SPRING 2014 ISSUE 3
FC 610 HT FC’s first Hardtop
THE RIGHT TIME TO FISH And the influence of the weather
Softbaiting The Graveyard
Fis hf ind er s Ex pla ine d • 5.5 m Ca bin Bo at Bu ye rs Gu ide • Pr og re ss ion of Re els
A LS O R E V IE W E D Fyran 550
$10.00 inc GST
Southern XF676
Enduro 4100
McLay 581 crossXover
Finlay 5900
Marco 625
DIYNO 701
Innovision 616
REPOWER NOW WITH RECEIVE FREE PROPELLERS WITH EVERY D4/D6 DIESEL STERN DRIVE PACKAGE SAVE OVER $3000 Package includes: Trip & Fuel Data
P.T.A. Function (Power Trim Assist) Electronic Shift & Throttle New 2 + 3 Warranty Additional warranty available Finance available
Benefits: Increased reliability Better operating economy Better performance Less noise, lower exhaust emissions and vibration Fast acceleration Increased value Peace and quiet
www.volvopenta.com
Visit us at Stand 116 Auckland On Water Boat Show, Sept 26th to 28th New Zealand & Pacific Islands - Volpower NZ Limited Ph. 0800 865 769 or +649-2744305 www.volvopenta.co.nz
EASY BOATING
McLAY
561
CROSSXOVER
Introducing the all-new
McLAY
CROSSXOVER Range of boats McLAY
581
CROSSXOVER
These new models are effectively (a great looking) pontoon boat. Our wide and deep gunnels are filled with closed cell foam, from the stern right to the anchor!!! Now with the extra buoyancy and security of a pontoon boat, while still looking GREAT!!! Loaded with new features not seen on our boats before.
McLAY
601
CROSSXOVER
McLAY Boats - 27 years of supplying Kiwi Boaties with quality Family, Fishing, and Water sports boats... Contact your nearest McLAY dealer to view and experience these exciting new models –
561 – 581 – 601 – 611
McLAY BOATS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DEALERSHIPS NATIONWIDE:
McLAY
611
CROSSXOVER
1014-6
McLay Boats fp 10 14.indd 1
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. NAPIER: Firman’s Marine Centre, ph 06 835 9718. WELLINGTON: Boat City, ph 04 298 5931. HAWERA: Tasman Marine, ph 06 278 7187. NELSON: Totally Boating, ph 03 548 2448. CHRISTCHURCH: Powerboat Centre, ph 03 389 1146. DUNEDIN: McLay Boats Milton, ph 03 417 8135 INVERCARGILL: Marine South Ltd, ph 03 218 2700.
+64 (03) 417 8135 www.mclayboats.co.nz subscribe online at www.mags4gifts.co.nz/boating-nz
1
9/09/2014 3:11:03 p.m.
>>
inside 34 regular columns
6 Point of View
100
Have you done your pre-season check list - by Barry Thompson.
We take a brief look at the Aqualine 545, Southern 716XP and Everyman 750 Gamefisher.
10 News & Notable
New boats, new products and interesting things that are happening.
20 Australian Alloy
Some of the new boats and interesting equipment released on the Australian market.
120 Aluminium Boat Guide
On the cover
8 Quick Look
Looking for an aluminium boat then check out our comprehensive listing of over 60 manufacturers and more than 600 models from tiller steer dinghies to hardtops. ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
2
Main Pic: FC 610 Hardtop (see page 28)
www.alloyboat.co.nz
24 54
The Progression of Reels
Paul Walker explores the history and development of reels and explains the differences between today’s modern reels.
in Raro with 66 Fishing Moko
Mike Broome left the cold Kiwi winter behind to spend some time fishing off Rarotonga and came away totally sold on this small island paradise..
82
Understanding Fishfinders
Most of us only make use of a small part of the functions, but why not go all the way and learn just how amazing the modern fishfinders are.
66 90 Southern Sojourn
We took a look at some of the more successful builders from the ‘mainland’ and asked how they saw the future.
features
24
100 Fishing the Kaipara
Mathew Hewetson goes softbaiting at the Kaipara Graveyard.
Bite Time
Weather guru Ken Ring offers some advice on how a successful day on the water is not only about having the right bait.
34
Buyers Guide: 5.5m Cabin
46
Hot New Fishing Products
54
We look at some of the many options available on the market, with an advertised length overall of between 5.4m to 5.6m.
Mathew Heweston looks at some of the new fishing tackle and accessories for the angler. ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
3
www.alloyboat.co.nz
boat
reviews 50
28
FC 610 Hardtop
42
McLay 581 crossXover
50
Southern XF676
62
DIYNO 701
Freddy Foote checks out the first hardtop from FC Boats.
A boat that puts a whole new meaning on pontoon boats, says Barry Thompson.
A trip down memory lane for Freddy Foote.
A well thought out kitset enables first timer to build an impressive boat. Text by Mike Rose.
72 Marco 625 Souwester
Filling a gap in the already extensive Marco range. Text by Barry Thompson.
78 Fyran 550
Fyran Boats has entered into a new era of boat design and construction. Text by Barry Thompson
07Sen314
96
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
4
Enduro 4100
A serious contender in the 4m-4.5m open runabout market. Text by Barry Thompson.
106
Finlay Sports 5900
114
Innovision 616 Explorer
The first boat from Timaru based Finlay Boats. Text by Barry Thompson.
Simon Minoprio's impressive new style of powerboat. Text by Mike Rose.
www.alloyboat.co.nz
EXCLUSIVE TO BARGAIN BOAT BITS 19 Stores Nationwide 0508 262824 BOATBITS
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of
Point View
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@pacificpowerboat.com
Contributors
Freddy Foote, Mike Rose, Paul Walker, Shane Kelly, Mike Broome, Ken Ring, Mathew Heweston.
Advertising - New Zealand & Australia Doug Dukeson DDI: +64 (0)9 428 2328 Mob: +64 (0)21 772 202 email: doug@pacificpowerboat.com Alex Ram DDI: +64 (0)9 428 7277 Mob: +64 (0)21 0286 5298 email: alex@pacificpowerboat.com Aust: Peter Rhodes Ph: +61 (0)3 8786 8993 Mob: 0413 154 460 email: pete.rhodes@bigpond.com
Production
Design & Prepress: Tengate Graphics Ltd John Baanders Mob: +64 (0)21 102 8646 email: john@electricedge.co.nz
Website
Digital Media Developments Ltd www.dmd.co.nz
Accounts:
Soraja Thompson Tel: +64 (0)9 428 2086 accounts@dandbpublish.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@pacificpowerboat.com
Alloy Boat Magazine is published tri-annually January, May & September
Registered Office
Advertising & Editorial enquiries: 14 Glamis Ave, Manly, Whangaparaoa, Auckland, New Zealand. Tel: +64 (0)9 428 2086 email: barry@pacificpowerboat.com www.pacificpowerboat.com Postal Address: PO Box 132 Whangaparaoa, Auckland 0930, New Zealand. All rights reserved. Reprinting in whole or part is expressly forbidden, except by written permission of the publisher.
ISSN 2324-5255 (Printed) ISSN 2324-5263 (Online)
PUBLISHING
Barry Thompson
barry@pacificpowerboat.com
Pre Season Check
W
ith summer almost upon us and the boating season starting to get into gear, how many of you are ready and prepared. Not you personally, but rather your boat and your gear. While there are some of us that boat all-year round, be it a whole lot less than during the summer months, I have plenty of mates that virtually park their boats up from Easter to at least Labour weekend in late October. That’s all very well, but there are things you need to check before you start your boating season. Firstly and the Achilles heel of trailer boating are the wheel bearings on the trailer. I have been guilty of not checking them and suffered a catastrophic failure which lead to a bearing seizing, a wheel completely shearing off the studs and ending up 50m in the deep scrub off the Kopu-Hikuai highway. Talk about embarrassing, as the boat, a Buccaneer 635 at the time was all sign written with Propeller magazine and just my luck, the guy who Servicing your outboard pre-season is kindly stopped behind me and retrieved my cheap insurance against failure. wheel, was an avid reader, so knew me. If you don’t feel confident in repacking your bearings yourself, then take the trailer to the local garage or marine shop. What they charge will be cheap by comparison if you loose a wheel like I did. Another item to look at is obviously the engine. Be it a sterndrive or outboard it needs to be serviced and that’s best-left to the experts. Regular maintenance requires nothing more than filters and oil in newer engines. Older motors may need some attention directed at electrical components, spark plugs, the lower unit water impellor and fuel systems. The primer squeeze bowls in tote tank fuel lines are prone to going hard and the fittings at each end can be subject to corrosion. Easiest thing I find is to replace the whole fuel line as they are not expensive. Don't forget also to make sure your batteries are fully charged. While on engines, you also need to refresh your fuel. Old fuel can cause problems, especially if you have not used it for some time. Tip out any left in an old tote tank and I would even suggest draining out whatever you have in the underfloor tank and start with a whole fresh batch. Next I would suggest the steering system. Going right back it was cables and pulleys, so a bit of grease seemed to be all that was needed to keep them running smoothly. Rack and pinion mechanical steering are prone to seizing up if left for long periods without any movement or lubrication. Over the winter, so it’s free and easy to move when you start your boating again, it always pays to give the steering wheel a few turns. If you have a hydraulic system, check the fluid level, as you may have had a leak somewhere and the fluids drained from the system. After that, I would have a check of your safety gear and see it is all up to date, such as the inflatable jackets have gas cylinders that will work, the flares are current and there're fresh batteries in your handheld VHF. Last but by no means least go through your tackle box and make sure you have plenty of tackle to start the season. I usually have my rod guides checked and re-spool the reels I use a lot. I also buy a heap more hooks, softies and ball sinkers as fishing around rocks can cost you a lot of gear over the season. And this season I plan to do a lot of fishing from my McLay Fortress, so I know the local tackle shop is going to benefit greatly. Happy Boating
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
6
www.alloyboat.co.nz
Quick Look
waterline | Seen & Admired
545 Aqualine B
Highly specified
uilt by Kiwi Kraft this is the export model now available exclusively through Boat City. Higher sides and transom give more workable space in the cockpit than the standard Kiwi Kraft. The hull is 4mm, with 3mm pontoons and a 4mm transom. The 545 Aqualine is built to CPC standards and loaded with features normally found as extras on other brands. The standard of finish is exceptional and paint is standard on most models. However as a basic fishing version it is also available non painted. A walk through windscreen and forward hatch makes anchor retrieval a breeze, plus there is a adequate dry storage in the cuddy. All Kiwi-Kraft boats are positive buoyancy boats, making them virtually unsinkable, even when full of water and with a full contingent of passengers. This is achieved by a system of pontoons between the hull and the floor. Each of these pontoons contains up to nine compartments, depending on the model (more
than all other boats in this class) and is tested to 5 PSI during construction.
S
Southern 716XP First with Hyundai Seasall diesel
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
Boat City, Main Road North, Paraparaumu, Ph: +64 04 298 5931 W: www.boatcity.co.nz
8
www.alloyboat.co.nz
outhern Boats recently launched their first Southern 716XP, which is based on a rebranded 676XP and for the first time is powered by an Hyundai Seasall diesel sterdnrive package. Hidden under a very compact engine at the rear of the cockpit is a Hyundai Seasall D170, an extremely fuel efficient 2.2 litre turbocharged common rail direct injection engine, that delivers a forceful 170hp of power and torque of 35.5kg.m. The engine is coupled to a Mercruiser Bravo sterndrive. At 7.1m overall coupled with the efficiency of a diesel inboard, the XP716 is designed to chase offshore gamefish or weekend sunsets with plenty of cruising range to spare. An extra wide 2.45m beam equals plenty of stability afloat, whether underway or at rest meaning a safe and comfortable trip in any conditions. www.southernboats.co.nz
Quick Look
Everyman 750 Gamefisher Going Out Wide
H
amilton based Everyman Boats has launched the stunning new 750 Gamefisher, a big hardtop aimed at the serious fishing market. Power is a Mercury 260hp 3 litre TDI with a Bravo 3 leg and the boat comes with all the added extras, such as Mercury DTS, analogue gauges and Mercury View. Builder, Russell Spiers says that the 750, part of the Bluewater Series has been fitted out with just about every conceivable extra to make this a true weekender and a comfortable day boat for extended cruising. Standard features include a walkthrough transom onto a huge boarding platform, 300 litre fuel tank, six rod holder rocket launcher,
toughened glass hardtop with sliding side windows and a full lockable cabin. At 7.65m x 2.50m, the 750 Gamefisher is one big trailer boat, yet on the trailer in light ship mode weighs in at little more than 2550 kgs. Built as a demonstrator model, the first 750 Gamefisher also comes with a Quick windlass, electric head, fridge and 2-burner stove. Fishing extras include tuna tubes, live bait tank, outriggers and wash down kit. A Simrad NSS12 Evo 2 with a 1kw transducer, Fusion RA205 stereo and Simrad RS12 VHF are also fitted. Base price for the 750 GF (BMT) is $NZ153,386, with the demo model with all the extras on the market for $NZ196,000.
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
9
Everyman Boats, Ph +64 7 847 6335, E: Russell@everymanboats.co.nz W: www.everymanboats.co.nz
www.alloyboat.co.nz
&
NEWS NOTEABLE | >>
Finlay Launch first hardtop
The first Finlay Ignite 6300 hardtop has just been launched and again has proven to be another awesome sea boat designed by Scott Robson. The LOA is 6.7m and the beam 2.4m, and with an internal width of just under 2m the deck easily accommodates 6-7 adults. There is room to lie down in the cabin and with a centre squab it would be fine for an overnight nap. The extension of the hull back to the motor not only provides extra buoyancy but the platforms either side of the motor well give a brilliant platform to recover fish or dive gear onto. The prototype was powered with a Honda 225, which complimented the design features in providing and efficient and smooth ride. Again concentration on the finish of these boats has been high and the use of teak to compliment the carpet and aqua upholstery pays off. Well finished with Altex (Resene) “Tiara” colour the boat looks good and follows on the same high quality aspects of the previous Finlay 5900. There is room to lie down in the cabin and with a centre squab it would be fine for an overnight nap. Finlay Boats NZ Ltd, Ph: +64 (03) 9292677. E: grant.mfnzl@gmail.com CHECK IT OUT
www.finlayboats.com
Surtees Boats Lands Historic Double Strike Another chapter in the Surtees success story was written over the weekend, when they received the Exporter of the Year Award at the 2014 BNZ Bay of Plenty ExportNZ Awards. This follows on from Surtees’ success at the same awards in 2013 where they received the Best Emerging Exporter Award, making this an historic win. In the 25 years that the awards have been running it’s the first time that a business has received Best Emerging Exporter and Best Exporter in consecutive years. “We are thrilled to have received this award,” said Phil Sheaff, Surtees Managing Director. “We are proud of our product and of our
dedicated team.” For over 20 years, Surtees has been building industry-leading boats from their factory in Whakatane. From the original Neil Surtees design the company’s range has expanded to encompass a variety of aluminium boats all with the same objective: they are built to fish.
CHECK IT OUT
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
www.surteesboats.com
10
www.alloyboat.co.nz
Savwinch now in Boat Bits stores
Savwinch boat anchor winches and accessories are now available in New Zealand exclusively through Bargain Boat Bits stores. Savwinch Boat Anchor Winches is an Australian manufacturer and wholesaler of electric drum style boat anchor winches and accessories. Savwinch provides drum winches for boats under 5 m to over 10 m, with winches suitable to any boat. In addition they have all the accessories needed for winching needs including bowsprits, rollers, swivels, rope and chain kits etc. Savwinch’s innovation award winning Electronic Fast Fall system is a variable speed system, which drops as fast as a free falling system but is clutch free. With a worldwide patent on it, it is exclusive to Savwinch. Uniquely the Savwinch fast fall system has less moving parts and can be retrofitted onto any existing electric fixed speed Savwinch. It was the winner of an Australian marine industry innovation award and close runner up in an International innovation award in New Zealand. Savwinch drum style winches in particular are increasingly popular as they are highly reliable and neatly gather the anchor rope around a drum. The popularity of anchor winches is increasing and will continue to do so as people become familiar with the ease of having one and seeing them on many other boats. CHECK IT OUT
www.bargainboatbits. co.nz/dealers
&
NEWS NOTEABLE | >>
Stabicraft secure order to the NT Stabicraft Marine Ltd has been awarded an Australian Government contract to build eight of its commercial vessels, destined for the Northern Territory. The eight ‘6.9 Supercab’ models valued at approximately NZD$250,000 each are a special order for the Northern Territory Police Fire and Emergency Services’ and began on water operations in late July. On water operations will see the fleet of Stabicraft’s undertake harbour and remote police operations, search and rescue missions, fisheries enforcement, marine safety compliance and to support general policing in the marine environment. Operating over a large area, the fleet and their two man crews will patrol waters from the Western Australia border through to the Queensland border, a coastline of 10,953 km. Individual boats will travel up to 150nm of their home bases on a daily basis. Stabicraft Managing Director, Paul Adams, says the order is another coup for Stabicraft Marine, with
Eight 6.9 Supercab models are now in use by the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services. a number of the company’s commercial vessels already operating alongside many recreational vessels in Australian waters. Australian Customs & Border Protection already operate 19 similar craft with the Victorian Coastguard and other Australian wide marine water service agencies using a variety of Stabicraft
commercial vessels. Each of the vessels is powered by twin Yamaha 100hp four-stroke outboards, Stressfree anchor winches, gun lockers in the bow, Lowrance HDS10 GPS navigation, 4G Radar, VHF radio and roof spotlights.
so every boat can be afforded a certain customisation. Enduro Boats, 10 Udy Place, Te Rapa, Hamilton, E: sales@enduroboats.co.nz Ph: +64 (0)7 850 5512
Australian Enquiries: Jurgens Australia, Ph +61 (0) 3 59437700, E: info@jurgens.com.au
CHECK IT OUT
www.stabicraft.com
Enduro 6400 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 new 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 e 160 litre underfloor tank, the Enduro 6400 is well equipped for offshore boating. To date two have been built, the first being exported to Australia with a Suzuki 150 and the second to an Auckland client who has opted for a Suzuki 175. Designed by Andrew Fink, the Enduro 6400 is all CAD produced
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
11
CHECK IT OUT
www.alloyboat.co.nz
www.enduroboats.co.nz
&
NEWS NOTEABLE | >> Dolphin Aqualisers increase stability
Minn Kota release all auto Ulterra
Designed for aluminium vessels between 3.5-5.5m, the Dolphin Aqualisers provide exceptional stability to your boat. Newly released safety orange and camo versions are now available alongside the standard alloy grey. Aqualisers have up and down positions allowing unhindered motoring or trailering in the up position and the full stabilising effect in the down position. These innovative stabilisers are manufactured in New Zealand using durable marine grade materials including 316 grade stainless steel fittings, tough UV stabilised polyethylene and injection moulded nylon components. Easily installed by anyone with basic DIY skills, Aqualisers come with full i nstallation and operating instructions. CHECK IT OUT
New Zealand: E: sales@aqualisers.com Ph: 0800 200 248 (NZ only) W: www.aqualisers.com. Australia: Torpedo7 W: www.torpedo7.com.au
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
12
Minn Kota’s new Ulterra trolling motor simplifies boat control with auto stow and deploy, and power trim. The revolutionary Ulterra bow-mount trolling motor features fully automated stow and deploy. In addition, 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 either the i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote control or foot pedal, make boat control easier than ever. All Ulterra motors come with either i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link, and a new multi-function, corded foot pedal with a dedicated Spot-Lock button. By including i-Pilot technology, with a motor that provides automatic boat control, automatic anchoring, automated stow, deploy and power trim, the motor truly does all the work. CHECK IT OUT
www.alloyboat.co.nz
www. humminbird.com.au
&
NEWS NOTEABLE P A C I F I C
Buyers Guide THE 100% RIB MAGA ZINE Chris Craft 20 Launch
TO 5.5M CENTRE CONSOLES
Rayglass 9m Protector
• Hampton 700 Skyloung
NEW
Changing for the Better
e • Back Cove Downeas t 37 • Robalo R305 • Billfisher
Pacific RIB Magazine launched
|
NE FLUSH AND SALT REMOVER ENGI CLEANER. ALL PURPOSE MARINE
565 • FC540
From the publishers of Pacific PowerBoat, Alloy Boat and Pacific PasLuxAlso BOATS ury Reviewed: Ten der s Big Bucks Boating REVIEWED sageMaker – the D&B EXPORT SUCCESS Publishing team have EPIRBS Kiwi RIB builders Things you once again identified should know doing it right overseas a special sector of the marine market with a publication unashamedly devoted to inflatable boats. Pacific RIB Magazine is a high-quality publication that offers quality and style, covering everything including the hottest, most up-to date information on new inflatable boats and associated equipment, plus boat reviews, product comparisons and features on diving and fishing. It is also available on the web as a fully readable and downloadable publication. Pacific RIB Magazine is distributed twice a year (October & April) throughout New Zealand and Australia. For Advertising call: NZ: Alex Ram Ph+64 (0) 9 428 7277 or Mob +64 (0)21 0286 5298 or Doug Dukeson Ph +64 (0) 9 428 2328 or Mob +64 (0)21 772202 Aust: Peter Rhodes Ph +61 (0)3 8786 8993 or Mob: +61 (0)413 154 460 Editorial: Barry Thompson Ph +64 (0) 9 428 2086, Mob: +64 (0)21 777355
5
$10.00 Inc GST
PR 7.5mm Spine.indd
7
20/08/14 10:18 AM
CHECK IT OUT
www.pacificpowerboat.com
Kiwi Marine Clean is finally delivering REAL VALUE to Kiwis when it comes to an effective salt dissolver, engine flusher, general cleaner. It can even remove some surface rust and act as a retardant. All this for about half the price you’ve usually been paying for similar products effectively giving you 1 litre FREE.
PARKER RACOR MAKES FILTER CHANGING A SNAPP Parker Racor has released its new all-plastic SNAPP fuel filter/water separator that packs high-performance features into a rugged, corrosion-proof package. The SNAPP has a one-piece body and clear bowl that allows for visual inspection just like other spin-on units. But this one doesn’t have seals to swell or threads to bind - making on-the-go filter change outs quick, clean, and painless. Just snap the unit into its stainless steel bracket and snap on the quick disconnect fittings and you’re done! No need for a strap wrench, a bucket, or ‘elbow grease’. SNAPP is big protection for small engines up to 140hp or 98 lph and makes every filter change literally a snap. Fast, easy, clean. No tools are needed – when it’s time for service, simply snap in a new filter. Simple installation and a patented priming system mean that protecting engine investment is now, a SNAPP. CHECK IT OUT
Non-hazardous, non-toxic, not harmful to aquatic life
•
Water based, PH neutral and biodegradable
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Multitude of uses: engine flush, boat wash, dive & fishing gear cleaner, house/window/wood floor wash and so much more...
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Available in 2 litre (makes up to 40 litres at 5% dilution) or 5 litre pack concentrate
2 litre $39.95 5 litre $69.95 (Plus delivery)
Visit www.kiwimarineclean.com to order yours today!
www.www.volpower.co.nz
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
•
13
www.alloyboat.co.nz
Torque
Engine
MerCruiser 4.5L V6 sterndrive
Designed and manufactured at Mercury’s world headquarters in Wisconsin, the all-new 250hp MerCruiser 4.5L V6 sterndrive which breaks away from the GM long block, was designed from “the ground up,” according to Mercury. The company refers to it as a V8 in a V6 body. The MerCruiser 4.5L establishes new design innovations such as a long runner scrolled intake manifold and high displacement, which produces an outstanding power-to-weight ratio. This V6 engine weighs 60kgs less than 5.0L V8 small block, yet provides similar performance. The MerCruiser 4.5L is a technology-rich platform that delivers a market-leading V6 sterndrive that’s compatible with SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) for immediate throttle response and smooth shifting throughout the rpm band. With DTS, the new 4.5L V6 can provide the option of Joystick Piloting to provide the ultimate in docking experience and maneuverability. The 4.5L V6 also offers Adaptive Speed Control (ASC), which automatically maintains the set rpm point regardless of load or condition changes, such as tight turns, tow sports and lower speeds on plane. The result is increased throttle response and a “sportier” feel for the driver, who no longer has to make continual throttle-control adjustments. Mercury Marine built the ultimate anti-corrosion protection system into the 4.5L V6 as well, using durable cast-iron components wherever the engine encounters seawater, and corrosion-resistant aluminum and composites everywhere else. Digital rather than analog sensors are used throughout. As with all MerCruiser engines, the 4.5L sterndrive comes with a standard three-year corrosion warranty, plus Mercury’s limited manufacturer’s warranty of up to two years.
Suzuki announces new DF200A
Mercury paid particular attention to ease of maintenance when designing the MerCruiser 4.5L V6, eliminating the need for the traditional 20-hour service. This unit features a maintenance center near the topfront section of the engine, ensuring that consumer touch-points – including oil filter and fill – are easily identifiable and accessible. The engine is available in single or twin installations and compatible with Mercury’s full series of Alpha and Bravo Drives. www.mercurymarine.com.au.
