SINKERS
These are designed to get down quickly in deep water. They are generally long and tubular or bomb shaped with most of the weight at the end to stop the sinker tipping back and tangling in the line. Use up to 1134 grams (40oz) or more for hapuka and other big deep-water species, but you can use lighter weight if you are fishing for Terakihi, Snapper, and Gurnard because of the lighter main line used for these species. Deepwater sinkers, however, are great to use on Snapper and Terakihi flasher rigs.
PYRAMID
These are great for general boat fishing if a bit of a current is expected. This shape locks in and doesn’t tend to roll or move about much. They are best placed above the swivel with a medium to long trace. They work well when fishing in channels.
BALL
EGG
Ball sinkers are best used in areas of little or no current unless you are using the current to move your bait along the bottom. They are available in large 227g (8oz) to very small sizes, 7g (1/4oz) Ball sinkers are very popular for stray lining.
These serve the same purposes as the ball sinker, but in my opinion make an even better stray line sinker, as their bullet shape is more aerodynamic and therefore they can be cast for longer distances.
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SAND GRABBERS
These are not so popular now and are an old style sinker used in channels or strong currents on a static line.
BREAK OUT
EASY FIT
These are mainly used by surf casters or rock fishermen but are also very versatile on boats for fishing over reefs with ledger rigs or flasher rigs. They almost always stay in place and seldom snag. These sinkers have four long stainless wire fingers, which lock into the bottom, but break away when retrieving. You then you reset the wire back into the sinker before you cast again.
CLIP ONS
These sinkers have become very popular because there is no need to cut the line from the swivel to fit them. Quick and easy, they are some brands, each having a slightly different fixing method and a range of increasing weights up to about 227g (8oz).
As the name suggests, when they are moulded a clip swivel is inserted into the lead while it is still hot molten. There have been several shapes over the years, but a teardrop shape seems to have won through. They are a very versatile sinker and can be used in a variety of fishing types. Ranging from 28g (1oz) to 567g (20oz), there is a weight to suit most needs. They are excellent on dropper rigs and for surfcasting and they are quick and easy to use. More or less weight can be added or removed as required, very simply.
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TOURNAMENT
REPLACEMENT WINDSCREENS Specifically designed for long distance casting with surf rods, they are long and pointed at both ends with most of the weight at the middle or made as a very long teardrop with weights up to about 142g (5oz). These are perhaps best left to surfcasting and are seldom used in boat fishing.
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
BOAT TEST
PROFILE 545C
The 545C is rated from 60hp through to 115hp and is only available in an outboard version.
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PUNCHING ABOVE IT’S WEIGHT In the last issue of AB (#6) we ran a review on the Profile 700H, one of the builder’s larger hardtops. In this issue Barry Thompson looks at one of their smaller models, the 545C and discovers a lot of the good attributes of the big brother. Profile Boats are based in Napier, so they have a great testing ground right off the coast. An area known for throwing up some mean seas at times, means that the locally built boats are designed with harsh conditions in mind. Company owner, Brian Firman says” When we design a boat we look at all the worse sea conditions an owner might find themselve in and try to make sure that whatever model they choose is as safe and sea kindly as we can make it”. While the Profile 700H certainly got a perfect 10 from me when it came to handling, ride and finish, it was in every respect being pitched as bluewater boat. However with the 545C, a 5.45m open cuddy, you would expected the use would be more coastal and sheltered waters. However, from what Brian told me, that’s not always the case and the 545C has proven to be a very capable fishing platform ithat will handle some reasonably nasty seas. It’s a small pontoon boat that punches above it’s weight and comes with the same safety, handling and finish of the company’s larger hardtop models. LIGHT & EASY While we launched at the main Napier boat ramp, the 545C is also well suited to beach launching. All up weight is only around 1000 kgs and on a single axle trailer it’s an effortless task. But, like any beach launch you need to be fully prepared both launching and retreiving so you don’t get the trailer and/or tow vehicle stuck. Our test power was a Mercury 75 four-stroke, spinning a ??? prop. The engine ran to 5500 rpm for a top speed of 30.5 knots (35 mph) and a maximum fuel consumption of 27.3 lph. At cruising mode around 4500 rpm @ 25.5 knots, the fuel burn dropped to a very economical 22.5 lph. At the other end, if you are into trolling you can expect to use no more than 2-3 lph depending on if you are towing lures for Trout or Kahawai. WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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It’s a boat that tracks cleanly and is very stable at rest.
Side rails run level with the wide flat coamings. The forward cabin is ideal for dry storage.
The transom area of the 545C is fully customisable. The 545C is rated from 60hp through to 115hp and is only available in an outboard version. I like the new Mercury 75 four stroke for its big cubes (2.1 litre), lot of torque and it can run a good size propeller. I have had one on my own boat for a year now and it is extremely quiet, smooth, economical and got plenty of ‘punch’ when you need it. The water off Napier for the test was reasonable calm with a very slight sea breeze and the standard long lingering swell. Although this time the swell was small, it did give me the opportunity to get a little lift off for the 545C. It’s a boat that tracks cleanly and is very stable at rest. We had three on one side, and two of us standing on the wide flat coaming and the boat stayed relatively flat. Wide pontoons certainly help.
full width aft deck or, as in our boat a walk through. This is ideal if you are going to use the boat for diving. There is a large bait station in the centre with a couple of rod holders, but again, the options here are varied. This also doubles as the ski pole to tow the skiers, wakeboarders or whatever water toys you have for the kids this summer. Brian points out that as a lot of his boats are beach launched, often into surf conditions, there is a built-in wave deflector right across the aft deck. This is a feature on all Profile boats and is also ideal when you are backing up on a fish. Certainly helps keep the water out of the cockpit. Intertestingly, from Cape Kidnappers to Wellington there is hardly a boat ramp, so beach launching is the norm. That’s where the compact 545C really comes into its own. Battery, fuel filters and isolation switches are all up and out of the weather below the deck and behind So Pac hatches. While there is the option or an underfloor fuel tank to 100 litres, it’s more common to use a couple of tote tanks under the aft deck. In fact there’s room
ROOM TO FISH The layout of the 545C is typical of cuddy cabin boats of this size with a forward area under the deck to stow your gear dry and a cockpit that provides plenty of space to fish 2-4 people. The transom area of the 545C is customisable, so you can have a
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SPECIFICATIONS
Caption to come.....
Standard seating for the 545C is a pair of pedestal mounted bucket seats. for three, so 75 litres is certainly going to be way more than enough for an average day’s boating. Standard seating for the 545C is a pair of pedestal mounted bucket seats, with an optional king/queen set up. You can also add a padded chilly/isky bin for even more seating should you need it. Another option is a flip up seat hinged on the back of the pedestal bases, so they are up when you need them and folded down to give you maximum fishing space when you don’t. You also have the option of a couple of upholstered bunks in the cuddy. Something I don’t remember seeing on any production boat I have reviewed before is the side rails running level with the wide flat coamings. “We designed these to be multifunctional, with a variety of uses, such as divers using them when they come alongside to hand in their catch bag or to hang on to when holding the boat in a surging surf”, says Brian. Storage is provided in side pockets which are wide enough to hold dive bottles and long enough for your rods. Rods can also be kept in an overhead rocket launcher or in four coaming rod holders. There is also storage in the alloy seat bases for tackle, flares and other small items and in side trays in the cuddy. GREAT COVER Unlike a lot of other production boats of this size, Profile have gone away from the stock screwed-on windscreen and replaced it with a seriously strong and secure screen, that follows the contour of the sweeping lines of the cuddy. It is welded onto the deck and then the centre panels are later cutout for the sea through screens. It also comes with a wide deflector lip, which Brian says is designed for those beach launching into surf. I found when standing to drive, it also lifted the wind away from my face. A fold down bimini affords you some sun protection and you can also run a full set of clip on clears if you want extra coverage from the elements. The dash is huge, so you can really fit it out with a large MFD, plus all the necessary controls, instruments and switch panels. Our boat had a Simrad Go7, but you could go bigger. Profile have thought about where you might take this boat fishing so the anchor locker has plenty of fall and is capable of taking over 100m of tackle and a fully auto system. You can also put a drum winch in, which will be tucked below the deckline profile. If you need to go forward there is a generous size forward hatch and a standing platform forward in the cuddy. VERY VERSATILE The 545C comes with a host of standard features, such as a boarding ladder, fully welded treadplate sole, transom wave deflector The owner’s of the 545C have brought the boat to dive and fish and will do most of their launching off Wimaramara Beach. It’s also used to transport surfers to surf breaks along the local coastline that can’t be accessed by road. Certainly a versatile boat that is going to be well used for the reasons it was designed. WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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Model: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Height on trailer: Trailerable weight: Test Power: Propeller: Power Range: Power options: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
Profile 545C $NZ42,000 $NZ59,000 Cuddy 4mm/3mm alloy 5.45 m 2.00 m 17 deg 2.10 m 1000 kgs Mercury 75 4S Vengeance 17” 115-150hp Outboard only Tote tanks DMW
PERFORMANCE DATA RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Knots 4.5 5.5 6.5 8.5 13.0 18.0 22.0 25.5 28.0 30.5
LPH 2.7 3.8 5.1 8.0 10.2 13.3 16.7 22.5 25.1 27.3
N.B. Speeds are rounded off to nearest 0.5 knot
Notable Options on Test Boat Fusion MSIP600, Uniden UM380 VHF, Simrad NSS9 MFD, Manufacturer Profile Boats, Ph +64 6 835 9718 sales@firmanmarine.co.nz | www.profileboats.co.nz
The 545C has proven to be a very capable fishing platform ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
Jigs come in a wide assortment of weights, sizes and colours
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GETTIN’ JIGGY WITH IT
Shane Kelly looks at his earliest introduction to jigging for kingfish, looks back at it’s history and explains how to do it and the gear you need.
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The light parabolic rods are designed to bend from the butt through to the tip. Although light, they are incredibly powerful.
