Alloy Boat Issue 26

BUYERS GUIDE TO 12” MFDS

STABICRAFT 1550 FRONTIER REVIEW

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TO RAROTONGA

ALUMINIUM BOAT GUIDE

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Nautical Group Holdings (NGH) has appointed Jeremy Singleton as head of sales for group company Railblaza.

NHG acquired the NZ-based mounting systems manufacturer in November last year.

“We are extraordinarily pleased to welcome Jeremy to Railblaza as part of the NGH family from July 18th,” says Marc Michel, CEO of NGH. “Jeremy will bring that sales focus and acumen which has been built up from an extensive career in the global marine and automotive industries, both in sales and marketing working with strong brands like Hella Marine, Hellaby Automotive and Vesper.” Railblaza offers a wide range of products, but core items include kayak carts, rod holders and a range of innovative mounts made from reinforced plastic, stainless steel and anodised aluminium.

Singleton will work closely with Andrew Moczygemba, president of Railblaza USA, and EMEA sales director Peter Dudman to bring a more cohesive approach to Railblaza’s global sales and marketing strategy as it grows its global footprint.

SUZUKI INTRODUCES MICROPLASTIC COLLECTING DEVICE

Suzuki Motor Corporation announced it has started production this month on five mid-size outboard motors with the world’s first Microplastic Collecting Device as standard equipment.

The company first introduced the concept at IBEX in October 2020 featuring installation of a device on outboard motors which collects microplastics near the water surface simply by running the boat.

After the announcement, the company carried out testing and monitoring surveys in 14 countries, including Japan, the United States and Europe, with further improvements made to the device. The five models now in production with the device included as standard equipment are the: DF140BG, DF115BG, DF140B, DF115B and DF100C.

The microplastic collection system consists of an inline filter installed on the engine’s cooling water outflow, where it collects microplastics and other tiny bits of debris sucked in by the engine as it operates. The system is designed so that the filter element can be cleaned of debris by the boat operater as needed and re-used, with a built-in bypass that will prevent a clogged filter from ever causing engine performance or overheating issues.

Suzuki commented in its announcement on the huge amount of marine plastic waste that flows into the ocean, creating a significant environmental issue along with microplastics and their well-documented detrimental impact on ecosystems. The installation of this device on outboard motors is one of the three activities the outboard producer has undertaken as part of its Suzuki Clean Ocean Project –committed to address the marine plastics issue: Clean-Up the World Campaign – a volunteer waterside clean-up campaign carried out by Suzuki Group employees and partners, started in 2011. As of March 2022, 53 distributors and more than 10,000 people worldwide have participated in the campaign. The project is being continued and further expanded in 2022. Suzuki has also set out to reduce the plastic packaging for its outboard motors and parts, and since the effort was undertaken in October 2020, Suzuki reports it has avoided using over 11 tonnes in plastic packaging. Suzuki said it aims to further reduce plastics in 2022 by increasing the number of applicable products and genuine parts in the packaging program.

NAUT LAUNCH NEW DEMONSTRATOR

The vessel represents another big step in Naut’s product development as the team of boat enthusiasts’ inch closer to the delivery and production of fully electric propulsion products for the recreational marine sector. The 7m aluminium power boat comfortably reaches planing speed, with a top speed of 28 knots. The 150hp electric system possesses enough power to easily plane and handle all sea conditions the boat was originally designed for. The battery and propulsion system were delivered by the Naut team to suit potential

customer’s lifestyle – be it planing across the water or out on the water at a range of speeds for 3-4 hours. The boat will accommodate overnight charging, from a standard home power point. The team are continuing to make improvements to the propulsion system, and these, as well as the latest developments in boat design will further improve duration and range.

Following the successful testing of Beachcomber, the team are now finalising the design for the Naut products, particularly the electric

outboard, as well as the electrical system that can be used to power the Naut outboard, or alternative drive line options such as stern drive or jets. These electric outboards are expected to be ready for purchase in 2023, while the electrical system to power alternative drives are now available for order. Naut is interested to h ear from companies, boatbuilders or recreational boaties to discuss how an electric propulsion system would work for them, now or in the future.

New Zealand alloy boat builders are a masterclass when it comes to designing and producing alloy hardtops and none more so than Gisborne based White Pointer Boats. With their new 870 WA, their first ever walkaround hardtop, they have taken that concept to another level.

A testimony to White Pointer is that boat #1 is so good, it could easily be boat #10. Rex Briant, MD of White Pointer Boats says at this stage he wouldn’t change anything. The Dash was built for a third-time White Pointer owner, with the 870 being his take on a seriously tough blue water fishing boat with comfortable overnighting amenities. He also wanted the boat to be trailerable. Hence a Dodge Ram was purchased to pull the 4000 kg rig on the road.

“I love the finish and quality of White Pointer Boats and when I sold my last boat I had no hesitation in going back to Rex and his team for my next one. The walkaround just made sense and it’s a fantastic machine, very practical and easy to use”, says owner Greg Froude. He added that an enjoyable week at the Barrier convinced him, he had made the right choice when it came to staying away in a large trailer boat.

“There is no cooker so I use a bait board mounted gas cooker and with the hot, fresh water outdoor shower, internal toilet, plus a big freezer we had everything we needed“, added Greg. When it comes to fishing The Dash provides all the fishy bits that make it such a dedicated fishing/diving platform. Being a sterndrive powered boat, there is a full width boarding platform with a safety cage all around. This adds great security when fishing in a sloppy sea. There are two drop down ladders that form part of the railing and easily accessed tuna tubes are conveniently placed on either side. If you decide on the outboard option then there are still a pair of platforms either side of the engines and optional cages available. Being one of the highersided (900mm) White Pointers, there is enough transom height to allow

GREG FROUDE, 870 WA OWNER

'I love the finish and quality of White Pointer Boats... The walkaround just made sense and it’s a fantastic machine, very practical and easy to use.'

The 870 is White Pointer’s first full walk-around.

The wheelhouse features ample seating for the skipper and passengers.

for a flat boarding platform. Access from the cockpit to the boarding platform is from the starboard-side walk-through with a live bait tank combination and the port-side aft transom has a concealed sink, fresh water hot and cold facility. White Pointer has customised this to suit the customers requirements.

You also have the option of the Pro Sportsman Curved seamless style transom with no boarding platform. The development of this model has come about to satisfy the demands of the purist sports fisherman and also maximises the working space in the enlarged cockpit.

In the centre of the transom is a large bait station complete with rod and knife holders. The bait station can be custom designed to suit your fishing needs. White Pointer can incorporate dive racks under the bait station and also offer fully upholstered seating on top of the engine box. Running below each wide cockpit coaming are long rod storage trays, with optional hinged

covers that hide away the clutter, plus rod racks, DC electric reel sockets, a knee operated hand wash and rod /gaff holders. The Dash was also fitted with an optional pot hauler, which clips in place, so can be removed and left at home if you don’t need it on your next trip. These side decks can also be fitted with dive bottle storage that can carry as much as 6 bottles.

Under the U-Dec covered cockpit sole is an extra-large kill tank with a lift-out bin ahead of the engine. A smaller secondary hatch means you don’t have to open the entire floor panel to drop your fish in. While White Pointer refer to it as the Terakihi door for us Aucklanders it’s a snapper door!

OPEN WHEELHOUSE

With the owner adamant he wanted a boat that he could stay overnight in reasonable comfort, White Pointer have added all the necessary mod cons. The wheelhouse features ample seating for the skipper and passengers, a fridge/freezer under the day lounge, sliding side windows, overhead Cule hatches, a large custom dash and LED lighting. Optional diesel fired heaters and hobs/ovens are also popular. Depending on your preference, the driving position is multi-purpose. Seated, bolstered or standing, you have great visibility, with sliding side windows letting in fresh air ventilation.

A 16” Furuno MFD is flanked by the Zipwake interceptor controls, anchor display and the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit. With the Idrive leg, the autopilot is an option. Above is a GME VHF and the obligatory Fusion Apollo sound system. The lockable cuddy cabin comes with a 2m v-berth and infill to make one large berth. There

is storage under the squabs and a head under the forward bunk. You can have the entire cabin fully upholstered, so no alloy is shown anywhere.