Suzuki has unveiled its latest lightweight and fuel-efficient model – the new four-cylinder DF200A. The new DF200A delivers the kind of impressive performance one would expect only from a V6 engine – but from just four cylinders, which means it is the lightest in its class. In addition to this, the new DF200A benefits from a whole host of high specification features. These include direct air intake and variable valve timing, 2,867 cm displacement and a higher compression ratio, lean burn control technology and Knock, O² and water detection sensors and systems to monitor and control internal engine operating parameters and improve reliability. The new DF200A weighs in at just 225kg, over 12% less than Suzuki’s current V6 DF200 model. Just one look at the newly designed cowling of the DF200A indicates that this outboard is something special. A new cowling is designed with a special baffling to provide a semi-direct air intake system that provides cooler air directly to the engine’s long track-tuned intake manifold. With the DF200A weighing just 225kg, boaters can choose a lighter, inline fourcylinder engine without sacrificing power or performance. In addition to the DF200A, Suzuki is also introducing the DF200AP, which benefits from even more technology. The DF200AP will be the first 200HP outboard on the market available with Suzuki Precision Control drive-by-wire controls and Suzuki Selective Rotation. With Suzuki Selective Rotation, dealers can set up engines in either standard or counter rotation, thanks to specially-designed gearing in the lower unit and the engine’s electronic shift controls. In addition, DF200AP models will feature a keyless ignition system. This system uses a coded key fob to transmit an access code to the engine’s starting system. Available later this year, the new Suzuki DF200A is set to redefine lightweight outboard performance and fuel economy. The DF200AP will be available in early 2015 www. suzukimarine.com.au
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
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Mercury release new 75-115hp FourStrokes Mercury Marine’s all-new 75, 80, 90, 100 and 115hp four stroke outboard models are all based on the same compact and low weight package from a 2.1-litre, fourcylinder, eight-valve, low friction valve train with singleoverhead-cam design. At 2.1L, the new Mercury’s have one of the largest displacements in its class, and deliver up to 23% more torque over previous four stroke models. In fact, despite their larger capacity, the new 115hp FourStroke model is the lightest on the market, coming in 9kgs lighter than the next closest competitive four-stroke product. So light and compact, the 75-115hp FourStrokes even trump Mercury’s ever popular 1.5L OptiMax directinjection models in the weight department. The new Mercury FourStroke engines are based on the same architecture as the popular Mercury 150hp FourStroke, An all-new, world-class hydro-dynamically designed gearcase comes as standard, decreasing drag by 15% to improve efficiency and performance. Available with the 90 and 115hp FourStroke Outboards, the Command Thrust models (previously known as Big Foot) use the same bigger gearcase housing as the Mercury 150 FourStroke, but with an all-new 2.38:1 ratio ideally suited for heavier boats. The optional Commander Thrust gear case provides greater torque for heavier pontoon and center console boats. The 90 and 115hp Command Thrust models are also available with left-hand rotation for improved handling and docking in a dual-engine installations, perfect for offshore fishing enthusiasts and a variety of applications. With Command Thrust, you not only experience the benefit of a larger, heavy-duty gearcase, but also the larger-diameter class of V6 propellers that go with it, such as Mercury’s popular Enertia series.
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Torque
Engine
BRP Reveals All New Evinrude E-TEC G2 Outboard Engines BRP hit the reset button on top of its Evinrude outboard line with the June 14 reveal of E-TEC G2, the company’s first complete outboard redesign since acquiring the brand in 2001. Dramatically styled and peppered with clever technical ideas, the six new Evinrude E-TEC G2 models may not be revolutionary, but do represent a great leap forward in the evolution of high-powered outboard design. Five years in development, these 3.4-liter DFI two-stroke V6 outboards, rated from 200 to 300 horsepower, are literally new from the skeg up. The powerhead is a 74-degree V6 that BRP is claiming produces 20 percent more torque, 15 percent better fuel economy and 75 percent lower emissions than the best outboards in this category —thanks to a redesigned combustion chamber and refinement of the E-TEC DFI system. The top model, the E-TEC G2 300 R.A.V.E., utilises a two-position exhaust port that broadens the powerband. There are dramatic changes in the mid-section and transom bracket, where a new hydraulic helix (imagine a screw turned under hydraulic pressure) is integrated into the bracket and replaces the traditional hydraulic steering ram. An electric-boost motor tucked within the bracket adds power steering to all Evinrude E-TEC G2 motors in 25and 30-inch shaft lengths. The trim system also utilises a hydraulic helix control, and the motor pivots on a tilt tube that’s about 2.5 times larger in diameter than any previous design, and in conjunction with a new transom bracket is very rigid. The rigging tube terminates at a port on top of the transom bracket, and does not move when the motor is steered, so boat builders will be able to design motorwells for a much shorter tube. These motors are designed for new drive-by-wire controls. Which brings us to the styling. Instead of a typical bucket cowl, the new Evinrude models have a composite exoskeleton that supports plastic panels on the top, port and starboard sides. The panels will be offered in five different colors (blue, silver, black, red and white) with 14 available accent stripe colours, so you can color-match your motor to your boat and truck. www.brp.com
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STABILITY
Exclusive to: 220 Prebensen Drive, Napier
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PERFORMANCE Phone: 06 835 9718 Email: Sales@firmansmarine.co.nz
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TAURANGA 19 Hewletts Road, Mt Maunganui Ph: (07) 928 7193 Fax: (07) 928 7194 Roger: 027 669 7918 Jamie: 021 795 597 Email: sportcraftboats@clear.net.nz
Electronic
News
Lowrance Gen2 Touch w Outboard Pilot 2. Raymarine’s new aSeries multifunction touch displays. RAYMARINE’S AFFORDABLE ASERIES: Raymarine’s new aSeries 9-inch multifunction touch displays combine tablet-like touch screen ease of use (including multi-touch and pinch-to-zoom) with super-fast, fluid navigation; multi-sonar capability; easy video and thermal night vision integration; and an exceptionally affordable price tag. Powered by the latest version of Raymarine’s popular Lighthouse II user interface, the new aSeries features a powerful dual-core processor and a 50-channel 10Hz internal GPS for ultra-quick updating and vessel tracking. It is also the only large format touchscreen with built-in award-winning CHIRP Sonar and CHIRP Downvision. With an exceptionally affordable price tag, a smaller footprint than HybridTouch models and easy installation, the compact new aSeries models are perfect for mid to larger sized trailer powerboats and launches. With just a couple of touches, you can create their own sonar control centre, with multiple independent digital, CHIRP and CHIRP DownVision sonar channels running at the same time, providing the ultimate in underwater intelligence! www.raymarine.com
HUMMINGBIRD DIGITAL LAKE MAPPING Humminbird’s new AutoChart LIVE instantly creates precision contour maps automatically as you fish? For anglers fishing bodies of water that haven’t been accurately surveyed or not surveyed at all such as estuaries, rivers, lakes, inshore areas, even offshore features—AutoChart LIVE provides a priceless service. Offered as a free software upgrade exclusively for users of Humminbird’s powerful ONIX and ION Cross Touch touchscreen units, AutoChart LIVE provides eight full hours of mapping data. Once produced, AutoChart LIVE maps can interface with Minn Kota i-Pilot Link systems, taking advantage of such boat control technologies as ‘Follow the Contour.' www. humminbird.com.au
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
LOWRANCE ANNOUNCES OUTBOARD PILOT Lowrance has announced its all-new Outboard Pilot for use with the Lowrance High Definition System (HDS) series. This easy-to-use autopilot system allows fingertip steering of the outboard engine — giving anglers an “extra hand,” so they can focus more on their fishing activity. Featuring integrated control from an HDS Gen2 or HDS Gen2 Touch, the Outboard Pilot can be installed with hydraulic — or cable-steered outboard systems – all with commands coming directly from the HDS display. Designed for single-outboard set-ups on boats 10m or less in length, the Lowrance Outboard Pilot can steer to a selected heading, waypoint or along a route, as well as execute a selected turn pattern. Additionally, the Outboard Pilot allows users to create routes from saved trails with the touch of a button, giving anglers the ability to retrace previous tracks from a fishing area back to the dock. The new and innovative Lowrance HDS SmartSteer interface provides outboard control as well as the ability to control a MotorGuide Xi5 Pinpoint electricsteer trolling motor. This new steering interface – available with the free HDS 3.5-software update – allows anglers to switch easily between the Xi5 trolling motor and the outboard motor with the push of a button. www.lowrance.com.
NAVNET TZ TOUCH APPS FOR ANDROID Viewer Apps. In addition there is a new Android only NavNet Controller App. NavNet Remote App provides full control of your TZ Touch in a whole new way. Operate your system remotely with iPhone, iPad and selected Android devices over Wireless LAN, when connected to the network. NavNet Viewer allows you to conveniently view information shared wirelessly by the NavNet TZ Touch network on your iOS or selected Android device. As one of the features, you can flick through instrument pages to view key navigational information, such as Depth, Temp, Wind, COG, Fish Finder and much more. NavNet Controller App, currently available for selected Android devices only, provides a scroll and cursor pad and some dedicated control keys to operate your TZ Touch display remotely, much like a TV remote. All Apps are available for free from the Apple App or Google Play stores. www.furuno.co.nz
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NEWS NOTEABLE | >> Australia Stabicraft new dealership
Century Batteries get you home
Stabicraft has a growing network of 10 dealers in Australia.
Stabicraft has continued their recent growth in the Australian market with the appointment of Richardson Marine in Warrnambool, Victoria as a dealer for its range of aluminium positive buoyancy boats. Richardson Marine Managing Director Edward Richardson says he’s excited about having Stabicraft onboard at his dealership. “Like Stabicraft we’re a growing business, and I feel the brand will complement what we already offer here with such products as Suzuki outboards. The appointment of Richardson Marine follows the recent appointments of Mandurah Motor Marine in Western Australia, Honda Marine Townsville and Webbe Marine in Kirrawee New South Wales and takes the total number of Australian dealers to 10. Outside of Australia, Stabicraft has also appointed Zambezi Marine in Zambia and Sin Tung Hing Marine in Tahiti as dealers.
After a good day on the water, there is nothing quite as disheartening as not being able to start your outboard because you have a flat battery. Each year there are too many incidents reporting this same scenario, boat owners using inferior quality batteries or even substituting car batteries and becoming stranded on the water. A good quality Australian made marine battery is the best way you can avoid becoming another marine statistic. Century Marine Pro batteries are designed to run your accessories and still have a reserve power to start your engine and get you and the family home at the end of the day. Century’s Marine Pro range incorporates advanced design features and robust internal components including Century’s exclusive Platelock technology, to combat the effects of wave pounding, engine vibration and transportation by trailer.
CHECK IT OUT
CHECK IT OUT
www.stabicraft.com
www.centurybatteries.com.au
Boatcatch makes for easy launching & retrieving Boatcatch is a coupling system that modernises the launch and retrieval process of trailer boats. It allows you to quickly remove and replace your boat to and from its trailer without setting foot on a boat ramp. The Boatcatch coupling comes in two sizes and is supplied complete with a universal mounting bracket and all components usually necessary for fitting and operating and can be fitted by the average handyman. Boatcatch was invented out of necessity by Greg Staples, a commercial abalone diver and former mechanical engineer who has 30 years of industry experience. The device filled his need to allow safe, fast, drive-off/ drive on launch and retrieval of his three tonne abalone boat. He does this hundreds of times each year in all sorts of severe conditions ranging from surf beaches to tidal ramps. As Greg says “Before Boatcatch, people had to launch and retrieve just as it was done over 50 years ago. Boatcatch modernises this task. Your boat can now be taken off or locked on in seconds and no one needs to stand on a slippery boat ramp or risk having a hand or finger jammed as the boat moves on the trailer”. Boatcatch Ph+61 (0)400 222 824 E: info@boatcatch.com CHECK IT OUT
www.boatcatch.com
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NEWS NOTEABLE | >> Australia Barton release Tournament 7800 Offshore When Barton Thomas decided he wanted to own the ultimate offshore plate alloy boat – one that set a premium standard for quality and practicality on extended trips – he headed straight for his computer. Not to undertake a Google search of marine dealerships and impressive plate boats on the market, but to start planning a design that he would build himself. Four months later, Barton’s awesome 7.8 metre sports cabin vessel has hit the water for sea trials off Cape Moreton, the northern landmark between Brisbane’s Moreton Bay and south-east Queensland’s deep, offshore fishing grounds. With features including a separate toilet and shower cubicle, a hot water system, fridge freezer running on solar panels and even mood lighting, the boat was launched with twin 200hp Yamaha G series outboards fed from a fuel capacity of 750 litres. Of course having more than 26 years’ experience in designing and manufacturing outstanding plate alloy fishing boats and cruisers, was a major advantage. Barton heads up Australian Master Marine based at Brendale on Brisbane’s northside – it’s a boat manufacturing operation which has claimed a string of national boat of the year awards. But Barton’s rig, which he has designated the Tournament 7800, lifts standards even higher for the boats
The AMM Tournament 7800 is the personal vessel of Australian Master Marine director, Barton Thomas. which he ordinarily custom builds in afloat. The below water lines are 6mm alloy, the sides and side decks 4mm 12 different hull lengths, for specific and the transom framing is based on owners. 8mm. With 20 rod holders around the “I wanted my personal boat to boat, it’s easy to see that serious fishreflect and be a tangible example of ing is one of Barton’s passions. what we can do for any customer. “If AMM were to build it as a cus“It was to be a see it, touch it, feel it tomer order, it would be in the order example of how far the customising of around $225,000, but a base boat envelope can be pushed.” Barton with less extensive list of luxuries and said. a single outboard, could be built for As a result, the Tournament 7800 around $118K,” Barton said. which has a beam of 2.5 metres and a 20 degrees deadrise, is one of the CHECK www.australianmastermarine.com.au slickest looking plate alloy vessels IT OUT
Tabs adds FX class Tabs have just released a new hull called the FX class, which is standard on all vessels above 5.6m and available as an option below 5.6m. The FX is Tabs way of saying that there are several design effects going on at the same time to produce an overall better-packaged ride. The new FX class incorporates a new hull design, which features 200mm reverse chines, a full convex rocker built into the hull on a north-south stringer system. This according to Tabs, greatly influences top end speeds, dryness, efficiency, and safety in a flowing sea.
The hulls have increased from the previous 1621-40 variable deadrise to 18-23-40 variable. There are now pressed in planning strakes and full-length spray chines. “Our goal is to produce a vessel with a long service life that is safe in all conditions, built for Australia this means not only good offshore handling but also design features that increase range, not only through the size of the tank but more importantly through ability for the hull to reduce its wetted surface area/drag
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co-efficient”, says Dean Wilson, National Sales Manager for Tabs Boats. Tabs Boats Ph +61 (07) 55946333 CHECK IT OUT
www.alloyboat.co.nz
www.tabsboats.com.au
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NEWS NOTEABLE | >> Australia Tonic polarised eyewear
New Dunbier Alloy Series
Tonic founder Doug Phillips for
Dunbier has released a new range of alloy trailers available from 5.3m to 7.5m. Available in the popular Supa Rolla Series and Glider Pad or Rolla Series these trailers have been re-engineered and improved to keep ahead of the competition. The trailers are all Australian made in Braeside, Victoria and are fully welded for maximum strength. The wiring has been cleverly concealed in the side frame, and on the Supa Rolla Series an alloy drawbar and now roller arms have been added to make the trailer lighter overall. Another new feature on all models is the new alloy checker plate teardrop guards and rubber independent suspension which is standard on these trailers. The guards not only look good but along with the new suspension, gives a quieter, smoother ride overall on these larger trailers. Dunbier Marine +61 03 9 580 2455 or E: sales@dunbier.com
sight fishing in shadows, fog and
Tonic polarised eyewear has released a Neon lens specially formulated for bright, reflectionfree vision in low-light conditions. Neon has been developed by
CHECK IT OUT
www.dunbier.com
cloud, and for dawn and dusk fishing of all types. It shares its high-tech optics with all of Tonic’s growing range of lightweight
Insinc Marine name Quintrex NSW Dealer of the Year
polarised optical glass lenses and has a unique light copper colour made of four colour filter layers. Serious anglers love Neon for its ability to give them a clear view of the fish when the ambient light is limited, but there’s still
Quintrex 530 Spirit.
glare to be cut through
Located in Gosford on New South Wales central coast, Insinc Marine continues to impress as a premium Quintrex dealer taking out the states Dealer of the Year Award for 2013-2014. Having just celebrated their two-year anniversary as a Quintrex Dealer, Insinc Marine are already a boating favourite among the locals and quickly earning a reputation for their excellent customer care, professional dealership and enthusiasm for the industry. Dealer Principal Troy Durham together with his wife Lee have worked hard to ensure their dealership offers the very best in product, service and boating advice even offering boat licensing courses twice a month. Quintrex National Account Manager Cameron Wood said he was continually impressed with the team at Insinc Marine with their professional presentation of the dealership and enthusiasm for the brand.
Tonic Polarised Eyewear comes in eight wraparound styles, including Evo and Rush with ClikStrap removable safety strap. RRP AUD$259 (NZ$299) with UltraOptic glass lenses. CHECK IT OUT
www.toniceyewear.com.au.
CHECK IT OUT
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
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NEWS NOTEABLE | >> Australia
Anglapro Sniper expands side console range Anglapro is expanding its successful side console range of Aluminium fishing boats with the release of the ‘Sniper.' Built off a deep V hull, the Sniper is geared for the cross over fisherman that wants the best of both enclosed waters and offshore fishing. The Sniper is available in four hull sizes from 4.5m to 4.95 and features the structural toughness you expect from an Anglapro. Wide bodied for stability, deep V for a cushioned ride and loaded with features, the Sniper covers everything you could need in a fishing platform. “The Sniper has the X factor,” says Anglapro’s Derek Rodway. “We went back to basics with this hull then got carried away and made it anything but basic. The on water performance of this hull is exhilarating, you’re buzzing
before you even pick up a rod. Then at rest its solid and the layout is all in place to make fishing easier.”
The Sniper was launched at Sydney International Boat Show. CHECK IT OUT
www. info@anglapro.com.au
Alloy Boat BoatCatch Revised Sept2014.pdf 1 10/09/2014 11:19:59 AM
HANDLE BIG BOATS WITH EASE Lifeti Warra me nty C
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Launch and retrieve, large or small boats – on your own – with ease Removes the stress of traditional launch and retrieve methods Boatcatch makes the job easy, quick and efficient.
Phone: 0400 222 824 info@boatcatch.com Retail and wholesale customers welcome! ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
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Bite Time Most of us go fishing when we can get the time off, not because it is the best time! But when is the best time and how much influence does the weather influence our success or failure? Weather guru Ken Ring offers some advice on understanding how a successful day on the water is open to more than just having the right bait. If birds are diving into the sea, chances are that the fish will be biting also.
T
he sun, moon, tides, and weather all influence fish activity. For example, fish tend to feed more at sunrise and sunset. During a full moon, tides are higher than average and fish tend to feed more. The best time for fishing is one hour before and one hour after high tides, and one hour before and one hour after low tides. Inland, the times for high tides correspond with the times when the moon is due south. Low tides are halfway between high tides. Also fishing can be good during the "morning rise" (after sunup for a spell) and the "evening rise" (just before sundown and the hour or so after). When the barometer is steady or on the rise is also ideal, as even during stormy periods, the fish aren't going to give up feeding. The smart fisherman will find just the right bait.
When the breeze is from a westerly quarter rather than from the north or east is also favoured. The Moon There are no perfect fishing spots. Good fishing depends on timing. The timing depends on the Moon. It has less to do with tide times, and more to do with the Moon's position and phase. The Moon exerts a gravitational pull on the land and the daily water tide is where water levels end up when the land expands and contracts. The land tide therefore controls the sea tide. The Moon affects currents and together with tide times currents become sea surface currents which influence sea surface temperatures. These feed sea surface winds and become air pressure zones. As currents influence wind, so the wind affects weather.
The Moon's closeness speeds the currents and exaggerates all the tides; in the air, sea and land. It is why storms arrive at kingtide times. The Moon moves between latitudes returning to the same position every 27.3 days. This is called the declination cycle. What latitude the Moon is at between its northern and southern hemisphere peaks, influences the levels fish tend to feed at, be it bottom feeding, mid ocean or surface feeding. When the moon is approaching southern declination, in the southern hemisphere currents ascend in the ocean, and fishing is better near the surface, so trolling and net fishing are favoured. Approaching northern declination it is better to chase bottom feeders and the deeper species. Currents move faster when the moon is crossing the
www.predictweather.co.nz ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
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Ken Ring’s website, - www.predictweather.co.nz - is a must read for anyone who wants to know about how the weather effects not only our fishing but everyday life.
Fish tend to be out there in good numbers just before bad weather.
equator, akin to the midpoint of a pendulum. Smaller fish travel in the safety of schools on the faster currents, and their predators are more numerous at those times. Fish are territorial. Small creatures work against tidal fluctuations in their environments in order to stay where they are familiar, and this makes them use energy. This energy must be replenished by food. It is why feeding times follow the orbits of the Moon. When the Moon is full or new, there is more water coming in and tides are higher, it means faster flows and more energy expended, more crud is floating around and churned out, which brings the curious small creatures out to investigate. Bigger creatures come out to feed on the smaller critters, and even bigger creatures come out to eat them. The result is a general feeding time which translates into a best fishing and hunting time. New moons in summer bring a different pattern to new moons in winter. The waters are warmer around summer full moons and cooler around winter new moons. Waters are cooler but new moon currents are stronger.
Good fishing depends on timing. The timing depends on the Moon.
On the way to the fishing grounds, check to see that animals are eating. If cows are pulling grass, if dogs and cats are foraging, if birds are diving into the sea, chances are that the fish will be biting also. The Maori Fishing Calendar is essentially the same all over the world. A careful examination of the Canadian Rockies Hunting Calendar, the traditional calendars in coastal Asian, Eastern and African hunting and fishing-based cultures, and Australian Aboriginal folklore will show the same principles, adapted for each different set of geographical circumstances. It seems that the world over, humans have noticed that out in the wild, the Moon controls best food-gathering times. We can all fish around in the kitchen cupboard for
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a tin of sardines. But to get the real thing, fresh, you might want to check out some basics. Time of Month Fish bite best around full and new moons, and bite well but to a slightly lesser degree around the first and last quarter phases. For best results, allow a day or so on either side of, and including these phase positions. Also fish tend to be out there in good numbers just before bad weather. They are curious creatures, which is why they are so attracted to jiggling bait on a hook. Then there's perigee, when the Moon is closest to earth in about 27 days, and apogee when Moon is furthest away. Fish either side of both perigee and apogee.
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Fishing around sunset is a great time to catch fish. Be mindful of these days for coastal fishing, because over perigee (moon closest for month and time of most swell turbulance) the fish won't come in close. They may have fear of getting sand in their gills due to the action of the bigger waves. Perigees send fish into deeper waters out at sea, so if fishing from a boat try longer traces over perigee. Apogee can bring extreme calm or turbulence because the Moon is being acted on the most by earth's gravity instead of the Moon as in perigee.
Time of Year Some fish come in to spawn in particular months, for instance the kahawai in February on the North Is. East Coast, which go up the warmer waters of the river outlets to lay their eggs. After that they get into a feeding frenzy and the sea can boil with kahawai at that time. Most coastal and inland fish have a season, for instance whitebait. Of course one should be there at that time. You would not go hunting rabbits if there were none around. However, most fish in deep water are there throughout the year. Larger fish like marlin have an approx 19-year periodicity, due to the cycle of water temperatures.
Time of Day The mid-moon is the best, when the Moon is in the sky over north or directly underfoot on the opposite side of the earth. The second best time is when the Moon is on the horizon either at moonrise or moonset. These positions slowly advance by approx 48 minutes each day. To find out these times, consult your local newspaper for Moon Rise/ Set positions. Tides Tides only matter when they coincide with Moon positions. For instance, in Auckland's Waitemata harbour, best fishing starts 4 hours after high tide (midmoon), and second best starts 4-hrs after low tide (moon rise/ set). On the Manukau, best time to start is 1 hr after high tide (midmoon) and second; 1 hr after low tide (moon rise/set). But further down the coast at Gisborne, best fishing time starts at low tide (midmoon) and lasts to one hour later, with second best starting at high tide(moon rise/set) and finishing one hour later. Even further south at Nelson, best fishing starts 1.5 hour after high tide (midmoon) while the second best fishing hour of the day starts 1.5 hours after low tide.
Watch the weather Weather plays a big part. Those who live or spend recreational time outside know that after a while, with a sixth sense about changes either imminent or happening in the environment, just as a mechanic does when listening to an engine. Familiarity breeds intuition. The sky 'speaks' to the trees and to animals, the vegetation 'speaks' to the birds, the insects pick up on where their predators, like birds, are likely to be. Everything in nature is in some sort of intercommunication and operates in a series of waves which we recognise as rhythms. People have known for thousands of years that these are controlled for the most part
Late afternoon and a nice Hauraki snapper about to come aboard.
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by the Moon, which raises or lowers flexible fluids; water, air and land. Most creatures are largely made up of water and have internal tides. What controls weather and tides also controls us. Weather is as much tied to the Moon as are feeding cycles, energy cycles, and other agricultural factors like ground saturation. Universal Fishing Calendar The calendar we produce here was called the Maori Fishing Calendar when the early settlers encountered it, but it is universal. The Canadian Rockies Hunting Calendar will be found to be almost the same. At one time this was a globally shared culture and so it works for almost anywhere in the world. In NZ we still call it the Maori Fishing Calendar because it was preserved in its original form from whence it was brought here, either from Asia or the Middle East. For many years around NZ fishing guru Bill Hohepa did a splendid job of popularising the concept which for many fishing families had been handed down as a set of principles. My own tutor was the late Herbie Careen, an elderly farming relative who fished almost every day of his life from his farm at Tutekehua on the upper reaches of the Hokianga River. It was always a joy to go fishing with this walking encyclopedia. Herbie also knew 1000 different ways of cooking mullet! The Calendar, also called the solunar calendar has been worked out averagely true to the Moon's midmoon movement from
The result of listening to the weather predictions. day to day between latitudes 45N and 45S, where most of the world's population lives. But, the reader may ask, how can that be, after all, the weather isn't the same for all places. But the whole earth revolves under the Moon once every 24 hours. That means that whatever phase the Moon is in is going to apply everywhere. For example, it so happens that on the night of the Full moon, at exactly midnight the Moon is sitting above due north if you are in the southern hemisphere, and over due south if you are in the northern hemisphere. This is the midmoon on that particular night
and that fact was once used as a directional night compass for travellers. If you knew the time and the date you could find north and south from it. Obviously then, every other Moon phase is experienced the same way all over the world also. Some commercial solunar tables will have you believe you need a different fishing table for each location. This is incorrect, except for the need for an occasional 12-hour adjustment for moon phase don't let anyone sell you a “localised� one. For a fishing diary go to: www.predictwind.com
Be Safe on the Water. Reliable. Affordable. Marine VHF Communications.