It seems the best place to start this article is by recalling a day spent livebaiting for kingfish. They would come up and nose into our livebaits but not bite. This went on all afternoon, until, in the end, we gave up and released the livies. As soon as we removed the hooks the kingis swooped in and inhaled the baits. The mighty kingi, fish of legend and folklore. The toughest, smartest and hardest fighting fish we have resident in New Zealand waters. Tie one tail-to-tail with a marlin the same size and I’ll wager the king would tow it backwards. Great to fight, great to eat, excellent in the smoker – but the kingfish can also be the most difficult customer to entice into a bite…….until now! FIGHT LIKE BANSHEES There’s a fishing technique that is producing the goods on kingfish in every respect. The kingis can’t resist - they hit the tackle like runaway freight trains and the fight hard. They tend to be hooked in the mouth – unlike the livebaiting method which tends to gut-hook the kings – and they fight like banshees. Even better – this technique will still take kings in the winter – a time when traditionally it was thought the kingis had shot through. It has proven they are still around; they just weren’t interested in traditional fishing techniques. It’s not unusual to see someone who has hooked a big king on modern tackle get dragged across the boat and slammed against the gunwale as the line screams out through the rod guides. Entertaining to watch and exhilarating when it happens to you. My introduction to this new technique and the tackle came on a charter fishing trip out
Graham McKenzie with a nice Whangarei Harbour kingfish. Note the specialised jigging gloves – necessary to protect the hands from braid cuts.
of Whangarei organised by Boulder Guiding, a company run by keen, semi-retired fisho Graham McKenzie. Several mates joined Dean Marine Charters’ skipper, Dean Musgrove, on his 7m Marco for a day of jigging and softbaiting. The tackle used is very different to what New Zealanders have come to accept as normal. Instead of long 6ft or 7ft fast-taper rods with large reels holding monofilament, jigging equipment features short graphite rods with hardly any taper. They are ‘parabolic’ meaning they bend from the rod butt right through to the tip. They feature special narrow reels – there’s no time to lay the line back onto on a wide reel when you’re connected to an annoyed kingi. The line is braid with a monofilament leader. The terminal tackle is also very different (an explanation will follow later in the article), and ends in a long metal ‘blade’ jig with a hook tied by a length of Kevlar cord to the top. The technique involves the use of ‘mechanical jigging’ where the angler lifts the rod and takes a half or full turn of the reel as the rod tip drops, causing the jig to flutter erratically like a wounded baitfish. There is also a ‘fake’ mechanical jigging style where the rod is jerked upwards and sideways, then the line is wound down a couple of turns at a time. It’s an unlikely combination but man, does it work. DUAL HOOK UP Our day with Dean Marine started with a dual hookup. My uncoordinated first-timeout jigging technique managed to snare a large kingfish which promptly wasted me. I grabbed a secondary rod just as another
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mate hooked up. It ended in tears with about 50m of braid tangled into something that looked like a brightly coloured sparrow’s nest. Jigging braid is often coloured at regular intervals so the angler can put the jig in front of kings that are holding in midwater. By the time I got it sorted the kingis had moved up river and it was time for a gear retie and a scout round some other likely kingi spots offshore. I rued my lack of ability to tie a PR knot (the preferred braid to leader knot) without an instruction book in front of me – more practice needed on the bobbin swinging. Hammer down, we bashed our way to Sail Rock to dangle more bits of brightly coloured metal in front of some of the world’s most powerful and bad tempered fish. The story of how this form of fishing came to New Zealand is taken up by Chris Wong of BCS Enterprises, a business which supplies a full range of jigging tackle. When braided line with its small diameter and zero stretch first became available about 15 years ago, a Japanese fisho called Yoichi Mogi decided to use it while jigging in deep water. He called the technique “Super Deep-Jigging.” Landing a 35kg bluefin tuna gave him the encouragement to explore the technique further. He popularized the technique in Japan and it caught on around the world. Companies then started producing dedicated tackle – the spindly parabolic rods and narrow spool reels with mega drags as well as a wide range of jigs. The technique popularised by the Japanese is known as ‘mechanical jigging’ here. Jerking the long jigs up through the water in a series of lifts while part-winding on the
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The product – a nice kingi estimated at about 16kg.
Karl hooked up using a Jigging Master Powerspell 150 rod and Shimano Ocea Jigger 1500 reel.
DIFFERENT GEAR If the jigs are different – so too are the rods, which are short and slim, built from mostly graphite and bend right from the butt to the tip. Spiral wrapped rods are popular – with the line guides arranged in a spiral so the top guide hangs beneath the rod – preventing twisting of the blank and ensuring the braid is laid onto the narrow jigging reels properly. The rods are matched to jig weights 100 for use with 100 gram jigs, 250 for use with 250 gram jigs, etc. They tend to be quite soft to impart action to the jigs and with a shorter lever, the fish can’t put the hurt on the angler
– although seeing anglers dragged across the deck and slammed to the gunwale by XXOS kingfish is still a highly entertaining by-product of this type of fishing. Quite simply, these rods are fantastic fun and a great experience to fish with – you could say the most fun you can have with your pants on. The jigs come in a wide variety of weights, colours, shapes and sizes – and are matched to the rod weight – 150gram jigs on a 150 rod, 250 jigs on a 250 rod and so on. In deeper water a heavier slimmer jig will get to the bottom faster. Centre weighted jigs will plane a lot more as they are jerked and tend
DB079
reel causes them to flutter, glide and fizz – a wounded baitfish simulation that many fish, especially kingis, find irresistible. The mechanical jigging style also encourages reactionary strikes by kingfish. When the fluttering jig whizzes past their noses even if they are not actively feeding, they just can’t resist having a crack at it. They hit hard and fight hard – some say the fight in the kingi is enhanced by the jig hitting the fish in the head – one of the good things about jigging is that the fish are generally mouth hooked so they remain fighting fit and are easily released to fight another day.
…the Alloy Cat Specialists!
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There are specialised spinning reels for jigging too – this outfit is getting a workout by a large Waihau Bay bronze whaler shark (which took a fancy to the 20kg kingfish “livebait” that originally took the lure.)
Auckland Marine Centre 247 Ti Rakau Drive, Pakuranga, Auckland 09 579-7981 Rollos Marine Cnr Euclid & Te Rapa Roads, Hamilton 0800 804 809 Boat City Main North Road, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast 04 298-5931 Haven Pleasure Boats 57 Parkers Road, Nelson 03 548-5864
Warren Hay Marine 27 Rewa Rewa Road, Whangarei 09 430-2666 Harbourview Marine 1 Wainui Road Gisborne 06 868 8686 Hawke’s Bay Marine 60 Taradale Road, Napier 06 843-5000 Senator Factory 21 Hamilton Place, Onekawa, Napier 06 843-6882
TERMINAL TACKLE If the purpose is to nail large kingfish, the terminal tackle will have to be bulletproof – and even then it may not be enough to stop these powerful and dirty fighters. Braid – mono – jig, how hard can it be? Well, many fights still end in tears. First, the braid to leader knot. The most common braid to leader knot is the PR knot – made with a bobbin that is swung around the line. Wind-on leaders with loop to loop connections are also used. Connecting the line, hook and jig is another whole science. There are six main components – the leader, a connecting ring called a solid ring, the hook, the assist cord, a split ring and the jig. The leader is tied to the solid ring (which can be oblong in shape, such as the Jigstar brand). The Kevlar assist cord is also connected to this solid ring. The jig is then clipped to the solid ring by a split ring. The assist cord is a loop of Kevlar with the hook at one end and looped onto the solid ring at the other end. The assist cord and
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
to hang and flutter around like a butterfly. Tail weighted jigs tend to flutter less and sink faster and are a good option for deeper water but require more rod action to get them to flutter. The rule seems to be – the bigger the jig, the bigger the predators. And for the tackle-ho, blinged-out jigs, rods and reels seem to be accepted as an integral part of this fishing experience. The high-end jigging reels are widely available in New Zealand and they can cost as much as a full-blown 80-wide game fishing reel. Eggbeater reels are used, but the most popular are overheads with gear ratios of around 4:1. It takes some getting used to but once you have the coordination sussed you will have received an invitation to one of the most exciting styles of fishing ever. The short, lightweight rods, braid line that transmits every bump and jerk of the fish to the angler, and powerful, lightweight reels make for one very exciting experience.
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hook swing freely from the solid ring. The length of the assist cord is usually about one third to one quarter the length of the jig used. Most jigs come with the assist cord and hook already rigged. However, really keen jiggers like to make their own assist rigs using specialized ultra high quality jigging hooks. With the jig attached to the solid ring by its own split ring, it doesn’t take any of the strain of the hooked fish (in fact the jig banging against the fish is said to make it fight even harder. The wire loop on top of the jig is not strong enough to handle the load from a fish. The connection from leader to solid ring can
be done in various ways – the favourites currently being AG Chain Knot (a long series of half hitches), SG knot, uni knot, wind-on leaders or crimps – preferably with protective thimbles or braid around the ring. The trace is generally 100 – 150lb or, when you’re expecting the XXOS models, up to 200lb. When changing jigs the split ring is opened by using a pair of split ring pliers and another jig attached to the same split ring. It’s worth trying different colours and different shapes of jig because those daft fish really will take one where another fails. This is a basic description only – there is a whole science, art, mumbo jumbo and a whole heap of personal choice as to what
works best. In fact, the serious jigger is as hardcore a fisherman as ever existed anywhere – if you ever go into someone’s garage and there are more than 50 jigs hanging on the wall, some of them repainted by your mate, it’s time to move rapidly in the other direction. The range of jigs is enormous, with personal choice the order of the day – although there are definitely times when blue, purple and pink colours work better than others. So how did all this pan out on our Dean Marine Charter? The fish were caught on Katch-1 Knife Jig in blue/silver lumo, Zest Hardy Long blue jig and Zest Slider in purple (Mr McKenzie’s favourite colour). The fish tended to come in patches – red hot one minute, then quiet. There were three of four fish landed that day at around the 15kg mark (that was a guess, but we actually measured their length and the biggest was 105cm). One was kept for the smoker and the rest returned to once again be tempted by flashing pieces of bling. The kingis took off and it was time to hit the snapper with soft plastics, and those strange little lures worked too – a testament to the very different styles of fishing that have reached our shores in the last few years.
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BOAT TEST
FC 535 CENTRE CONSOLE
The FC535 provides maximum space for fishos and divers.
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IMPROVING
WITH YEARS The FC 535 CC has all the right characteristics of the original FC 500 but comes with a few new improvements that make it an even better boat. Barry Thompson spent a day fishing and diving recently and came away very impressed.
Three years ago when FC Boats released the FC500 centre console, they got the formula right. The boat was an immediate success and until it was replaced by the FC535, proved to be one of their top selling centre consoles. The main difference between the FC500 and the new FC535 are a new transom with three storage lockers, a new outboard pod, increased hull side thickness from 3mm to 4mm and full longitudinal stringers for a more rigid hull. The centre console has also been moved forward. When Ross Christensen says his boats are designed by fishermen for fishermen, he is not kidding. It’s not a loose sales slogan, it’s a fact! Ross is a hard-out fisho and so when it comes to designing and fitting out his FC brand, he does it right. From years of experience, he knows what works and what doesn’t. When the time came to review the FC535, one of FC’s latest centre console boats, I thought rather than just a quick run around the harbour, I needed to give it the full-monty fishing and diving test to do it justice. I got hold of a good mate of mine, Barry Masefield, who is an amazingly skilled fisherman, plus my youngest son, Mitchell, who was home for Xmas from overseas, where he is First Officer on a superyacht, loaded the boat with two full sets of SCUBA gear, nine rods and everything else you need for a serious day on the water. Firstly what impressed me was how I was able to stow so much gear away and off the cockpit sole. The FC535 has a huge centre console pod that incorporates a forward seat, which when hinged up, reveals a cavernous dry storage space. We managed to stow both sets of dive gear, including the dive tanks, a couple of tackle boxes, a second tote tank, my camera bag, the lifejacket and safety bag, plus an assortment WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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Top speed is 35 mph with the Mercury 60.