Rex says there is no standard seating layout in the wheelhouse, it’s all owner’s choice. Greg chose two forward Hi-Tech bucket seats with bin seats aft with storage/freezer beneath. It’s an open wheelhouse, but a full clear back drop can be added to enclose the hard top.

WIDE BULWARKS

The new White Pointer 870 WA is based on the well-proven 8.40m - 8.70m platform with a wide 2.75m beam and a 6mm hull-plate construction. However, the cabin has been borrowed from the 700 Cabin that had the perfect front window styling. The one-piece curved screen has no mullions and uses one huge windscreen wiper. The roofline remained much the same as the 700, albeit extended. The deeply recessed bulwarks allow safe passage around the wheelhouse to the open bow area. I liked the fact that there is enough toe space provided under the centre cab to turn 180 deg without getting caught up in the alloy structure or tripping over your feet. Handrails on the wheelhouse provide that extra feeling of security.

Aft of each bulwark is a grill and sump, so any water that does run down the side deck is expelled overboard before reaching the cockpit. Another example of White Pointer’s attention to detail.

Once you do get to the foredeck area, there is good fishing space ahead of a large cabin

top sunpad. There are rod holders provided in the high bow rails, with popular options including a MinnKota 87 Riptide Terrova trolling motor and a Stressfree NG Maxi drum winch.

One of the key features of any hardtop boat is getting the style and the looks just right. Everything should flow seamlessly as one and not look like an afterthought. With the 870 WA, White Pointer has achieved that to near perfection.

POWER OPTIONS

The Dash is powered by a Volvo Penta D4/320hp with a DPI leg, giving a top speed of 33 knots. At 3300rpm (80% load), we recorded 28.5 knots, using around 44 lph and about a 300nm range. Drop that back to 2800 rpm (74% load) and the cruise speed was a very comfortable 22 knots, with a fuel burn of a conservative 31 lph and a range of more than 320 nm.

When it comes to trolling dead baits or lures, a real feature of this setup is the idrive Volvo leg. This has a super slow creep speed of up to about 2 knots. Outside of this mode the standard drive is around 5 knots at idle. Fuel burn is a miserly 11-13 lph and you have a range in excess of 300 nm. I ran the boat in reasonably calm water off Gulf Harbour, Auckland, so it would be fair to say it ran perfectly. However, I have experienced a number of White Pointers over the years and

The one-piece curved screen has no mullions and uses one huge windscreen wiper.

White Pointer can customise the transom area to suit.

The deeply recessed bulwarks allow safe passage around the wheelhouse to the open bow area.

ask anyone who owns one and they will agree that they are exceptional boats in the rough water.

If you are a bit of a petrol head and like the feel and sounds of gears crunching and drives locking into place, then you will not like the Volvo Penta DPI drive. The DPI drive features a hydraulic clutch that ensures silent and smooth shifting, as well as slipping at low engine speeds. The hydraulic clutch, together with electric steering gives an improved joystick docking function. The DPI driveline comes with a Dynamic Positioning System, which automatically maintains a boat’s heading and position, even during strong currents or windy conditions – ideal when preparing for docking or fishing over a canyon. If you prefer outboards then anything bigger than twin V6 225s is ideal, with the wide beam well capable of taking the twin engines. Rex also suggests that a single Mercury V12 600 Verado or a Yamaha XTO 425 V8 would be great power options.

OVER 600 BOATS

Many features of The Dash are a result of the owner’s input. Rex says that all you see should not be interpreted as standard and should be clarified with White Pointer when designing your ultimate weapon.

“We want to give an owner exactly what they want and so in many ways no two boats are ever exactly the same and that’s what stands us apart from a lot of our competitors” says Rex Like all White Pointers, you have the option of a painted or unpainted hull and wheelhouse and the boat comes with a ten-year recreational hull warranty. The brainchild of their owner, Rex Briant, the first White Pointer Boat hit the water more than 25 years ago. Every boat since, and that’s over 600 in total, has added to the brand’s reputation for producing ruthless fishing machines of supreme craftsmanship and performance. The 870 Walkaround is no exception.

Once you do get to the foredeck area, there is good fishing space ahead of a large cabin top sunpad.

The engine box provides addition seating.

The lockable cuddy cabin comes with a 2m v-berth and infill to make one large berth.

There is plenty of space on the dash of The Dash.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model White Pointer 870

Priced From: $NZ350,000

Hardtop

Alloy 6mm/4mm

8.70m

8.20m

2.75m

Trailerable Wgt 3.1 to 4.0 tonnes

Volvo Penta D4/

500 litres / 670 litres

Water 150 litres

Furuno 16 TZ3

Cule

U-Dec

Zipwake

Drum Winch Streefree NG Maxi Seats Hi Tech

Motor MinnKota 87 Riptide

Sound System Fusion Apollo

GME

Power options Outboard/Sterndrive

Trailer White Pointer

Manufacturer White Pointer Boats

PERFORMANCE

STERNDRIVE OR OUTBOARD?

Today's primary power source for boats 5m to 10m is outboard or sterndrive. Which one suits you and why? We look at the pros and cons of both platforms.

Yamaha is responsible for a lot of the 10,000 outboards sold in New Zealand annually.

Since its introduction in 1959, Volvo Penta has continued to develop the sterndrive concept.

Most modern cruisers and family boats are powered by sterndrive or outboard propulsion. In New Zealand, the outboard rules with over 95% of all trailer boats 4-9m powered by an outboard. Most of the remaining 5% comprises diesel sterndrive, followed by petrol sterndrive and jet. However, diesel and electric outboards are starting to make inroads into the mix, albeit small at the moment.

While today there are three primary types of marine engine — outboard, sterndrive and inboard, not so 65 years ago when trailer boating was in its infancy. Let's take a look at the advantages, and most popular applications, for each propulsion system.

INBOARD DOMINANCE

Inboard power is the classic, original marine propulsion system. A petrol or diesel engine is located within the boat, and power is transferred to the propeller by a shaft that passes through the bottom of the hull. A separate

At one time, almost any trailer boat in the 5m to 8m range had inboard power. In the early years of pleasure boating, a converted car engine offered enough horsepower to move even midsize runabouts. Interestingly, with very few exceptions, petrol inboard engines today are still marinised car engines. Marinisation was a big business after WW2 as the recreational boating market started to take off. Trailer boats were in their infancy, and the outboard revolution had not yet started. By the mid-1950s, we started to see specialist marinisation companies in New Zealand, with Augustin, the market leader. They made everything from struts, rudders and shafts to props and fully marinised engines. They even designed and built the boats to put their gear into. Petrol engines like the Ford 10, Watermota, based on a four-cyl Ford Prefect engine, Graymarine, 4cyl, 6cyl & V8s, Chrysler 6 cyl or Dodge V8s were widely used, as were small diesel engines from Penta, Morris, Graymarine and Universal. At that time, outboards were only low horsepower, around 25hp maximum and unsuitable to power the larger and heavier plywood trailer boats and small cruisers. Alloy boats hardly existed, and fibreglass was in its infancy. Sterndrives were also starting to be used, with Kiwi company France Craft designing one of the few local units. Others to follow were Melhop, Perkins Z Drive, and Argonaut, all of which faded into history once MerCruiser and Volvo Penta entered the country and started their

A full-page advert in a 1955 Seaspray magazine for Carl Augustin Plans detailed nine boats from 12ft through to 20ft, and all were only optioned with petrol inboards. The Augustin 20ft Overlander was powered with a Ferguson

The Melhop Viking was one of the forerunners of the modern sterndrive.

A Ron Augustin

1954 Seaspray magazine.

tractor engine, an adaption of the Standard Vanguard, which developed 26hp @ 2500 rpm.

That began to change in the late 1950s / early 1960s as outboard motors became more powerful, plus the sterndrive power train was gaining some following. Outboards had grown to 100hp, and sterndrives boosted 225hp engine packages in 1963.

Today, inboard power remains most popular for specialised tow sports boats, such as Nautique, Malibu and Mastercraft. It offers several advantages for tow sports. The engine makes a lot of torque, and the prop is always in undisturbed water under the boat, both of which help pull water skiers and boarders quickly up on the plane and hold well against the strain of the tow line. An inboard can also provide power without creating excessive turbulence behind the boat, allowing builders of specialised wake sports boats to shape the hull to create the most desired wake for skiing, boarding or surfing.