ENGINEERING & MARINE SHEETMETAL & MARINE SPECIALISTS
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Orca Engineering & Marine 81 View Road, Rotorua. Tel: 07 349 2977
www.orcaengineering.co.nz
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BOAT test
>> FC610 Hardtop
Freddy Foote checks out the FC610, another new boat from FC Boats, this time one of their first hardtop models and takes it for a run on a glassy smooth Auckland harbour.
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BOAT test
the
Next Step
A spacious cockpit provides lots of room to fish, but also options to fish forward on the bow thanks to the low profile cabin roof.
>>
R
eleased at the 2014 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, the FC610 joins what is a steadily growing line-up from FC Boats and is the company’s first hard top model. A hardtop model which I think is one of the best looking boat’s I’ve seen come to market in quite some time. Fish City Managing Director Ross Christensen says a hard top model is a natural progression for the brand. “We’re still quite a young boat brand in New Zealand, and we’ve only been building them for 2.5 years currently. There are three markets in New Zealand, the runabouts up to 5m in length, the smaller cuddy cabins, and the larger hard tops.” “We’ve concentrated on the runabouts and cuddy cabins and have done very well with those, and now driven by customer demand we have introduced the first of our hard top models.” Boat manufacturers are always in search of not only seagoing performance but the also all important stability. What I do like about the FC brand is that they build two stability systems into the vessels, of which they are some of the key selling points for the brand. Aft there is a flooding keel, which floods when the boat is at rest, making the craft ultra stable,
Fold up seats in the aft corners allow anglers to play the fish with ease.
then when underway the water drains out quickly. In the forward section next to the helm, there is a controllable ballast system, enabling the skipper to bring onboard the desired amount of forward ballast, and then to dump it when not needed. A simple release valve is located near the helm to control the amount of water. Extra safety comes in the form of a sealed floor and foam filled gunnels. All Rounder The FC610 can be seen as a bit of an all rounder. The type of boat where you can easily take a few blokes out and you can be at your favourite fishing spot fishing comfortably. Or throw in some dive gear and a couple of bottles, and you
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BOAT test
Everything in and around the helm is tidy and well positioned.
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The forward cabin area is a great place to stow gear or get out of the sun if you need.
can dive By adding some extra seating aft, you’ve got a good family boat with plenty of storage forward in the cabin. What’s more it weighs in at 1675kg on the trailer, meaning you don’t really need a large four wheel drive to tow it around. The FC610 boasts extended gunnels and a raised sheer line provide ergonomic access around the sides to the foredeck area also which provides further area for fishing if you so wish. FC Boats have intentionally lowered the roof height of the forward cabin to provide this area forward. A gull wing design is also incorporated into the 610 lending itself to making this boat very dry.
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Great Performer Our test day conditions were glassy smooth with hardly a whisper of wind, which in some ways I was hoping it might be a little rougher to really test out the hull. However, it wasn’t meant to be and we were greeted with flatter than flat conditions. I have however managed to test other FC models in rougher waters and they do perform very well, The hulls slicing through any chop with ease and the well engineered forward ballast system certainly adds another dimension for rough water performance and stability. If ballast systems are good enough for offshore racers, the same technology should be good enough for a recreational trailerboat. Underway, there was excellent visibility forward through the curved windshield. There was plenty of headroom above to accommodate my stature (6’1”). The seated driving position was also good, allowing you sit and use the end of the bunk as a footrest. The FC610 is rated for outboards from 115hp through to 150hp. Our test boat came with an optional 150Hp Mercury Optimax direct injection two stroke. A quick squirt of the throttle saw it hit a top speed of 40mph @ 5500rpm, covering 0.6m per litre of fuel at that speed. All fed from the sizeable 180L fuel tank. I thought the 150hp engine option was pretty good, and provided good punch out of the hole and mid range torque. If you’re shopping to a budget, then an 115hp will perform adequately, though will work hard once the boat is loaded up with passengers and gear. So if you can stretch your budget, go for the 150.
The FC610 is FC Boat’s first hardtop model.
Family Fisher The open layout firstly sees an adequately sized boarding platform is on either side of the outboard pod with the port corner featuring an aluminium-boarding ladder. Should you be a diver, a grab rail has also been welded onto the rear of the transom to aid in re-entering the boat. Other features include a passive live bait tank low down in the centre of the transom. Passive means that it fills itself when at rest, and water can be kept locked in until you choose to discharge. The cockpit is fairly sizeable, with long side shelves running part way along the sides, though rod storage options can be found at the bait station, rod holders in the coamings or via the rocket launcher above. Treadplate makes up the construction of the cockpit floor, and this boat has been fitted with an optional tube matting which certainly makes it a lot softer underfoot and most definitely cooler on a hot summers day. Seating consists of a single pedestal seat at the helm, with a large removable ice chest with squab opposite, big enough to accommodate two people. A great feature of this is that if your game fishing and you want to free up space in the cockpit, simply unhinge it from the floor and stow it in the cabin.
Additional seating comes in the form of fold up seats in each of the aft corners. Should you want a different seating configuration, a king/queen style arrangement can also be fitted – a better option if you’re looking at a more child friendly layout.
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BOAT test
A sizeable dive ladder aids re-entry into the cockpit.
Additional seating is available in the aft corners with a lift up seating. The helm and dash area is fully carpeted and gives the area a soft and warm feel. A Raymarine 7” multifunction display is flush mounted into the dash alongside the engine instruments, whilst further below are an array of switches for various onboard systems as well as controls for the Lenco trim tabs and Maxwell winch and a VHF radio is located down to the left. There is also plenty of room above should you wish to fit a larger navigation display and either flush mount it or mount it on a bracket above. The dash also features twin 12v
A fully carpeted dash gives a warm feel, and a handy pocket to the right provides a place to keep smaller items.
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A passive live bait tank on the floor of the transom is an excellent feature.
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BOAT test
This large insulated 160L fish bin with seat squab comes as an option and provides seating for passengers yet can be removed.
sockets, handy for keeping phones charged. Small storage shelves are on either side of the helm, a great place for keys and cell phones. A handrail runs right along the edge of the forward dash area and is great for passengers to grab onto. Forward in the cabin there is more space to store gear out of the way underneath the bunks, which also provide somewhere for the kids to kip down for a few minutes when they’ve had enough of the days fishing activities. Though there are no side shelves in the cabin, there is a sizeable shelf against the forward bulkhead of the cabin to store items. Above, a large deck hatch provides access to the foredeck, and excellent access to the
TECHNICAL Model: Manufacturer: 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:
On the trailer, the intake for the ballast system can be seen and the passive live bait tank drain above.
FC610 Hardtop FC Boats NZ$64,995 NZ$79,995 Hardtop 5mm/4mm Aluminium 6.10m 2.5m 18 degree 3.1m 1675kg 150hp Mercury Revolution 4 blade 15” Outboard Only 115-150hp 180L Voyager
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 FC Auto stabilising chamber with separate forward ballast system, Dual positive buoyancy system, 8 Rod rocket launcher, Nav Lights, Dual Bilge Pumps, Notable Options on Test Boat Deck tread grip, hull sides vinyl wrap, tube matting, Raymarine 7” display, Insulated 160lt Fish Bin with Seat Squab. Boat supplied by: Fish City, www.fishcity.co.nz Ph: Albany Ph 09 476 4282, or Hamilton Ph 07 846 6675
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anchor locker, though anchoring is primarily performed from the helm. A large t-bar dive/boarding ladder is located in the port aft corner, with an adequately sized boarding platform to help divers back onboard. Great Features Back at the ramp, the FC610 is easily handled back onto its single axle trailer, and given the size and weight of the boat; beach launching is a possibility as well. Overall the FC610 is a great boat, excellent finish, great features, and very safe. So what does it cost? You can get an FC610 with a Mercury 115hp four-stroke or Optimax direct injection two-stroke from NZ$64,995. The finish throughout is great, the deck tread grip on top of the coamings is a nice touch, and it comes a shade under NZ$1000 to have fitted. This boat also came fitted with an optional gun metal grey vinyl wrap on the hull sides, which is looks fantastic, and up close it was pretty hard to tell that it was a wrap at all. This one was priced as tested at NZ$79,995 and included the Raymarine sounder/ charplotter and the optional Mercury Optimax 150hp outboard as well as a few other extra’s listed down below. The FC610 is largely a production model, but the company has a host of extra features and options available and are only too happy to customise to suit owner requirements. The 5.8m-6.2m alloy hardtop market is heavily populated with almost every leading manufacturer offering at least one model in this size range. It won’t be long before the FC610 is at the top of many people’s lists.
PERFORMANCE DATA 700 rpm 1000 rpm 1500 rpm 2000 rpm 2500 rpm 3000 rpm 3500 rpm 4000 rpm 4500 rpm 5000 rpm 5500 rpm
3.1mph 4.7mph 6.6mph 7.7mph 12.0mph 16.4mph 22.0mph 28.0mph 30.5mph 34.0mph 40.0mph
We Sell and Fit Engines PLATINUM DEALER Call today for a quote
Mercury Finance available
www.fishcity.co.nz ALL FC BOATS HAVE:
FC465
FC510
• FC LIVE BAIT TANK • FC DRY RIDING GUNNELL SYSTEM • FC DUAL POSITIVE BOUYANCY SYSTEM • BMT PACKAGE MEANS DRIVEAWAY BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER PACKAGE NOT ALL PHOTOS ARE OF STANDARD PACKAGES AND MAY SHOW OPTIONAL EXTRAS
• Mercury 40HP • Electric start, trim and tilt • Voyager Low-Rider Trailer • 2 x Forward Seats • 2 x Rear Seats • Twin Boarding Platforms • 3 & 4mm Solid Construction • Dry Storage in bow
HOT DEAL
PLUS MUCH MORE
$24,995 $34,995
HOT DEAL
PLUS MUCH MORE
$32,995
$39,995
FC540
BMT Package
• Mercury 50hp Electric start, trim and tilt • Voyager Multi roller Trailer • 4 & 3mm Solid Construction • FC Forward Ballast Tank with Control Valve • FC Rear Automatic Flooding Stability Chamber • Side Storage Shelves • Forward Casting Platform
FC580
BMT Package
$64,995
FC610HT
BMT Package
SPECIAL
4 2 only at this price
• Mercury 75HP Electric Start, trim and tilt • Voyager Multi roller trailer • 4 & 5mm Solid construction • FC Forward Ballast tank with control valve • FC rear automatic flooding stability chamber • Rear seats • Side storage shelves • Forward casting platform PLUS MUCH MORE • Dive ladder with twin boarding platforms
$11,995
FC390T
BMT Package
FC390SC
BMT Package
• Mercury 15hp Engine • Voyager Low-rider trailer • 2 x Pedestal seats • 4 x Welded rod holders • Dry storage in bow • Safe and stable PLUS MUCH MORE
$19,995
$14,995
• Mercury 90HP Engine • Voyager multi roller trailer • 4 & 5mm Solid construction • Side storage shelves • FC Forward Ballast tank with control valve • Forward casting platform • FC rear automatic flooding stability chamber PLUS MUCH MORE • Rear seats • Dive ladder with twin boarding platforms
FC500T
BMT Package
$15,995
FC430T
BMT Package
$18,995
• Mercury 115hp 4 stroke or Optimax • 5 and 4mm Solid Construction • FC Forward Ballast tank with Control Valve • FC Rear Automatic Flooding Stability Chamber • Side Storage Shelves • Forward Casting Platform • 190lt Underfloor Fuel Tank PLUS MUCH MORE • Rocket Launcher • Voyager Multi roller Trailer
FC430SC
BMT Package
$19,995
FC430SC
BMT Package
• Mercury 15hp engine • Voyager low-rider trailer • Side console unit • Single pedestal seat • Dry storage in bow
• Mercury 30HP Engine • Dry Storage in bow • Voyager Low-rider trailer • 3 & 4mm solid construction • 2 x pedestal seats • 6 x welded rod holders PLUS MUCH MORE
• Mercury 30HP engine • Voyager Low-rider trailer • Dry storage in bow • 3 & 4 mm construction • 1 x pedestal seat • Side console unit • 6 x welded rod holders PLUS MUCH MORE
• Mercury 30Hp engine • Voyager Low-rider trailer • Centre Console unit • Massive storage areas • Front padded seating • 6 x welded rod holders PLUS MUCH MORE
$23,995
$24,995
$59,995
$74,995
PLUS MUCH MORE
FC500SC
BMT Package
FC500CC
BMT Package
FC600CC
BMT Package
FC640CC
BMT Package
PLUS MUCH MORE
• Mercury 40HP engine • 2 x pedestal seats • Large dry bow storage • Voyager sprung Low-rider trailer • Massive useable cockpit space • 8 welded rod holders PLUS MUCH MORE
• Mercury 40HP engine • Voyager sprung Low-rider trailer • Side Console unit • 8 welded Rod Holders • 1 x Pedestal seat • Large storage area PLUS MUCH MORE
FISH CITY AUCKLAND Cnr Rosedale Road & Triton Drive Albany, North Shore City Ph: 09 476 4282 ext 3 Fish City FN6189.indd 1
• Mercury 40HP engine • Voyager sprung Low-rider trailer • Large storage areas • 8 welded rod holders • Centre console unit • Padded front seat PLUS MUCH MORE
• Demo models available • Large Targa Top • 6mt fishing boat of Hutchwilco boat show • GPS/Fishfinder • U/f tank and storage • FC Forward Ballast tank with control valve • FC rear automatic flooding stability chamber
• Demo models available • Large targa top • U/f tank and storage • GPS/Fishfinder • FC Forward Ballast tank with control valve • FC rear automatic flooding stability chamber • As seen on TV PLUS MUCH MORE
FISH CITY HAMILTON Cnr Kahikatea Drive & Latham Court Frankton, Hamilton Ph: 07 846 6675 ext 3 10/09/2014 8:42:06 a.m.
Not all the same There’s no doubt that one of the most popular sizes and designs sold for production alloy trailer boats is cabin boats around 5.5m. We look at some of the many options available on the market, with an advertised length overall of between 5.4m to 5.6m.
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Spoiled for choice, colours and styles.
Stabicraft 1850 Supercab
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workable cockpit space is more important than is somewhere to lie down. One of the growing trends, especially in boats over 6m is the hardtop, which comes in either fully or semi enclosed layout. These are not so common however in boats under 6m due to the space restrictions, but there are a number of builders offering this option. They are more targeted towards the serious fisho who wants a boat that offers the necessary protection in almost any weather.
Aqualine 545 Buying a boat in this category, (5.3-5.6m cabin/cuddy cabin) be it new or secondhand, can be a daunting task, especially for those of you who are not regular trailer boaters, more especially if you are first-time purchasers. The salesman will extol all the virtues of a particular model, that may (or may not) suit your purpose exactly. But how do you really know? Amongst the first things to determine is what style of 5.5m cabin boat do you require and probably more importantly what’s your budget? As for the style of boat there are a number of clearly defined categories, e.g. cuddy cabin, full cabin and hardtop. The most popular is the traditional cabin boat. These account for the majority of all production aluminium trailerboats built in New Zealand. The cabin boat also comes in a number of forms, from what is referred to as the full cabin, where the cabin space allows for two berths of up to about 1.8m in length. Options such as lockable cabin doors and full bulkheads are also available, although can be a bit restrictive in a boat around 5.5m, so are not common. Then there is the cuddy cabin, which has
a smaller cabin and larger cockpit, with the cabin more useful as an area to stow your gear and somewhere to sit out of the weather. This is a popular style in boats designed with a fishing aspect, when
Construction Criteria Aluminium boats in New Zealand have a reputation for solid construction and hull thickness and are traditionally 3mm to 5mm and even 6mm depending on the boat’s size. Metre for metre an aluminium boat is lighter than a fibreglass boat so has the advantage of requiring less horsepower to achieve a similar performance and is also therefore lighter to tow. Aluminium also has a reputation of being capable of handling more abuse, is stronger and requires less maintenance. Unfortunately all that’s not entirely true. Aluminium still needs the same care
Bluefin 525 Pro Fish
Commando 5.4 Trooper Blackdog Cat
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C
M DNA 551
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Fyran 550
and attention as fibreglass, in fact if it’s unpainted, it requires more if you want to maintain that ‘as new shine’. A handy hint is if you buy an unpainted aluminium boat, coat it in a product such as Nyalic and that shine will stay on the boat for a lot longer. Aluminium left to weather not only looks bad, it also causes hidden problems with areas under the cockpit sole, in welded joints and bonded areas. However, like fibreglass, if you make a habit of washing the boat down after use with soapy water, then you won’t have a problem. Painted aluminium is now more popular than unpainted and this does require special care, especially if you scratch the hull. TOH118 Advertising HP dealers background.ai
Southern 5.5
1
1/11/10
4:50 PM
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DELIVERING RELIABILITY FOR OVER 50 YEARS C
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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
K
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. Pty Ltd ph 02 4392 6110 Phone:Australian 04 237National 7800 Distributor 0800 Lakeside 528 318MarineFax: 04 237 0822
| fx 02 4392 1587 | sales@lakesidemarineptyltd.com
sales@diversifiedproducts.co.nz
Australian National Distributor Lakeside Marine Pty Ltd ph 02 4392 6110 | fx 02 4392 1587 | sales@lakesidemarineptyltd.com ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
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www.tohatsu.com.au WWW.TOHATSU.CO.NZ
www.tohatsu.com.au
Marco Striker
Kiwi Kraft 550
The latest trend is wraping, which involves covering the hull sides with a ultra strong self-adhesive vinyl, that will not fade or go cloudy like paint. You can also go wild with fancy graphics and images if you really want to individualise your boat. As for strength, well maybe if you run up on some rocks at speed you will only dent the hull and not punch a hole in the bottom, but generally a fibreglass boat will take as much punishment as an aluminium one. Aluminium boats are certainly flavour of the moment with fishers, but with manufacturers now producing high spec examples that are unashamedly pitched directly at similar sized fibreglass boats, the market trends are changing. Mono or Cat While the majority of production alloy boats available are conventional monohulls, there are also the twin hull or catamaran option. New Zealanders, unlike Australians have not taken to the catamaran theme, despite the huge space, stability and offshore handling advantages. The down side is they normally always require twin engines, the cabins are small and are the initial purchase price is considerably more than a monohull. The 5.5m alloy monohull in most cases is
based on a conventional hull shape with a deep vee forefoot, spray strakes in various configurations and wide chine flats, and a transom deadrise anywhere from 13 deg to 20 deg depending on the boat’s intended use. Generally, the deeper the vee the better the ride in rougher water. There can however be a trade-off because a lightly laden deep vee hull, with its chines out or almost out of the water, is more often than not less stable at rest than a shallow vee. (This explains why aluminium hulls generally have less deadrise than GRP hulls.) This is not true however with rigid hulled buoyancy boats (pontoon) that due to the very nature of the hull design create their own stability whilst both underway and at rest. Size Matters Another important consideration is the overall dimensions of the boat, taking in overall length of the boat on the trailer, total width from wheel guard to wheel guard and overall height. No good getting the boat home and finding you have to punch 1m out of the back of the garage into the kids’ spare room. And of course where you are going to use the boat and for what purpose, is just as
Everyman 550
important. Will a boat of 5.4-5.6m suit the type of water conditions in the area that you propose to use the boat in, and look only at boats that you feel would be practical. Boats around 5.5m, tend to be designed primarily for inshore areas and say what you like, staying away overnight in a boat under under 6m is not the most comfortable! They are light, easy to tow behind a small car and require only mid size outboards in the 60hp – 115hp range. In most instances they are not suitable for rough water boating, although there are exceptions, especially from some of the aluminium rigid buoyancy hull – pontoonboat builders. In the 5m - 6m range you have the widest selection and this is where your buying decision gets really confusing. The biggest selling alloy cabin boats in the country fall within this group. You are still in the realm of single axle trailers and towing weights in the 1400 – 1800 kg range. Power Options The boat is only the first part of the buying equation, you also have to consider what you are going to power it with. While there are two choices, outboard or sterndrive, the majority of production boats under 6m are more likely to be outboard powered. Buying an outboard isn’t as simple as it used to be, with the choice of 2-stroke or 4-stroke, direct injection, fuel injection or carburettor. The outboard technology is changing so quickly that at times it’s hard to keep up with Quintrex 530 Sea Spirit
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McLay 561 crossXover
Orca 5.4 what’s happening. With a worldwide move towards ‘things green’, 4-strokes and direct injection 2-stroke outboards are hot topics. Package Buying When it comes to deciding between brands, the choice can still be difficult, especially if a number of boats offer exactly what you want. If they are well known and reputable brands then the build quality, finish and resale value of the package shouldn’t be a consideration. If a boat carries a CPC (Construction Compliance Certification) plate then there’s a damn good chance you’ll have no problems with the construction and if you do at least there is some recourse to protect your investment. If you are purchasing a new rig it is more prudent to get it all from one retailer as a total package. This should not only include the boat/motor/trailer, but also everything from the lifejackets to the fishfinder. In most cases the dealer has the experience to set
the boat up right and should pass it over to you in a keystart situation. Also when buying a new or used boat check out exactly what you are paying for and exactly what the rig is going to cost you when it’s time to pay the final cheque. The initial $35,000 total package sticker may end up costing you $42,000 once you have added
all the extras, e.g. canopy, underfloor tank, rod holders, road cover, rocket launcher, boarding ladder, and electronics. Not every boat comes with the same set of equipment in the standard package and what may sound cheap to start with could cost you a whole lot more in the end. Dealers are also able to offer excellent
command performance
Commando Trooper 5.4
...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 ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
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Profile 545C
Ramco 5450 Prelude
Aqualine 545 finance and insurance packages and if you have a trade there is also the added bonus of being able to put your old boat into the deal. As boats are not registered, if you do buy privately do whatever you can to ensure that the person selling the boat actually owns it. Trailer registration plates are a good start, but not totally fool proof. Buying a new or used aluminium boat can be a daunting task especially for a first-time buyer and with so many models on the market and the numbers growing every season it doesn’t get any easier.
5.5m Cabin Buyers Guide Cabin and cuddy cabin 5.4-5.6m
Brand/Model LOA Baxter B540 5.44m Big Eye 550 5.50m Bluefin 525 Profish 5.40m DNA 551 Sportfisher 5.50m Everyman 550 5.60m Extreme 540 5.50m Fyran 550 5.50m Marco Striker 5.50m McLay crossXover 551 5.50m McLay crossXover 561 5.60m McLay Fortress 551 5.50m Qunitrex 530 Spirit 5.61m Ramco 5450 Prelude 5.45m Senator MC540 5.57m Southern XP516 5.45m Surtees 550 Workmate 5.50m VMG500 5.50m White Pointer 550 5.60m
Senator RC520
Pontoon
Aqualine 545 5.52m Baxter B550 5.50m Blackdog 5.5 SS 5.50m Commando 5.4 Trooper 5.40m Hardy 5.4 5.40m Kiwi Kraft 550 Fisherman 5.50m Orca 5.4 5.40m Profile 545C 5.45m Senator RC520 5.50m Stabicraft 1850 5.40m
Surtees 550 Workmate
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Beam 2.35m 2.14m 2.20m 2.28m 2.05m 2.10m 2.10m 2.07m 2.08m 2.08m 2.08m 2.25m 2.10m 2.38m 2.20m 2.15m 2.10m 2.10m
Hull 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 4mm 3mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 4mm 6mm
2.18m 2.42m 2.15m 2.22m 2.17m 2.20m 2.33m 2.00m 1.98m 2.15m
4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 4mm 4mm 4mm
NZ’s Best Selection & Value to Match! Over 20 models to choose from:
• Dinghies • Centre Consols • • Cuddy • Cabin • Open Runabouts • • Cabin Boats • Pontoons • Hard Tops • • Weekenders • Wheelhouse •
From the
To the
420 Bluefin Pontoon
Bluefin 769 Wheelhouse
$
12,750
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81,500
tHe aLUMInIUM boat speCIaLIsts
MORRINSVILLE Thames Street West, Morrinsville Ph: (07) 889 7193 Fax: (07) 889 5405 Alan Solly: 021 595 151 Email: sportcraftboats@xtra.co.nz
open 7 days over 200 boats www.sportcraftboats.co.nz
TAURANGA 19 Hewletts Road, Mt Maunganui Ph: (07) 928 7193 Fax: (07) 928 7194 Roger: 027 669 7918 Jamie: 021 795 597 Email: sportcraftboats@clear.net.nz
BOAT test
>> McLay 581 crossXover Tes t B y F r e d d y F o ote
Multi
Tas k i n g All new McLay 581 CrossXover breaks new ground for this South Island builder and puts a whole new meaning on the word ‘pontoon.' Barry Thompson took one home for a few days to find
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Fish, wakeboard, ski, or family cruise, the 581 crossXover is aimed at all markets.
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T
he new McLay 581 crossXover, is one of three new boats in the series that are designed with the versatility for family boating, fishing, diving or towing water toys. However it is the innovative way in which McLay has incorporating hundreds of litres of closed cell foam under the gunnels from the transom to the anchor bay that makes this boat even more interesting. Designer Steve McLay calls this “retaining great looks with pontoon safety”, it’s just that this version has flat sides and not the accepted semicircular hull design. “What we set out to achieve was a boat that offered the same in-built safety of a pontoon boat, but with the form and design of a traditional Mclay. “We have managed to provide all the same safety aspects of a pontoon boat without compromising any cockpit or cabin space”, said Steve. Released at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, the 581 crossXover is the middle in the trio off crossXover boats, the other two being a smaller 561 and a larger 601.
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out more.
A big open cockpit that is easy to fish from. Note the fishbin under the starboard seat.