Storage lockers fill the transom. Note the passive live bait tank below.
Extra dry storage is provided in the bow.
of jackets and other gear. Impressive and a real feature of the boat. Then when you go forward, the extra large foredeck not only provides a great casting platform if you are soft baiting, it also encompasses a deep exposed anchor locker forward and split shelves aft with easy open access. On the shelves we stowed some more gear and by the time we had the rods clipped into the side racks and the fish bin secured, space left to walk around was still very generous. Storage is also provided in lockers across the transom. There are rod racks under the wide coamings but no shelves as the upper space are all a foam filled buoyancy system, which along with the natural buoyancy under the floor makes the FC535 virtually unsinkable.
capstan or drum winch, deck tread, T-Top with rocket launcher and clears, through to a fully painted hull and a Minn Kota electric outboard. While the base boat starts at $NZ29995 with a Mercury 2S and Voyager low ride trailer, our boat had a retail price of around $NZ40,000 with the Mercury 4S. How much you spend depends on how many boxes you tick on the options list. The beauty of alloy is that you can change the layout around reasonably easily to suit your purpose. So when it comes to seating, the base boat comes with forward seating on the centre console and that’s it. Options include a couple of forward corner seats, transom fold-away seats and/or a pedestal helm seat. They also offer a shortened console with an Iceytek padded fish bin which is a popular option. While I would probably go for the fold-away seats, I wouldn’t add the pedestal, as I would rather leave the increased space aft of the helm uncluttered. After all, this is a fishing boat and space is critical. A large bin with a cushion would be a good option and you can then move this aside when fishing. Also gives you a perfect bait or catch bin. With the console now slightly forward of the previous FC500, the
LAYOUT VARIANTS The FC535 has a very simple and efficient centre console layout, with practicality the key. It is also available in a side console version. Since the first FC535 was released at the 2015 Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show, a considerable number have been sold and each owner has given their particular boat their stamp. The options list is extensive, from engine options, (2 stroke or 4 stroke, 50hp through to 70hp),
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Fishing space is plentiful. Note the forward seat hinges up to open a cavernous storage space.
The Railblaza bait board is an option.
There is good space either side of the console.
Mitchell drops over the side for some scallops.
The flat dash will take large MFDs.
workable fishing space is increased, so why fill it up with seats. I found the wide side decks and transom made great seating when underway, being dry and comfortable. There is no underfloor storage with all spaces under the fully welded tread plate sole providing buoyancy, so fuel is carried in tote tanks. FC provides angled recess positions under the aft deck for your tote tanks and also gives you the option of mounting them inside the centre console. I like the console arrangement as this provides a good weight balance, with the extra 40 kgs of fuel in the middle of the boat.
litres for the 40nm trip and I say exactly as the engine started to splutter when we were 50m from the beach at Manly on our return. Considering we had travelled most of that distance at between 4800 – 5200 rpm, @ around 30mph, that’s what I call economical boating at its best. The Mercury 60 4S, running a 13” 4 blade Trophy Sport ran out to just shy of 6000 rpm, so the set up was practically perfect. The sea state for the test was 10-15 knots from the SW so we had a following sea heading out and right on the bow coming home. Although the FC535 is only 13 deg deadrise at the transom, the ride was smooth and relatively bump free. While I have not driven the previous FC500, I am told that the increase to 4mm sides has made quite a difference to the ride and stiffer feel of the boat. The extra wide chines (FC call it their Dry Riding Gunnel System), really work to keep the spray low and flat and add to the great stability at rest. This boat doesn’t have the ballast tank system of some of the larger FC models, but it doesn’t need it either. It is an easy boat to trim to perfection in whatever sea you are confronted with. Although the boat came with clears for the T-Top, we never needed them as the boat proved extremely dry at speed. The T-Top is two piece, with a
ECONOMY PLUS If I am using a boat for the first time I like to make sure I have enough fuel aboard, so, in this case, I took 2 x 25 litre tote tanks and a 10 litre reserve tank just in case. Man, did that prove to be overkill. The day’s trip was from Manly Beach on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Auckland, across to Bostaquet Bay at the SE end of Kawau to catch some livies, then to Flat Rock for kinghies and snapper, before heading back to Bostaquet Bay for a scallop dive. What really impressed me was that we used almost exactly 25
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2.5m overall trailerable height, that reduces to 1.6m when the top section is removed. FISH & DIVE ABILITY I have been out in a number of FC boats but never used the built-in passive live bait tank before. It’s a simple and very effective system that fills when you stop and empties (if you take the bung out) when you are underway. Our first stop at Bostaquet Bay proved successful with a few livies that we dropped into the tank. Over 40 minutes later when we stopped at Flat Rock, they still looked fresh and very active. I did find the water splashed up a little when we hit the rougher sea conditions, but there is an optional hinged tank lid to stop that. When you have three guys fishing from the boat, you need to keep some assemblance of order when it comes to gear. In the FC535, there is enough space for 3-4 anglers (or divers) to work both ends of the boat. We caught a few Snapper, jigged a reasonable size Kingfish (although he eventually dropped off) and hooked an infuriated Mako that gave all around us a spectacular aerial display (it to lost the hook- fortunately). Although we didn’t have the optional rocket launcher on the T-Top or bait board, there is still eight coaming rod holders so keeping the rods off the cockpit sole wasn’t a problem. I also liked the height of the coamings that is perfect for bottom fishing and Barry commented that it was ideal for jigging. Back at Bostaquet Bay, we (well the other two anyway) dived for some scallops, which proved extremely successful in a very short time. Both divers commented on the space aboard to gear up and the wide flat side decks, which made entering the water easy. Coming back aboard, there is an optional dive ladder that can be accessed with flippers still on if necessary. Back at the beach after our day out, the tide was very low, so I was keen to see the Voyager Low Rider trailer in action. In a word…. exceptional. With very little water under the boat, the FC535 slipped easily onto the trailer and required minimal use of the winch. An effortless boat to handle for two people. Once home and we had all the gear unloaded, I also found the boat very easy to clean, with no cavities to catch water or a forgotten pillie. CENTRE CONSOLE BENEFITS Centre console boats are certainly gaining popularity again and while the grp versions are restricted mostly to imports, the alloy boat manufacturers have not held back and today it’s not uncommon to see 6-8m centre consoles. If you are seriously into fishing and diving and taking the wife and kids away for a family outing is not the criteria, then centre consoles are the answer. The FC535 is one of four FC Boats centre console models, ranging from 4.3m to 6.4m, so there are other size options based on the same platform to suit. I have spent the past three seasons fishing from a tiller steer 4.8m open alloy boat, but after taking the FC535 out for a day, I now appreciate more why people like them. The FC535 is certainly a great example.
The FC535 is one of four FC Boats centre console models. ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
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SPECIFICATIONS Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Trailerable Weight: Test Power: Propeller: Power options: HP Range: Fuel capacity:
$29,995 (60hp 2Stroke) $40,000 Centre Console 4mm/4mm alloy 5.35m 2.05m 13 deg 750 kg (est) Mercury 60hp 4S 13 Trophy Sport Outboard Only 50-70hp Tote Tanks
PERFORMANCE DATA RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5800
Knots 3.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 9.5 16.5 19.0 22.5 24.0 28.5 30.5
L/h 1.3 1.9 2.7 4.3 6.6 7.4 9.4 11.5 17.2 19.0 20.6
NB: Speed is rounded to nearest .5 knot.
Contact: FC Boats Ph Albany 09 476 4282, Hamilton 07 846 6675 www.fcboats.co.nz
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• • •
EXPEDITION TO VAN DIEMEN’S LAND By Matthew Fallow
Fresh from conquering Cape York this group of adventurers now head south to Tasmania in the very capable Hamilton Jet boats.
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Gorgeous conditions on the Gordon river.
The expedition group in their Hamilton 141a jet boats.
The Island state of Tasmania lies some 240km off the coast of Australia’s mainland and remains virtually untouched by development, where even the Holden Kingswood, Chrysler Valiant or Humber Super Snipe can still be seen operating as daily drivers and boats are still constructed using traditional methods using ancient Huon Pine timbers. Despite its 68,401 square km size and a population of half a million people, Tasmania is a pristine island with 45% of the land mass protected under Reserves, National Parks and World Heritage sites. The terrain is made up of mostly hard Dolerite; even the high tensile 6083 10mm thick alloy jet boat hulls are no match for this unforgiving terrain, yet do survive to complete the expedition. The groups expedition boats and equipment were shipped directly to Tasmania in their bespoke 40 foot Hamilton Jet sea container fresh from the recent and successful Cape York Expedition earlier this year. The boats and trailers have been subject to extensive repairs by local Tasmanian engineers in anticipation of the unforgiving Tasmanian terrain. The alloy Hamilton Jet Boats whose design was developed and proven in New Zealand over many decades to tackle the shingle
river beds, soon faced the unforgiving and ancient terrain of the Tasmanian Rivers, as did all the expedition members. HUON RIVER Day one of the Hamilton Jet Van Diemen’s Land expedition saw the group launch into the Huon River at Huonville, with some assistance and advice from local Jet boat tour Operator John Allport. The river was not clear, but rather like rich dark tea, coloured from the heavily woody tannins leaching from old growth forests; making river navigation all that much more difficult. It was not long before the low and challenging river conditions saw the four boats making their way through ‘rock gardens’ as they climbed upstream, eventually being stopped by a large fault in the river, the impassable weir like barrier dictating it was time to head back to the trailers. One boat had to stop briefly as steam poured from the exhaust, a consequence of the Cape York Expedition, as sand had blocked one of the 383ci Chevrolet V8 exhaust manifolds. Another boat had a small jet unit failure with a bolt coming loose, blamed on the previous expeditions poor roads. All drivers reporting ‘hits or touches’ on the way back downstream where ‘reading the river’ is more
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difficult, the tough Hamilton Jet hulls stood up to the punishment with all boats safely back on the trailers, albeit one suffering a split in the hull bottom. STRAHAN - WORLD HERITAGE The group headed to Strahan to meet local Ron Morrison, who would act as a guide for the next couple of days. The King River was first to be tackled, an exciting river that is heavily colored by tannins and old mine tailings, the river is flanked by steep hills and an old historic mine ‘rack’ railway line. Eventually after going up a few good rapids and into a steep gorge, an impassable rapid was encountered. The rocks are volcanic hard and don’t wear smooth, resulting in sharp long geological formations; that are difficult to see as they don’t have a visible telltale as they shed water, essential for jet boat navigation in shallow rivers. A few of the boats had ‘touches’ and big hits, frequently even for the most experienced jet boaters. What better way to visit pristine areas of wilderness than in a jet boat, no footprint is left behind, virtually no wake and no local resources are used or constructed, like trails, roads, etc. to get there. 22km across the infamously dangerous Macquarie Harbour is the mouth of the
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The heavily timbered Frankland river is real jet boat country.