However, when it comes to conventional trailer boats, the inboard with a shaft drive is ancient history regarding drivelines. The only exception is perhaps the jet unit which sees an inboard engine attached to a short shaft coupled to the jet unit. World leaders in jet propulsion are certainly New Zealand's own Hamilton Jet. While jetboats are the king of the rivers, they have never really gained much of a following when it comes to offshore boating. However, rumours are that Hamilton Marine is developing a new range of fibreglass jet boats to tackle the conventional ''outboard'' market in 2023.

Perhaps the most significant advantage of an inboard is rarely discussed – the props are well under the boat, and there is little chance of a severe accident. Obviously, the same principle applies to a jet installation. This vital detail has kept sterndrives and outboards out of the wake surfing business until recently.

Both Volvo and Mercury have introduced forward-facing lower units that put the props about .66 cm forward of where they would be otherwise. With the props no longer exposed, regular bow riders are now used for wake surfing.

While some mid-range cruisers are available with inboard petrol engines, they are quickly being supplanted by the large outboard engines or diesel sterndrives, and they seem to be bound for extinction.

STERNDRIVE OR OUTBOARD

The Evinrude V6 ‘Jumbo’ and Mercury V6 Black Max started a whole new growth in outboard motor sales.

STERNDRIVE CHANGES

In 1948, Mercury Marine engineer Charlie Strang mated an aluminium car racing engine to the lower unit of an outboard motor, creating a marine propulsion system more powerful than the outboard motors available at the time. During the 1950s, he and fellow engineer Jim Wynne worked at Mercury under founder Carl Kiekhaefer. The latter was initially dismissive of and opposed to a technology that would later capture 80% of the market. In 1959 Wynne left Kiekhaefer and, in less than 90 days, developed his own stern drive, which he subsequently patented. The first commercial introduction of sterndrives was the Volvo Penta "Aquamatic" at the 1959 New York Motor Boat Show. Kiekhaefer introduced a MerCruiser outdrive in 1961 at the Chicago Boat Show. By 1962, around 20 manufacturers produced sterndrives, including several Kiwi designs. The petrol sterndrive engine was introduced as a power system that combined the torque of an inboard engine with an outboard's steerable and trimmable drive capability.

Over the last half-century, Volvo Penta has continued developing the Aquamatic, adding diesel power options to its lineup in 1977. In 1982, Volvo Penta debuted the DuoProp drive, which offers greater bite, enhanced tracking and manoeuvrability, and improved steering. And most recently, Volvo Penta launched a line of composite stern drives specifically for saltwater use.

It took Mercury Marine 24 years to sell its first million sterndrive units, but only ten years to reach the second million in 1955. Today they are the largest supplier of petrol sterndrives in the world.

Today, petrol sterndrive engines range from around 200 to over 1000 hp. While petrol sterndrives are not so popular as a power option in New Zealand anymore for trailer boats, there is still a small market. It is estimated that around 50-60 petrol sterndrive packages are sold annually, shared between Mercury Marine's Mercruiser and Volvo Penta's Aquamatic.

While the number of stern drive boats compared to outboard-powered boats, especially up to around 10m, is small, there is still a cult following. Wayne Patten, MD of Volpower, New Zealand importers and distributors for Volvo Penta, says;

MD for Mercury Marine, says they have a couple of regular production builders that still install the smaller engines, such as the 4.5 and 6.5 Mercruisers, and supply a steady market in repower.

Interestingly while the installation costs of a sterndrive compared to an outboard are much higher, the initial unit costs are not. A Volvo Penta V6 300hp petrol sterndrive retails for around $46,000, compared to a Mercury 300hp V8 outboard at $51,000. Single-prop sterndrives are matched up primarily with inline 4, V-6 engines. Dual-prop drives such as the MerCruiser Bravo Three and Volvo Penta Duoprop are typically paired with larger V-6 & V-8s ranging from 300 to 440 hp and are used for pushing heavier cruisers and day boats.

In New Zealand, the peak for petrol sterndrives was around the mid-2000s, when the world sales figures were around 75,000 sterndrives of all sizes. That global number has fallen considerably to less than 10,000. There are many reasons for this, but possibly none more so than the rapid advancement of the outboard. Also, at the same time, 4-stroke outboard engines got rid of the 2-stroke smell, smoke, and temperamental behaviour. And, they were much more fuel-efficient than the old 2-stroke and approached sterndrive engines in terms of fuel consumption. Today, there is little difference between the two.

DIESEL REVOLUTION

Since its introduction in 1959, Volvo Penta has continued to develop the sterndrive concept – not least through the introduction in 1977 of the classic MD40 series of diesel engines. Until then, the Aquamatic sterndrive was primarily combined with gasoline engines. With the MD40 series and new drives, Volvo Penta developed a powerful diesel package that took the boating world by storm.

Diesel power, combined with Aquamatic sterndrive, created a new market on which Volvo Penta has been the undisputed leader since that time.

Volvo Penta has been a dominate player for many years in the in the diesel sterndrive market.

" Our smallest 200hp V6 has been a consistent seller for the smaller trailer boat market, and some of our larger models find their way into production or custom boats and repowers".

Dean Harris,

In 1982 Volvo Penta introduced the Duoprop, an Aquamatic sterndrive with double, counter-rotating propellers. The Duoprop represented a significant development, with fantastic performance, sure grip in the water and improved steering. It is the diesel Duoprop range of D3, D4 and D6 engine platforms that are finding their way into Kiwi boats. Volvo Penta has the industry's most comprehensive engine programme for drives, comprising both diesel and gasoline engines.

Total diesel sterndrive sales in New Zealand for all brands is around 225 units.

OUTBOARD REVOLUTION

There was a paradigm shift in trailer boat powerboats in the early '60s with the advent of the larger horsepower outboards. Very quickly, the traditional inboard with a shaft drive and rudder disappeared in favour of the lighter and easier to install outboard. Designers like Frank Pelin, Richard Hartley and others started turning out specialist outboardpowered boat designs. When the first of the V6 outboards were released in the mid 1970s, such as the Mercury V6 Black Max and the Johnson & Evinrude V6 Jumbos, the flood gates opened for larger trailer boats. Suddenly there was a perfect engine platform for 6-7m boats and performance runabouts. Since then, the development of the outboard has been stratospheric, from the smokey 2-stroke to highly efficient 4-strokes with everything from superchargers and turbochargers to direct injection and fuel management. Today that has been extended to diesel and electric outboards that are starting to put a whole new dimension on the simple outboard. Who would have ever imagined a V12, 600hp outboard would be available as a standard production engine. Mercury certainly did. Originally intended only to power small fishing boats and runabouts, outboard engines have become more powerful and have often replaced inboard and sterndrive engines on larger cabin cruisers, day boats and high-performance boats. Today, with the advent of 300hp plus, V6/V8 & V12 outboards, these engines are being put on boats 15m and larger and are replacing diesel inboard engines. The number of outboards an owner can put on the transom is only dictated by the available beam. While Kiwis are familiar with single, twin and the occasional triple outboard rig, in the US, three is considered a starting point on some boats. Four, five and yes, even six engines are not uncommon on some of the biggest centre console and sport fishing boats in the US.,

When combined, the multi-outboard package can make more power than the biggest pair of sterndrive engines available, resulting in performance that was once unimaginable. Today's outboards are more efficient, powerful, and feature-laden than the motors offered just a few years ago. All reasons why outboards have become more popular on more types of boats.

Outboard engines are the only propulsion systems designed from scratch for marine use. Because the entire outboard engine is located outside the boat, more of the cockpit can be devoted to seating or gear storage, live bait tanks and other features in the space a sterndrive or the inboard engine would occupy. Another reason outboard power has always been a popular choice for fishing boats.

The key trade-off for outboard power on family boats is that the motor intrudes on the swim platform. With sterndrive or inboard power, the boat can be designed

with a flat, full-width platform that many prefer for swimming and lounging. But lately, imaginative designers are creating a swim/staging area ahead of the outboards and behind the seating area that effectively gives occupants access to the water from either side of the boat. Outboard sales in New Zealand are currently around 10,000 units annually.

WHICH BRAND TO BUY?