I picked up a 581 crossXover straight after the show and took it home for a few days. The plan was to cruise a little, fish a little and maybe even tow a few water toys. After all this is a boat that has been designed to cater for all wants, so checking out all aspects would be ideal. Well, no problem with the cruising aspect and also a serious fish, but as far as the water toy part of the equation went, I had no takers. Seems everyone I talked to were already in winter mode and didn’t fancy jumping into the 19-20 deg water. Whimps all of them! So with that aside, I will have to take the builder’s word for it that it is a good boat to ski or wakeboard behind. From what I could see at both wakeboard and skiing speeds, the wake looked clean and even, with a nice short curl on the top. I did pull a nice steep wake at
around 20 mph, with four of us in the boat and the engine trimmed out, so casual wakeboarders should find the 581 crossXover to their liking. I did get a chance to take the boat for a 30nm return run to Kawau Island on a reasonably calm afternoon and it ran well. With just two of us aboard, I set the throttles to cruise mode, around 35 mph @ 5000 rpm and the boat did the rest. What I did notice was how quiet the hull was, with no ‘tinnie’ slap and the predictability of the ride. The thick 5mm hull and foam throughout the boat certainly helps. Any wakes we came across were quickly flattened by the wide downturned chine that runs all the way to the transom. Winter certainly produces some exceptionally calm days, but conversely can throw up some nasty seas and anyone who has boated in the Tiri Channel will know what I mean. We went across in calm water and came back with a quartering 1m sea whipped up by a 20 knot SE breeze. I set off at 4000 rpm @ 20 mph and slowly increased to 4500 rpm at around 25 mph as I got the feel of the boat. I was impressed with the solid feel and the way the boat sat on the water. Okay, we took a few hard knocks,
>>
BOAT test
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The cuddy cabin has sitting headroom and easy access through to the fordeck for anchoring.
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>>
BOAT test
The rear seat can be used when required (left) or tucked away (right) when fishing.
>>
The rear boarding platforms are huge, with a deep ladder and robust handrails.
but a hell of a lot less than I would have expected from an alloy boat of this size. Again I can’t say enough about the quietness and easy of handling. Having four guys aboard with all our gear certainly helped settle the boat down. On both trips I got to appreciate the tall bimini (2m from the sole) with clears for the protection it offered us in the cold afternoon temperatures on the way back home. If you want some breeze in your hair then simply unclip the three clear panels. Cuddy Cabin The fully lined cabin is really a cuddy with two squabs with storage under and sitting headroom for two. Narrow side shelves take care of small items and the large alloy deck hatch gives you great access to the forepeak
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area for anchoring. Our boat wasn’t fitted with a capstan, but there is certainly room for that, so all anchoring duties could be carried out from the helm. While our boat had no bulkheads, so there’s an uninterrupted flow from the cabin to the cockpit, you do have the option of full bulkheads and a lockable door. The starboard helm is divided into an internal mounting station for the GME VHF and Fusion system and a small recess above for the twin Mercury Smartcraft instruments and Lowrance Elite 5HD1 MFD. Unfortunately, I was unable to get the Lowrance off the demo mode, so we did our fishing the old fashion way, by gut feel! What I did like was the heavy duty allow handrails supplied for the front seat passenger, but didn’t like the fact there was no upstand
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The deluxe rocket launcher comes complete with a wakeboard rack.
on the trailing edge of the deck area below the screen to stop anything rolling off and onto the cockpit sole…..such as my iPhone! But the handy cockpit side shelves by the helm and passenger’s seat took care of these items. The imitation carbon fibre finish is a nice touch. Roomy Cockpit The cockpit sole is a fully welded 4mm tread plate floor with buoyancy and a 130 litre fuel tank underneath. Standard seating is king/queen with swivelling front bucket seats and rear bench seats. The steering position is okay both seated and standing, although I would have preferred an adjustable seat base as I found it too far forward when standing to drive. Both solid alloy box bases have built-in storage spaces, the port side being top accessed with plenty of space for gear, the starboard area open from the rear and in our boat used to stow a 60 litre Ice Station chilly bin. I liked the flat bar at the rear of the rocket launcher where two Fusion speakers, a couple of cockpit lights and a Hella flood light were mounted. The test boat was fitted with the optional deluxe painted rocket launcher with wakeboard holders, along with eight rod tubes. There is a more basic version available if you’re just into fishing. Storage trays either side of the cockpit are extra areas to keep your rods, gaff or net and fishing tackle. On the port side is a live bait tank with a Perspex viewing window, directly below the wide access to the transom gate leading too a very large aft deck and a three tier drop down alloy ladder. The portofino extends a full 750mm past the transom, with the outboard mounted on a pod. Divers will like the generous sized ladder, wide access and heavy duty handrails when getting back aboard. All the batteries and extra storage is hidden behind the rear bench seat, which folds down when required, or can be tucked away flush with the transom when you need the cockpit space for fishing. Very cool. Another neat item on our boat was the central bait station, which comes with a built-in drawer underneath. Not something I have seen before and an excellent feature, especially if you are like me and always changing your rig, lures or soft baits. Very handy.
Lets Go Fishing But it was about the fishing that I was more interested in. McLay have pushed the boat as an all purpose (cross over) boat that fits all sectors of the market. However as we all know, it’s more likely that these boats will be sold with fishing in mind first and the other features only there to please the rest of the family. Our fishing trip comprised four guys with a mix of soft baits, squid and pillies. The Maori fishing calendar said forget it and in some ways it was right. We did hook into some very large Kahawai which went home to be smoked and a few reasonable snapper, but generally it wasn’t that great.
The 581 crossXover is certainly a neat fishing platform that will comfortably handle up to four anglers. The bait board is conveniently positioned and at the right height, although I wasn’t so sure about the huge outlet hole that I could see my knife disappearing down, but as I have already mentioned, I loved the tackle drawer. The wide flat side decks are great to sit on when waiting for a bite and even with four fishing I didn’t find the rocket launcher got in the way. With no underfloor storage or kill tanks you will need use the chilly/isky bin under the helm seat to keep the catch in. You have the option of having both king/queen seats with eskys in them instead of having one set up as storage for the BBQ as this boat had. Overall a very interesting boat that is well suited to the multitasking that McLay have designed it for. With the choice of painted, wrapped or unpainted sides and cabintop you can bling the boat to whatever suits. Personally I liked the bright colours that McLay have chosen and they certainly make the boats stand out. While packed with features, the McLay 581 crossXover offers surprisingly good value for money starting at just $NZD46,591 with 90 Merc 2 stroke and Toko single axle unbraked trailer. Our test boat came with a host of options, including a BBQ and fully painted hull and a retail of $NZD65,995.
TECHNICAL Make & model: Manufacturer: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Height on trailer: Trailerable weight: Test Power: Propellers: Power Options: HP Range: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
McLay 581 crossXover McLay Boats $46,591 $65,995 Cabin Runabout 5mm hull/ 4 & 3mm alloy 5.81m 2.28m 17 Deg 2.10m/2.90m 1200kg (approx) Mercury Optimax 115 19” Vengeance 3bld SS Outboard Only 90-115hp 130 litre Toko Trailers
This boat is 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 Four rod holders, Live bait tank, painted top and side stripe, Nyalic, hydraulic steering, 1100 gph bilge pump, deep anchor locker and gelcoat graphics. Notable Options on Test Boat GME GX600D CHF, Fusion MS-RA205 Lowrance Elite 5HD1, BBQ, deluxe rocket launcher, Ice Station bin, painted sides. Boat Supplied by: Fish City, Auckland, Cnr Rosedale Road & Triton Dr, Albany 0632 Ph: 09-476 4282 W: www.fishcity.co.nz Contact: McLay Boats Limited, 299A Union Street, Milton, Otago, New Zealand, Ph: + 64 3 417 8135 E: steve@mclayboats.co.nz W:www.mclayboats.co.nz
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Fish Bites Mathew Heweston looks at some of the new fishing tackle and accessories for the angler. The arrival of spring is an exciting time for the kiwi fisherman as he looks forward to the warmer weather and longer fishing days with the start of daylight savings. The fishing also kick fires into action as the fish start arriving in force ready for spawning. With this in mind the angler also wants to try out some of the latest gear released from the fishing suppliers. So here is some of the new tackle and gear to hit the stores soon.
ABU GARCIA – Revo Toro NaCL Abu have released an impressive baitcaster reel that can stand up to the power of New Zealand’s tough fish. The Revo Toro NaCL puts out an impressive 10kg of drag using a carbon matrix drag system that provides smooth and consistent pressure. It comes with six stainless steel bearings plus one roller bearing to provide increased corrosion protection. All this combined with a quick 6.4:1 ratio to help land that big snapper. Available in two sizes, this reel is ideally suited for fishing softbaits or slowjigs in deeper water between 20m-50m. www.purefishing.com
ABU GARCIA – Veritas Light Jigging Rod A new rod has been designed for the popular Veritas range. The Veritas Light Jigging Rod is a one piece, 1.83m rod with a slow – medium action. Incorporating the famous nano technology in the blank with Fuji guides, a split butt and a split reel seat. There are four models available for spin and overhead reels with two different PE line ratings. www.purefishing.com
SPIDERWIRE – UltraCast Fluoro-Braid This hot new line should fly off the shelves this summer. Fluorobraid combines the sinking properties of fluorocarbon with the strength of Spiderwire braid. Using a breakthrough process using gore fluoropolymer and dyneema fibre blend together. This means less slack in your line as it sinks through the water which provides increased sensitivity. It will help in faster hook sets, ideal for softbaiting in windy days or slow jigging under workups when you are hit on the drop. Available in five line weights from 10lb – 40lb. www.purefishing.com
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CASIO G-SHOCK Gulfmaster As all fisherman know, timing is everything when fishing. When you’re on the water and with the wind, tide and moon all working against you, you need every advantage you can get. Released from Casio is the G-Shock GWN1000 Gulfmaster, a new ocean concept model from the Master of G series. Designed with tough action and harsh environments in mind, the Gulfmaster is the ultimate maritime GShock. This intuitive triple sensor timepiece is equipped for the seas, boasting an atmospheric pressure sensor which can help to predict changes in the weather, compass bearing to check direction, a thermometer and tide level indicators. Available from leading Casio retailers. RRP $799
Sword Pro gamefishing combo The NZ designed and made, SwordPro Ultimate is essential a game fishing combo kit. A multi-use tool to minimise your game fishing equipment while increasing the odds of ensuring your catch lands in your boat. The SwordPro Ultimate eliminates the need for you to carry six different poles on your boat. It’s your flying gaff, large gaff, small gaff, landing net, harpoon and tag and release tools all in one handy combo kit utilising one pole with interchangeable components. Find your gear quickly and efficiently when you need to, and pull in that trophysized marlin, kingfish or snapper with ease. www.swordpro.com
MotorGuide’s newest and best Two new electric trolling motors from MotorGuide – the Xi5 and X3 – are now available to Kiwi and Aussie buyers. The Xi5 and X3 are stealthy quiet, silky smooth and totally reliable with a list of features that will ensure true durability. They have new composite shafts, that can take on any obstruction that gets in its way. The Xi5 also has MotorGuide’s brilliant Pinpoint GPS technology as standard or as an easy upgrade. Digital variable speed control enables exceptional low-speed trolling capability and longer run time and by capturing and storing energy that is typically lost as heat, the batteries have longer run times and require fewer recharges. The X3’s Variable Ratio Steering (patent pending) gives anglers higherresponse steering and precise boat control in the primary fishing zone. mercurymarine.com.au.
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Tackle Talk Lowrance Sounder under $200 Lowrance has released the newest additions to its Elite family of fishfinder and chart plotter products, the Elite-3x. The most affordable colour fishfinder ever introduced, the new Elite-3x includes a dual-frequency 83/200 kHz Broadband Sounder transducer and features an LED-backlit display with detailed 240x360-pixel resolution that’s easy to see in full sunlight from wide viewing angles. Equipped with broadband sounder technology, the Elite-3x allows anglers quickly and easily to identify fish targets, bottom contour, structure detail, bottom hardness, thermoclines and more. The Lowrance Elite-3x fishfinder is priced at $NZ199.00. www.lowrance.com.
Accurate SR-6 Accurate's newest addition to the SR series of spinning reels is the SR-6 mighty mite. This reel was designed with the inshore fisherman’s needs in mind. The reel is ideal for soft baiting, stray-lining and fresh water fishing. These reels are lightweight at 10 ounces, made of T6 6061 aircraft aluminium and feature the Accurate Twin Drag feature designed for a smooth drag with stopping power. For a 2500 size reel it can run up to 8kg of drag and with Accurate’s twin drag spool has very good line capacity. This reel is perfect for the angler looking for the perfect braid or mono reel in either salt or freshwater adventures. Complimented by a lightweight little spin rod, it’s like having nothing at all in your hand. RRP $850 Visit www.decoro.co.nz for wholesale enquires or visit your local tackle store
Trokar TK11 Extreme Octopus Big Nasty! That's the moniker given to the Trokar TK11 Extreme Octopus hook. The perfect solution for big snapper on baits, especially if you love to strike the fish. These hooks feature forged wire construction for strength, with an offset point and a welded eye. Surgically sharpened for faster, deeper, and surer penetration, their three-sided point, detailed design, and incredible stopping power. Black Chrome plating allows these hooks to stand up to saltwater with outstanding corrosion resistance. Even their low-profile barb was designed for easier penetration, yet ultimate holding power. Available in sizes from 2/0 through to 7/0. Trokar hooks are made in the U.S.A. Buy online at www.kilwell.co.nz and delivered freight free to your local Kilwell stockist. RRP $19.99
Strike Pro Canyon Crawler A seriously big lure for chasing big predators. The massive oversized bib allows the Canyon Crawler to crash dive to amazing depths (tested at over 40 feet). This 20cm 118gm floating lure is constructed with a one piece heavy duty wire frame running from front tow point right through to rear tow point for added strength. Heavy duty split rings and extra strong VMC Permasteel trebles, provide a serious arsenal for chasing large pelagic species. Best used for trolling, but being a floating lure the Canyon Crawler will also lend itself to cast and retrieve style fishing. Because of the size and drag this lure creates when trolling, recommended tackle will be a minimum of 24kg when targeting trophy kingfish. Available in several proven fish attracting colours, including the new “UV” Pilchard. Buy online at www.kilwell.co.nz and shipped freight free to your favourite Kilwell dealer. RRP $29.99
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PRO SPORT FISHING – Blue Blue Pro Sport Fishing New Zealand have released a new lure to the New Zealand market. “Blue Blue” lures are the latest Japanese craze and an original design. Like most lures produced for the Japanese market they have proven deadly when tested on our snapper and kingfish. Their shape is quite different which provides an amazing erratic movement through the water that is created by themselves, so you don't need any special technique to get them to work properly. The Japanese refer to the action as “Sliding” and with such a unique style it is sure to be a popular lure here this summer. To view it http://youtu.be/JvH7m2Kx6k0 Available in four different sizes: the Searide 40gm and 60gm and the Searide V 120gm and 180 gm. Contact profishing@xtra.co.nz for your closest retailer.
Aftco Sun Hood & Gloves If you are covered head to toe and still want more sun protection, check out these brand new AFTCO performance items. The AFTCO sun-hood protects your head, face and neck with 50+ UV protection. Laser cut holes at the nose/mouth area for better ventilation and to help keep your glasses from fogging up. The sun gloves are simple, comfortable and light weight. They are both made from the same spandex material, which is a quick dry, breathable stretch poly with over-lock stitching for comfort (and no rash). Buy them online at www.kilwell.co.nz and shipped freight free to your favourite Kilwell dealer. Sun Hood RRP $52.99, Sun Gloves RRP $49.99
LYNX – The new age of joining tackle Lynx is a revolutionary new invention from a UK based company Lynx Fishing, designed to replace the knot in your mainline with a unique compression system. The precision system hand tool creates 2 tonnes of force, effectively moulding the component to the filament, without causing any damage to that filament itself. With no damage, the filament retains its strength. The Precision system works with nylon, flouro and both stainless or titanium wires and they also have a separate Helix Technology System designed to connect the braid at 100% strength also. The tool couldn’t be easier to use, you simply pop the component into the jaws, using a line guide to help you thread the filament into the tube of the component. www.lynx-fishing.co.nz
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BOAT test
>> Southern XF 676 Tes t B y F r e d d y F o ote
Reuni o n Having tested a number of Southern Boat’s over the years, it had been a while since we had let writer Freddy Foote loose on one. We sent him out to look at one of their popular models, the
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XF 676 for a trip down memory lane.
The Southern XF 676, available in outboard version, and a soon to be released diesel sterndrive.
I
t had been a number of years since I had tested a Southern. From memory, they had always been a popular hardtop model on the market, with a great finish, good performance when it counted and a diverse range of sizes to suits everyone’s needs. The company in recent years had gone through different ownership hands and a few tweaks in design, but now has stronger ownership, whilst the brand itself retains its core strengths. Getting to experience the new generation of Southern Boats for the first time, I was testing the Southern XF 676 and also the much large XP 896 which you can read about in the September/October issue our sister publication Pacific Powerboat Magazine. The company has a small yet strong dealer network, with Queenstown Marine retailing the brand in the deep south, Boat City in Wellington handling the lower north island
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The cockpit is open and roomy and well appointed for fishing.
BOAT test
seat, mounted on a base with storage underneath. The seating position gives the skipper a great-unobstructed view forward through the windscreen. Standing there is
The helm is stylish, functional and well finished. Sliding windows keep things light and breezy.
The passenger pedestal king/ queen seat has plenty of storage space underneath.
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Functional Fisher The 676 comes in two model configurations. The XF 676 comes with and open cabin bulkhead and a more fishing focus, with a single seat pedestal at the helm, a nyalic finish and vinyl hull wrap as an option. The XP 676 comes with a full cabin bulkhead and lockable sliding door as well as a full paint scheme, carpet, dual pedestal king/queen seats and an overall high level of finish. This particular boat came from Southern’s Auckland dealer Family Boats and as it sits is a standard package, but has everything you would possibly want in a boat. Once aboard, the level of design and appointment is quite evident. The boat visually is well balanced with a good split between cockpit and cabin size compared to the overall length of the boat itself. Up front in the open cabin, a large vee berth converts to a double with the addition of an infill. The cabin is fully lined with carpet giving a warm feel, and has storage available underneath the bunks as well as side shelves for extra storage. There is a provision for fitting an electric toilet, and if you choose that, a privacy curtain might be a nice idea too.
Above, a large hatch opens to the foredeck where a Maxwell winch takes care of anchoring. At the helm, seating is made up of a pedestal
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and upper south, while Family Boats in Auckland handles northern sales.
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BOAT test
The Southern XF 676 underway on Auckland harbour.
plenty of headroom and more, so the very tallest among us will be able to stand to drive very easily. What I loved was that the extended headroom inside the hardtop didn’t interfere with the overall profile and look of the boat. The dash itself is neatly finished with a Raymarine 9” cSeries GPS/Sounder, whilst
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Plenty of room to fish four comfortably.
a Raymarine VHF Radio, switch panel and Maxwell anchor winch controls are located below alongside the steering wheel. Though a footrest wasn’t fitted on our test boat, it is an option. As this is a stock boat, Family Boat’s elect to wait on fitting one until a buyer indicates their preference on positioning. Clever thinking and shows attention to detail. Either side of the helm area are handy and
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convenient cubbyholes for storing keys, phones and the likes. Over to the port side, seating is made up of a pedestal seat mounted on a base with storage underneath. However, this side gets an aft facing passenger seat as well. Between the seats, there is an under floor storage locker, ideal for dive bottles and wet gear. The roomy cockpit has high gunwales with thigh padding to assist anglers. Carpeted cockpit shelving takes care of storage for rods; additional rod storage is located above via the rocket launcher as well as in the coamings and at the bait station aft. A walk-through in the starboard corner gives spacious access to the boarding platform and accompanying dive ladder and can easily be shut off by inserting the gate. A wash down house for the cockpit is also located here, allowing quick and easy cleanup of the tread plate cockpit. Over to port, and built into the transom section is a sizeable live bait tank with viewing window. Underneath is a large storage area, which can easily accommodate a 56L Icey Tek bin. This is a great use of the area, providing storage, whilst being able to further free up cockpit space when needed. In the centre of the transom are two lockers which provide storage for various items, whilst below is housed the onboard systems for engines, fuel filters, pumps and batteries. Pick Your Power The standard and minimum power rating for the 676 hull is 150hp, as we saw on this version, with Yamaha’s four-stroke variant fitted. However, they hull will happily handle
BOAT test
An infill converts the vee berth in the cabin to a double.
up to 200hp outboards. Alternatively you can specify a diesel sterndrive, of which Southern’s first diesel sterndrive 716 is near completion. To be powered by a Hyundai SeasAll D170 2.2 litre turbocharged Common Rail Direct injection (CRDi) engine, the boat will be the subject of a performance comparison in an upcoming issue. But back to the 150 Yamaha four-stroke. Overall it was a great match for the hull and the economy figures were quite good. At 4000rpm and 28.5mph on the GPS, fuel burn was 26lph. At a trolling speed of 8mph or 7 knots and 1500rpm, the fuel burn was down to 4.6lph. Punch out of the hole with the 150 Yamaha was great and helped propel the 676 to a top speed of 42mph @ 5800rpm. Fuel supply for the 150hp Yamaha comes via a 200-litre fuel tank. The Yamaha was nice and quiet too, even with the hard top configuration, which tends to trap sound a bit. However in this case two of us were able to converse quite normally whilst underway. The hull is rated for outboards up to 200hp, but I don’t see the need to fit one. Even with the boat loaded up with gear and passengers, I would felt the 150hp option was adequate, not to mention the premium price you’ll pay for that extra 50 horse. We experienced some fairly typical Auckland conditions on the day of our test, with an incoming tide and wind presenting some rough waters. The kind of waters that you
PERFORMANCE DATA rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5800
MPH 5.0 8.0 9.5 11.5 15.5 23.0 28.5 31.0 35.5 39.0 42.0
L/h 3.3 4.6 7.2 11.5 15.7 20.6 26.0 31.7 44.8 58.0 63.7
usually face on your return to the ramp after a great day on the water. The 676 hull delivered a great ride, pushing through the chop very easily. Our test boat wasn’t fitted with trim tabs, they come as an option. I would suggest they should be standard on any hardtop. However, we trimmed the boat the old fashioned way in the side on and quartering seas by just moving a passenger towards the centre or side of the boat. Although the 676 has a big feel about it, it's, in fact, quite the opposite and weighs in at just 1900kg on the trailer. The hull of the 676 is constructed from 5mm aluminum and the sides out of 4mm. The hardtop section above is resin infused which gives the boat the strength it needs without a whole lot of weight. Overall, the XF 676 is pitched as a ‘more basic’ fishing version of the XP model of the same size. However, when you glance over
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the boat, there is nothing basic or sparse about it. It has everything you could want and more. Packages for the XF 676 start at $99,990 with a Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboard. Opting for a larger horsepower motor pushes the package up over the $100,000 mark Having spent a morning aboard the XF 676, I loved it. A great finish, loads of features and I’m a real fan of the vinyl wrapped hull. Great to see that a boat from Southern has not lost any of its appeal and in fact is probably now better than ever.
A live bait tank is positioned in the port corner, with the 55L IceyTek bin tucked away underneath.
TECHNICAL Make & model: Manufacturer: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Trailerable weight: Test Power: Propeller: Power Options: HP Range: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
Southern XF 676 Southern Boats $99,990 $99,990 Hardtop 5mm/4mm Aluminium 6.75m 2.45m 20 degree 1900kg 150hp Yamaha 17" Yamaha Reliance Outboard or diesel sterndrive 150-200hp 200L Custom
This boat is 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 Drivers adjustable pedestal seating, Passenger King/Queen seating w/ storage, Live bait tank, Nyalic Finish Int/Exterior. Notable Options on Test Boat Vinyl wrapped hull finish, Maxwell anchor winch. Contact: Family Boats, Ph: 09 274 0511 E: sales@familyboats.co.nz W: www.familyboats.co.nz
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Okuma Makira is an outstanding lightweight two speed game reel for marlin, tuna and kingfish.
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The progression of Reels
The REEL DEAL A reel is a reel is a reel. Well not quite. If you are in the market for a new reel, or you are a first time buyer, then you need to make sure you get the right reel for the type of fishing you are doing. We look at some of the history and development of reels and explain the differences between today’s modern reels. ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
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W
ikapedia relates an interesting development of the fishing reel and states that in 1651, English literature first reported a “wind” installed within two feet of the lower end of the rod. This is usually accepted as the earliest known written reference to a reel. However, there are examples of Oriental paintings that depict Chinese fishermen using reels of various sizes that date to the twelfth century. Until the 1800’s the reel was used primarily as a storage device for excess line. However, in the 19th century there was a rapid development of the multiplying reel, which allowed reels to evolve into casting devices. Although multiplying reels were probably invented in Great Britain, the reels of George Snyder, of Paris, Kentucky, have become the most famous 19th century multipliers. Snyder’s reels were developed in the 1820s, and became the basis of the “Kentucky Reels," made by such artisans as Meek, Milam, Sage, Hardman and Gayle. Most of these makers were trained as jewelers and had experience cutting gears and producing precision lathe work. Copies of these hand-made reels were soon available from mass-production assembly lines from the major producers at a fraction of the price of a hand-fitted reel. This stimulated the sale of multiplying reels and increased the popularity of “bait casting." In the late 1800s, there were developments in reels used for big game fish. Anglers from around the world discovered the abundant salt water game fish in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, and reels and drag mechanisms were developed in response to the demand created by these new interests. “Spinning” or fixed spool reels have been produced for over a century. The popularity of modern bass fishing tournaments brought a resurgence in interest in bait casting reels, and since the late 1970s manufacturers turned development and production toward these products. This field of collecting is rapidly developing as the fine reels produced at the end of the 20th century are still readily available. While you may walk into your local tackle shop and be overwhelmed by the vast array of fishing reels, there are, in fact, only three principal types of reels. Within these categories many differing features and ideas
Lightweight jig reels, like the Okuma Andros (left) and the Shimano Trinidad are ideal for jigging for large Gulf snapper and mid size kingfish.
The Shimano Calcutta and Daiwa Lexus are ideal for slow jigging, matched with the appropriate rod, they are an awesome spring workup set. Ideal in waters over 20m.