Resting on the logs in the Pieman river.
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The very remote and imposing Gordon river.
Expedition Sponsors: Hamilton Jet, David Leckie Motor Company, Carlton Hotel. Universal Cranes. Independent Fisheries. Expedition Members: Duncan Storrier, Warren Donald, Matthew Fallow, James Murdoch, Tim Smith, Neville Kelly, David Leckie, Hugh Neal, Ross Denton, Paul Mullan, John Moodie, Johnny Giacomantonio, John Smitheram, David Watson, Wayne Donald, Mike Collins, Lance Kerr, David Ellis.
Gordon River. Ron owns a landing barge used to service the many Salmon farms in the harbour, the plan was to load the boats onto the barge for safe passage across the bay. However, after checking the forecast and it was decided to aim for a 5 am departure and drive the jet boats across the harbour and past the treacherous ‘Hells Gates’. If the weather turned foul during the day, there was still the option of having Ron’s son bring the barge over. 5.00am and 30 minutes before daylight, with Ron in the front of the lead boat, he assured safe passage across the harbour, avoiding the rocky outcrops and salmon pens. Passing by the very small Sarah Island, which was home for 320 convicts sent from the UK in 1820 for crimes as minor as stealing a blanket or bread; 10 years ago it was home for two jet boats that did not make it across the harbour! All four boats made it to the Gordon River and into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, famous for it’s Huon Pine trees up to 2000 years old; stands of trees as old as 10,500 years have just been discovered! While a relatively large river in jet boat terms, it is a real magnificent part of the world, the group progressed on upstream through a series of rapids before coming to a massive waterfall the locals call “a river split”, the end of the road for the boats. This allowed for a short trip up a tributary, the Dennison River. From the waters edge, Ron pointed out logs he had fallen back in the 70s as a timber getter. The group were now some 120km from town and in the 70’s, Ron rowed that entire journey, upstream to work felling Huon Pine. That trip is done in just 3 hours by jet boat. We carried on downstream stopping for a look at the Franklin River confluence, as
river motorised craft are no longer allowed on this river. From here Ron takes the wheel of a jet boat and takes the group back to the river mouth. The harbour came up a little choppy, so the group hug the bank the entire way home, stopping for a tour of a salmon farm and harvesting barge. The round trip for the day was 230 km of boating, the last kilometer saw one boat towed back on the plane with a failed starter motor. PIEMAN AND HENLEY RIVERS On route to the Pieman River Ferry and opportunity is not lost to launch off the road into the Henley River for a short run down to the sea. Back on the road and crossing the Piemen Rope Ferry at Corinna, the boats are again launched and head upstream on the Piemen River towards the Wild Rivers National Park. After around 17km progress is halted by a large dam not noted on the maps, so it’s back downstream, past the launching site for a run to the river mouth. The night is spent in some cabins at Corinna, a population of 3 and a diesel electric generator for power. ARTHUR RIVER It was a relatively slow start to the fifth day, the objective to boat the Arthur River farther north-west. An eager crew left the expedition leader to wrap things up at Corinna after a big night of Mutton Bird and Wallaby Patties. With limited cell phone coverage outside the Arthur River township, three boats were launched at 11 am as there was no sign of the fourth boat and her crew. For 25 kilometers the river wound its way through bush lined shores until it met the Frankland River. It was only a short two kilometers before the rocks and trees finally spelled the end forcing a return to the Arthur
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River. Ten kilometers upstream the rocks had become bigger, and the path narrower until finally, a un-climbable chute through a solid rock garden was the final straw, it was decided to turn around and meet up with the missing boat and crew. Meantime the fourth boat was being repaired in the Parks and Recreation Yards after the trailer had tried to swap ends with her tow vehicle en route on a gravel road, no wonder they were late. After the jet unit steering nozzle was straightened and reverse bucket reinstalled, she was launched into the Arthur River, only to explore deeper and further into the Tasmanian Wilderness on the best adventure river of the trip. DUCK RIVER The Duck River at Smithton is tackled the next day, a short but challenging run upstream climbing over logs, rocks and navigating rapids before heading to Burnie and ultimately a 1950’s Diner in Deloraine. SOUTH ESK RIVER - FINAL DAY The South Esk River is a stark contrast to the previous weeks boating, willow trees lining the banks often through farming country, much easier on the Hamilton Jet Boats and drivers. A little challenging at times with low hanging limbs, one boat losing its windscreen for the second time in as many expeditions. “Tasmania - Explore the Possibilities” is written on the vehicle number plates, fitting as that has certainly been achieved on this expedition. The boats will now head back to New Zealand and the CWF Hamilton Jet workshop for some much-needed repairs and overhauls before departing on the next expedition to Central America, including Panama, Costa Rica and Columbia.
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When we were looking to run a piece on setting up a trailer boat for gamefishing I went back into the archives and found this great two part series by Shane Kelly. Unfortunately Shane passed away last year, but his humour and infectious zeel for fishing lives on in his writing. I hope you enjoy this memorable piece, I know Shane would get a kick out of you reading it.
The Ramco 560 took on a whole new roll.
FROM FAMILY BOAT TO GAME BOAT: PART ONE
When the gamefishing bug struck Shane Kelly, he had no idea of the learning curve ahead. In this article he recalls how the 5.6m boat became a gamefishing vessel.
A set of Penn VSW 50s were purchased plus a couple of Scotty downriggers.
Was that a large blue angel bastard you wanted … no lure collection is complete without a lumo sprocket … how about this evil Hawaiian bagwan? I was in over my head, no doubt about it. I was trying to buy gamefishing lures and the guy behind the counter was talking Swahili to me. That’s fine in Swahililand, but it’s not what you expect from a respectable fishing stockist in Westhaven. So I chose what I thought looked good – thereby proving one of gamefishing’s “lores” that the first job of the lure, even before it gets to catch fish, is to hook the fisherman. Fishing had always been simple before, but my wife had utterly changed that by buying me a gamefishing video called Blue Water for Christmas. Me and my fishing buddy John had toyed with some gamefishing – trolling lures for tuna - but we weren’t really serious until I watched that video. It wasn’t footage of catching big fish, it was farrrr more seductive than that, it was and educational effort by one of Northland’s most knowledgeable deckies - a bloke called Matt Watson - and he was giving away years of his gamefishing secrets. Something gelled inside and I went from being largely disinterested in gamefishing to being hooked, gaffed and tagged - but not released. It only took five viewings of that video. This article describes the way I approached it. I don’t hold myself out to be an expert, I’m just recalling the process and some of the decisions we had to make in the quest to catch a gamefish from our modest little boat. The family Ramco 560, Bender, wasn’t the ideal platform to turn into a gameboat. Designed as an all round family fishing, skiing, sea biscuiting and picnicking boat, it had nonetheless put in plenty of
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rugged fishing miles for us, so we had great confidence in it and the Yamaha 90 outboard had been ultra reliable. Besides, Bender was all I had, so I convinced myself that catching a marlin out of the boat was possible. While catching marlin was the plan, catch 22 became the order of the day once I had decided to go for the doctor. To decide on the gear to buy, then settle on the layout and fitting of gear, we first had to understand the techniques and styles of fishing, and then make decisions about the ones we intended to use. There were a lot of decisions to make and every step would be technical and important to get right. In my case they would be based on almost no practical experience. There was no sense in spending the thick end of $5000 only to find the layout I had chosen was unworkable, or that I’d used the wrong crimp and have a marlin leap away – even worse, potentially leaving a hook embedded in it. I soon became indebted to the members of the New Zealand fishing website, www.fishing.net.nz, for their assistance and detailed advice. No matter what the topic or query, I could ask for advice on the forums and count on help freely given from a number of highly experienced people. One even generously gave me a set of lures. I asked advice on outriggers, placement, on lure selection, on live baiting and skip baiting, on the type of gear, line weights and terminal tackle, hooks, sharpening, downrigging, trolling speed and many others. The advice and assistance I was generously given would have taken years and years on the water to amass. When you add in the good humour and the discussion on all types of fishing, picking peoples’ brains on the site was also extremely entertaining. Progress was limited by both finance and wanting to spend the money the right way, so as we progressed we took gamefishing trips
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to check on our progress and the decisions we had made on gear and fitting. These are also recalled, trip by trip, starting with the first memorable occasion….
Initially we stayed the outriggers with foreguys to the bow, but changed later with stronger backing plates for the rigging bases and did away with the forestays.
HOUHORA April 2002. An easy trail through the night on Thursday is one advantage of having a 5.6m boat. Early Friday morning found us out off Houhora in stunning conditions, flat calm seas in that delightful azure blue water brought in by the warm currents. Gamefish territory. We ran about 10 miles North East of Houhora harbour and saw the only gamefish of the weekend when a yellowfin broke the surface about 50 metres in front of the boat. Bender was instantly like a Marx Brothers movie on fast forward. The tuna gear had only ever been set in my imagination … until that moment it had never been tried in anger. Fortunately it all worked as I had envisaged, but was completely ineffectual. The cold hard reality of inexperience hit home. We weren’t being overly serious and the set up was basic – we ran smallish tuna lures on 12 and 15kg outfits set in the normal rod holders. We had no way to land a decent size fish – a snapper gaff being the only one we carried, so we hoped that no 100kg+ marlin took a fancy to our lures. We motored and trolled for about 90 nautical miles that day and at one stage were looking back at North Cape from 25 miles out to sea. The ocean seemed pretty dead, with no tailing marlin, no birds and no workups, although we found some tiny baitfish in a state of excitement at one stage. In the late afternoon we had a successful snapper fish tucked under the North Cape light before pounding our way back to Houhora, about 25 nm, through a rising NNE wind. Arriving at Houhora we had about 10 litres of fuel left, which was a bit close for comfort. Plenty of range is one of the prerequisites and the way the boat uses gas when trolling at 6-9 knots seems alarming. For our first big gamefish at Houhora we had bought an extra 25 litre tote tank, taking the total we carried to 120 litres. While Houhora proved we had range of around 100 nautical miles using the 70 litre under floor and two 25 litre totes, there was little in reserve and not enough if the weather cut up rough, when fuel consumption rises considerably. For this season we have since added a 42 litre stainless tote that should give us sufficient range for all eventualities while leaving around 20 litres in hand.
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The live bait tank clips to the stern and is removable in a few seconds.