The type of engine you buy will largely be dictated by the application of the boat you buy. In many cases, the dealer will dictate your engine as the boat/ motor/trailer package comes as one. If buying new, it is prudent to purchase the entire rig from one place. Today there are not the outboard choices that there once were. A vast majority of outboard brands have gone, even the once giant of them all, OMC. Today the four big players are Mercury, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. Technically all four are exceptional, and each offers a sweet selling point that the others don't have. One thing that is common amongst all brands is reliability. Your purchase may simply hinge on brand loyalty. Other brands such as Tohatsu and Parsun, are also popular, especially in the smaller to the mid-range sector.

Regarding petrol sterndrives, the choice is reasonably straightforward; Mercury Marine's Mercruiser or Volvo Penta's Aquamatic. There are other brands on the market, although the company's engine brand is generally matched up to a Mercruiser drive. Examples of this are Hyundai, FNM, Iveco, Steyr and Lombardini. One exception is Yanmar which offers its own engine and drive packages. Yanmar’s 8LV is a light-weight, twin turbo V8 producing 320hp or 370-hp and can only be used with the ZT drive. The 4LV common rail engines a from 150 to 250 mhp with the Yanmar ZT370 sterndrive.

The AirCat is an imposing boat that looks purposeful.

Trailerable alloy powercats are not common in New Zealand but they do have their followers. Last year when Barry Thompson reviewed the prototype for this boat he wrote “Wow, what a ride! Recently the magazine was given the opportunity to sample the production version. The test this time was no different, in fact it would be fair to say the ride and handling was even better.

The AirCat 625 ride is exemplary. Test conditions were a light to moderate breeze but with a 2- 3m swell. Just the conditions the Aircat was designed for. Extremely stable at speed and confidence inspiring. The AirCat slips on to the plane with no noticeable hump out of the hole and accelerates to top speed softly and effortlessly powered by the 200 Hp Honda. The AirCat turns flat and controllably with no lean out and no cavitation. It creates an air of confidence in the boat that is quite reassuring, making you think that no matter how hard you push it in rough water, it will remain controllable with a soft ride. Although the Aircat 625 incorporates a number of refinements above the waterline and the overall length has been increased 500 mm to 5.85 m, the hull shape is fundamentally the same.

The centre console has a number of clever little features.

THE DESIGN CONCEPT

The AirCat is an imposing boat that looks purposeful. Aiding the look are the carbon wrapped hull sides and console. The nice touch to the look is hard wood trimming on the hard top, console and trailer steps.

The hulls are semi asymmetric with a very deep 50-degree Vee forward section. The inside vee flattens to a flat planning section. The outer vee spirals down to a 12-degree Vee at the stern. According to designers Blair Mclay and Roger Tweddell, cat hulls present a minimal frontal projected area. i.e., they are inherently easier to push through waves and deliver a softer ride with very good stability.

The AirCat has very deep vee forward sections helping it to ride softly through chop and waves. The flat sections aft help keep the hulls trimmed correctly and lifts the hulls free of the water, lowering displacement at speed. The consequence of this says Tweddell, is not only

a soft ride but it is more stability at speed and dryness.

In fact, even in very rough water very little, if any spray was felt by the crew. Critically being a single-engine cat, it does not cavitate on takeoff or in hard turns and tunnel mist and spray off the outboard is practically zero. Hull noise is unusually quiet for an alloy boat. Going out and presenting the proto-type to the market has given the AirCat team an opportunity to gain a lot of feed-back. Whilst they felt that the hull shape was already excellent, they wanted to hear what the target market might expect from their boat. Being conceived as a reasonably hard-core fishing platform with divers, hunters and other watersports in the picture, they felt it was vital to ask questions. In many cases answers have been incorporated in the many detail changes that have been made and features that have been added. It is clear this boat is intended for the sport-fisherman and offers all that is needed in a very compact package.

SUPER SPACIOUS

The Aircat 625 is very spacious. It seems bigger than it is. Very noticeable is its incredible stability at rest. A consequence, of the asymmetric cat hull design pushing the buoyancy right out to the edges. Crew can all go to one side and lean over the gunwale without worry. The sole depth has been increased dramatically over the proto in line with feed-back. It is now 150 mm deeper and the internal rear coaming also sports a padded foam, bolsters.

The emphasis in this boat is on enhancements

for its intended use. it is remarkable how many features have been put into this sub 6m boat. it offers a lot of usable space as shown by its 7.2 sqm of cockpit sole area.

Starting at the bow the Aircat incorporates a self-launching anchor bow sprit and leveller for the drum winch. Large lockers either side of the Maxwell drum winch locker provide excellent storage for life jackets and other gear. A detachable grab rail connects to the forward bulk head and Railblaza attachments can fitted for spearguns, rods, firearms and boat hooks. It can be disassembled for stowed when not needed.

On the front of the centre console are 2-fold away dickey seats that give a great seating area for crew at rest and underway. It is surprisingly sheltered from wind and spray and the hull copes well with the weight forward, giving effective seating for a crew of four. The side decks are wide and offer comfortable seating, with a raised coaming forward, to offer better protection from sea slop and spray. The centre console has a number of clever little features. Side Inspection hatches allow easy access behind the dash. The 12” Garmin sounder/plotter combo is set in an angled binnacle for easy viewing. A fusion stereo sits below with speakers in the ceiling. There is a dash glove box and another large glove compartment incorporated into the ceiling

above the helm. Below the dash are two hatches giving access to a large storage space. Next to them are fold away hard wood foot rests giving good support when sitting in the superb Hi-Tech Bolster Elite seats. The seats swivel and adjust with fold away bolsters. They are on an adjustable frame giving even more adjustment fore and aft. Coollie bin storage is beneath the helm seats.

FISHING PERFECT

Fishermen are well catered for. There are four rod holders in each side deck, six in the rocket launcher, two on the forward bulk head, two on the aft transom and four on the bait station making a total of 22. The Striker Marine bait station on the transom features tackle drawers and is modular enabling it to be easily removed or positioned fore and aft on tracks to suit. Kilwell telescopic outriggers mounted to the hard top complete the dedicated fishing boat picture. There are grab handles on the rocket launcher for standing crew. The transom contains the dual battery locker, below the bait station with a wash down pump locker beneath that again. An innovative tuna tube set with integrated handles sits either side of the transom. With fishing in mind there is a long fish locker integrated into the centre hull pod. On one side of the bait station is the large live bait tank and the other side has another

The cockpit sole and decks are covered in Nano Grip Steel Grey from U-Deck.

fish /dual purpose locker. The dual walk thru transom has drop in wash boards can be removed and stowed.

The cockpit sole and decks are covered in Nano Grip Steel Grey from U-Deck. The excellent LED lighting is provided by Narva with an extra powerful front spot light, rear flood lights, red console lighting and gunwale strip lights. On the mechanical side the 200 Hp Honda is controlled by Fly by Wire and linked to a Garmin i20 display. It is swinging a 14.25” x 19”- pitch prop, giving it a top speed in the low to mid 40 knots with a comfortable and easy cruise between 22 and 30 knots. Fuel is 220 litres in two x 110 litre tanks, one in each hull. A highly reactive zinc anode is fitted to the hull for extra corrosion protection. The tandem, braked, alloy trailer is custom designed and built by Tekam Marine for the AirCat. It features an electric winch and extendable drawbar for beach launching. In conclusion, this boat sets the bar high for sub 6m boats. The 5.8m long Aircat 625 will appeal to dedicated fisherman and divers who want all the ride comfort, sea keeping qualities and features of a big boat in a compact and convenient package. This is the core of AirCat philosophy as explained by Brian Nicholls and Roger Tweddell, partners in Tekam Marine.

On the front of the centre console are 2-fold away dickey seats.

The Striker Marine bait station on the transom comes with tackle drawers.

Designer Roger Tweddell, shows the underfloor storage.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model AirCat 625

Year Launched 2022

Priced from NZ$133,000 Construction 4 mm Alloy

LOA 5.85 m

LWL 4.80m

Beam 2.25 m

Cockpit sole area 7.2 square metres

Deadrise (Transom) 12 deg Test power 200 HP Honda Power Range 115 to 200 Hp Test Propeller 14.25” x 19” S/S

Fuel 220 litres

Flooring U-Deck

MFD Garmin 12 Winch Maxwell Drum Winch Tow weight (dry) 1800 kg.