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Marine touch-up kit As used by: Mclay Surtees Extreme White pointer and others... New Product Kits available direct from Nyalic please
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have been adapted to suit the discerning angler. These three main categories are the boat or overhead reel, the surfcaster or fixed spool spinning reel, and the "one-to-one" centrepin or knuckle-duster reel. One to One The most basic is the "one-to-one" reel. These have been around since the start of time and as suggested they operate on a retrieve ratio of 1:1. That is, for every time you turn the handle the drum of the reel turns one revolution. These are reels that you see attached / operated on the underside of the rod and the most common uses are trout and fly fishing. They are popular with trout fisher as changing spools that carry differing fly line weights is achieved with ease and spare spools are relatively inexpensive. These are the most simplistically constructed reels and are often included with the budget packages that are sold as children’s sprat fishing outfits. At the upper end of the range, they come with a full drag assembly and are capable of tackling saltwater gamefish on fly tackle. A derivation of these reels that have been adapted for heavier saltwater use is the Alvey sidecast reel that is popular with Australian and a few New Zealand surfcasters. Their larger diameter spools (which are similar in design to the common plastic handcaster spools) swivel sideways on the reel seat to enable them to be cast. Additional drag pressure can be applied
These two soft bait reels – Simano Stradic (left) and the very top end Shimano Stella – are amongst the best of small reels and are well proven for catching big fish. while fighting a fish, by placing a hand on the underside of the rim of the reel. The term knuckle duster comes from the beating
that your knuckles will take if you get them caught in the path of the handle knobs, which spin at a rapid 1:1 rate if a fish takes
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boats
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The Shimano Thunnus (left) is the top of the ladder in
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a heavy leather pad on one hand as a brake and placed against the
Introducing the Innovision Boats Explorer... an innovative new design a reel hard delivering until the leather smoked. They also used a large treble hook Introducing the the Innovision Innovision Boats Boats Explorer... an innovative new design delivering a Introducing Explorer... an innovative new design delivering a Introducing the theride Innovision Boats Explorer... an anWhether innovative new new design delivering a to land that smoother and superior stability. you are looking trophy fish with your which he was appalled at, conversely the local fisherman were in awe Introducing Innovision Boats Explorer... innovative design delivering a Boats Explorer... an innovative new design delivering a smoother ride ride and and superior superior stability. stability. Whether Whether you you are are looking looking to to land land that that trophy trophy fish fish with with your your smoother smoother ride and and superior superior stability. stability. Whether Whether you you are are looking looking to to land land that that trophy trophy fish fish with with your your smoother ride of the tackle he brought over from America. mates, or or take take the family outfamily for a a day dayout of fun funfor on the the water,of thefun Explorer excels in every mates, or take the a day on the water, the Explorer excels in every mates, the family out for of on water, the Explorer excels in every stability. Whether you are looking to land that trophy fish with your mates, or or take the the family out out for a a day day of of fun fun on on the the water, water, the the Explorer excels excels in in every every mates, Explorer A RIDE way! Also Also take availablefamily in ACTIVE ACTIVE for and SPORTS SPORTS models with packages packages starting starting from $79,995. $79,995. A RIDE RIDE way! available in and models with from A way! Also available in ACTIVE in and SPORTS models models with packages starting from from $79,995. way! available ACTIVE and SPORTS models with packages starting way! Also available in ACTIVE SPORTS with packages starting $79,995. LIKE from $79,995. ut for a day of fun onAlso the water, theand Explorer excels in every
A RIDE LIKE LIKE Fixed Spool Reel A RIDE LIKE NO OTHER. VE and SPORTS models with packages starting from $79,995. NOThis OTHER. NO OTHER. is probably the most popular reel with recreational fishermen, LIKE as it is easy to cast and is whatNO OTHER. Innovision Boats Ltd | +64 (0)21 407 000 | simon@innovisionboats.com is commonly known as the surfcaster 8 NO OTHER. 0)21 407 000 | simon@innovisionboats.com or fixed spool spinning reel. Sometimes they are also referred to as A RIDE Innovision Boats Boats Ltd Ltd || +64 +64 (0)21 (0)21 407 407 000 000 || simon@innovisionboats.com simon@innovisionboats.com Innovision Innovision Boats Boats Ltd Ltd || +64 +64 (0)21 (0)21 407 407 000 000 || simon@innovisionboats.com simon@innovisionboats.com Innovision
ovative new design delivering a ng to land that trophy fish with your he Explorer excels in every kages starting from $79,995. WWW.INNOVISIONBOATS.COM
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eggbeaters. Again, these are available from the level of a child's sprat catching set to the upper end of the market such as the Daiwa Saltiga or the Shimano Stella series, which are capable, at a push, of handling billfish. These reels have a fixed main shaft and, depending on the quality, will have a mixture of roller bearings or plain bushes. As the name implies, the spool remains stationary while the bail arm moves up and down as it rotates and distributes the line evenly on the spool. A single fixed gear enables these reels to regularly provide a retrieve ratio of 4:1, up to 5:1 or more. With the spool fixed, casting is simple. The bail arm flicks over leaving the line free to loop off the spool. The downside to a fixed spool is that when the drag slips, the spool is no longer fixed and every 'revolution of the line released from the spool under drag results in one revolution, or twist, in the line. The same is applicable if you wind the reel while a fish has the drag at stalemate and you are not gaining any line. An easy way to remove these line twists is to cut all terminal tackle away from the main line, then feed this line out behind the boat at a trolling speed. You will find after about 5 mins all the twist will be removed from the line. This can be rewound onto the line and used as normal. The drag system of these reels comprises a series of metal and composite washers that are compressed by the drag knob which is mainly located on the top of the spool or occassionally at the rear of the reel. They surround the main shaft and are located in the centre of the spool. While easy to access and clean they are also susceptible to saltwater intrusion and, being stacked on top of each other does not provide the most efficient heat dissipation if the drag is working hard. This can lead to a jerky drag and ultimately the loss of what could be a trophy fish. However top of the line reels of today are now being manufactured with waterproof sealed drags, which eliminates this water problem. The optimum amount of line for these reels is when the edge of the spool sits around a millimeter proud of the line on the spool. If the spool is down on line, your casting distance will be impaired by the resistance created as the line spirals off over the lip of the spool. If overloaded, line will inconveniently spew off the spool as soon as the bail arm pressure is released.
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The Overhead The third and more popular reel with serious fishers is the overhead or free spool reel. These are frequently passed over by many fishers as they are difficult to cast and if you get it wrong the resulting bird's nest can take some time to sort out, not to mention the damage and weak spots created in the line when the 'nest' jams to a stop. The casting issue is not as insurmountable as first would appear and simply comes down to two totally different techniques for free spool as opposed to fixed spool reels. Whereas fixed spools rely on full-on power and the attached sinker / bait or lure to drag off line, the free-spool requires a little more finesse. When you finally accepted the shortcomings of fixed spool reels against a big fish and put your mind to it, it will only take around two hours to become reasonably competent, by using an overhead reel designed for casting, as there are both overhead casting and non casting reels. The cast needs to be a gradual build-up of power through the casting arc to ensure that line is leaving the spool at the same rate as the spool is revolving. Fine tuning is via the thumb being lightly applied to the side of the revolving spool. These overhead casting 'star drags,' still have a large following even today. The problems with the star drag are the same as for a fixed spool reel in that they have several small small bunched steel and composite washers that are compacted together giving poor heat dissipation and are susceptible to salt water intrusion. Although the modern top end overhead has superior drag material and as already mentioned are sealed. These shortcomings saw the development of lever drag reels with two large washers, one composite material that provided far superior heat dissipation. Initially this technology was utilised only for game fishing reels. However, it has now progressed to being available in even the smallest of reels. On the whole, lever drags are a lot more waterproof, although this can vary from brand to brand.
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Lever drags will certainly provide a smoother more durable drag system. One tip with them is that the preset should not be altered unless the drag is backed off. Failure to do so can result in the drag washer being bent and the drag thereafter being very lumpy / jerky. Level winds are also popular, but the downside of these is that they will slightly impair your casting ability. I have found that it is better to forgo this feature and use your thumb to keep the line level on the spool when retrieving. Having your line wound level on your spool is important as if you have peaks and troughs the speed of the spool is erratic when casting and as stated above this is the principal cause of birds nests. The exception to this is braid line. Level wind reels are great for this type of product. The latest modern reels of both overhead and spin tend to be much smaller and far stronger than their earlier cousins. Everything about the smaller reels is smooth, both in the gearing and the drag. If you can imagine reels you were using 20 years ago, the latest reels are half the size, but have twice the power. Yes, the good ones are expensive, but they are worth every cent you spend on them! Matched with an appropriate lightweight graphite rod, you will have a set that will be easy to fish with all day long, because they are so beautifully balanced. Whatever your form of fishing, be it straylining, softbaiting, slow jigging or Kingie jigging, you will find the modern combo an absolute pleasure to fish with. Irrespective of which reel you choose, the old adage that you get what you pay for is so true. It is a very competitive market so in that regard, apart from any deals that are offered by individual retailers, the price will be a good indicator of quality. It also pays to remember that no matter what the quality, the marine environment is harsh and takes no prisoners. Reels are tools that need to be maintained on a regular basis, as salt corrodes, and sand mixed with grease makes a good grinding paste that doesn't discriminate between degrees of quality. You pay a lot for these reels so look after them.
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BOAT test
>> DIYNO 701 review
Keeping up with the Joneses Well thought out
kitset enables first timer to build an
impressive 7-metre hardtop. Te xt & P h ot o s b y M i k e R o s e
T
hink home-built boats and most of us tend to imagine either a relatively small dinghy style of vessel or one of those “front garden yachts” that appear to take forever (sometimes several decades) to complete. What we don’t generally think of is a 7 or 8m aluminium hardtop family fishing boat. Yet that is just what young Joshua Jones has recently built. Joshua is one of those restless souls that like to keep busy. Needing a new project, he thought to build a boat for his father Peter, would be just the ticket. As well as giving him the necessary challenge, it would provide the enthusiastic father and son fishers with a boat far bigger and better than they could otherwise afford. Things progressed reasonably quickly after Joshua found Jim Pauling’s Revolution Yachts on the Internet. Jim is one of those amazing Kiwis, who does a lot of things remarkably well, yet has virtually no profile at all. An incredibly versatile designer, Jim has drawn everything from aluminium powerboats and catamarans to offshore sailing cats, a mahogany runabout, a welded polyethylene flyfisher and composite deck cranes and motorhomes. Of particular interest to Joshua was his line of DIYNO aluminium kitset boats. These come
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BOAT test
>> With a 200hp Mercruiser inboard, Pretty Beaut cruises at a very economical 18-20 knots.
9 years” and as so far sold around 50, says new manufacturing and welding technology is making the DIY boats a more realistic option for a wider range of reasonably “handy” people. “One of the problems with DIY aluminium boats is that even very experienced welders struggle when there are gaps to fill between the panels,” he says. “However, modern CNC technology means the panels fit together perfectly with no gaps. “New single phase welders, with built-in electronic technology, also make it easy for first timers to get a good clean weld.” Jim also has an experienced welder who offers a sort of Welding 101 course to those who buy the DIYNO kitsets. As well, both he and the welder are available throughout the build to answer questions, offer advice and help solve any problems that may arise. As anyone who has undertaken a major project will know, the adage that it “will take twice as long and cost twice as much” as planned is more often true than not. While that wasn’t exactly the case with Joshua’s DIYNO 701, Pretty Beaut, the build did take three years and involved what he admits was a pretty steep learning curve. A striking result The result is rather striking. On its double axle trailer at the Waikawau boat ramp (on the western side of the Coromandel
>>
complete with a full set of CNC-cut panels and even the pre-cut pieces of timber for a jig on which to build a boat. Jim, who has been offering kitsets for “8 or
Peninsula), the maroon-coloured Pretty Beaut is a) substantially bigger looking than its stated 7 m and b) more than a little too modestly named. Pretty Beaut looks really good. It has a professional-looking finish, good balance between the hardtop and the rest of the boat and absolutely no signs at all of this being a “home build." Pretty Beaut’s impressive transom also catches the eye. The Joneses have installed a self-imported Mercruiser 200hp diesel inboard and then designed and built a special aluminium platform that provides places to stand on both sides and on top of the engine’s Bravo 3 leg. Peter says the economical diesel is ideal for game fishing. “On a recent trip, we went from Tairua out to the Aldermans, spent the day fishing and returned to the ramp having used just 54 litres of fuel.” On board, that initial feeling that the 701 was a big volume boat is reinforced again. There is a big cabin, spacious “bridge” section under the hardtop and more than adequate cockpit. There is also a surprisingly small hatch in the fully lined cabin, way too tiny for anyone to climb through. Joshua explains: “We hardly ever need to go forward anyway and, when we do, we just use the side decks.” The cabin’s side pockets are big enough to accommodate fishing rods and the Joneses have used black Frontrunner on the sides and a lighter grey for the top to ensure the area is not too cave-like. There are two reasonable sized berths and a portable toilet under the centre squab. The hardtop has obviously been designed for guys who like to be on the water for more than just a couple of hours at a time. Behind the sole pedestal seat is a small galley with a stainless steel unit consisting of a two-burner stove and a sink (the latter linked to a 30-litre fresh water tank further forward). This unit sits on a timber cabinet that houses the gas bottle. There is stowage in a three-drawer console and under the bench seat over on port. A hinge-up flap helps convert this seat into a third berth if required. Ventilation is provided by a large opening hatch above and Peter says that, with both this hatch and the small one in the cabin open, there is more than enough cooling airflow, even on the most windless days. There are also handrails everywhere, a sure sign that the Jones are prepared to battle big seas in order to land those trophy fish. The steering station features a Lowrance HDS7 MFD, instrumentation for the Mercruiser diesel, a BEP DC panel, Uniden VHF and control panels for the bilge pumps,
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The DIYNO 701 is a good looking practical vessel DIY built by fishers for fishers.
>>
BOAT test
The cabin features big side lockers, a small hatch for ventilation and twotone Frontrunner.
>>
The custom transom is a great addition but could be a little higher.
spotlight and Quick windlass. There is also a stereo above and a huge amount of additional stowage in a variety of well-placed lockers. The hardtop is protected by a triple sliding door that, when open, gives good access between the two areas. There are more well-positioned handrails at the front of the cockpit and a custom-built shade on the back of the hardtop.
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The beauty of building your own boat is that you can decide exactly what type and size of lockers you want and where. Joshua and Peter have opted for two fairly conventional side lockers on starboard, with a single large one (big enough for their landing net) over on port. They have also created a couple of handy small lockers (one per side) in the inside of the trailing edge of the cabintop. These are great for sunglasses, cellphones and the like: the sort of things you don’t need all the time but want to be handy for when you do need them. As with most inboard-powered cockpits, the engine box dominates this area. The Joneses have tried as much as possible to turn that into a positive, with a big cushioned pad covering the entire box. Above this is baitboard, complete with rod holders. There are more rod holders, all set at deliberate angles, in each of the coamings. Add a brace of drink holders is set in among them. There is a live bait tank under the starboard transom step and two tuna tubes grace the wide platform. To balance the extra weight of the inboard engine, Pretty Beaut’s fuel tank lives, launch-style, under the hardtop floor. It is also worth mentioning the upstand that the Joneses have added to the two side decks. In rough weather, this prevents water from flowing back down the decks and into the cockpit. They are another example of the advantages of a custom boat, built by
BOAT test >> >>
A well-equipped, practical helm station.
Summary Who would have thought that DIY kitset aluminium boatbuilding was a realistic option? Yet young Joshua Jones, with no prior boatbuilding or even welding experience, has proved that it is. One of the reasons for that is Jim Pauling’s practical designs and perhaps even more importantly, the way he stays in touch with the builder, right through the project. Since the Joneses bought their kitset, Jim has refined the process even more. Now, instead of being timber, the jig will be made from pre-cut pieces of aluminium. Once the jig is no longer required, the unit will be part of the kitset trailer. “That means the DIY-er will start off by welding the jig/trailer instead of the boat, gaining experience and confidence along the way,” he says.
The gas bottle for the combination cooker and sink unit lives in the cabinet below.
Pretty Beaut has a single large side pocket to port and two conventionally-sized lockers to starboard.
TECHNICAL Make & model: Manufacturer: 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:
DIYNO 701 Owner built Kit price from $20,740 Approx $80,000 Hardtop Aluminium 7.12m 2.43m 18 deg 2.83m 2,500kg 200Hp Mercruiser Twin Outboard, sterndrive or jet 175-225Hp 250 litres Express Boat Trailers
This boat could be protected against the effects of corrosion, oxidation and discolouration
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Notable Standard Items on Test Boat CNC cut parts and jig. Full back-up and support from DIYNO. Notable Options on Test Boat Lowrance HDS7 MFD, Uniden VHF and Quick windlass. Boat Supplied by: Joshua Finn-Jones and Peter Jones Contact: DIYNO Kitset Boats Ltd, Ph: 09 5308374, Mob: 021972578, E: info@diynokitsetboats.com W: www.diynokitsetboats.com
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Comfortable cruiser With a trailerable weight of 2500kgs and powered by a 200hp inboard diesel, one would not expect this to be a speedster and it is not. However, it is no slug, either. At WOT (3400rpm) on a fairly flat sea with very little wind, its top speed was reasonable 28.3 knots. Peter says 32 knots is the best they have seen. The pair says they prefer to cruise at about 2800-3000rpm, which gives them a speed of 18-20 knots. On our test run, we saw 22.9 knots at 3000rpm; 16.6 knots at 2500rpm and 10.2 knots at 2000rpm. At 1500rpm we had 6.5 knots and 1000rpm delivered 4.4 knots. While it was not possible to test Pretty Beaut’s rough water capabilities, Peter says they have experienced, with no problems, an unpleasant 1.5-metre chop and confused seas on a trip back from White Island. The fact that there are still no wipers on any of the three forward-facing windscreen panels possibly says it all. In the conditions we had, the DIYNO 701 handled easily, planed without too much fuss, turned tightly without wanting to let go and was very comfortable. The only slight downside was when reversing reasonably sharply (as when backing down on a fish). Then that clever platform, which was so good in every other respect, proved to be just a little too low with a tendency to dig in. Not a problem as long as you are aware of it, but probably one of the few things the Joneses would change if they were to do it all again.
>>
people who have spent a lot of time out on the water.
Fishing with the Captain in Rarotonga Mike Broome left the cold Kiwi winter behind to spend some time fishing off Rarotonga and came away totally sold on this small island paradise.
Moko operates the Tangaroa, an Osprey 6 metre, out of Avana Harbour. Capt Moko is one very experienced skipper!
T
oday would ‘freeze the balls off the proverbial brass monkey’! Why on earth wasn’t NZ closer to the other Pacific Islands when the great plate shift took place? I’m not bashing my beloved country but when it’s too early to ski and the rain and cold keeps coming – man could I use some good old ‘laying in the sun holiday! Why don’t we drape a bloody great bubble over the whole island and have the Government set up heating fans? Leave the South Island as it is – they’re acclimatised! They come up to Auckland wearing (still!) stubbies and jandals, moaning about the heat even in winter! I suppose it’s like arriving in a sunny Pacific Island in their winter and the locals all have cardigans, wrapped up against the ferocious 21 degrees Celsius, and all the while I’m trying to figure out just which way around I’m supposed to wear a g-string pair of togs my wife thankfully bought me! Gawd! Do men who don’t actually go in for the Hero parade wear these? No matter which way around you try to make them fit, they just DON’T!
Right: Loaded and ready for the days action. Far Right: A fine haul of Mahi Mahi and Wahoo.
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Moko uses Shimano Tiagra reels and rods, with Halco lasers and poppers being his favourite lures. Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, that’s right – fishing in Rarotonga. Don’t give me Fiji, the kids and the girls love it, but where is the incredible fishing? My idea of fishing is not some reef fish
weighing in at 5 grams and stretching flat out to 4cm! Four times I have had to endure a holiday there. I love the relaxation but only for a day or two before boredom sets in; I even managed to commandeer a resort
manager’s boat and his two crew once. Not quite my fishing destination, although I must say I like the weather, people, and everywhere I have stayed although I really do think ‘Speedos’ are for those men with
$ 26,550
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(CUT OUT) an athletic figure and should not be worn by middle aged men drinking mai tais! • AVAILABLE: WHITE, GREY, DARK GREY VyBar® isI hear a rigid noise it said if laminate you go north of Fiji you can catch some decent fish – • UV RESISTANT, STRONG ASA PLASTIC but onspecifically a writer’s budget ain’t gonna happen, least not without Grd Flr, 6A Nelson it St just h has been engineered Annandale being tricky to get2038 to and twice the price! Approved NSW Australia nd control noise and vibration VyBar® 48F Vanuatu was just the ticket! Giant trevallyin and excellent food! Popping with the locals, this as fishing terminology you junkie 1300 722 825 (I meanand uxiliary engine enclosures to fiend you!) was definitely the best way to go, and with their French T +61 2 9550 2900 walls and bulkheads inmeans marine history, grain beef5665 (that very large and tender steaks) and F +61fed 2 9550 abundance of Spanish lobster, I would recommend anyone to go! info@acoustica.com.au Raro? Well, up until last week, I was, quite possibly, one of the very www.acoustica.com.au few amongst my circle of friends who had not visited the island. When . I say island, it’s not a very big one, roughly the size of an old 50 cent a uniquepiece! material construction You could drive around it three times for $20 worth of gas! Not in a many other insulation materials V8 of course (I didn’t see any of those), but they do have tiny weeny Nissans! Yep, no way you would ever lay eyes on one of these in h sound Auckland! absorption coupled with And for very good reason, the buses and trucks just www.sopac.co.nz | info@sopac.co.nz | +64 9 448 5900 | FAX +64 9 448 5911 wouldn’t see you let alone feel you as they minced you up and spat d compression loading P.O. Box 303-180 North Harbour, North Shore 0751 | 41c William Pickering Dr, Albany you out!
Let’s Go Fishing Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant it was! I had the chance to check out two local lads on two very different boats at either end of the island. ne has been tested by the CSIRO Captain Moko won it hands down! In Captain Junior’s defence though the morningthe fishingrequirements was hitting its strides and while I had great d that it meets success in the morning with Moko the evening fish with Junior just e spreaddidn’t of happen. a bulkhead, wall and Let’s talk Captain Moko.International Apparently a legend in the tribal dance kit, Moko as specified by the has been fishing (apart from the internationally acclaimed dancing) all his for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 life! He operates the Tangaroa, an Osprey 6 metre, out of Avana Harbour and it was with him that I got my taste for Raro fishing. hnical requirements of the
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ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
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p: f:
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Gamefish alley – this close offshore.
One of the three local FADs (Fish Aggregation Device). 7am and I stepped aboard. Moko had the baits and lures ready and off we headed through the reef and into some pretty big seas! Wind at 27 knots, swell around 3m – you can get the picture! This is the thing about fishing Raro though. 100m offshore and we’re into 300m of water! 1km offshore and you are in 700-1000m! This is game fish heaven! No sooner had we set the gear (6 rods and reels) near the harbour’s first F.A.D. (see pic) and we were hit! We landed a nice mahi mahi and set off up the island towards town. I have to say not many boats went out this day, probably two or three including us, but after an hour the wind did seem to subside and I even managed a picture or two of our accommodation from the water. Moko (means gecko in Rarotonga – not sure the connotations here) is one very experienced skipper! After observing another boat inside us, he waited until they had passed his favourite spot ‘x’ before
telling me to get ready! “We’re going to hit the same spot Havoc, so lookout!” “Ah yeah Roger that, Moko” Before I could have changed gears in my convertible Nissan hire car we were hit! All 6! Supermen we are, but superhuman? Not quite! After trying to decipher a cross between Rarotongan and Maori war cries I missed the apparently vital rod, and it was 5-1 to the fish! Gathering my thoughts and speaking a mixture of Swahili and public bar I managed to wrestle a smoking reel and rod from the holder and then hung on! Moko grabbed another and while I managed to boat one, we still had 4 on the go! Mahi mahi were leaping out of the water all over the show! They really put on an aerial exhibition but once we had them set to hook we knew we were on a roll. 1 – 1 to both men and fish! On my second fish, and Moko had his to the gaff, I did ask if he needed a hand, but in true ‘skipper’ fashion he declined, only to lose it at the boat!
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1 – 2 to the fish! Without going into the next half hour we managed to boat four! 4 – 2 to me and the Captain! Not bad even if we do say so ourselves! Four mahi mahi and a small wahoo! Wa-hoo! Arriving back at base, word had already been spread around and diners were salivating at the black-board menu at The Moorings! Jill’s crumbed mahi-mahi, fresh wahoo and yesterday’s tuna were on the lunch menu and I can only say one word! Damnbloodyheavenlydelicious! If a smaller boat seems off-putting, don’t let it! The 150hp Honda and the Osprey handles like a dream – it tracked true and at no time, despite the rough conditions, did I feel the need to ‘go for the wheel’ when we were both fishing hard-out! Loads of room for three fisherpeople, skipper and perhaps an observer! Just don’t be surprised if your charter is postponed though, I may have to kick you out ’cause I’m going back to fish with this guy – anytime! Not just because we had a great day, but because you just know when a skipper will deliver the goods if the fish are there. All in all I found Rarotonga a pretty great place to holiday and fish. I think I’ll head over again in marlin season, although there’s nothing quite like dodging our blessed winter. Contacts: Captain MOKO: captainmoko@fishingrarotonga.com
WHAT FISH THINK OF THE NEW SURTEES 5.8 HATE IT!
UNLESS YOU’RE A FISH, THERE’S A LOT TO LIKE ABOUT THE NEW SURTEES 5.8.
ONFIRE140916ABM
From the signature non-pounding super deep V hull to the stabilising ballast technology and ultra-strong deck system, this Game Fisher is arguably one of the best handling, most stable trailer boats on the market. The new Surtees 5.8 Game Fisher. For fish, it’s game over!
www.surteesboats.com
BOAT test
>> Marco 625 Souwester
Difference The Marco 625 Souwester was added to the already extensive Marco range to fill a much needed gap in the line up. Barry Thompson checks
It may look like a 600 Souwester, but the 625 Souwester has a longer cockpit.
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out just the second boat built.
Plenty of space on the helm for electronics. Note the fold down bulkhead which extends the squab to 2m.
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navigable for small boats as far as Paeroa, 20 miles from the coast.