CHOOSING THE GEAR SO AS TO CAUSE A DIVORCE: OUTRIGGERS For the Houhora trip we tried putting the rods in bent stainless pipes in the rod holders, but this set-up kept the rod tips too low, it meant we had to lean well outboard to retrieve the rods and the reels ended up with waves constantly washing over them. I decided we needed proper outriggers, a decision backed up by the experts. There are a number of excellent outriggers suitable for small boats. Each brand seems to have its own bending characteristics and I could not get a consensus about how much flexibility is desirable. We soon learned that in gamefishing, there is no one clear cut way to do anything and I suspect that everyone just buys outriggers and puts up with them. We chose telescoping alloy outriggers called Telo-Riggers on the basis that I didn’t know what the hell to do with two 15ft long fibreglass poles for the nine months of the year when we wouldn’t be using them. The Tel-o-Riggers telescope down to a little over a metre long, extend to between four and five metres and seem to have a nice mix of stiffness and flexibility. The truth on how good they are will be told when, one day next year, one of the riggers snaps backwards, the clip lets go and adrenaline floods our system as one of the reels begins unloading line at a kajillion miles an hour. The only place the riggers could be mounted was on the sides of the cuddy adjacent to the helm and passenger seat. The mounting is an unobtrusive metal plate a bit smaller than a cigarette packet and we chose to strengthen the inside against the wracking forces imposed by the bending riggers, firstly with a piece of plastic (which wasn’t really stiff enough) and this year, by a piece of plywood on the inside of the cuddy side. A four inch cleat was also fastened to each side of the boat for tensioning the clip halyards. The fitting of the outriggers didn’t go without a little family drama … well, drama for someone else’s family actually. Not wanting the Chief Executive Officer to see that I’d spent $500 of the housekeeping money on kit for the boat, I figured I could get the small mounting plates on (which I reckoned she wouldn’t notice) and keep the telescoped riggers well hidden until we were out fishing. The ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
problem came when, to get the right placement for the halyard cleats, I needed the outriggers extended and rigged in all their glory. So I concocted a story about needing assistance with the boat from my long-suffering fishing buddy, John Mac. At the other end he did the same, planning to meet me at a boat ramp where we could set everything up … except he got into serious strife with his CEO for not inviting my family to spend time with his family. Apparently not doing so meant he was guilty of several antisocial and other certifiable faults. Before my duplicity cost him his marriage, I gave in, fessed up and took the personal hit (generally speaking, that means a purchase of equivalent value for her.) ROD HOLDERS Fortunately we had plenty of rod holders on the boat – plastic ones can bind up when there’s a fish on, making the rod impossible to get out until the fish has either spooled you or busted the line. The six stainless steel ones had been fitted by Hugh Stewart from Yamaha NZ, who with typical generosity four years ago, offered to put the rod holders in for me. The deal was that I had to provide him with good quality stainless ones – that was just one of the pieces of advice he gave me in the early days that I have thanked him for countless times. Spend the money on good gear up front and you’ll save it in the long term. Like the expensive fuel filter he insisted be fitted which saved the outboard powerhead within the first six months! I also needed a series of fittings for rod safety tethers – one per rod holder. These were about the only fittings I pop-riveted, all the rest were through bolted with washers behind (and also using plastic insulators supplied by Ramco to prevent electrolysis between the alloy and the bolts.) RODS We started out with two Penn Formula 15s and a couple of 10kgsized kingfish reels. We soon realised that we were under gunned and the last thing I want is to send a marlin off with hundreds of metres of nylon dragging behind because we couldn’t stop the fish.
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Extra range was necessary and the 42 litre stainless tank sits neatly in the cabin, giving us 130 litres, more than enough for a full day out. So as the funds allowed we upped the ante, adding two Penn Formula 24s and a pair of Penn 50VSW internationals. Both are spooled with 24kg, with the Formula 24s having a supplementary “backstop,” 200m of braid at the bottom of the nylon. A major decision was whether to use monofilament or Dacron line, with a lot of people recommending Dacron for its resilience. But while it makes a lot of sense for charter boats and the hammering their gear takes, we couldn’t justify the extra expense and the fact that I would need to learn a whole new way of rigging lines. I decided to stay with monofilament. AUTOPILOT One excellent idea I pinched off a mate’s boat was a simple arrangement for steering while setting up the gear. There are only two of us, so the helmsman has to leave the wheel to assist with deploying the gear, and hopefully, clearing it when we get a strike. The “autopilot” comprises a piece of cord that loops around the steering wheel and jams into a small yacht cam cleat. This holds the wheel and keeps the boat heading in a (relatively) straight line while setting out lures – otherwise the boat just turns with the engine torque and you end up with a cat’s nest of nylon at 90 degrees to the transom. It won’t steer the boat unattended for long periods of time because waves and people moving around in the boat tend to knock it off course, but it’s real handy and cost less than $10 in a situation where a true autopilot would be unrealistic.
You can read about our exploits on the water and further refinement of our technique and the gear in the next issue.
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COMPANY PROFILE:
A PROVEN BRAND 1.
2.
Established by Wayne McKinley, Senator Boats has cemented itself as one of the prominent aluminum boat manufacturers in New Zealand. Based in Napier, Senator prides itself on providing boats with many features incorporated in the ‘standard’ boat. Freddy Foote talks with the company’s owner, Wayne McKinley.
When did you start Senator Boats? We started the company 1996. I had been building boats for family and a few friends but then a local boat yard wanted one, then another and it just grew from there. Our first boat was a 5.5m pontoon.
here, so the boat has to perform in the roughest of conditions. We have an 18-deg deadrise at the transom and then forward at the shoulders we increase that to 26 deg. It has always worked, so we haven’t changed it. We have many boats in survey, company/ charter/rescue etc. We only use reputable marine grade aluminum plate. There are increasing numbers of manufacturers using cheaper aluminum plate from China which I don’t believe has the quality of what we’ve been using for years. It worries me how long that cheaper product will last once used to build a boat.
How many boats have you built? In the 18-years, we’ve built in the vicinity of around 2000 boats.They’re marketing themselves out there pretty well. We continually get enquiries from people who have talked to someone who owns one, and then they come to us to find out more. How is the market for you right now? We’re flat out. We hear that our boats are so well priced in the market; as long as we are building them efficiently we’ll be able to maintain our current pricing structure. We now have eight dealers throughout New Zealand and we do sell a few boats overseas through online enquiries.
What is the most popular model? Our most popular model is the RH620 of which we have built almost 400. After that our 580 model is probably the next most popular. How has the market changed since you built your first boat? Aluminium boats are more accepted in the marketplace now and fiberglass boats have taken a big hit. More people are choosing an alloy boat as it allows a large degree of customisation during the build process. Plus, I believe that long term an alloy boat doesn’t require as much maintenance over the course of its life. You can leave an alloy boat outside in the weather and nothing will happen to it.
Why should I buy a Senator? We’ve been around for a long time, and are a proven brand. Everyone likes the ride they give. They have quite a deep vee compared to other pontoon-designed boats, and they are one of the better-looking pontoon boats on the market. We’re very proud of our deep vee hull shape, and the shape of our pontoons. We developed the hull in the waters here off the Hawkes Bay coast, which can be very rough; there is no shelter or protection ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
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3.
1. The company use the latest router and plate press. 2. Bigger hardtop pontoon boats are proving extremely popular. 3. Depending on future demand the company may look at expanding the factory. 4. Senator Boats are building around 130 boats per year.
4.
Are there advantages or disadvantages of being a provincial manufacturer? I don’t think there are really any disadvantages. Properties in the provinces are usually cheaper than in the bigger cities, so our overheads are lower. It is hard to find the staff at times, but we have been lucky in sourcing the right people. We get younger guys coming in looking for a career in boat building and we try our best to get them started and to put them through the apprenticeship training programme with NZ Marine.
upgraded to a 6 metre press brake as well. It just saves a lot of time and is more accurate.
Are buyers more discerning and demanding on what they want? Buyers all have their own ideas. People have often been thinking for years about what they would have in their ‘dreamboat’. We have lots of ideas come from the public, and we certainly look to undertake those ideas for them if it’s feasible and can make it work.
How do you see the future? I think there will be a shift towards pontoon boats being put into survey as they meet the buoyancy requirements. Plate boats will struggle to meet the new buoyancy rules, which will require them to have higher levels of buoyancy in the gunwales. For us here at Senator, we may look at expanding the factory. If it stays busy like it is and the dealers want more boats, we will have to look at expanding our production capabilities.
What is your capacity annually and how big can you build? At the moment we are building around 130 boats per year which see’s us at maximum capacity. We can build boats up to 17m in length, but we find the smaller models keep us busy. We’ve recently taken on a couple of new staff members, which takes the total to 14.
Is there a trend to bigger boats? At the moment there is. From around 6m upwards we have a lot of orders for hardtop models. We also have a non-pontoon Senator range called Typhoon, which start at 6m though to 8.5m, of which we sell a handful during the year, but the bulk of our orders are for the pontoon models.
Any new models on the horizon? It’s always a hard one to consider. Why fix something if it isn’t broke? Particularly when that model is going so well. We make little tweaks here and there, but we’re not looking to make wholesale changes to the model line-up.