Trailer Tekam Marine

Contact Aircat Boats at Tekam Marine | Roger Tweddell, Auckland Ph +64 21 953 060.

Brian Nicholls Napier 027 259 5111 info@aircat.nz | AIRCAT.NZ

Selecting an MFD

Thinking of buying a new MFD, then check out some questions and answers to help narrow down your choices. Plus we take a look at the very latest 12” displays.

In this era where you can surf the web, take photos and play streamed songs on your smartphone, it’s all about being connected. Boaters want to connect their VHF radio to a GPS, monitor their fuel consumption and see radar images on one display. If you haven’t shopped for marine electronics recently you’ll notice that things have changed a lot, and the choices can be confusing. We’re here to help, with some questions and answers to help narrow down your choices. Plus we take a look at the very latest 12” displays.

What is a MFD?

Whereas, the fishfinder performs one function—showing a picture of what’s below your boat and a chartplotter is a GPS navigator that displays high-quality marine maps onscreen, the multi-function displays are made to be the hub of a large and comprehensive onboard network.

Often found on bigger boats, you can place one display at the helm and another in the nav station, flybridge or tuna tower, they are now very popular in larger trailer boats. You’ll usually purchase a separate, remote GPS antenna, black box sounder, and often the cartography of your choice, since maps are often not preloaded.

Do you want to connect more than one display to show data on your network?

NMEA 0183:

If you have marine electronics onboard that are older than a couple of years, they are probably networked using the NMEA 0183 standard. In fact, most of the chartplotters, combos and fishfinders on this site communicate using this system. Problems and complications happen when connecting devices from different manufacturers, of different ages, and when one device in the network fails. NMEA 0183 has served us reasonably well since 1983, but as devices have become more sophisticated, newer standards have increasingly replaced it. Simple devices, like a basic fishfinder, still use 0183 as a serial data interface, even if it is not a true network.

NMEA 2000:

Most MFD units all provide comprehensive systems built to the newest networking protocol. NMEA 2000 allows plug-and-play connection of any product from any manufacturer, as long as they are all built to the certified specifications. The following video will help you understand how simple it is to construct your own NMEA 2000 network.

CAN Bus Networks:

NMEA 2000 is a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus technology, developed for automotive, robotics and industrial control applications. It uses standardised “trunk” or backbone cables, tee connectors, and branch lines called “drops” or “stubs.” A similar and compatible standard, J1939, was developed by the auto industry, and is being used in new marine diesel engines. They can communicate via NMEA 2000 with an interface adapter, as can most modern outboards. When connected to the network, some displays show “virtual engine gauges” onscreen.

Ethernet-based Networks:

Most of the leading manufacturers have created their own proprietary communication protocols and cables, connecting devices with high-speed Ethernet connectors. These systems have become the standard for sharing large amounts of data from radar imaging, electronic cartography and video cameras. Usually they’re installed alongside NMEA 2000 networks, which handle systems monitoring and control. Would you prefer a touchscreen or a keypad for data input?

Keypad:

The traditional push-button user interface is less expensive and easier to operate when you’re wearing gloves. Touchscreens used in smartphones, chartplotters and multi-function displays detect tiny electrical charges from your skin, but do not work as well when they are wet, in cold weather or when gloves insulate your hand. There are two types:

1. Single-touch touchscreen. You can swipe the screen and move icons around or push onscreen buttons instead of mechanical buttons. Some displays, such as Raymarine’s e-Series (with their HybridTouch interface) and Simrad’s NSS evo (Touch Sensible Technology), use a touchscreen combined with a few buttons and a rotary controller knob. Very slick and user-friendly.

2. Multi-touch touchscreen: This is the interface you use on your iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone. It includes “pinch to zoom” using two fingers. Is your intended use inland, coastal, International, or some combination of these? There are two considerations to ponder when asking yourself this question.

Preloaded charts:

Most navigation devices, from the most basic to high-end chartplotter/fishfinder combos, include a choice of preloaded maps. Most allow you to add optional maps (usually stored on a small chip such as a MicroSD card). Choose the map option that best covers your boating region, and buy additional maps if you cruise or trailer to distant waterways. You can also upgrade to higher-resolution maps with more detailed charts, and amazing added features, for example, by upgrading your Navionicscompatible chartplotter to Navionics Gold or Platinum PLUS.

Transducers:

If you’re looking for a fishfinder/chartplotter combo, consider the selection of a transducer. Those who fish in deeper waters and those who prowl shallow inland lakes have many choices of frequency, beam width and beam configuration. Check if the transducer is included with your combo. Many fishfinder/chartplotters designed for the small boat include a transom-mount transducer. Bigger network displays usually require you to choose and purchase a transducer separately.

So what’s available from the varying brands? Plenty!

And plenty of new models.

We check out the very latest from the world’s leading brands.

GGarmin the US based, NMEA manufacturer of the year for seven years straight, offers an extensive range of chartplotters to suit all your boating needs. In the 12 inch range Garmin offers four models.

The GPSMAP 1222xsv is the base model which offers an advanced all-in-1 solution with our 12-inch GPSMAP 1222xsv keyed combo. It also has built-in support for Panoptix all-seeing sonar and premium Garmin sonar modules (transducers sold separately). It features a large, bright screen coupled with a quick and easy-to-use keypad interface with user-programmable keys and a

multifunction control knob. The ECHOMAP Ultra 125sv combo has a 12” keyedassist IPS touchscreen display, with a transducer that provides Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars with 20% greater range and three frequencies for top performance at all depths. The device also has built-in support for Panoptix LiveScope LVS12 sonar and the full line of Panoptix sonars. The device is preloaded with BlueChart g3 coastal charts for Australia and New Zealand — both with integrated Navionics data and Auto Guidance technology. Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations

The GPSMAP 1253xsv offers a super sharp view from your connected helm with the GPSMAP1253xsv chartplotter. With its high-resolution 12”

palette, it seamlessly integrates into your Garmin marine system. GPSMAP 1253xsv also features built-in Ultra High-Definition SideVü and ClearVü scanning sonars and supports 1 kW CHIRP traditional sonar as well as fully networkable radar, Panpotix LiveScope sonar and Auto Guidance technology.

Top of the line, the GPSMAP 8412xsv features a worldwide basemap, sonar, a 12” full HD inplane switching (IPS) touchscreen display for wider viewing angles, superior clarity and sunlight readability, even with polarised sunglasses. Experience superior connectivity and networking solutions with complete control of your entire system, right at your fingertips.

The latest 12" Furuno MFD is part of Furuno's industry leading TZ Touch3 range which includes the 9, 12, 16 and 19 inch sizes.

It features a new, powerful quad-core processor for lightning-fast response time and a built-in Dual Channel 1kW TruEcho CHIRP & CW Fish Finder.

You also get the best of both worlds with a full multi touch display, with edgeswipe features and single tap menu options, and a built-in keyboard that features a Rotoke, cursor pad and dedicated buttons.

The latest version of the TZT3 12" software includes some amazing new features such as Fish-It & Drift-It, to help you locate the correct spot to start your drift so you'll pass right over your fishing point and PBG mapping (Pe rsonal Bathymetric Generator) which allows you to create custom high-resolution shaded relief charts of the seafloor. This new software version 3.01 also includes other enhancements including CHIRP Side-Scan capability, the ability to automatically download NavCenter weather information on power-up, display trim tab status in data boxes and on customizable instrument pages, and a new sunlight background color setting for Fish Finders. The Furuno 12" TZT3 MFD is Furuno's most powerful MFD yet.

Lowrance was born out of America, specialising in freshwater fishing targeting Bass. However, it is now one of the biggest brands in New Zealand, being the choice of anglers using it in sub 7m boats. The Lowrance HDS Live is our premier Multi-Function Display (MFD), is designed for anglers who are looking to get the most out of their gear. So this unit has the ability for multiple transducers (including dual channel CHIRP, the ability to ping two frequencies) and ethernet ports, it features the fastest processor, as well IPS Screens so you can see the display in all conditions, even with Polarised sunnies. This is what sets it apart from the EliteFS range in addition to the larger screen size. The design language is rugged and robust. It can run the latest ActiveTarget Live Sonar, as well as Active Imaging (Downscan/StructureScan and CHIRP). With a 1 kW sonar output, you can also upgrade the transducer if you are looking for great depth with a range of transducers available from Airmar.