O
ne of the real neat things about this job is I get to go to a lot of interesting places to carry out boat reviews and some are surprisingly very close to home. So when I headed to Thames recently to meet Alan Thompson of Peninsula Marine to take the new Marco 625 Souwester for a run, I assumed I would be boating in the muddy waters at the bottom of the Firth of Thames. Not so, as Alan took us back inland to the very small village of Turua, on the banks of the vast flowing and equally as brown Waihou river. It was one of those calm mid-winter days with an almost cloudless sky, with very little wind, but a cold chill in the air. Being in a hardtop boat was perfect. The Waihou River was formerly named, Thames River, by Captain James Cook, but later changed to Waihou river. The river flows north for 150 kilometres from the Mamaku Ranges past the towns of Putaruru, Te Aroha, and Paeroa, before reaching the Firth of Thames at the south end of the Hauraki Gulf near the town of Thames. Near the entrance is the famed Kopu Bridge that until the new one was opened a few years ago, was the scene of massive traffic holdups every summer. The old bridge remains alongside the new one and as yet no one has decided what to do with it. In its lower reaches, the river and the nearby Piako River form the wide alluvial Hauraki Plains. It is
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Gap Filler While Marco Boats have been building the Souwester 600 (LOH 6.00m) and the Souwester 650 (LOH 6.50m) for some time, there has until now being nothing to fit the gap between. However, while the Souwester 625 is pitched in the middle, it’s more aligned to the 600, being similar in design, albeit a little longer, wider and with a marginally shallower vee. Put the two side by side and the only noticeable difference is the cockpit of the 625, which is 250mm longer than the 600. Both boats retain the same flat sheerline, hardtop and internal layout. They are also able to be transported on single-axle unbraked trailers
BOAT test
Back to back seat bases provide great extra storage.
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Steady in the Calm On the water, the performance is very similar between both boats, with our test boat, only the second 625 built, powered by a Mercury
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and require no more than 115hp to achieve good performance. The 650, on the other hand, is overall a much bigger boat, requires a larger horsepower outboard and needs a tandem trailer and a bigger tow vehicle. Consequently is into a whole different budget bracket. You are paying around an extra $NZ???? for the added cockpit space. Personally I think it is well worth it and that extra length give the 625 a more balanced look. The 650, on the other hand, is overall a much bigger boat and needs a tandem trailer and a bigger tow vehicle. Like the 600, the hull bottom 5mm and the sides 4mm, with everything CAD designed, precut by a Hamilton based company and then pressed and assembled by Marco Boats at their Morrinsville factory.
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The alloy hardtop offers handrails for ease of access forward.
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BOAT test
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The walk through transom is optional. Top Right: The large boarding platforms are great for extra fish bins.
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A fishing cockpit that is ready for 3-4 anglers.
115 Optimax. The 625 does carry a slightly wider beam – 2.29m, compared to 2.28m for the 600 Souwester and the deadrise is 15 deg, whereas the 600 is 16 deg. Hardly anything that is going to make a difference to the performance and handling. The extra waterline length certainly provides the 625 with a longer surface to slip easily onto the plane and extra underwater surfaces always help when the water’s roughen up. We had less than an hour till high tide so the river was running very fast, which meant for the speed runs it was necessary to take an average both ways. The difference was quite noticeable with around 2.5mph difference.
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Average top end with the Mercury 115 Optimax, running a 19” 3bld Vengeance prop, was 40.5mph. I found a nice cruise speed around 4000 rpm @ around 26.5 mph, when the Mercury Smartcraft guage indicated we were using 17 lph. At our peak of 5600 rpm we burned around 38 lph. This dropped back very quickly to 28 lph @ 5000 rpm and 36 mph. While testing a boat this size on calm water didn’t give me much of a chance to comment on its rough water handling, I did like the positive response to the helm in the calm and the lack of excess heel in full turns. Hardtops are susceptible to wind and the 625 Souwester is no different. With no tabs fitted I opted for
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BOAT test
The Mercury 115 Optimax pushed the 625 along at a very respectable 40.5 mph.
the ‘poor man tabs’; I got my passengers to move to the other side of the cockpit. Worked perfectly and cost nothing! Overnighter Option From the rear of the helm and passenger seats forward, the layout of the 525 is identical to the 600, with the same Sandbrook curved glass screen and alloy hardtop. This is a boat you can drive standing or seated, although I would like to have seen a sliding seat base to locate the best driving position. Controls and instruments are readily to hand and bracket, or flush mounted screens have good spaces for easy viewing while driving. I was impressed with the exceptional clarity through the curved tempered glass screen. You have the option of a fixed wiper, or I find giving the screen a good coating of Rainex does a great job. Sliding side windows are an option. Finding something unique in a boat this size and style is always hard, but Marco have got a little winner in the 625 with their fold down bunks. If you are pitching the boat as an overnighter, but the cabin berths are only 1.5m long, what do you do. Simple, hinge the bottom half of the cabin’s rear bulkheads and extend that to 2m. The backrest acts as the extended squab cushion and the helm and passenger seat footrests double up as support brackets. Very cool, very simple and makes perfect sense on a small boat. Another interesting feature was the way in which the sub frame for the vee berths is all pre cut and folded and then tack welded to the chequered plate flooring, which extends right through to the bow.
PERFORMANCE DATA RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
MPH 4.0 6.0 7.5 9.5 13.5 21.5 26.5 33.0 36.0 40.5
LPH 1.2 2.4 4.5 8.1 11.9 14.0 17.2 22.0 28.0 38.0
There is limited storage under squabs and in side trays, with a larger access hatch to the foredeck area for anchoring. A portable or plumbed head can be fitted under the forward squab and if you like your privacy, a curtain or more solid door arrangement can be added to the aft bulkhead. There is provision made for an auto capstan, with plenty of fall in the anchor locker for a rope chain combo. Fishermen Friendly One of the main reasons to extend the 600 Souwester was to increase the fishing space in the cockpit and this certainly noticeable. Yourself and three mates will not feel crowded. While the standard boat comes with a full transom, you do have the option of
a wide walkthrough. Our boat had a port side walkthrough with drop in sliding rear splash panel and a couple of extra large So Pac hatches covering storage and battery areas. To some extent this area is quite customisable, with additions such as, twin walkthroughs, a live bait tank and tuna tubes all possible. Underfloor is two-air tight chambers which extend from bow to stern, with a 120-litre fuel tank in the centre aft of the cockpit and a huge wet locker forward. Overhead the alloy hardtop comes with a couple of solid alloy handrails aft, two more on the roof to assist when walking around the wide side decks and eight-rod holders. Plus there is still plenty of space to add radar or TV domes, aerials and GPS receivers. Being a boat targeting the fishing market the seating doesn’t overpower the working cockpit space, with the standard boat fitted with a pair of High Tech Plastics single swivelling bucket seats on moulded storage bases. You can have a variety of seating arrangements, including, king/queen, bin seats and Softrider type bases. The Marco 625 Souwester is a boat with a number of neat features that offers a point of difference if you are looking for a hardtop alloy boat around this size. Marco Boats have done a great job on the construction and finish of the boat and both on and off the water it’s a head turner. As a model offering more than the 600 but a lot less than the 650, it certainly fills the gap without stretching the budget.
TECHNICAL Make & model: Manufacturer: 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:
Marco 625 Souwester Marco Boats $NZ65000 $69000 Hardtop 5mm/4mm 6.25m 2.29m 15 deg 2.80m 1700 kgs Mercury 115 Optimax Vengeance 18” Outboard Only 115-150hp 120 litres Voyager A18
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 Lowrance Elite 5HDI sounder, Uniden 380 VHF, Painted hull, King Queen seats, folddown bulkheads and walkthrough transom. Boat Supplied by: Peninsula Marine Lyd, Main Rd Kopu, Thames, Ph +64 07 868 9066, E: pmltd@wai.quik.co.nz Contact: Marco Boats, Moorinsville, Ph +64 7 889 7083 W: www.marcoboats.co.nz
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Published annually in January.
FYRAN550
Introducing the new
Hosking Trailer Standard
Finer Entry Hull with Increased Stability
Superior Handling Built in Bait Station
Redesigned Transom
For more information or your nearest Fyran Dealer visit us at facebook.com/fyranboats 路 sales@fyran.co.nz 路 www.fyran.co.nz
Increased Dash Space
BOAT test
>> Fyran 550
Rejuvenation With the 550, Fyran Boats has entered into a new era of boat design and construction. The 550 forms the basis of where the company is heading with all their trailer boats in the future.
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F
yran is unquestionably the longest established production alloy boat builder in New Zealand, launching their first boat in 1969. Now 45 years later, the company is undergoing something of a rejuvenation, which is designed to re-establish the brand back into the forefront of a very competitive aluminium boat market. Fyran Boats production manager, Nick Herd says that the older models will slowly be fazed out as the range is too vast and it needs some consolidation. “We will still offer a broad range of boats from our well-proven dinghies through to 7.6m hardtops, but there will not be so many variations in sizing and also, we
New look, new style
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BOAT test >>
A great performer on the water.
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The cuddy is a great place to stow the dry gear.
are simplifying the branding to make size and model identification a lot easier.” Nick anticipates about 7-8 basic size models in the ‘new’ range. Nick says that they will retain some of the hulls already in existence, but each will be given a total makeover both in layout and how they are put together. It is perhaps the way the new 550 are built now that denotes the way of the future for Fyran. The improved manufacturing techniques, includes a lot more folded edges verses welding, creating kitset type components, such as topside pockets, helm station and bulkheads. It adds a lot to the visual appearance of the boats as well as simplifying the construction, saving both time and costs. Another example is a change around the girders where the two treadplate floors meet each other, with the edges now folded rather than welded. This adds extra strength and eliminates the need for a long exposed weld on the floor. The treadplate floor now butts into the gullwing joint, which decreases some of the welding required and has the bonus of
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also increasing the strength. Also, because the size of the treadplate span has been decreased to the internal girders, from the outside of the boat, there is no need to weld the floor to the sub-structure, - it’s now glued- leaving a cleaner finish to the inside of the boat. And under the floor where you can’t see, all the girders are now folded to form an eye-beam that is welded to the hull. Again extra strength and extra stiffness. Two sealed chambers along with foam filled underfloor cavities bring the boat up to
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the CPC Flotation standards. The stiffness of the hull was certainly obvious on sea trials, when I was impressed with the solid feel of the boat in rough water. Gone was the ‘tinnie’ slap, so prevalent in a lot of the previous Fyrans. A small but subtle change is that the new 550 has no plastic coated windlace edge trim anywhere, with all raw lips now radiused. Externally one of the most-noticeable changes is the reduction of the hull clinker style, reduced from the original five to two that gives a cleaner look without compromis-
Big open cockpit with plenty of space for fishing.
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BOAT test
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The hull dimensions are the same, but there has been some changes to the bow with a finer entry and the warped vee on the bottom, as well as increasing the width and length of the gullwing chines, which now go further forward. All this helps towards a more stable and drier boat that is easily driven. The boarding platforms either side of the outboard are larger than on the 575 and the transom has been modernised and reshaped with softer curves. A large diver-capable ladder is standard.
The anchor hatch can be fitted with an auto capstan.
Nice wide flat coamings come with drink and rod holders. Perfect!
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The Honda 100hp is ideally matched to the 550.
ing strength. It also takes away that ‘tinnie’ look. The gunnel also tucks in towards the stern, giving more shape to the hull and the cabin window line is sleeker, although still retains the traditional Fyran window, but removes some of the bulky looks of the cabin. “We have put a lot of effort into the stern quarters of the boat, to give it a more curvaceous look and at the same time added even more stiffness to the hull,” says Nick. While the Fyran 550 is based on the Fyran 575, - now discontinued- there are so many differences both in the hull and the layout, you would have to say that they are very different, although still sharing the same DNA.
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Fishing Cockpit The cockpit is designed for fishing and there are plenty of obvious signs, such as the four rod holders and a dedicated bait station with cutting board. Storage is available under the wide flat aft deck, in a wet locker in the sole and full-length side and upper shelves. There’s a 65 litre fuel tank under the cockpit sole, with the option of an upgrade to 100 litres. Fyran has also made sure the dash area is large and flat enough for larger multi-display screens, but still leaving space for all the other necessary switches and instruments. The Perspex screen is the same as was used on the Fyran 575 and comes with the option of a screen grab rail. Standard seating is twin pedestal seats, but you can upgrade to king/queen combinations if you require extra seating. The cabin space is big enough for three adults to sit, with storage under the squabs and inside trays. Fyran have retained the nice wide entry of the 575 and the carpet lining is standard. With an extra wide bulkhead opening, the cabin feels very much
The bait station comes with a built-in fish measurer and optional tackle box. The chilly/isky bin under slides out to form another seat when required.
an extension of the cockpit. A great place to keep your dry gear or the kids if they want a rest. Another change is the Fyran fabricated alloy hatch has been changed to a larger Cule hatch, which certainly looks a lot nicer. A hardtop version of the 550 – 550HT- will be released later this year and will feature a solid alloy top with flat panel glass screens. Stay Home Day Test day was on Auckland Harbour and the weather was not great. It was the sort of cold wet miserable day that you would stay at home if you didn’t really need to go boating. Launching at Maraetai Boat Club, we got a small pocket of calm water off the foreshore that was enough to run the speed trials. Power options allow for outboards from 70-100hp, with our Honda 100, running a 17” 3bld alloy propeller, returning a top speed with three aboard and a full 65 litres of fuel, of 34.7 knots/40 mph. The Honda BF100 is a 1.5L, SOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder engine is inspired by the same engine that powers one of Honda's best-selling motor vehicles, the 'Jazz'. The engine has a couple of neat features, including, BLAST, Honda’s advanced ignition timing control system, which significantly improves hole-shot performance; ECOmo, a fuel control system that contributes to the engines’ excellent fuel economy and VTEC, which provides more top end power while maintaining optimum fuel economy.
PERFORMANCE DATA rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6200
knots 3.0 4.5 6.0 7.0 10.0 17.5 19.0 22.0 26.5 29.0 32.0 34.7
L/h 1.2 3.0 4.5 7.8 8.7 9.9 16.8 20.4 24.6 31.2 36.0 40.0
Going Forward The make-over that has resulted in the Fyran 550 has produced a better boat, both in build quality and finish as well as looks. The sleek redesign goes further than what you can see on the outside and that’s something that Nick says will be carried through all the ‘new’ models to come. Stronger, more rigid boats, which are better built, better finished and perform and handle better is what Fyran want to achieve with all their new boats and unquestionably the 550 is testimony to what they can do.
What impressed me was how easily the 550 got onto the plane and the fuel economy especially in the low to mid range. At 3000 rpm, we were on the plane and burned around 8.5 lph @ 10 knots. At 4000 rpm that increased to 16.8 lph @ 19 knots and at 5000 rpm 24.6 lph @ 26.5 knots. Half a kilometre off Maraetai the sea was running short and steep, with about 20 knots of breeze. The 550 handled it well enough at 4000 rpm, heading into the sea with about ¼ trim and then in the following sea I increased that to 4500 rpm and about 1/3rd trim to get the best ride. Stability at rest is very good and with two on one side the 550 didn’t display excess heel, although three was pushing it. Along for the trial, Steve Johnson, the dealer manager for Honda Marine in New Zealand, says, “ Compared to the 575, the 550 is a much tighter boat that rides better and when you come off a wave it lands softly and is extremely quiet."
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BOAT test
The helm provides plenty of space for large MFDs.
TECHNICAL Make & 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:
Fyran 550 $NZ27000 (Boat & Trailer) $NZ53,765 (motor/boat/trailer) Cabin Runabout 4mm/3mm 5.50m 2.10m 16 deg 2.20m 840 kgs Honda 100 17” 3bld Alloy Outboard Only 70-100 hp 65 litres Hosking
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 on Test Boat Hosking Trailer, Hi Tech seats, Fusion radio pre rigged loom, Rail Blaza ports. Notable Options on Test Boat Tackle box, painted hull, Lowrance Link 5 VHF, Garmin GMI10 engine monitoring system, Fusion MSRA 205 stereo, Humminbird 958C combo, screen grab rail. Contact Fyran Boats Ltd, Ph: +64 9 273 1700, E: nick@fyran.co.nz W: www.fyran.co.nz
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Selecting A Fishfinder How much do you know about your fishfinder? Most of us only make use of a small part of the functions, but why not go all the way and learn just how amazing the modern fishfinders are.
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Right Choice ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
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screen or view only the fishfinder. “Black box” sounder modules can turn many chartplotters into combo units, with the installation of a transducer. Networked system: Fully networked systems are available from all the major suppliers, and usually will support a huge range of data sources including radar, raster and vector GPS charts and video. Many allow Bluetooth/WiFi, and you can control them from your iPhone or Android smartphone. Your fishfinder, often an external “black box” module, is just one of these sources of data. Multiple-display network systems are great for medium-sized or large vessels. The main advantage being the option to upgrade your system with new components as your taste or budget allows. The capabilities get more amazing every year. Display Specs LCD displays are made of a grid of “picture elements,” tiny dots that individually darken when electrical current is applied, with their name shortened in common usage to “pixel.” More vertical pixels mean higher depth resolution, as each pixel represents less depth. The number of pixels in the screen’s horizontal axis determines how long objects stay onscreen before they scroll out of demands a more hands-on approach. A view, of significant importance with splitquality standalone fishfinder will be simple screen displays to use and have dedicated showing narrow knobs for manual control columns of to give the very best side-by-side performance. In some rily A fishfinder is prima information. cases, they have the designed to see a graphic More pixels per option to network to square inch a navigation system representation of what is will provide but still retain the y the beneath your boat so better detail standalone feel. can identify the fish. of structures, Combination a better repfishfinder/chartplotresentation of ter: Combo units make what’s below you, sense for most owners and improved split-screen images. More of mid-sized boats. Use GPS for navigation pixels—higher screen resolution and a big to the fishing grounds, view both on split Raymarine’s new Dragonfly7 multifunction display (MFD) combines all the award-winning technology and versatility of the original Dragonfly with a bigger, brighter and even better widescreen display.
G
one are the days when all you got was a black and white display on a small hard to read in daylight screen. Technology has gone in huge leaps and what was the very latest last week is often superseded the next. Fishfinders are not just for locating fish and in many ways the name isn’t appropriate. They are structure finders, position indicators and target finders. While they certainly show fish on the screen, they do a lot more besides. However to really understand about sounders you probably need to go back to the classroom and learn the basics. Different Types A fishfinder is primarily designed to see a graphic representation of what is beneath your boat so they can identify the fish. To choose a fishfinder, firstly consider the type of fishing you spend most time doing. Be realistic; are you mostly targeting snapper in shallow water? Or are you seriously into chasing Kingfish or the occasional Marlin or Broadbill? Selecting the correct frequency for your transducer and appropriate power output at the outset will save disappointment later. There are three fishfinder choices available; standalone fishfinders that perform no other function, combination products that also include a chartplotter, and fully-networked systems offering a smorgasbord of potential functions, all viewable through one or more multi-function displays. So why should I choose one over the other? Standalone fishfinder: There are two ways of looking at this option. 1: You have limited space and budget and you just want a basic fishfinder. 2: At times your style of fishing
The Humminbird 788ci HD is a combo unit complete with a sounder, plotter and gps.
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We let our boats do the talking for themselwes... PRESS QUOTES: 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.” 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.” THE EVERYMAN 635 HARD TOP “With an exceptional finish, a chin 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.”
From 4.7m to 9.5m available in Cuddy Cabin, Centre Console and Hard Top versions
OwnER TESTimOnialS: 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.”
P 07 847 6335 E info@everymanboats.co.nz W www.everymanboats.co.nz
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.”
Visit our website for more reports and testimonials.
one type of data, showing your GPS chart, radar screen, or returns from more than one transducer.
The Simrad NSS12 evo2 combines an easy-to-use, 12-inch chartplotter/multifunction display with built-in GPS positioning, StructureScan, CHIRP-enabled broadband sonar, and powerful expansion capabilities. screen—allow you to see the air bladders of smaller fish, see fish near the bottom, separate closely spaced targets from one another, and to see fish on the edges of “bait balls.” But remember: the contrast of the display must also be sharp in order to use the resolution. Like many features, you get what you pay for with display resolution—the more, the better.
Screen Size Most quoted screen sizes refer to the diagonal distance in inches across the screen. So a 12” screen is 12” or 30.48cm from corner to corner. As yet no manufacturer markets their screens in metric sizing, much like outboards are still in horsepower. Widescreen displays allow you to see more meaningful information when you split the screen to display more than
This Lowrance HDS12 combo is typical on larger alloy boats such as the Southern 816XP.
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Power Plus The power of a fishfinder—the strength of the “ping”—is expressed in watts RMS (root mean squared). Power is directly related to how well you see in silt-laden water, view down to greater depths, and successfully resolve separate targets and bottom structure. A 500-watt (RMS) fishfinder should have plenty of power for most coastal applications. Serious bluewater anglers should look for 1,000 watts or more. Inland lake fishermen can see the shallow bottom with only 200 watts. Fishfinders operate using a single frequency transducer, dual frequencies, multiple frequencies or a broadband CHIRP system. In general, higher frequencies give the finest detail resolution, the least background noise on your screen and the best view from a fast-moving boat, but don’t penetrate as deeply as lower frequencies. Shallow-water inland anglers generally choose higher frequencies of 200kHz, 400kHz or 800kHz. For maximum depth, use lower frequencies. 200kHz or higher (up to 800kHz) is good for water depths up to 60m and 80kHz or 50kHz for deeper waters. In some applications such as fishing in deep water for Broadbill, a combination of 2 to 3 kHz of power and a 38kHz transducer is proving to work very well. CHIRP & Broadband The newest style of broadband fishfinders, commonly called by the acronym CHIRP (Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse) don’t transmit on just one or two frequencies. Instead of transmitting only 200 or 50kHz, for example, CHIRPing devices transmit a signal that sweeps linearly upward (from 40 to 75kHz, 130 to 210kHz, or other frequency ranges). CHIRP fishfinders transmit less peak power than a conventional fishfinder, but their wide-band, frequency modulated pulses (130-210kHz, for example,) can be very long in duration and put 10-50 times more energy into the water. Using digital pattern matching and signal processing, CHIRP devices achieve unprecedented resolution and target detection. Your ability to resolve individual fish, or separate fish from bottom structure, is now a matter of centimetres, instead of several metres with traditional fishfinders. You can now see individual fish in groups, instead of a single mass. Depth ranges of 3000m are standard with these broadband devices. These sounders feature dual-transceivers that allow for simultaneous and independent dual transducer operation, which allows complete customisation, as you can CHIRP or dial each transducer into specific frequencies. CHIRP devices can transmit simultaneously on high and low frequencies. The lower
frequency gives greater depth penetration, and it requires less power than the higher frequency signal so it generates less noise. The result is a “whisper into the water” that locates the fish without disturbing them. The higher frequency signal gives even finer detail at shallow to mid-water depths. You can select from a range of frequencies to best suit the conditions in which you are fishing. Changing Direction Fishfinding has changed, with high-frequency (400 or 800kHz) transducers that look to the side, straight down or can aim over a 360-degree range. Fishfinder manufacturers offer you a growing (and often confusing) assortment of choices in frequencies, beamwidths, and now even the underwater direction you can look. Anglers who search for fish in shallow waters don’t need the power to see down to 1500m but can gain a big advantage by looking out to the sides, so products using multi-beam transducers are ideal for that purpose. Here’s where the Marketing jargon takes over, with names like StructureScan HD and DualBeam PLUS. Transducer Talk Arguably the transducer is the most important part of a fishfinder. There are many options and it’s crucial that you select the correct transducer to suit your fishfinder and it’s features. It can seem complicated, but it needn’t be. To better
Matt Watson uses a Furuno TZT14, a 14.1" MFD. understand this transducer mumbo-jumbo we’ll review some basic theory, courtesy of the folks at Airmar who make the transducers just about everyone uses: Higher frequency transducers have shorter wavelengths and more wave cycles per second, which means you can visualise
more details (smaller fish), but have only shallow to moderate depth capacity. One sound wave at 200kHz is slightly longer than 63mm so 200kHz sound wave will be able to detect fish as short as 63mm. High frequency provides a crisp, clear picture of the bottom with the tradeoff of
Southern Boats pride themselves on presenting you with one of the finest handcrafted Alloy boats available today. The team of skilled boat builders, upholsterers and painters based at Southern’s Dunedin manufacturing facility have spent thousands of hours perfecting their craft to bring you a boat with proven performance, handsome good looks and heavy duty durability. With models ranging from 6 - 10 meters and a wide selection of standard and optional features, Southern can build the boat of your dreams. Call us on 0800SOUTHERN, visit the website or drop into your local dealer and start making that dream a reality today.
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Experience
Experience
VISIONALITY See the Real World below with CHIRP DownVision™
at unbeatable prices!
Experience
Raymarine’s CHIRP DownVision technology lets you experience sonar imagery so realistic we call it VisionalSAVE ity. Identify structure and OVER target fish like never before.
$700
Experience Visionality – only from Raymarine.
Normally $2400
The Garmin Echo 551c is typical of a standalone fishfinder.
less depth range. Lower frequency transducers, with longer waves and fewer waves per second, show less detail (larger fish) but carry more energy and penetrate to greater depths. One sound wave at 50kHz is slightly larger than 2.55cm, so a 50kHz sound wave will only detect fish if their air bladders are large, slightly longer than 2.55cm. Lower frequency won’t provide as clear of a picture but will operate effectively in the depths of the ocean. There are also a number of ways you can mount your transducer and while most trailer boats will see that on the transom, larger boats usually go for thru-hull mounting. Thru-hull is the most challenging to install, but likely to provide best signal quality. Displacement powerboats generally use thru-hulls. A thru-hull triducer contains depth and temperature sensors, plus a speed paddlewheel. Trailer boats are more likely to have a transom-mount, with an adjustable-angle bracket screwed or bolted to the transom, with transducer hanging below and behind the hull. It’s a very simple installation, but you often encounter more turbulent water flow at speed. Then there is the in-hull, “Shoot through hull” transducers that need no direct water contact. They are glued to the inside of the hull with silicone or epoxy. They do not work on cored hulls or steel hulls, only for solid fibreglass. Be aware that using a Transducer in-Hull will compromise the fishfinders depth capability and also disable features such as Accu-Fish and Bottom Discrimination, which require the transducer to have direct water contact. Accu-Fish and Bottom Discrimination, enable you to analyse the size of fish targets and to establish the bottom composition right below your boat.