Have you changed your building techniques or materials since you started? Gone are the days of patterns and a skill saw that’s for sure! We moved to a router cutter some years ago and also WWW.BOATMAGS.COM
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
Make/Model
LOA
Beam Hull Const Type
5.20m 4.70m 5.70m 5.80m 6.28m 6.50m 6.90m 7.00m 7.10m 7.80m 8.30m 8.80m 9.40m
1.86m 2.17m 2.17m 2.27m 2.27m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.45m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.80m
ALLENCO 4.6 Runabout 5.00 Runabout 5.3 Cuddy 5.5 Cuddy 5.9 Cuddy 6.25m 6.60m 6.70m 6.80m 7.50m 8.00m 8.50m 9.00m
6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 8mm
RU CC CA CA CA HT/CA HT HT/CA HT/CA HT HT HT HT
* All hulls also available as pontoon boats and larger boats overwidth. ALTEC 6.8m 7.0m 7.6m 8.5m 8.8m 9.0m 10.5m
7.10m 7.20m 7.80m 8.70m 9.00m 9.20m 10.50m
2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.70m 2.70m 2.70m 3.00m
6mm 6mm 6mm 8mm 8mm 8mm 8mm
HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
7.20m 7.50m 7.70m 8.50m
2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m
8mm 8mm 8mm 8mm
HT CC HT HT
5.80m 6.10m 6.80m 7.20m 7.70m
2.25m 2.35m 2.45m 2.50m 2.50m
6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CC/CA/RU CC/CA/RU/HT CC/CA/RU/HT HT HT/CA
4.20m 4.60m 5.10m 5.44m 5.90m 6.00m 6.00m 6.58m 6.79m 7.50m 8.79m
1.64m 2.00m 2.00m 2.35m 2.35m 2.43m 2.40m 2.40m 2.43m 2.50m 2.5m/3.1m
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 5mm 5mm
RU RU RU CA CA HT CA/HT HT HT HT HT
4.50m 5.50m 5.85m 6.30m 7.00m
2,00m 2.41m 2.41m 2.45m 2.50m
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CC CA HT CA HT
5.00m 5.50m 6.00m
2.45m 2.45m 2.45m
4mm 4mm 4mm
CC CA/HT/CO HT/CA
6.20m 6.20m 6.50m 6.65m 7.10m 7.20m 7.20m 7.69m 7.69m
2.30m 2.50m 2.45m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CC HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
5.90m 5.60m 6.00m 6.40m 6.60m 6.70m 7.00m 7.50m 7.70m 8.00m 8.70m 9.10m 9.50m
2.30m 2.30m 2.30m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.80m
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CA CU CA HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
6.00m 4.60m
2.25m 1.84m
6.00m 7.30m
2.40m 2.50m
5mm 6mm
CA/HT HT
3.65m
1.67m
3mm
RU
AMF Viper 720 Cobra 750 Viper 770 Cobra 850
PPB020
114c Railside avenue Henderson Auckland, Mobile: 021 121 8889 e: Allan@makairaboats.co.nz • www.makairaboats.co.nz
AMF PRO SPORT 580 Pro Sport 610 Pro Sport 660 Pro Sport 720 Hardtop 770 Hardtop BAXTER C 420 Jet C 460 Jet C 510 Jet B 540 B 590 B 600 SC (Cat) B 600 B 635 B 650 WC (Cat) B 750 B 800 SC (Cat)
DB052
BIG EYE
P: 09 274 0511 • 249 Ti Rakau Drive, Pakuranga, Auckland www.familyboats.co.nz
450 550 585 630 700 BLADERUNNER 5m cat 5.5m 6m Cat BLUEFIN Bluefin 620CC Bluefin 620HT Bluefin 650HT Bluefin 665HT Bluefin 700HT Bluefin 720HT Bluefin 720 WK Bluefin 769HT Bluefin 769 WH
PPB003
BLUEWATER
T Thompson Marine
Bluewater 5.4 Bluewater 550 Bluewater 5.8 Bluewater 5.9 Bluewater 6.1 Bluewater 6.5 Bluewater 6.8 Bluewater 7.3 Bluewater 7.5 Bluewater 7.7 Bluewater 8.5 Bluewater 8.9 Bluewater 9.3 COAST CRAFT 560 Rapid Runner 460
CA RU
CIRCA Circa 6.0 Circa 7.3 DIYNO KITSET 361
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
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Make/Model 501 601 701 801
LOA
Beam Hull Const Type
5.05m 6.06m 7.12m 8.13m
1.93m 2.13m 2.43m 2.48m
4mm 4mm 5mm 6mm
CA HT HT HT
7.90m 8.80m 8.50m 8.90m 9.50m 10.0m
2.50m 2.80m 2.50m 2.50m 2.83m 2.83m
6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
HT HT HT HT HT HT
5.30m 5.50m 6.15m 7.21m 7.61m 8.21m 8.50m 9.41m
2.02m 2.28m 2.41m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CA CA CC HT HT HT HT HT
4.30m 6.40m
1.88m 2.45m
4mm 5mm
TS/CO CC
4.30m 4.70m 5.00m 5.60m 5.95m 6.35m 6.55m 6.90m 7.65m 8.65m 9.47m
2.00m 1.86m 2.10m 2.05m 2.35m 2.35m 2.45m 2.50m 2.50m 2.70m 3.00m
4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6/8mm 8mm
TS CA/CC TS CU/CC/HT CU/CC/HT CU/CC/HT CA/CC/HT HT/CC HT HT HT
5.50m 5.75m 6.18m 6.65m 7.20m 7.60m 8.60m 9.54m 11.00m
2.10m 2.22m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.80m 2.80m 2.94m 3.10m
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 5mm 6mm 6mm
CA/CC CA/CC/HT CC/HT HT/CA HT HT HT HT HT
3.90m 4.30m 4.65m 5.35m 5.25m 5.60m 5.95m 5.97m 6.00m 6.20m 6.40m 6.75m
1.82m 2.02m 2.00m 2.05m 2.15m 2.25m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m
3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
TS/SC TS/CC/SC RU CC CU HT CU HT CC HT CC HT
DICKEY Custom 750/XS Semifly 28 HT/Softop Custom 800 Custom 850 Custom 900 Custom 950 DNA 531 Sport Fisher 551 Sport Fisher 621CC 721 HT 761 HT 821 HT 850 HT 941 HT ENDURO 4100 6400 EVERYMAN 430 470 500 550 595 635 650 690 750 850 950
XXX CBLFXFMM XIJUF DPN OBWBM BSDIJUFDUVSF TUZMJOH QSPKFDU NBOBHFNFOU JOGP!CBLFXFMM XIJUF DPN 1I "VDLMBOE /FX ;FBMBOE
EXTREME 540 Sportfisher/CC 570 Sportfish 610 Gameking/CC 650 Gameking/SF 700 Gameking 750 Gameking 850 Gameking 950 Gameking 1100 Gameking FC BOATS FC390 FC430 FC465 FC535 FC525 FC560 FC595 FC597 FC600 FC620 FC640 FC675
reid trailers
FC535: See review on page 86
Co le la e l an u r ate ox 3 ort ar our u . 9 33 ma l n o re dtra ler . o.n
FINLAY Sports 5900 Ignite 6300
6.29m 6.75m
2.31m 2.43m
5mm 5mm
HT HT/CC
3.54m 3.85m 4.90m 3.85m 4.50m 5.00m 5.50m 6.10m 6.60m 7.20m 7.60m
1.52m 1.55m 1.74m 1.80m 195m 2.19m 2.20m 2.35m 2.45m 2.50m 2.50m
1.6mm 1.6mm 2mm 2mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm
TS TS TS TS RU CA CA/HT CA/HT HT CA HT
4.20m 4.60m
1.90m 1.90m
5mm 5mm
RU RU
FYRAN 12 13 16 385 440 500 550 610 660 HT 720 HT 760 HT HAMILTON MARINE Jet 132A Jet 141A
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
Make/Model
LOA
Beam Hull Const Type
4.70m 4.70m 5.00m
1.90m 1.75m 1.90m
5mm 5mm 5mm
RU RU RU
4.45m 5.42m
2.04m 2.20m
4mm 5mm
CA/CC/CO CA
606HT 656HT 808HT IMAGE
6.06m 6.56m 8.08m
2.40m 2.50m 2.70m
5mm 5mm 6mm
HT HT HT
5.8 Elite 6m Elite 6.4 Elite 7.45 Fishfinder 7.5 Fishfinder 8.25 Fishfinder 8.25 Fishmaster 8.25 MasterJet 8.75 Fishmaster 9.0 Fishmaster 10.4 Cruisemaster
6.10m 6.50m 6.40m 7.45m 7.50m 8.50m 8.50m 8.73m 9.00m 9.25m 10.50m
2.30m 2.35m 2.35m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.80m 2.70m 2.80m 3.10m
5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CA HT CA/HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
7.10m 8.10m 9.10m 9.60m 10.40m
2.40m 2.50m 2.70m 2.80m 3.30m
6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
HT HT HT HT HT
3.70m 4.40m 4.90m 5.00m 5.75m 6.60m 7.05m 7.95m 8.75m 5.75m 7.05m 8.00m
1.58m 1.75m 1.95m 2.08m 2.30m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 3.00m 2.50m 2.50m 2.85m
3mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 4mm 5mm 6mm
TS TS TS CU/CC CU/CC CU/CC/HT HT HT HT CU/CC HT HT
5.80m 6.20m
2.30m 2.30m
4mm 4mm
CA CA
5.25m
2.06m
4mm
CA/CC
6.40m 7.40m 8.40m 9.40m
2.50m 2.70m 2.80m 2.90m
6mm 6mm 6mm 6/8mm
CA HT HT HT
4.50m
2.27m
4mm
CAT
Jet 151A Jet 152A Jet 161A
• Engines 2 – 900hp • Sales & Spare Parts • Full Service Facilities
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KINGFISHER 370 Dinghy 430 Dinghy 490 Dinghy 500 575 650 705 795 875 575 Cat 705 Cat 800 Cat LAZERCRAFT 580 620 MARKS 1 525
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MAKAIRA Coaster 640 Coaster 740 Ranfurly 940 King Bank 940 MAVERICK Maverick 4.50
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
400 Dory 440 Dory 480 Dory 510 Thresher 520 Dory 520 Angler 550 Striker 550 Bowrider 570 Angler/Striker 600 625 650 700 Souwester 760 Souwester 880
4.00m 1.90m 4mm 4.40m 2.10m 4mm 4.90m 2.10m 4mm 5.10m 1.90m 4mm 5.20m 2.07m 4mm 5.20m 2.07m 4mm 5.50m 2.07m 4mm 5.50m 2.07m 4mm 5.70m 2.20m 4mm 6.00m 2.20m 5mm Action/Feature Colour 6.25m 2.27m 5mm 6.50m 2.49m 5mm #3E83D1 7.40m 2.49m 5mm R:62 G:131 8.00m 2.49m B:209 5mm 9.30m 2.90m 8mm
C:84 M:40 Y:0 K:0
TS/CO CA/RU/TS/CO CA/RU/TS/CO RU CA/RU/TS/CO CC/CA/RU CC/CA/RU BR CC/CA/RU CC/CA/HT CC/CA/HT CC/HT/WA CC/HT/WA CC/HT/WA HT
MCLAY Fortress 441 4.40m 1.85m 4mm TS Main Background Sportsman Package 461 4.60m 1.85m 4mm Colour RU Fortress 481 4.80m 2.00m 4mm TS #33363A Fortress 521 5.00m 2.00m 4mm CO Fortress 551 5.50m 2.08m 4mm CO R:51 G:54 B:58 4mm Sportsman Package 521 5.18m 2.00m CA Sportsman Package 551 5.50m 2.08mY:58 4mm CA C:75 M:65 K:56 Sportsman Package 571 5.65m 2.20m 4mm CA Fortress 571 5.65m 2.20m 4mm CC Fisherman 581 5.80m 2.28m 5mm CA CrossXover 561 5.60m 2.08m 5mm CA CrossXover 581 5.80m 2.20m 5mm CA FONTS CrossXover 601 6.00m 2.28m 5mm CA Sportsman Package 591 5.95m 2.20m 5mm CA/HT CrossXOver 611 6.10m 2.28m 5mm HT TITLES FOR ELEMENTS MENUS 5mm Cruiser 671 6.75m AND 2.35m HT font-family: Oswald; Cruiser 681 6.75m 2.35m 5mm HT Premier 701 7.01m 2.35m 5mm HT https://www.google.com/fonts/specimen/Oswald Premier 801 8.01m 2.48m 6mm HT