For the New Zealand market, the HDS Live comes with a Embedded chart from C-MAP for New Zealand, but you can upgrade to a C-MAP Reveal chart which features the breathtaking Shaded Relief Layer of the bottom. This makes it super easy to see reefs, drop offs and new spots. This is a gamechange for understanding the bottom. By having a C-MAP card you can also get the Genesis Layer – which has great data across some of New Zealand’s Lakes including the Rotorua Lakes, as well as Genesis Live, allowing you an ability to create high bathy charts on the fly. You can see the coverage online at C-MAP.com.

With a legacy in marine technology spanning over 80 years, Raymarine products are renowned today for reliability, rugged design, and ease-ofuse. The award-winning Axiom family of displays sport fastest on the market quad core processors, intuitive LightHouse software and innovative technologies like RealVision 3D sonar and ClearCruise Augmented Reality which overlays physical navigation objects on a live video display. All Axiom displays are expandable with radar, FLIR thermal cameras, black box sonar, instruments, pilots and more. The Axiom Pro is Raymarine’s ‘all-in-one’ display. Available with true 1kW CHIRP sonar output and RealVision 3D which includes DownVision and SideVision for fishing around the boat and constructing the most accurate 3D model of the underwater world in real time. The HybridTouch interface allows Smartphone simple operation from the touchscreen, and the rotary controller and keypad give confident control in rough weather. Axiom Pro is compatible with a range of cartography from leading map makers – Navionics, Lighthouse, C-Map and more. Navionics Plus and Platinum SonarCharts show 1ft HD contours, and Platinum charts can be upgraded to show Relief Shading which combines colour and shadow to give a clearer view of structure and contour. For more comprehensive chart data Raymarine RealBathy or Navionics SonarChart allows you to build detailed bathymetric charts in real time. The Axiom Pro is engineered for captains that want it all.

EVOLVED FOR THE OCEAN

wing inspired

Bird

like a seabird. Sleek and aerodynamic

situational

Humminbird

There are two products around the 12” MFD range from Humminbird, Apex 13 and Solix 12. The Apex Series provides clear sonar imaging on the sharpest multi-function display. MEGA Imaging+ and Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar come standard, with even more performance from a dedicated sonar channel for accessory 2D CHIRP transducers up to 2kW. SA full HD touchscreen provides a customised display of information from advanced network options like NMEA 2000, HDMI In/Out, WiFi and Bluetooth.

You can add the power of the One-Boat Network to integrate the accuracy of Humminbird GPS charts, unrivalled boat control from Minn Kota, and reach new depths with wireless Cannon downrigger control.

The Solix Series combines cutting-edge technologies like MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar and AutoChart Live on an ultra-clear Cross Touch display. You can take full advantage of the touchscreen display with customisable views and settings that allow you to see multiple technologies at once and find what you want quickly via the convenient sidebar menu. Leverage the networking power of built-in Wi-Fi and NMEA 2000, as well as Bluetooth and Ethernet connections for compatibility with the One-Boat Network family of products from Humminbird, Minn Kota and Cannon.

BLA.CO.NZ

SIMRAD

The NSS Evo3S is one of the most popular units across New Zealand. With a refined European design, Simrad is right at home on the larger sportfishing and cruisers. The Evo3S offers the best of both worlds, with a touscreen and full button control. The NSS Evo3S is designed to become your central hub, with the ability to add performance modules and other accessories to create your dream helm. Whether that is Radar, Autopilot, Engine and Audio Integration, the Evo3S is capable of it all. With a 6 core processor, the Evos3S is twice as fast as it’s predecessor. NSSevo3S boasts exceptional bottom-tracking and fish-finding thanks to the built-in high performance echosounder with 1kW CHIRP-enabled Sonar. Compatible with a full range of Sonar tech – including ActiveTarget Live Sonar, ActiveImaging (CHIRP, SIdeScan and Downscan), as well as the ability to add an S5100, that offers a further three independent channels up to 3kW and deliver simultaneous high-resolution detail at multiple depth ranges.

The NSX 3012 is our latest MFD aimed more at families, or

people who are new to boating. They might be smaller boats, and only require a single transducer. With an innovative, modern interface featuring powerful navigation capability with C-MAP support, you’ll see everything like never before. The NSX features integrated Sonar, Radar and Autopilot systems compatibility, and with our handy Setup Wizard tool means you’ll be up and running in no time. The NSX features the latest operating system, and has been redesigned from the ground up. As a result the NSX has a new Chart Engine, and the NSX takes full advantage of this, with the C-MAP Discover and Reveal X charts. Improved planning and route plotting with Tides and Currents projections and our fastest ever Autorouting. Plus, there’s a new Map Inspection feature with one-touch access to information on locations, POIs, tides, channels and more.

SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM

to Tom Burdon, West Marine Advisor

putting this feature

The new 1550 Frontier runs over 30 knots with a Mercury 75.

The 1550 is available in three versions; Base, Sportfish and Profish. The difference between the three is down to numerous options. The Base model (boat only) retails for $30850, the Sportfish, $33750 and the Profish for $52400. So why the difference? Extra features on the Sportfish are an electric trolling motor mount, seat upgrade, bait board on a pole, deck wash, and external coaming handrails. When you upgrade to the Profish you get all that plus a drum winch, removable forward casting platform, 60-litre underfloor fuel tank, coaming lights, live bait tank, upgraded bait station, raised bow rail, and UDec flooring.

The hull is the same as used for the very popular 1550 Fisher but without the cabin and is available only with a side console. From the console aft, the 1550 Frontier and 1550 Fisher are almost identical. Due to the forward styling, the sheerline is higher in the Frontier.

I have owned a similar size side console boat now for a number of years and just love it. They are great when fishing

on your own or with a mate. Access everywhere is easy and they make a perfect fishing platform, whether using baits, lures or soft baits.

Stabicraft has been building console boats for years and they certainly have it right when it comes to the layout and utilising the available space. Internal beam is 1.92m, with the wide 300mm flat side decks taking the overall beam to just over 2m.

The bow section of the 1550 has been well conceived and makes great use of the space. The large foredeck lid conceals a deep anchor locker that is capable of handling a drum winch for an extra $4745 (std in the Profish). The lower deck area is split between another storage area and the place to fit your trolling motor battery, plus a removable casting platform. With this eliminated you open up a whole lot more workable floor area in the forward part of the boat. If you are big into your soft baiting then it’s great, but if not, if it was me, I would leave it out.

First impression of the 1550 Frontier is a 1450 Frontier that has grown up. While the dimensions are larger, the layout is very similar. Quite simply you get the same boat but with more space.

"The single swivelling helm seat can be optioned in all models with a 70-litre split lid cool bin complete with cushion top."

The new 1550 Frontier was released at the May, Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, as part of a trio of new models.

The forward casting deck can be removed if not required.

There are four rod holders forward plus three in each coaming. Extra rod storage is available in the port side tray under the 300mm wide side decks. Being the top of the range Profish version, the boat was covered with UDec flooring that comes complete with a fish measure. Stabicraft offer two variants of the side console, designed to suit different size MFDs. You have the choice of flush mounting up to a 12” MFD or as was meant to be in our test boat a bracket mounted Garmin 16”. However, we had to run our test without the MFD as the bracket to mount it to the top of the helm had not arrived. The rest of the dash has enough space for switches and instruments required for a boat this size. The single swivelling helm seat can be optioned in all models with a 70-litre split lid cool bin complete with cushion top. This also can be stowed out of the way under the helm seat. There is no storage under the sole, as it is all part of the positive buoyancy aspect of the 1550 which makes it virtually unsinkable. In the Profish you do have the addition of a 60-litre fuel tank built in, while the other models rely on tote tanks.

BUSY TRANSOM

While our boat came with the bait board mounted on a storage box, you have the option of a pole mount or nothing at all. Both bait board options are removeable so you can replace with a ski pole when you want to tow the kids on their watertoys.

The Profish comes with a live bait tank with glass front set into the port side, with a storage shelf alongside for the battery and a little extra gear. Swim platforms either side are an addition to the previous 1550 and great plus for divers. There is also a specialist dive ladder to port.