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Options Aplenty When deciding on what ‘fishfinder’ is going to best suit your needs Contact your local Raymarine dealer or call and suit your boat, you need to check out all the options. Consider L&B: Auckland 09 415 8303, firstly how much ‘real estate’ it is going to take up on your dash, or Whangarei 09 438 6353, Tauranga 07 927 9270 if bracket mounted, just where are you going to mount it so you can www.lusty-blundell.co.nz see it while driving? 07/03/2014 Cost 14:43 is also a major factor, with a very basic colour fishfinder 07/03/2014 14:43 retailing for under $200, right through to MFDs (multi-function displays) that can set you back over $20,000. However, there is a Lusty & Blundell proud supporters huge lot of options between, it’s just a matter of finding what suits your budget, your boat and your needs. NEW CP100 CHIRP DownVision Network Sonar
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Southern The deep south of New Zealand has always been a strong boat building area but none more so than aluminium trailer boats. We took a look at some of the more successful builders from the ‘mainland’ and asked some of the owners how they saw the future.
A
luminium trailer boats designed for the recreation market started life in Auckland with brands such as Parkercraft, Fyran and Starcraft with welded or riveted small dinghies. Over the years, the centre of alloy boat building moved south with the Waikato and Bay of Plenty holding sway to the top spot, when brands such as Ramco, Extreme and Surtees came to the forefront. However, no one can dispute the fact that when it comes to pontoon boats, the South rules the waves. Stabicraft started it, Kiwi
Kraft followed and then the rest came in behind. While today pontoon boat manufacturing is widespread across both islands, the undisputed leader is still Stabicraft in Invercargill. You can’t get much further south than their factory on the road to the Bluff, the South Island’s most southern point. Invercargill alone is base for four major builders, Stabicraft, KiwiKraft, Frewza and Image. While the first three are almost exclusively building pontoon boats from 3m to 10m plus, Image is all about plate boats. Building boats in Invercargill has given
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rise to some seriously large, tough boats, especially from Image and Stabicraft. Frewza has concentrated more on the entry-level market and KiwiKraft offer a wide selection taking in just about every style and size. Just up the road in the very small town of Milton is one of New Zealand’s largest alloy boat builders, and certainly one of the most successful, McLay Boats. The range of open, cuddy, cabin and hardtop boats is extensive and they are sold throughout the world. Go a little further north to Dunedin and you’ll find Southern Boats, which recently changed
Sojourn
ownership and has undergone somewhat of a revival. The boats are world class, finished to an extremely high degree and certainly gaining popularity with those that have the big bucks to spend. Timaru now has two serious pontoon builders, Aqualite, a company that changed the way alloy pontoon boats should look and the new Finlay Boats. Finlay Boats is a new venture that currently only has three models, but look for big things to come from this new brand. In Christchurch, there have always been a
lot of alloy boat builders, with many, such as Hamilton Marine concentrating on the jetboat market. Hamilton Marine is still busy building river jetboats, an area that they have some domination. Brands such as Baxter, Altec, Ramco and KwikKraft have been enjoying steady sales in the recreational markets, with a wide variety of cabins and runabouts. KwikKraft have done especially well with specialist commercial boats. At the top of the South island, you would expect to find a whole raft of alloy builders, but while there once was, this area has also
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An Aqualine 645HT on the mirror smooth waters of Lake Wakatipu.
seen somewhat of a downturn. Bucking the trend is Nelson based DNA Boats and Osprey Boats, both of whom have steady orders. DNA has made quite a mark with their larger trailerable hardtops and Osprey have done huge business in the commercial sectors of the market. We have not mentioned every alloy boat builder in the South island, but they certainly represent the main players.
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Dolphin
$
AQUALISERS
AQUALITE - Timaru Built in Timaru, the range of Aqualite pontoon boats has been designed by Scott Robson and comes with a huge reputation for great performance in moderate to rough seas. Aqualite were one of the first pontoon boat builders to put an emphasis on making the boats look ‘good’ and took away the rather clinical style of early pontoon designs. Currently there are six models in the range, with four cabin versions and two hardtops. Construction is all 4mm/5mm hull bottoms and the fit out is as extensive as you are prepared to make it. Power options include jet units, from either Hamilton or Scott as well as outboards. www.aqualite.co.nz
Only
399 NZD
Transform the stability & increase the safety of your aluminium boat!
BAXTER - Christchurch Baxter Industries marine department specialises in design and fabrication of power boats and are capable of taking on projects where exceptional design, computer aided design and aluminium fabrication is needed. All design is completed in house with the use of modern CAD programs. Clients can select a boat from the production range or the company will custom design a boat to suit your personal needs and dreams. The range is extensive and comprises designs for catamarans, jet boats, monohulls and pontoon boats. www.baxterindustries.net
These innovative stabilisers are easy to install and simple to operate. Aqualisers are the stabiliser solution for alloy boats from 10 to 16 feet.
HUNTING
FISHING
DNA - Nelson Built in Brightwater, a small town out of Nelson, by DNA Boats, a division of Ace Engineering NZ Ltd, the brand has been available since 2009. First unveiled at the Christchurch Boat Show in late 2009, the 500 CC and the 550 Sport cabin, quickly established the brand in the alloy boat market. Since then the brand has grown both in size and sales, with clients now throughout New Zealand.
NZ - 0800 200 248 AU - WWW.TORPEDO7.COM.AU
WWW.AQUALISERS.COM
IMAGE BOATS 1209
Nelson based DNA is busy with centre consoles and sport cabin models.
Image Boats has a reputation for customized aluminium boats. Ranging from 5.8 to 10.5m they combine Safety, Strength, Durability, Quality & Performance to produce the perfect allrounder. If you are interested in building the perfect customized boat for yourself, then give me a call, Dean - Image Boats
24 Bay Rd., Invercargill Ph 03 214 4573 Fax 03 215 9177 Mob 0274 368 055 E: dean @ imageboats.co.nz www.imageboats.co.nz
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Jason Elvines is the man behind this very successful Nelson alloy boat builder, that produce a range of pontoon and conventional boats from 3m to 9.5m plus. Catering for both the commercial and pleasure markets DNA have built up a solid reputation for quality and finish. DNA aluminum boats manage the whole process, from concept to design stage, through to manufacturing and supplying a turn key product. Cad design allows the ability to move swiftly forward and also provides endless options in creating modern concept/unique boats. “2014 has been a great year for DNA, with a big increase on the previous year and the way things are looking right now, 2015 is going to be even stronger. We have just about completed a very upmarket, highly speced 8m hardtop and are busy with orders for our 4.2m and 5.5m hulls. I have certainly noticed an uplift in enquiries and we are also well underway with our first big export order, a 14m landing barge for the Cook Islands”. – Jason Elvines www.dnaboats.co.nz FREWZA - Invercargill You could call Frewza Marine, the quiet achievers, that in recent years have produced a considerable number of boats, albeit mostly at the smaller size range. The Frewza brand is based on innovative and practical aluminum boats, starting with the 3.4m tiller steer model through to a 6.8 hardtop in their
www.alloyboat.co.nz
pleased with the acceptance they have had. I am confident that potential clients will appreciate the boats for what they are, high quality coupled with outstanding on the water performance.“- Grant Finlayson www.finlayboats.com HAMILTON JET - Christchurch HamiltonJet boats combine the highest quality of materials and workmanship with proven design features that make then superior river boats. The Frewza F14 is a very popular model in the range. production line up. However the company also offer custom built up to around 9m. Brendon Frewza is the designer of Frewza Boats, with 20 years experience in the boat building and engineering industry. All Frewza boats have three separate air compartments in the pontoons and a separate sealed under floor compartment, which makes them vertically unsinkable! However the company also offer custom built up to around 9m. “We pride ourselves on producing exceptional boats for “real” people, keeping our boats at an affordable cost and offering a range of models and options including full customization”. - Brendon Frew. www.frewzaboats.co.nz FINLAY - Timaru Timaru based Finlay Boats was established by Grant Finlayson earlier this year and is the newest alloy boat brand on the market. The company currently offer three models, cabin, hardtop or centre console, based on two Scott Robson designed hulls. The first to be released was the Sports 5900 open cabin, (See review Page 106 this issue), which was soon followed by the Ignite 6300 hardtop. Both boats feature pontoon style deep vee hulls with 5mm/4mm construction. The finish is to an exceptionally high standard and the layout has been designed to suit both serious fishermen and casual cruising owners. “Our boats are a little different to everyone else, with our signature folds in the hulls, which will be something we will incorporate in all our boats. We have hit the market hard with three models and I am very
Image Boats have a reputation for building big blue water boats, such as this Image 8m.
The combination of the aluminium hull and fibreglass deck gives this HamiltonJet 151 excellent structural integrity. The combination of the aluminium hull and fibreglass deck gives HamiltonJet boats their excellent structural integrity, while high impact strength is achieved with bottom keel plates made from 10mm marine grade aluminium. There are many options available that allow you to personalise your new HamiltonJet boat. These include propulsion packages, seating layout, boarding platforms, finishes, trims and hull and deck colours. There are five models in the range, from the 4.42m Jet 132A, through to the 5.00m Jet 161A. “Right now our sales are extremely good and we are very busy with new boats being sold throughout the country. While South Canterbury and the Christchurch areas are enjoying good sales, so too is the Hawkes bay and Waikato, especially with our 141, 151 and 161 models. Our traditional markets have certainly picked up a lot in the last 12 months”. – John Connelly, General Manager. www.hamjet.co.nz
Finlay Boats first model was the Sports 5900 open cabin.
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IMAGE - Invercargill Trading since 2000, Image Boats is an Invercargill-based boat builder and designer that provides an outstanding range of alloy-hulled boats for both recreational and commercial uses. Much more than just a standardised assembly line, every boat that Image Boats builds is custom-fitted to be highly personalised to the specific requirements of individual clients. With their standard range of basic designs stretching from a 5.8m cuddy to the 10.4m Cruisemaster, they have something available for nearly any boatie or smaller commercial operator. In recent years the company has built up an enviable reputation for larger trailer boats and their range certainly reflects that. The 7.45m, 8.25m, 9.0m hulls carry wide , yet still trailerable beams and allow for huge layout options. Outboard or sterndrive, diesel or petrol, the Image range caters for all options. “At Image Boats we create a special relationship with our clients, working closely with them from the beginning of the build and onwards throughout the entire process to construct an individual boat - one that reflects the client's wants and needs”, - Dean Wilkes, Managing Director of Image Boats. www.imageboats.co.nz KIWI KRAFT/AQUALINE - Invercargill Founded in 1988 by Rodney Harris, Kiwi Kraft is one of the longest established alloy pontoon boat builders in the country. Since then the brand has enjoyed considerable success both in New Zealand and internationally, from the searing heat of Africa, the humidity of the Pacific Islands and the chilling cold of the Sub Antarctic Islands. In overseas markets Kiwi Kraft use the Aqualine name for their boats but the same Kiwi-Kraft ingenuity is infused in each and every item they sell. The company also builds a lot of custom boats to suit the individual persons requirements. Production is around 200 boats a year – all pontoon style - from a base of ten different hull sizes and options such as centre console, cabin, hardtop Jet, O/B or sterndrive in most models. As members of CPC NZ - all Kiwi-Kraft & Aqualine models are built to Coastguard specification.
www.alloyboat.co.nz
“Kiwi Kraft will never be a mass production company with each boat hand built by a team of dedicated workers, that ensures pride in the product and the results are clear to see. If you can dream it we can build it,” – Rodney Harris. www.kiwi-kraft.co.nz KWIKKRAFT - Rangiora
KwikKraft are manufacturers of custom built alloy boats with an extensive range of Scott Robson designed hulls.
bespoke design and for specialist charter use or just something you can’t find , then McLay can, and will build it for you. McLay’s comprehensive range of aluminium fishing and trailer boats has been sold internationally with Northern Europe and Australia being two particularly lucrative markets. Key to McLays’ success says MD and designer, Steve McLay, is world class design and engineering, focusing on what the serious fishing and recreational boat owner wants; quality, functionality and value for money. “ We are always looking ahead in our development program to bring out new models that suit the various boating trends both for the New Zealand and world markets and the very successful launch the new McLay CrossXover range is testimony to this. This is proving to be a very successful formula as some of our models are currently booked out till 2015 already. With our extensive range, ongoing development program and a growing number of McLay dealers overseas we expect steady growth over the next few years”. – Steve McLay. www.mclayboats.co.nz
KwikKraft are manufacturers of custom built alloy boats with an extensive range of Scott Robson designed hulls for recreation (propelled by jet unit or outboards), off-shore, adventure tourism and jet boat racing. KwikKraft alloy boats are built by Icon Brands International at their Rangiora factory along with the Ramco range of alloy boats and a number of large alloy boats built for Robson Design. Kwikkraft’s main point of difference is that they are custom building high quality alloy boats at the top end of the market. They will not compromise these high standards of design and construction as this is what they have built their reputation on. KwikKraft recreational and Off-Shore boats have been exported to Australia, the Pacific Islands, Canada and the USA. www.kwikkraft.co.nz
Built in Nelson, Osprey Boats produce a range of aluminium pontoon boats from 3.5m to 8.5m.
MCLAY - Milton McLay Boats, started by Steve McLay in Milton, just South of Dunedin, have been building alloy boats since 1987 and today are recognised as one of the major brands in New Zealand. The range is huge, from the smallest 4.4m tiller steer boats, to the wide range of cuddy cabin fishing boats and 11.4m hardtop cruisers. There are 23 boats listed in the production fleet, but McLay also offer an extensive range of custom builds, especially in the large size ranges. Whether it’s a
Built in Nelson, Osprey Boats produce a range of aluminium pontoon boats from 3.5m to 8.5m. MD, Lloyd Elliott began manufacturing specialist aluminium fishing boats almost twenty years ago and for professional mussel farmers, and in 1996 unveiled the first of the Osprey Boats for the leisure market. Immediately recognised for their excellence and safety, the Osprey boats have been purchased by such diverse groups as conservation departments, harbour boards and adventure tourism companies.
OSPREY - Nelson
The McLay Fortress range has proven a huge success, especially in Australia.
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The pontoons are shaped to give over 11kg of buoyancy per 100mm of length, which results in huge load carrying ability, i.e. the water taxi's in Abel Tasman National Park are registered to carry 18 passengers plus crew, in a 7.50M boat www.osprey.co.nz RAMCO - Rangiora Ramco is a brand that has been very much part of the New Zealand aluminium boat building industry for many years and is still strong in the market.
ICON Brands have maintained an extremely high standard of finish and build quality in their Ramco models. Founded in 1985 Ramco Boats has over twenty five years of a single minded focus and commitment to making the Ramco aluminium boat range the best hunter – gatherer tool on the water. A few years ago the brand was sold to ICON Brands, who had designer Scott Robson give the entire range a total revamp. The result was new models, new styles and a fresh more modern look to the Ramco brand. They also have a reputation for outstanding performance, especially in adverse sea conditions. The range now consists of 12 models, starting with the 4.75m, 4750 Prelude cabin and centre console, through to the stunning 8450 Ultimate, 8.45m serious offshore hardtops. All Ramco aluminium boats are supported by our 5 year manufacturer’s warranty. www.ramcoboats.co.nz STABICRAFT - Invercargill Unquestionably the largest trailer boat manufacturer in the country, Stabicraft Marine pioneered positive buoyancy boats, turning out the first rigid hulled aluminium pontoon boat from a back street workshop in
Stabicraft are the largest trailer boat manufacturer in the country, with a model range from the 4.90m, XP496, through to the 9.00m, XP896 HTE.
Invercargill, New Zealand, in 1987. Later that year the company moved to the Bluff Road premises where they've been ever since. The original Stabi design was a compilation of the wish list of local paua divers. They wanted an evolution of the traditional Rigid Hulled Inflatable boat - one that retained the RIB's superior buoyancy, stability on the water and ease of handling, but within a sturdier construction framework to make it even safer in rough waters. And so began the development of a brand that was to set world-class standards in aluminium rigid buoyancy boat design and construction. Today Stabicraft Marine's range of 17 models is also one of the most extensive in the country and by far the largest of all pontoon boat builders. This starts with the 4.3m, 1410 series, which is available in tiller steer, centre console and cuddy cabin; through to the impressive 8.80, 2900 Supercab, Pilothouse and Weekender hardtops. All Stabicraft boats are CPC rated. “The future is unquestionably exciting for the Stabicraft brand and we are seeing growth likened to pre-GFC in all our major markets. We are nearing a full range completion of our immensely successful Game Chaser transom and Arrow Pontoon designs. We believe any brand can not only survive a struggling economy but also thrive if the brand can engage with consumers with compelling design, ergonomics and meet latent needs. The future of the market will be made up of brands willing to ‘go the extra
Southern Boats, based in Mosgiel, Dunedin build some of the finest handcrafted alloy boats available today. mile’ for their customers. Brands like BRP are industry pioneers, willing to step out of their comfort zone and challenge the ‘norm’. We see Stabicraft’s future no differently, in fact challenging the norm is exactly how we started”. – Paul Adams, MD Stabicraft Boats www.stabicraft.com SOUTHERN - Dunedin Southern Boats, based in Mosgiel, Dunedin pride themselves on presenting some of the finest handcrafted alloy boats available today. In 2013, the company underwent an ownership change and some consolidation was carried out on the range. Southern have lifted the bar on the typical ‘tinny’ boasting features such as composite hardtop and interior mouldings, Matrix underfloor stringer system, two pot exterior finishes and more. Features often considered optional extras such as fully plumbed live bait tanks, long range fuel tanks and sliding hardtop
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windows all come as standard equipment. However, every boat is customised to its new owner and a wide range of options are available to suit your personal needs. Attention to detail doesn’t stop at your boat as every trailer is custom built in alloy. The range comprises 13 models from the 4.90m, XP496, through to the 9.00m, XP896 HTE. Apart from the XP496 and the XP616 that are centre console models, the remainder of the range are all hardtops. “Our order book is full till Xmas and it looks positive going ahead into the first quarter of 2015. Most popular models currently are the 680 and the 770 hardtops, but we also have interest right through to our flagship XP896HTE. Recently we increased our staff numbers in the factory to cope with the increase in demand, so yes, I am very confident for the future of the brand”. – Peter Carlson, director of Southern Boats. www.southernboats.co.nz
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BOAT test
>> Enduro 4100 Tex t & Im a g e s b y B a rry T h o m p s o n
Keeping Boating Simple The Enduro 4100 is a serious contender in the competitive 4m-4.5m open runabout market and comes with some stellar credentials, from one of New Zealand’s most respected boat building
>>
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dynastIES.
Acceleration for both boats was excellent and with predictable and controllable handling.
T
he Enduro 4100 came about initially as a personal requirement by Andrew and Fleur Fink for a suitable boat to use at their holiday home at Flaxmill Bay, Coromandel. They wanted a boat they
could beach launch with a 4WD quad at all tides, to be safe, stable, dry, with high freeboard and something that didn’t require a lot of effort at launching, retrieval and cleanup. Sounds like the perfect boat!
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The Enduro 4100 is available in either jockey console or tiller steer.
Andrew also needed a boat that was suitable not only for family boating, such as heading out to islands and bays for picnics or towing water toys, but a boat that offered enough space and amenities for fishing. “With our engineering based business we already had a CNC router capable of cutting all the alloy, a Suzuki outboard franchise and we build Enduro trailers, so the only thing missing was the transom,” says Andrew. The Enduro 4100 became the final equation of the BMT (boat/motor/trailer) combo and coming from a family with a history in boatbuilding – brother Lance builds Tristram Boats next door – it wasn’t too difficult for Andrew to come up with a suitable design. “I wanted a boat that had good stability at rest, so I gave it plenty of chine and deck beam as well as utilising a semi gullwing hull shape. The reverse chines sit deep in the water and overall we have a very stable boat,” adds Andrew.
BOAT test
Built Tough I liked the lines on the Enduro 4100, especially the way the internal coamings are contoured and not only look soft and pleasing to the eye, but also follow the line
of the chine, giving you the full benefit of the width of the boat. The cheque-plate floor is fully welded and sealed over a CNC cut ‘egg crate’ type structure that provides 370 kgs of buoyancy. According to Andrew the Enduro 4100 is unsinkable. All air no foam and easy to put a hose in the bung, fill with water and flush out any salt or impurities that may have found their way in. The hull and transom are 4mm, with the sides and deck 3mm. Difference in weight between the two is around 20 kgs more for the centre console version. Dual Style The Enduro 4100 is available in two basic versions, tiller steer and jockey console. The only difference between the two boats is the console, with everything else the same. All the remote and battery cables from the
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Another aspect that comes as no surprise is that Andrew put a huge emphasis on quality and attention to detail, something that is paramount in all his products, be it campervans, trailers or boats.
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The jockey console provides extra storage and an area to stow the tote tank.
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Top speed with the 30 EFI Suzuki is around 30 mph.
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Two different styles that make the boat so adaptable.
alloy jockey console run back under the floor and out of the way in a sealed tube. While we didn’t have any instruments or a small 6” sounder, the flat dash is plenty big enough to take them. You have the option of a Perspex screen and if you would like more protection, Enduro will supply the boat with a bimini. The tiller steer can come with an optional upholstered bin seat which has the advantage of being used anywhere in the
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cockpit. Not only is it ideal as a seat, it’s also great as a fish bin or wet locker. Starting from the bow, there is a large deep open anchor locker and short foredeck with dry storage beneath. Extra storage is provided in deep side pockets under each coaming and in the case of the console boat in the console itself and under the jockey seat. The two rear seats can be removed if you want extra space and in the tiller steer version the passenger seat can be repositioned on the side. Great option when fishing and to help balance the boat when underway. The seats can be upgraded to bucket style for more support. The two boats ride somewhat different. With the tiller steer version, you sit in the rear starboard corner of the boat and if you are on your own, you will need to move a bit of weight onto the other side to even up the balance. This is not a problem if you have another passenger, who can shift their weight accordingly. The advantage of the console boat is the centre of gravity (console & driver) can be positioned directly above the centre of buoyancy. This means that the weight distribution, be it with one or two people aboard is still in the right place. If there is any disadvantage, it’s that the console takes up space, something that in a boat this size is a very important element. I have a tiller steer boat and personally I love the fact that the whole cockpit floor space is available. If I am on my own, I just correct the lateral trim with weight. In the end it’s
your choice of what style you prefer and in the case of the Enduro 4100, both work well. You have a choice of quite a few options such as boarding steps, drop down ladder and bow rails. Andrew says that sales have been traditionally 3 to 1 in favour of the open tiller steer version, but there is certainly a move towards the centre console model. Barrier Bound While you would normally associate a boat the size of the Enduro 4100 as being strictly for use inshore in sheltered waters, it seems
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The rear passenger seat can be repositioned.
Nice dry storage up under the foredeck.
that they have been tested way past those limits. “We sold a boat to Great Barrier Gold, a company based in Fitzroy Harbour, Great Barrier Island and the owner motored it from the Clevedon River to Great Barrier, a distance of 60nm in some fairly open water, for over 3½ hours,” says Andrew. However, while such a cruise to the Barrier is not obviously beyond the Enduro 4100, it’s more likely to be found closer to shore. For our test we had a pair of DF30A EFI Suzuki, one obviously with tiller steer and
the other all set with console steering and remotes. Top speed for both boats on my new Garmin quatrix GPS watch, was about 26 knots/30 mph, after a two-way run on the fast flowing waters of the Waikato River. The Enduro 4100 is rated 20-40hp, but Andrew says that tests with a 50hp Suzuki had the boat running around 28 knots/32mph and it handled it easily. Acceleration for both boats was excellent and with predictable and controllable handling. There is more of a need to have the tiller steer boat trimmed in on take-off than the console, but both react instantly to any engine trim. There was no problem trimming the engine with the remote throttle setup, but I didn’t like the side switch on the tiller version. I would suggest that the position of the switch on the tiller handle be changed for easier operation. Having the opportunity to test the same hull in two variants is a great way to truly understand the difference. While my personal preference was for the tiller steer version, the jockey console model is also a great boat. Andrew and his team at Enduro Boats have unquestionably put their personal stamp of perfection on their first foray into the competitive alloy boat market. After two years developing the Enduro 4100, the company recently added a second model, the Enduro 6400 to the range, a boat that I will be reviewing in a forthcoming issue.
TECHNICAL Make & model: Manufacturer: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Height on trailer: Trailerable weight: Test Power: Propeller: Top Speed: Power Options: HP Range: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
Enduro 4100 Enduro Boats $NZ16500 $NZ19995 (Tiller) $NZ23995 (Console) Open Runabout 4mm/3mm alloy This boat could be 4.2m protected against 1.88m the effects of 14 deg corrosion, oxidation 1.40m and discolouration 550 kg DF30A EFI Suzuki 10 ¼” x 12” 3bld Alloy 26 knots/30 mph the ideal cost Outboard Only effective product 20-40hp to protect your Tote Tanks valuable asset Enduro www.nyalic.co.nz
Notable Standard Features on Test Boat Checker plate floot, separate anchor locker, six rod holders. Notable Options on Test Boat Centre Console, Upholstered chilly bin. Boat Supplied by Enduro Boats, Ph +64 7 850 5512, Mob +64 21 850 551, sales@enduroboats.co.nz www.enduroboats.co.nz
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Angler Murray Pattinson plays a solid fish with the North Head of the Kaipara in the background.
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The Kaipara is one of the largest harbours in the world and its rugged waters are infamously renownED as a dangerous and intimidating place for the boatie to venture. But it is here that some of the country’s best snapper fishing can be found. B y M athew Hewe tson
Softbaiting at the Kaipara Graveyard
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The snapper are fat and in great condition from the mussels they are feeding on.