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ARTICLE HEADINGS font-family: 'Droid Serif'; WWW.BOATMAGS.COM font-weight: bold; https://www.google.com/fonts/specimen/Droid+Serif
Make/Model Cruiser 721 Cruiser 751 Cruiser 781 Cruiser 811 Cruiser 931 Walk Round 1100
LOA
Beam Hull Const Type
7.20m 7.45m 7.80m 8.10m 9.30m 11.40m
2.35m 2.45m 2.48m 2.48m 3.00m 3.09m
5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
HT HT HT HT HT HT
6.52m 6.70m 8.29m 6.20m
2.25m 2.43m 2.65m 2/40m
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CC CC CC CA
3.58m 3.64m 3.75m 3.76m 3.80m 3.85m 4.00m 4.01m 4.01m 4.05m 4.27m 4.29m 4.29m 4.41m 4.29m 4.43m 4.43m 4.48m 4.50m 4.50m 4.50m 4.54m 4.54m 4.61m 4.61m 4.65m 4.69m 4.72m 4.75m 4.84m 4.96m 5.00m 5.01m 5.05m 5.05m 5.05m 5.21m 5.21m 5.21m 5.21m 5.21m 5.26m 5.32m 5.41m 5.41m 5.41m 5.41m 5.41m 5.41m 5.41m 5.61m 5.61m 5.61m 5.61m 5.61m 5.61m 5.88m 5.88m 5.88m 5.88m 5.88m 6.13m 6.16m 6.16m 6.16m 6.16m 6.16m 6.43m 6.43m 6.43m 6.43m 6.93m 7.44m 7.44m 6.81m
1.45m 1.49m 1.50m 1.45m 1.58m 1.79m 1.69m 1.73m 1.76m 1.87m 1.87m 1.87m 1.87m 2.00m 1.87m 2.02m 2.02m 1.90m 2.00m 2.10m 2.05m 2.01m 2.01m 2.10m 2.10m 2.09m 1.96m 2.09m 2.05m 2.05m 2.10m 2.05m 2.25m 2.09m 2.09m 2.09m 2.25m 2.25m 2.25m 2.25m 2.10m 2.09m 2.10m 2.25m 2.22m 2.25m 2.22m 2.22m 2.25m 2.38m 2.25m 2.25m 2.25m 2.30m 2.25m 2.25m 2.38m 2.38m 2.38m 2.38m 2.38m 2.21m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m
1.6mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 2mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 2mm 2mm 2mm 2mm 2mm 3mm 3mm 2mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS RU TS TS RU TS TS CO RU TS RU SC TS TS SC TS SC RU SC TS BR RU TS RU BR RU CC CO TS CC CC CA RU BR BR RU CO RU CC CA CO BR BR RU CA CC CO BR TS CC CA CC BR RU RU CA CC HT BR HT HT CA
4.75m 5.05m 5.05m 5.45m 5.45m 5.45m 5.80m 6.02m 6.25m 7.01m 7.45m
2.05m 2,10m 2.10m 2.10m 2.10m 2.10m 2.25m 2.20m 2.33m 2.50m 2.50m
4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CA/CC CA CA CA CA CA CA HT HT HT HT
Make/Model 8450 Ultimate
LOA
Beam
8.45m
2.50m
Hull Const Type 5mm
HT
3.05m 3.55m 3.48m 3.81m 3.85m 4.25m 4.45m 4.60m 4.90m 4.32m 4.62m 5.14m 5.32m 5.45m 5.95m 3.21m 3.60m 3.80m 3.90n 4.27m 4.41m 4.55m 4.85m 5.25m 4.40m 4.55m 5.04m
1.11m 1.14m 1.53m 1.27m 1.72m 1.95m 1.95m 1.95m 1.95m 1.95m 1.95m 2.05m 2.30m 2.33m 2.33m 1.41m 1.48m 1.58m 1.85m 1.96m 1.96m 2.05m 2.05m 2.09m 1.87m 2.05m 2.07m
1.2mm 1.2mm 1.6mm 1.2mm 2mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 4.mm 4mm 2mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 2mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 3mm 3mm 3mm
TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS SC RU RU RU BRRU/CA BR/RUCA CA TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS/SC TS/SC/CC SC/CC
3.60m 4.10m 4.40m 4.70m 4.80m 5.35m 6.10m 6.70m 7.30m 8.50m 8.89m
1.80m 1.90m 1.90m 2.17m 2.17m 2.20m 2.30m 2.40m 2.40m 2.45m 2.80m
3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm
TS TS RU CA/CC RU CA CA/HT HT HT HT HT
5.57m 6.00m 6.49m 7.15m 7.3m 8.0m 8.35m 8.8m 9.3m 10.80m
2.38m 2.38m 2.38m 2.5m 2.5m 2.5m 2.7m 2.7m 2.7m 3.10m
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CU CU HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
3.5-4.8m 2.00m 6.50m 2.50m 7.00m 2.50m 7.50m 2.70m 7.60m 2.90m 8.0-10.0m 2.8-3.5m
5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CC HT HT HT HT HT
5.50m 5.80m 6.00m 6.20m 6.70m 7.00m 7.50m
2.42m 2.42m 2.42m 2.42m 2.42m 2.50m 2.50m
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CA CA CA CA/HT CA/HT CA/HT HT
5.45m 6.20m 6.50m 6.80m 7.10m 7.50m 7.50m 7.80m 7.80m 8.20m 8.60m
2.20m 2.40m 2.40m 2.45m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.80m
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CA CC HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
ORCA Seablade 19 Seablade 22 Seablade 24 Orca 6200 Walkaround
Ramco Fishmaster 6250 HT: See review on page 56
QUINTREX Quintrex 350 Explorer Quintrex 350 Dart Quintrex 370 Explorer Quintrex 370 Quintrex 370 Dart Quintrex 390 Explorer Quintrex 400 Dart Quintrex 400 Hornet Quintrex 400 Trophy Quintrex 400 Trophy Quintrex 420 Dory Quintrex 420 Explorer Quintrex 420 Trophy Quintrex 430 Top Ender Quintrex 420 Angler Quintrex 440 Hornet Quintrex 440 Trophy Quintrex 430 Escape Quintrex 450 Fishseeker Quintrex 450 Top Ender Quintrex 450 Trophy Quintrex 440 Angler Quintrex 440 Dory Quintrex 450 Escape Quintrex 450 Top Ender Quintrex 460 Dory Quintrex 440 Top Ender Quintrex 460 Classic Quintrex 470 Fishseeker Quintrex 480 Trophy Quintrex 470 Coastrunner Quintrex 500 Trophy Quintrex 500 Fishseeker Quintrex 470 Freedom Sport Quintrex 470 Escape Quintrex 470 Top Ender Quintrex 490 Escape Quintrex 490 Freedom Sport Quintrex 490 Coastrunner Quintrex 490 Legend Quintrex 490 Top Ender Quintrex 520 Dory Quintrex 520 Classic Quintrex 510 Legend Quintrex 510 Spirit Quintrex 570 Escape Quintrex 510 Freedom Sport Quintrex 510 Freedom Cruiser Quintrex 510 Coastrunner Quintrex 510 Top Ender Quintrex 530 Escape Quintrex 530 Legend Quintrex 530 Spirit Quintrex 530 Top Ender Quintrex 530 Freedom Sport Quintrex 530 Freedom Cruiser Quintrex 570 Coastrunner Quintrex 570 Spirit Quintrex 570 Legend Quintrex 570 Top Ender Quintrex 570 Freedom Sport Quintrex 600 Fishseeker Quintrex 610 Top Ender Quintrex 610 Spirit Quintrex 610 Legend Quintrex 610 Freedom Sport Quintrex 610 Coastrunner Quintrex 650 Coastrunner Quintrex 650 Spirit Quintrex 650 Freedom Quintrex 650 Offshore Quintrex 610 Freedom Cruiser Quintrex 690 Offshore Quintrex 690 Offshore SDP Quintrex 690 Spirit
SAVAGE 305 Jabiru Punt 355 Jabiru 345 Jabiru 375 Jabiru Cartopper 385 Jabiru 415 Jabiru 435 Jabiru 455 Jabiru 485 Jabiru 415 Bay Cruiser 435 Bay Cruiser 485 Bay Cruiser 515 Bay Cruiser 545 Bay Cruiser 575 Bay Cruiser 310 Water Rat 355 Snipe 375 Snipe 385 Big Boy 425 Big Boy 445 Big Boy 455 Safari 485 Safari 525 Safari 435 Scorpion 455 Scorpion 485 Scorpion SCORPION 360 Dinghy 400 Dinghy 440 Runabout 470 500 Bowrider 535 Cuddy 610 670 Wheelhouse 730 Wheelhouse 850 Wheelhouse 890 Wheelhouse SENATOR MC 540 MC 600 MH 630 MH 670 MH 700 MH 760 MH 800 + Wide beam MH 850 Wide beam MH 920 Wide beam Offshore 1020 SKELTON CRAFT Bardozer Phantom 6500 Phantom 7000 Phantom High Bow Ocean Series HT760 Carbon Series SEABOSS 550 580 600 620 670 700 750 SOUTHERN
RAMCO 4750 Prelude 5050 Prelude 5050 Sportsman 5450 Prelude 5450 Prelude 5500 Dominator 5800 Interceptor 6020 Fisherman 6250 Fishmaster 7010 Provider 7450 Seahunter
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XP516 XP616 CC XP646 HTO XP676 HTO XP716 HTO XP746 HTO XP746 HTE XP776 HTO XP776 HTE XP816 HTE XP856 HTO
109
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
Make/Model
LOA
Beam Hull Const Type
XP856 HTE XP896 HTE
8.60m 9.00m
2.80m 2.80m
6mm 6mm
Make/Model
HT HT
LOA
Beam Hull Const
Type
4.00m 4.50m 4.50m 5.00m 5.50m
2.05m 2.20m 2.20m 2.35m 2.45m
4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm
TS CC CA CA CA
4.20m 4.80m
1.87m 1.87m
3mm 3mm
TS TS
3.10m 3.60m 3.60m 4.20m 4.20m 5.40m 5.80m 7.50m 8.50m
1.72m 1.72m 1.72m 1.72m 1.72m 2.22m 2.26m 2.48m
3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 5mm 6mm 6mm
TS TS TS/CA TS/CA CA/CC CA/CC CA CA CC
3.90m 4.60m 5.15m 6.10m 6.60m
1.71m 2.02m 2.13m 2.47m 2.47m
3mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm
TS/CC CA CC/CA HT HT
3.40m 4.10m 4.40m 4.95m 5.75m 6.05m 6.80m
1.65m 1.75m 1.75m 2.00m 2.25m 2.30m 2.30m
3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm
TS TS CA/CO/HT CA/CO/HT CA/CO/HT HT/CA HT
4.0m 4.7m 5.25m 5.40m 5.70m 6.00m 6.50m
1.78m 2.06m 2.17m 2.17m 2.17m 2.30m 2.30m
3mm 4mm 4/5mm 4/5mm 4/5mm 5mm 5mm
CA CA CA/CC CA/CC CA/CC HT HT
3.60m 3.90m 4.70m 5.20m 5.50m 5.90m 6.60m 7.20m 7.80m 7.80m
1.82m 1.95m 2.00m 2.10m 2.20m 2.30m 2.40m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m
3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
TS CA CA CA CA/HT CA/HT CA/HT CA/HT HT HT
3.80m 4.50m 5.40m 6.00m 7.00m 7.00m 8.00m
1.60m 2.05m 2.33m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.50m
3mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 3mm 3mm
TS TS/CA/CC CA CA/HT/CC CA/HT/CC PP PP
BLACKDOG CAT - Catamarans BDC 4.0 SS / XL BDC 4.5 CC BDC 4.5SS BDC 5.0 SS BDC 5.5 SS
SOUTHERN XP 856: See review on page 20
BLUEFIN 420 APB 480 APB COMMANDO 3.1 Trooper 3.6 Trooper Delux 3.6 Trooper 3.9 Trooper 3.9 Trooper Sport 5.4 Trooper 5.8 Wide Body 7.5 Silverado 8.5 Trooper