The spacious cockpit features a single helm chair plus a moveable cushioned bin.

The transom has a livebait tank plus a bait station with tackle locker.

side console

more

floor space

PERFORMANCE

Hella spot light

great option.

The 1550 Frontier comes with individually sealed air and water-tight aluminium chambers that wrap right around the hull. For a boat to be filled with water and remain level on the surface is an incomparable safety feature. They also provide extra stability and help dissipate the water from the cockpit. While we were unable to record any fuel figures we were able to check out the various speeds at revs. Flat out, the 1550 Frontier touched 32 knots @ 5500 rpm. The Mercury 74 4S was fitted with a four blade 15” Spitfire propeller and it was the perfect match. Acceleration from holeshot was impressive and I almost lost Craig Archer from Gulfland Marine over the transom when I thumped the throttle down. Should have been hanging on!

4000 rpm the boat had a sweet cruise around 23 knots and at 4500 rpm, 27 knots. I liked the way the boat was so predictable and in the hard turns it ran reasonably level. You still need

SPECIFICATIONS

Make Stabicraft

Launched

Priced

Price

Tested

Aluminium 4mm/3mm

Beam Externa

Beam Internal

Trailer

Trailerable

Test

RPM V SPEED

to remember this is still a small boat at 4.80m, so it will have its limitations. However, on the calm water off Gulf Harbour it was a pleasure to drive. Great protection behind the screen, with the controls easily to hand and had the MFD been in place I am sure it would be mounted at a good eye level.

NEW RELEASE

The others being the 2050 Supercab and the 1850 Supercab. Around two years ago Stabicraft discontinued the 1550 Frontier and due to Covid and supply issues, it has taken this long to present the replacement model. But the wait has certainly been worth it and if sales are anything to go by, it is certain to be another outstanding success for Stabicraft, New Zealand’s largest boat builder.

Return to

The Koko Lagoon Cruise off Muri Beach, was entertaining and informative

Paradise

Carla Dukeson returns to Rarotonga to escape the cold Kiwi winter and admits she found it hard to come back home.

The last time I wrote an article for Pacific Powerboat magazine on the beautiful islands of Rarotonga was back in October 2008 following a marriage proposal – the rest is history!

We had always wanted to take the kids to experience what we had, but due to the worldwide pandemic and many travel restrictions, the idea was put on hold. When Doug was approaching a milestone “0” birthday in June, and travel restrictions eased, particularly to the Cook Islands, it was the perfect opportunity to escape the dreariness of a New Zealand winter and at the same time celebrate a couple of big birthdays within our family group.

So with bags packed, it was not long before eleven of us were escaping a moist New Zealand 5 deg winter, for a beautiful dry Rarotongan 27 deg. It certainly did not take too much convincing for us and our five kids, and their partners.

This was our fourth trip across and we couldn’t wait to share our special tropical paradise with our family.

On the day of arrival we collected a 12 seater rental van from the airport – this gave us the chance to spend a couple of days to explore the island with the family, pointing out the highlights and hot spots of the island, should they want to break away for their own adventures, later in the trip.

We chose to stay at the Edgewater Resort this trip. A long well-established resort that is currently being renovated, the rooms completed to date are comfortable and have been redecorated nicely. The staff were very friendly and helpful, food was delicious and drinks flowed! The first night in town we experienced the Edgewater’s Island Night, a cultural night of tales and dancing, with a bit of crowd involvement and a fantastic buffet.

RAROTONGA - A BOATIES WINTER ESCAPE

The not to be missed, Antipodes restaurant, is perched high on the hills, above the Pacific ocean, in a beautiful Mediterranean style villa

GAME FISHING…YEAH RIGHT

We had planned a few excursions for the 7 days, before we departed New Zealand, which is just as well we did, as most were booked out when we got there! The first was on day three when four of our team were to head out for a game fishing expedition with the experienced Marlin Queen Charters team on their Kiwi built 6.75 m Senator. Unfortunately, that Monday it was blowing 25 knots and not the most suitable for the trip – bugger, this was to be followed up by a Fire on the Water Paddle board that evening for four of our more adventurous in the team. Again the wind was against us and as safety comes first for both operators we respected their calls. We had to remember that this was also Rarotonga’s winter season. We decided instead to hire a fleet of scooters for the team, which involved a trip to the local police station (for a few hours !) to sit licences and a short practical, but well worth the effort! (Everyone passed).

MURI MAGIC

However the next day was sunny and calm, so we continued on with the next planned activity - one of the highlights for our group, the Koko Lagoon Cruise out of Muri Beach. We arrived to the beautiful shores of Muri to hop on board and join the Koko Lagoon Cruise Team. We were greeted by a team of enthusiastic leaders that made the trip so much more exciting!

We adventured off into the clear blue lagoon and had a chance to snorkel and see what these Rarotongan shores had to offer, many beautiful fish and even had a chance to hold a clam. Koko then took us over to an island where they had set up a lovely Rarotongan buffet lunch for us following a cultural show where we learnt about the culture and life in the Cook Islands.

We loved how they involved all the guests, in particular

climbing coconut trees and learning how a coconut can be used in so many different ways, before heading back to Muri, we were entertained by watching a fire dance, which was pretty amazing!

MARKET TIME

The visit to the Saturday markets (just north of town) is a must - your one stop souvenir spot – with some great tucker to keep you fuelled – the markets close at 12.00, so get there early. The artwork for sale is quite something and I couldn’t resist a purchase, a keepsake and reminder to hang on a wall back home!

The other market not to miss is the Muri night market food extravaganza – a foodies dream offering everything from raw fish, pizza, wontons, BBQ, kebabs, dumplings, fresh fruit smoothies, churros and beautiful deserts. With Rarotonga working in NZ currency with similar prices, was nice and easy for everyone.

EXERCISE ?

For some reason, after talking to fellow tourists at the resort, on Wednesday morning, one of our more athletic in the team woke and said let’s do the walk across the island (Doug had ridden around it last time on a bicycle). We thought yes, especially with too many cocktails and unburnt meals onboard. We thought this was a great chance to burn a few calories off. Well, for the athletes, it was an enjoyable tramp, but for some of us it was a little more challenging in places ! But man, the view at the top was it worth it. We are glad to be able to say that we have conquered the needle (about a 45 minute walk/climb each way). However, we, the parents (at 50 plus) are not too sure we would do it again. But we are but very proud of ourselves, for having done it!

REHAB TIME

One of the restaurants we visited whilst on the island, is well worthy of a mention. Antipodes is perched high on the hills, above the Pacific ocean in Blackrock, a beautiful quintessential Mediterranean style villa. Now open to the public for a la carte dining, accommodation, weddings and events. We loved the experience here while we watched the sunset, with food simply, out of this world!

With nine of our party in their 20’s – all thought it was a great idea to experience the REHAB Party Bus trip. A party bus that collected you from your hotel, delivered you to several bars around the island, finishing up at the REHAB night club. Then you are dropped off at your hotel after the club closed at a respectable 12.00am. This was another highlight, a lot of fun and bonding for the family as one. Although the next day many of our crew had the realisation, of why was it was called REHAB - because that was exactly what was needed the next day!

Another resort enjoyed by some of the team was the Nautilus. A couple of massages were enjoyed and we chose to have our final dinner here - food, service and drinks were first class, not to mention the serenity of the decor!

Being able to move about the 32km island gave you a great opportunity to experience the other properties and many restaurants about the island. Having scooters or a car gives you the independence to do so.

SEA SCOOTER SAFARI

Our final planned excursion was probably one of the most amazing experiences I have had to date, and think most of the team would agree. We had booked an excursion with the Ariki Turtle Sea Scooter Safari. We were all a little nervous as we would not know until the day, if the conditions, weather and tide, were right!

They had made a special time for us as it was the day we were flying home and had brought it forward earlier than their usual. Thank goodness the conditions were good! The instructors were amazing and very knowledgeable. The front desk operator was even from our home town - Arkles Bay, so it was great to catch up with a friendly familiar face! This was such a special activity, swimming with turtles in their own environment. Priceless memories were formed! Some of us were out of our comfort zone, but the staff taught us how to use the sea scooters and stayed with us the entire time, offering life jackets for those like myself, who felt they needed, a little more security. I saw other groups of tourists doing similar tours, however I would highly recommend this one, as having the sea scooters, we were the only group able to go right out in the currents and get up close and personal with manta ray and these magical turtles!