SURTEES 495 Workmate 550 Workmate 575 Workmate 610 Workmate 610 Gamefisher 650 Gamefisher 700 Gamefisher 750 Gamefisher 850 Gamefisher
4.95m 5.63m 5.75m 6.10m 6.10m 6.50m 7.00m 7.50m 8.50m
2.00m 2.15m 2.15m 2.35m 2.35m 2.35m 2.35m 2.50m 2.50m
4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CA/CC CA/CC/HT CA/CC/HT HT/CC HT/CC HT/CC HT/CC HT/CC HT/CC
5.50m 5.75m 6.50m
2.10m 2.25m 2.35m
4mm 4mm 4mm
HT/CU/CC HT/CU/CC HT/CU/CC
5.60m 5.60m 5.80m 6.20m 6.60m 6.60m 6.60m 7.20m 7.20m 7.20m 7.40m 7.40m 7.40m 7.60m 7.60m 7.60m 8.20m 8.20m 8.20m 8.40m 8.40m 8.40m 8.40m 8.80m 8.80m 8.80m 9.20m 9.40m 10.50m
2.10m 2.10m 2.10m 2.35m 2.45m 2.45m 2.45m 2.45m 2.45m 2.45m 2.45m 2.45m 2.45m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.75m 2.75m 2.75m 2.70m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.90m 2.90m 3.10m
6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CA CC CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA
5.34m 5.85m 6.03m 6.47m 6.75m 7.55m
2.10m 2.10m 2.44m 2.44m 2.44m 2,44m
4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CA CA CA CA HT HT
4.35m 5.07m 5.52m 5.65m 5.95m 6.47m 7.20m 7.77m 8.55m 9.00m 10.80m
1.95m 2.02m 2.18m 2.32m 2.40m 2.45m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.80m 3.10m
3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm
TS CA CA HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
6.72m 6.92m
2.40m 2.50m
5mm 5mm
HT HT
4.83m 5.30m 5.50m
2.00m 2.00m 2.42m
3mm 4mm 4mm
CA/CC CA CA
DNA 420 460 XC 515 610 XHT 660 XHT
VMG VMG500 VMG575 VMG650
DNA 570 XHT: See review on page 68
WHITE POINTER 550 Sports 550 Cente Console 5.80 Sports Jet 6.20 Sports Hard Top 660 Sports Hard Top 660 Sports Cruiser 660 Custom Cruiser 7m Sports Hard Top 7m Sports Cruiser 7m Custom Cruiser 730 Sports Hard Top 730 Sports Cruiser 730 Custom Cruiser 750 Sports Hard Top 750 Custom Cruiser 750 Sports Cruiser 8m Sports Hard Top 8m Sports Cruiser 8m Custom Cruiser 840 Pro Sportsman 840 Sports Hard Top 840 Sports Cruiser 840 Custom Cruiser 850 Sports Hard Top 850 Sports Cruiser 850 Custom Cruiser 920 Custom Cruiser 940 Pro Sportsman 1050 Pro Sportsman All models avaliable in 8mm
FREWZA 3.4 4.1 F14 F16 F18 605 680 FREWZA F21 HT: See review on page 48
ALLOY BOAT PONTOON AQUALITE 535 SS 570 SS 601 SS-XRV 645 SS-XRV 665 WHT 775 WHT
HARDY 4 4.7 5.25 5.4 5.7 6 6.5
AQUALINE 435 495 545 565 595 645 705 780 860 890 1080
KIWI KRAFT 360 390 470 515 Fisherman 550 Fisherman 590 Sport 660 Sport HT 720 Sport HT 780 Sport HT 780 Overnighter
ASSAULT 672 APB 692 APB
ORCA 3.8 4.5 5.4 6 7 7.0 Party 8.0 Party
BAXTER B 480 B 530 B 550
ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
110
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Make/Model
LOA
Beam Hull Const
Type
Make/Model RH 690 RH 770 RH 780 RH 860
OSPREY Osprette 349 E/S Osprette 380E/S Osprette 450S Osprette 495 Classic 520 Classic 565 Classic 590 Plus 610HT Classic / Plus 650 Classic / Plus 700 Classic / Plus 750 Plus 800HT 850HT
3.50m 4.00m 4.50m 5.00m 5.20m 5.65m 5.90m 6.10m 6.50m 7.00m 7.50m 8.00m 8.50m
1.68m 1.68m 1.95m 2.15m 2.25m 2.25m 2.25m 2.25m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m
2.5mm 2.5mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
TS TS TS/CO CO CC/HT CC/HT CA HT CA/HT CA/HT CA/HT HT HT
4.65m 5.20m 5.45m 5.85m 5.85m 5.87m 6.00m 6.40m 6.50m 7.00m 7.50m 7.80m 9.40m
1.80m 2.00m 2.00m 2.14m 2.14m 2.14m 2.25m 2.30m 2.40m 2.40m 2.60m 2.66m 2.73m
4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CA CA CA CA CC HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
LOA
Beam Hull Const
Type
7.13m 7.93m 7.97m 9.90m
2.49m 2.49m 2.70m 2.70m
6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
HT HT HT HT
3.92m 4.55m 5.30m 6.00m
1.90m 1.90m 1.90m 2.30m
4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm
RU CA CA CA/HT
4.30m 4.30m 4.30m 4.67m 4.88m 4.88m 5.00m 5.26m 5.40m 5.40m 5.60m 5.50m 5.60m 6.27m 6.27m 6.40m 6.40m 7.32m 7.16m 7.86m 7.92m 7.92m 8.80m 8.80m 8.80m
1.7m 1.7m 1.7m 1.87m 2.02m 2.02m 2.15m 2.15m 2.16m 2.16m 2.40m 2.40m 2.40m 2.31m 2.31m 2.30m 2.30m 2.30m 2.32m 2.49m 2.49m 2.49m 2.49m 2.49m 2.49m
3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
TS CC CA CA CA CC CA CC CA CA CC CC HT CA HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
SENATOR RH800 JET: See review on page 28
PROFILE 465C 520C 545C 585C 585CC 585H 600H 635H 650H 700H 750HW 780HW 940HW
SCORPION 392 455 530 600 STABICRAFT 1410 Explorer 1410 Frontier 1410 Fisher 1530 Fisher 1600 Fisher Carbon Series 1600 Frontier Carbon Series 1650 Fisher 1750 Frontier 1850 Fisher 1850 Sport 1850 Frontier 1850 Matt Watson Signature 1850 Supercab 2050 Fisher 2050 Supercab 2100 Supercab 2100 Frontier 2400 Supercab 2250 Supercab 2570 Matt Watson Signature 2600 Pilothouse 2600 Supercab 2900 Supercab 2900 Weekender 2900 Pilothouse
PROFILE 545C: See review on page 76 REEL 390 400 535 585 650HT
4.05m 4.50m 5.50m 6.25m 7.20m
1.68m 1.60m 1.90m 2.10m 2.26m
3mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm
TS/RU CU CU CU HT
3.67m 3.67m 4.41m 4.36m 6.00m
1.30m 1.54m 1.51m 2.10m 2.39m
3mm 3mm 4&3mm 4mm 4mm
RU RU CA CA CA/CC
3.50m 4.20m 4.40m
1.70m 1.70m 1.87m
3mm 3mm 3mm
CI TS TS/CC
3.50m 3.80m 4.20m 4.80m 5.50m 6.80m 7.60m
1.70m 1.70m 1.73m 1.73m 2.20m 2.20m 2.50m
3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 5mm 5mm
TS TS TS TS/CA CO CA HT
6.13m
2.25m
5mm
CC
4.00m 4.10m 4.10m 4.74m 4.74m 5.04m 5.30m 5.20m 5.40m 5.50m 5.50m 5.70m 6.12m 6.13m 6.45m 6.13m 6.45m 6.75m
1.65m 1.80m 1.80m 1.87m 1.87m 1.87m 1.52m 2.05m 1.98m 1.98m 2.05m 1.98m 2.18m 2.20m 2.38m 2.20m 2.38m 2.38m
3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
TS CC TS CA CC CA CA CU CC CA CA CA CA CC CA HT HT HT
REVO 361 Jet-2 361 Jet-3 442 Powercat 451 601
STYLE CODE:
SEASPRAY 3.5 4.2 4400 WB
CC = CENTRE CONSOLE CO = CONSOLE CA = CABIN
SEA SURGE 3.5 3.8 4.2 4.8 5.5 6.8 7.6
CU = CUDDY CABIN RU = RUNABOUT TS = TILLER STEER
SEALEGS 6.1 D-Tube
HT = HARDTOP
SENATOR IS 380 ICC 400 IS 400 RC 450 RCC 450 RC 480 RC 500 1700 Pro Sport* RCC 510 RC 520 1800 Pro Sport* RC 540 RC 580 RCC 580 RC 620 RH 580 RH 620 RH 650
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PP = PARTY PONTOON
Free Listing Available For builders of production or custom aluminium boats. If you wish to be included in this Alloy Boat Listing please send your details to barry@boatmags.com
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ALLOY BOAT 2016 ISSUE #7
AA Solar
65
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74
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41
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83
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63
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16
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97
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55
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75
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17
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66
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33
BLA - Humminbird
91
Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show
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38
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19
Isuzu
26
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84
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66
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27
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4
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36
Kilwell
39
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25
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45
Kilwell
103
Sportcraft Marine
47
CWF Hamilton Jets
95
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45
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DNA Boats
37
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64
Tohatsu Outboards
10
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64
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44
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85
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74
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43
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67
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11
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7
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FP
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40
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40
Profile
12
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