To burn off the cocktails, we conquered the Needle!

GREAT MEMORIES

In summary, Rarotonga is certainly not a shopping destination, it is more a mix of fun, food, drink, sun, relaxation and adventure – or a mix of all as in our adventure! It was a fantastic family trip, memories were made which will last a lifetime. A beautiful tropical island which for us, ticked all the boxes.

EVERYMAN

ALLENCO

Runabout 5.20m 1.86m

4.70m

5.70m

5.80m

Cuddy 6.28m

6.50m 2.50m

6.90m 2.50m

7.00m 2.50m

7.10m 2.45m

7.80m 2.50m

8.30m 2.50m

8.80m 2.50m

9.40m

AMF

AMF PRO SPORT

7.20m 2.50m

7.50m 2.50m

7.70m 2.50m

8.50m 2.50m

4.70m 1.86m 4mm CA/CC

5.65m 2.05m 5mm CU/CC/HT

2.35m 5mm CU/CC/HT

6.35m 2.35m 5mm CU/CC/HT

6.55m 2.45m 6mm CA/CC/HT/WA

6.50m 2.45m 6mm

2.50m 6mm

2.50m 6mm

2.50m 6mm

2.60m 6mm

2.70m 6/8mm

3.00m 8mm

11.00m 3.05m 8mm

EXTREME

Sportfisher/Console 5.50m 2.10m 5mm CA/CC

6.07m 2.34m 5mm CA

Gameking/Sportfisher 6.45 m 2.50m 5mm CC/HT

Gameking 7.00m 2.50m 5mm

Gameking/Walkaround 7.43m 2.80m 5mm CC/HT/WA

Gameking/Walkaround 7.93m 2.80m 5mm CC/HT/WA

Gameking 8.85m 2.80m

BLADERUNNER

FC BOATS

BLUEFIN

Bluefin

Bluefin

6.20m 2.50m

6.50m 2.45m

665HT 6.65m 2.50m

7.10m 2.50m

7.20m 2.50m

720 WK 7.20m 2.50m

Bluefin 769HT 7.69m 2.50m 5mm

769

BLUEWATER

Bluewater

7.69m 2.50m

5.90m 2.30m

5.60m 2.30m

6.40m 2.50m

6.60m 2.50m

6.70m 2.50m

7.00m 2.50m

7.50m 2.50m

ORCA

PINNACLE

PUREKRAFT

QUINTREX

Quintrex 350 Explorer 3.58m 1.45m 1.6mm

Quintrex 350 Dart 3.64m 1.49m 1.6mm TS

Quintrex 370 Explorer 3.75m 1.50m 1.6mm TS

Quintrex 370 3.76m 1.45m 1.6mm TS

Quintrex 370 Dart 3.80m 1.58m 1.6mm TS

Quintrex 390 Explorer 3.85m 1.79m 1.6mm TS

Quintrex 400 Dart 4.00m 1.69m 1.6mm TS

Quintrex 400 Hornet 4.01m 1.73m 2mm TS

Quintrex 400 Trophy 4.01m 1.76m 1.6mm TS

Quintrex 400 Trophy 4.05m 1.87m 1.6mm TS

Quintrex 420 Dory 4.27m 1.87m 2mm TS

Quintrex 420 Explorer 4.29m 1.87m 2mm TS

Quintrex 420 Trophy 4.29m 1.87m 2mm TS

Quintrex 430 Top Ender 4.41m 2.00m 2mm TS

Quintrex 420 Angler 4.29m 1.87m 2mm RU

Quintrex 440 Hornet 4.43m 2.02m 3mm TS

Quintrex 440 Trophy 4.43m 2.02m 3mm TS

Quintrex 430 Escape 4.48m 1.90m 2mm RU

Quintrex 450 Fishseeker 4.50m 2.00m 3mm TS

Quintrex 450 Top Ender 4.50m 2.10m 3mm TS

Quintrex 450 Trophy 4.50m 2.05m 3mm CO

Quintrex 440 Angler 4.54m 2.01m 3mm RU

Quintrex 440 Dory 4.54m 2.01m 3mm TS

Quintrex 450 Escape 4.61m 2.10m 3mm RU

Quintrex 450 Top Ender 4.61m 2.10m 3mm SC

Quintrex 460 Dory 4.65m 2.09m 3mm TS

Quintrex 440 Top Ender 4.69m 1.96m 3mm TS

Quintrex 460 Classic 4.72m 2.09m 3mm SC

Quintrex 470 Fishseeker 4.75m 2.05m 3mm TS

Quintrex

Quintrex

Trophy 4.84m 2.05m 3mm SC

Coastrunner 4.96m

SAVAGE

1.11m 1.2mm

3.55m 1.14m 1.2mm

3.48m 1.53m 1.6mm

1.27m 1.2mm

3.85m 1.72m 2mm

4.25m 1.95m 3mm

4.45m 1.95m 3mm

4.60m 1.95m 3mm

4.90m 1.95m 3mm SC

Bay Cruiser 4.32m 1.95m 3mm RU

Bay Cruiser 4.62m 1.95m 3mm RU

Bay Cruiser 5.14m 2.05m 3mm RU

Bay Cruiser 5.32m 2.30m 3mm BRRU/CA

Bay Cruiser 5.45m 2.33m 4.mm BR/RUCA

Bay Cruiser 5.95m 2.33m 4mm CA

Water Rat 3.21m 1.41m 2mm TS

Snipe 3.60m 1.48m 1.6mm TS

Snipe 3.80m 1.58m 1.6mm TS

Big Boy 3.90n 1.85m 2mm TS

Big Boy 4.27m 1.96m 3mm TS

Big Boy 4.41m 1.96m 3mm TS

Safari 4.55m 2.05m 3mm TS

Safari 4.85m 2.05m 3mm TS

Safari 5.25m 2.09m 4mm TS

Scorpion 4.40m 1.87m 3mm TS/SC

Scorpion 4.55m 2.05m 3mm TS/SC/CC

SCORPION

5.04m 2.07m 3mm SC/CC

1.80m 3mm TS

4.10m 1.90m 3mm TS

4.40m 1.90m 3mm RU

4.70m 2.17m 4mm CA/CC

4.80m 2.17m 4mm RU

5.35m 2.20m 5mm CA

6.10m 2.30m

(Jet Boats)

SURTEES

2.19m

6.10m 2.26m

7.00m

Gamefisher 6.10m 2.26m

Gamefisher 6.50m 2.34m

Gamefisher 7.00m 2.34m

Gamefisher 7.50m 2.50m

ULTIMATE

Ultimate 14 4.0m 1.8m

TS/CC

5.10m 2.05m 6mm SC/CC/CA

18 6.05m 2.30m 5mm CA/CC/SC/HT

21 6.35m 2.45m 6mm

6.35m 2.45m

7.25m 2.55m

8.50m 2.80m

WHITE POINTER

6.20 Sports Hard Top 6.20m 2.35m 6mm HT/CA

Sports Hard Top 6.60m 2.45m 6mm HT/CA

Sports Hard Top 7.20m 2.45m 6mm HT/CA

7m Sports Cruiser 7.20m 2.45m 6mm HT/CA

Sports Cruiser 7.40m 2.45m 6mm HT/CA

Custom Cruiser 7.60m 2.50m 6mm HT/CA

Sports Cruiser 8.20m 2.50m 6mm HT/CA

Pro Sportsman 8.40m 2.75m 6mm HT/CA

Sports Cruiser 8.40m 2.75m 6mm HT/CA

Pro Sportsman 8.40m 2.75m 6mm HT/CA

Sport Cruiser 8.70m 2.75m 6mm HT/CA

Pro Sportsman 8.70m 2.75m 6mm HT/CA

Sports Cruiser 8.80m 2.50m 6mm HT/CA

Custom Cruiser 8.80m 2.50m 6mm HT/CA

Custom Cruiser 9.20m 2.90m 6mm HT/CA

Pro Sportsman 9.40m 2.90m 6mm HT/CA

Pro Sportsman 9.70m 2.90m 6mm HT/CA

Pro Sportsman 10.50m 3.10m 6mm HT/CA

ALLOY BOAT PONTOON

T hompson