T
he Kaipara Harbour sits to the west of Auckland and its large estuary complex sucks out between the North and South Head that is six kilometres across, with currents up to five knots and a massive tidal movement around 7.9 million cubic metres a day.
The harbour head is indeed a hostile place with huge waves breaking over the large sandbanks two – five kilometres from shore. These sandbanks shift position constantly and this area is known locally as the graveyard. It is responsible for more shipwrecks than any other place in New
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Zealand with over 40 vessels going down to their unfortunate grave. So do you still want to go fishing there? Well, if you pick the right weather window and time of the year then the trip is well worth the effort. The snapper fishing here can be mind blowing and hands down some
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, e v i l A s k o Lo , e v i l A s l e Fe ! e v i l A s e t Tas
You need large 6” – 7” softbaits and heavy jigheads from 1oz. – 2oz. to get to the bottom with the Kaipara’s ferocious current. of the best I have ever had for sheer numbers of consistent big fish. The Kaipara was my home fishing grounds growing up and I spent a lot of time there with my uncle in his boat who was good at finding and catching snapper. Back then in the 80’s and 90’s we used only fresh baits like mullet or squid which worked just fine. But since soft baiting exploded on the fishing scene here several years ago, keen locals started using soft baits at the graveyard to great effect. It is such a fun way to catch snapper on the lightweight tackle and it offers a lot of benefits to using bait and sinkers. BOAT TACTICS Firstly, if you anchor the boat at the graveyard and send down a ledger rig with fresh bait you will quickly discover the power of the current and you need 12oz to 20oz sinkers to get to the bottom! The weight is so heavy it takes the enjoyment out of the fight when you catch a fish. With soft baiting, you fish this method while drifting and casting ahead of the boat and you don’t need such heavy tackle. The softbait sinks to the bottom and you work the lure back towards you or until the boat catches up and moves past the lure then you retrieve it to cast out again. As the current approaches its peak flow, the boat will drift quickly and you cover a lot of ground so you will be starting the outboard and moving back to the start of your drift frequently. Keep an eye on the sounder, as you will typically be fishing in 20-30m of water but in some parts it does go down to 50m. If you hookup on a fish or notice a bit of bottom structure, mark this on the plotter as a waypoint that you can return to. The snapper are found here because there are huge mussel beds around the areas of foul. When you fillet them, it is amazing to see how big the mussels were with the large broken pieces inside their stomachs which they ate by simply breaking up with their powerful jaws. When drifting and casting you also don’t need to use a drogue as this catches in the strong current and pulls you along even faster. TACKLE TO USE Using braid is critical to your success with soft baits. Braided line doesn’t stretch like monofilament and you need to strike quickly when bitten to sink the hook. I would recommend using 6lb-10lb (3kg-5kg) braid with a leader of 10kg-15kg mono. This leader helps stop the snapper biting through the line and is tougher to prevent wear against the rocks or sharp mussels on the bottom. The jig heads here need to be big to get down in deeper water over 20m and also against the stronger current. I would recommend to start using 1oz then go up to 2oz for when the current is moving faster. If your softbait isn’t on the bottom, you won’t catch fish. I only take 6” – 7” large soft baits to fish the graveyard, these larger softbaits seem to make a big difference. Perhaps it is the murky waters of the Kaipara that make it harder for the smaller lures to be seen, so the larger softbaits get noticed more easily. I have found that the Berkley Gulp range provide the best results and they simply ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
NEW RELEASE! Gulp Alive Fire Tiger Belly Strip
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Scientifically proven to catch more fish Gulp! Imitates the natural odour and flavour of live bait 100% biodegradable and plastic free Gulp! Is loaded with scent, action and flavour
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The writer with a big snapper from the graveyard.
Using braid is critical to your success with soft baits
produce a greater range of soft baits and colours that give you a good selection to choose from. We all know about the legendary “Nuclear Chicken” but I rarely fish with it and the 6” and 7” Jerk Shad range in colours New Penny, Camo, Lime Tiger and Neon Pepper have caught a lot of fish here and if you took these on your trip then you should be well served. However, Berkley’s other styles of softbaits are also effective and I have started using them on most days at the graveyard. We have had some great sessions using the Squid Vicious. This softbait has a lot of little tentacles hanging out which provides a great action moving through the water. These, of course, do get bitten off at times, but then they are creating the fish strikes which are what you want. Released earlier this summer by Berkley was the new Belly Strip range. They are a much longer softbait and they seem also to be a more durable bait and can take a bit more abuse from the snapper’s teeth before you need to replace them. This year I caught numerous 5kg+ snapper using the Fire Tiger and Curried Chicken Belly Strip’s. I have tested soft baits vs. fresh cut baits
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on a number of trips over the past couple of years and the soft baits catch bigger snapper. I have converted a number of my fishing mates to go with the soft bait approach with good results. Some have caught their biggest PB snapper using them on the Kaipara. A local caught a 31lb snapper on a soft bait last year, it was a trophy fish of a lifetime. Remember also that another positive with fishing the west coast is that the snapper limit is still ten fish per person a day. You can easily catch your limit by midday at times, but we rarely take our limit each and return a lot of the bigger fish to keep breeding and prefer to take the smaller 40cm-50cm fish in the bin. LAUNCHING AND SAFETY The best months to go and fish the graveyard when the schools of bigger snapper come into the harbour and feed on the mussels is January – May. Over the past couple of years, February and March have been firing well but the fishing can still be very good in April and May. The best place to launch from would be Shelly Beach, which has a wide, sandy and
muddy bottom. At low tide, the mud can be pretty bad so avoid launching and aim for at least half tide or better. It is shallow and some people prefer to use a rope around the trailer when retrieving the boat, so their vehicle doesn’t get too wet reversing out into the saltwater. Heading from Shelly Beach out to the North Head past Pouto will take you about an hour at 20+ knots in good sea conditions. Make sure you stick to the deeper channels away from the shallow sand banks. I would strongly recommend only going if you have a reliable well maintained motor. It’s not a place you want to break down as the Coastguard aren’t close and you could quickly get into trouble if you drifted onto the bar. Make sure you have at least a VHF, EPIRB and flares with plenty of petrol to get home. There are a lot more charter boats heading there these days, so it is comforting to see them close by if you did need assistance. The Kaipara graveyard is a strange and adventurous place to visit, but its fishing can offer the angler something special. Safe boating. Mathew Hewetson can provide paid guided day trips to the graveyard. With over 20 years’ experience and in particular specialising in soft baiting, you will learn a lot about this unique fishing location. To enquire call Mathew on 022 355 0588
Use a net to land your fish as they are easier to handle instead of a gaff and you can release the fish in better condition.
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BOAT test
>> Finlay Sports 5900
Point of Difference The Met Service weather report read; Easterly 25 knots gusting 35 knots, gradually rising to 30 knots gusting visibility in drizzle, then rain from
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50 knots by evening. Sea rough. Poor evening. Not exactly the perfect day
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for a boat test, but then maybe it was.
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A bait or catch bin is built into the portside step through.
t’s no secret that I have always been a fan of Scott Robson designed hulls, from my earliest offshore racing days when his catamaran design, Sunday News helped take Glen Urquhart and myself to a world championship win, to the start of his trailer boat career with Bonito Boats. Robson can encompass design, styling, layout and most of all boat handling and performance all into one cool package. The new Finlay Sports 5900 simply reinforces those values for me and carries
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BOAT test >>
The Finlay is a well presented, well built boat that offers a new alternative in the pontoon market. (Photo taken in Timaru)
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Plenty of space for large MFDs. The teak shelf is a nice touch.
on the Robson lineage into yet another brand. Finlay Boats NZ Ltd is the newest alloy boat manufacturer on the scene and already has two boats to the market, the Sports 5900, and the Ignite 6300. The Ignite is effectively a hardtop version of the 5900, although with a little wider and longer hull underneath. With plans for a centre console version of both the 5900 and 6300 and initial drawings already for a 7500 hardtop, the company is obviously keen to become a serious player in the growing alloy boat market. So what have they got that’s any different to their competitors….of which there are many. Timaru based Grant Finlayson, director of Finlay Boats, who has a background in working with larger maritime vessels and superyachts, says the idea to get into building boats was always in the back of his mind. “I had tried unsuccessfully to purchase an established alloy boat building company and when they wouldn’t sell I decided to go it alone and develop my own brand. “I knew what I wanted, but I also was well aware that I needed a named designer to
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ensure safe and comfortable performance as well as give the product some credibility as it entered the market," says Grant. After approaching Scott Robson Design, he worked closely with the company to evolve the new Finlay designs and from the outset wanted something unique in style. “I had always liked the Robson designs and felt that he could give me that signature look that I was after," he added.
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This was achieved by adding four folds in the pontoon sides (yes another pontoon boat), and that gives the hulls a bold and immediate statement. All Finlay Boats will feature the same signature folds. Certainly an interesting point of difference. High Quality Grant points out that one of the prerequisites for Finlay Boats was quality, both in the build
With the Maxwell RC6, all your anchoring can be done from the helm.
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Although seen here in the calm waters off Timaru, the Finlay Sports 5900 proved outstanding in big seas in Auckland during the test.
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A cosy cabin with good sitting headroom and comfortable squabs.
of the boats, and the finish. “I wanted to achieve a higher level of finish and presentation than a lot of my competitor's products, with the added benefit of having a superbly good sea boat." The Finlay Sports 5900 is essentially a production boat, available for a host of extras, but there is some latitude for customisation, albeit it doesn’t change the integrity of the design or construction.
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When it comes to the build quality, Finlay Boats have taken no shortcuts and from what I could see on the outside there is a lot of attention made to the small detail. The hull is 5mm, with 10mm keel, 3mm framing and 2.5mm pontoons and topsides. There are five dedicated air chambers in each pontoon, plus side chambers under the decks, so technically the boat is unsinkable. The hull is extended right through to the outboard
The deep vee hull attributes a lot to the boat’s great ride and handling.
transom mount giving plenty of aft buoyancy as well as generous size boarding platforms either side of the outboard. Comfy Cabin The Sports 5900 features a reasonable size cabin, which is in no way designed for overnighting, although you could change that with a central infill. I wasn’t so sure about the lime green vinyl upholstery, but it certainly stands out and has had lots of positive comments, according to Grant. Seating inside is fine for three adults with adequate headroom and I did like the positioning of the back rests and squabs, which proved a comfortable spot to get out of the foul weather and wind while interviewing Grant for this review. There is only limited storage under the squabs due to the shape of the hull and the double chines, but there are narrow side trays either side of the cabin for smaller items. A bulkhead hatch gives access to the anchor locker and one above to the foredeck. The deep cabin sole finished with teak veneer, drains through to a sump in the rear of the cockpit, so in the unlikely event of getting water in the cabin it’s quickly expelled. Grant pushes the safety aspect of the boat and provides an EPIRB, VHF, fire extinguisher, twin bilge pumps, navigation lights, magnetic compass, anchor tackle and life jackets as standard items. Let’s Fish Stepping out into the cockpit the layout is typical of a boat of this style with starboard side helm, twin swivel bucket seats on soft-rider bases and a central transom bait station with a bin seat. There are other seating options available, such as king/ queen, but I think the format on our test boat was just right. The rear bin seat doubles as fish bin and can be placed anywhere you like in the cockpit. To achieve a stylish and flowing helm and console area, Grant went to Fairview
Fibreglass to provide a moulded grp made dash unit. This incorporates a deep storage recess to port and generous size helm to starboard, offset with carbon fibre panel infills. It looks good and takes away that hard clinical look you often find in some alloy boats. The main dash area features a Furuno 1870
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BOAT test
chart plotter combo, digital/analogue Honda gauges, Uniden VHF and a compact switch panel. The trim tab rocker switches and auto anchor for the Maxwell RC6 are in easy reach. A particularly nice touch is the solid teak shelves either side with built-in cupholders and recesses for keys, mobile phone or sunnies. Adds that extra touch of class, to what could simply be just another shelf. There are storage trays either side under the wide flat coamings and dual access to the boarding platforms. A set of Tallon sockets in either coaming have a multitude of uses, which in our test boat were a rod holder, drink holder and twin dive bottle rack. Divers will also appreciate the large drop down ladder and fishermen the 400mm high coamings and deep toe kicks, plus the big central bait station and built-in live bait tank and bait lockers in the transom steps. Slide-in doors stop any water slopping into the cockpit. There is also a large wet locker under the cockpit sole, ahead of the 200 litre under-floor built-in fuel tank. The optional bimini hardtop is built in fibreglass and supported by a solid alloy
There are twin walk-throughs to the transom and a good size central bait station.
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The centre bin can be moved. Don’t you love the lime green.
powder-coated frame. While we didn’t have them on the test boat, you could put on removable clears all around, which is something that would have been nice when we went on the water for the sea trial. Blowing its tits off! It’s a long time since I have gone boating be it for work or pleasure in such bad sea conditions, but due to a timing schedule it was necessary. Auckland’s inner harbour was as rough as I have ever seen it and while the wind strength was reported to be gusting 50 knots, over 60 knots was recorded on the Harbour Bridge. The only consolation was while it was predicted to rain heavily, it wasn’t due to arrive till late afternoon, well after our time on the water. Wind but no rain, so it wasn’t all bad! Nosing out of Westhaven my only choice was head under the Harbour Bridge and towards the upper harbour, where I knew I could find some calm water for our speed runs. However, just getting there was something else and with the howling easterly we had around 1m breaking sea right up the transom. After some playing around with the engine trim and tabs, I had the boat nicely settled at around 20 knots (23 mph). On the way back to Westhaven, this time with the sea head on, I was also able to maintain around the same speed.
FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000
Knots 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 11.0 16.5 21.0 26.5 28.0 31.0 32.5
LPH 2.0 3.5 5.7 9.9 12.2 18.0 22.8 23.7 33.9 43.2 46.8
It was just right for the conditions and certainly extremely comfortable for the three of us aboard. What impressed me straight away was the softness of the ride and the lack of any hull slapping or pounding. There was no bow steer or sledging in the steep sea, with the deep vee hull, double chines and pontoon style certainly added towards a very notable performance in such an adverse sea state. Even without any clears we took no spray aboard, that was until we took the sea on the quarter and then there was nothing we could do against the wind. Tabs were also necessary to keep the boat on the level
at the higher speeds in these extreme sea and wind conditions but upon engagement worked very effectively. In the calm water I managed to squeeze 32.5 knots, (37.5 mph) with the Honda 135 maxed out to just shy of 6000 rpm. Fuel consumption at maximum rpm was still a very acceptable 46.8 lph, but when I dropped back to a more suitable cruise at 5000 rpm and 28 knots (32.2 mph) that dropped back to 29.5 lph. While the 135hp Honda running a 17” Solas propeller was well matched, with good acceleration and plenty of grunt for skiing or wakeboarding, I would probably go to the max and bolt on 150hp as the hull would easily handle it. All in all, I was very impressed with Finlay Boats first entry into the alloy boat market. It's well presented, well built and offers a new alternative in the busy pontoon boat market. Having the opportunity to try the boat in such severe conditions on a day when no ‘normal’ person would choose to go boating, was a bonus. What it did was reinforce my respect for the designer and I certainly look forward to the opportunity of having a run in one of Finlay Boats larger models. Maybe however on some more sedate sea conditions…..or maybe not!
TECHNICAL Make & model: Manufacturer: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: LOH: Beam: Internal Beam: Deadrise: Height on trailer: Trailerable weight: Test Power: Propeller: Power Options: HP Range: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
Finlay Sports 5900 Finlay Boats NZ Ltd $NZ75,000 $NZ130,000 Cabin pontoon 5mm/3mm 6.29m 5.90m 2.31m 1.86m 20.5 deg 2.8m (to hardtop bimini) 1720 kgs Honda 135 17” 3bld S/S Solas Outboard Only 90-150hp 200 litres Finlay Boats
Notable Standard Features on Test Boat EPIRB, Uniden VHF, Lifejackets, fire extinguisher, auto anchor, Maxwell RC6 windlass, 4 x Tallon sockets, twin bilge pumps. Notable Options on Test Boat Fusion iPod700, bimini hardtop, swim ladder, bait board, Lenco trim tabs, International Marine painted hull, LED internal lighting. Boat Supplied by Finlay Boats NZ Ltd, Ph +64 3 929 2677, E: grant@finlayboats.co.nz W: www.finlayboats.co.nz Contact: Finlay Boats NZ Ltd
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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.
BOAT test
>> Innovision 616 Explorer
Punching above its weight Internationally renowned sailor Simon Minoprio has created an impressive new style of powerboat; one specifically designed to perform well in rough water.
Tex t by MIK E ROSE
Clean lines and seats positioned well forward make for a spacious uncluttered cockpit, ideal for fishing.
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W
hen one’s most common view of yachties is them standing in their cockpit, shaking a fist as we blast by, it is easy to see them as quite a different species of boatie. However, in my experience, there is far more crossover than either “side” would like to admit. For example, although going fast, fishing and pottering around in powerboats is my first love, I have also enjoyed sailing cruising yachts around the Hauraki Gulf, in the Bay of Islands and overseas. So, too, have some of our most well-known powerboat racers. Many yachties also enjoy their powerboating and fishing and some of our most prominent yacht designers have also crafted some very fine powerboats. Top competitive sailor Simon Minoprio is the latest to prove the point. The Auckland racer spent 8 years on the international yacht
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Cutting cleanly through the waves means a soft ride with virtually no spray at all reaching the windscreens.
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With no side lockers to get in the way, the cabin is a good place to sit out of the weather.
racing circuit, winning major regattas all over the world. At the same time, back home, he was a keen fisher and diver, enjoying his time powerboating in local waters. What he didn’t enjoy, however, was the ride he often had to endure from the various “tinnies” in which he went out. To his mind, the ride was unnecessarily hard, with too much needless slamming, too little stability and nowhere near enough rough water handling ability. Once he had finished racing on the international circuit, he decided to do something about it. Together with wife, Haylee, he setup Innovision Boats, a company dedicated to building aluminium boats with clean, modern lines that are both super stable and more than comfortable in the rough. Last October, he launched his first model: the Innovision 616 Explorer (the plan is to offer three-model ranges: the hard top Explorer; the soft top Sports and the centre console Active). Very different look As those who have seen the 616 Explorer will attest, in the looks’ department at least, it is very different to a traditional alloy boat. Its most striking feature is its plumb bow. Rather than receding back sharply from the bowsprit to the waterline in the usual fashion, the Innovision’s stem instead drops almost horizontally down to the water. This is a reasonably common design feature in yachts and, like Simon, explains, is an integral part of the Innovision’s “super fine” entry: helping the hull cut through the waves, reducing slamming and pitching and, therefore, producing a smoother ride. The Innovision also appears to have very wide shoulders giving the impression, even when viewed on its custom-made double axle trailer, of a large volume boat. Simon says this is all part of another of Innovision’s special design features: Hydrodynamic Stability Chines. “This HDSC has two advantages,” he says. “When planing in rough conditions
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The grey dash helps to reduce glare and there is plenty of space for a big screen MFD if required.
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Top class sailor Simon Minoprio is proving that he is also a very fine (and very innovative) aluminium boat designer and builder.
the chines create hydrodynamic lift. This produces a stable ride and, paired with the plumb bow, greatly reduces broaching motion in even the most challenging of following seas. “As well, the increased buoyancy in the chines, combined with the boat’s flooding keel, maximises the stability at rest.” Shortly after we have launched the Innovision from the Takapuna launching ramp, Simon insists we both stand on the same side of the boat to clearly illustrate how little heel there is. As we head out into the Rangitoto and Motuihe channels, Simon points to the lack of any wipers on the hardtop’s large forward facing screen. “I did install one before we launched the boat,” he says. “However, after spending a lot of time in rough water, realised it simply wasn’t necessary. So I took it off.” With wind and tide both in our favour, we decide to run the speed and fuel tests while the water is relatively calm. Powered by a Yamaha F150 4-stroke outboard, the 616 was planing at 3000rpm, doing 13 knots and covering 1.5 kilometres per litre. At 3500rpm, the speed was 18 knots @ 1.7kph; at 4000rpm, 22 knots @ 1.5kph and at 4500prm, 26 knots @ 1.4kph. At 5000rpm, we were doing 29 knots @ 1.3kph, at 5500rpm, 31 knots @1.1kph and WOT (5800rpm), 34 knots @ 1kph. These are surprisingly good figures given that the Yamaha F150 is near the bottom of the 616’s recommended horsepower range (130-250hp) and that the 616 Explorer is no lightweight. It weighs in, despite a LOA of 6.56m, with a trailerable weight of 1910kg (albeit with a full load of fuel). This is partly because Innovision has used 6mm alloy plate
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for the bottom (although this will reduce to 5mm on future models) and 4mm everywhere else. Big volume interior On our trip down to Motuihe for the photo shoot, it is easy to forget that the 616 has a hull length of just 6.16 metres and a beam of 2.45 metres. It feels (and handles) more like a 7-metre vessel. It is a feeling that is enhanced at anchor off the island’s northern beach. From the cabin to the transom, the 616 feels large and roomy; ideal attributes for a family fishing and diving boat. Although this is Simon’s first foray into powerboat design, he clearly felt under no pressure to do things in a conventional way. Not only is the hull shape a departure from accepted norms, so too are some of the design elements on board. For example, there are no side shelves in the fully-lined cabin. Simon believes these simply get in the way when one wants to sit here out of the elements. With both of us in the cabin, it is clear he has a point; it is certainly very comfortable being able to lean back and talk face to face. The bunks are also of a good size, with a fill-in squab converting the cabin into one large berth. There is no toilet in this, the first Innovision, but there is clearly enough space between the bunks to accommodate one. There is also, without those side shelves, little dedicated stowage space (the area under the bunks being used for additional buoyancy). There is, however, an open locker on the passenger’s side of the forward bulkhead and this proves ideal for stowing things such as car keys, wallets, cellphones and the like. My only reservation is that, because it is effectively out of sight while
BOAT test >> The batteries and fuel filter are easily accessible and nicely protected.
when trolling at low speed. Simon has broken up the large expanses of alloy with a two-tone paint finish that has the forward bulkhead (including the dash) and the insides of the seats, painted grey and the rest left white. It is attractive and effective, too, with the less reflective grey of the dash a welcome addition on bright, sunny days. The helm station is a relatively simple, practical affair with the three Yamaha digital readouts (Tacho, Speed and Fuel) complemented by a top-mounted Garmin GPSMap 750S. The control for the windlass is also on the dash while a BEP DC panel lives just inside the cabin entrance. A Fusion marine stereo system graces the passenger side of the dash. Simon has fitted a chequerplate floor throughout the cockpit and added rubber mats in front of both seats for better grip and comfort. Cockpit stowage is in good-sized side lockers; in three underfloor lockers (one each side of the fuel tank and a bigger one further forward, between the seats); in a transom locker; and right aft, under the transom. He points out that each of the underfloor lockers can be insulated for use as a fish bin if required. At present, the 616 has a 165-litre built-in fuel tank. Those who opt to upsize the engine and/or who plan to fish further afield may wish to install a larger one. Simon is happy to do this, but it is worth noting that a larger tank will impact on the amount of underfloor stowage. The Innovision 616’s transom is an impressive construct for a number of reasons. First, it has been designed in such a way that it is easy to board on one side of the engine and walk easily past the outboard to the other side. Secondly, the boarding platform sits 75mm above the waterline, reducing wave slap and providing a stable base from which to fish or launch oneself into the water. Installation of the Yamaha F150 is also exceptionally neat. The two hydraulic steering cables disappear
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Impressive performance Our trip back to Takapuna gives us an excellent chance to check out Simon’s claim’s about the Innovision’s rough water handling. As those familiar with the Motuihe
>>
one is in the cockpit, it is also out of mind, meaning it is easy to get halfway to shore or to the car before realising that one has left their keys or wallet behind. There is also a large Maxwell hatch giving access from the cabin to the foredeck, but I suspect this is more to let in light than to provide access. With a helm-controlled Maxwell RC6 chain/rope windlass installed there is little need to go forward when anchoring (and good handholds on the cabin make it easy to use the side decks if necessary). Another area where Simon has gone his own way is with the seating. Rather than opting for either a pedestal seat or a king/queen combination, he has gone for a variation on the latter, without the king part. In essence, the two-seating modules are aft-facing seats with padded tops against which one can lean or on which one can sit. If that sounds a bit crazy and unworkable, it isn’t. In my experience, most people like to stand while underway, especially if things are a bit lumpy. This arrangement caters for that as well as providing an option for those who prefer to perch. Another advantage is the lack of a space-hungry forward seat, meaning these modules can be placed slightly further forward than would normally be the case, thus freeing up valuable cockpit space. These seat modules also provide dry stowage for lifejackets, bags and the like, with an open locker high up in the forward face and a bigger one aft under the “queen” seats. Given that there is likely to be a fair bit of standing under the hardtop, it is just as well there is plenty of headroom, about two metres by my reckoning. There is also plenty of visibility with a large centre panel, a smaller one on each of the quarters and another large open one on each side. Sadly neither of these latter two opens at all and, with no sunroof or other hatches in the hardtop, this area could get quite hot on still summer days, especially
into the platform just in front of the access hatch while a sleeve containing all the other connections disappears into a special channel not much further forward. The raised transom houses the batteries, fuel pump and the like, all well protected, high off the deck and easily accessed through a pair of plastic hatches. On top of the transom module is a stylish bait board and there is a dedicated fish/bait locker built into the transom step. Other fixtures include a swing down boarding ladder, a six-rod rocket launcher (complete with towing eye) on the hardtop and two-rod holders (set between anti-skid pads on the coamings) per side.
www.alloyboat.co.nz
The Innovision’s plumb bow, fine entry and distinctive hull shape are designed to cut through the waves, and they work!
BOAT test
>> Channel will know, it tends to cut up rough later in the day, especially when the increasing afternoon breeze is at odds with the incoming tide. With around 20-22 knots of southwesterly, we quickly run into a typical Motuihe Channel chop: confused waves and enough of a mixture of peaks and troughs to make life uncomfortable in a 6-metre tinnie. Yet it wasn’t. Regardless of whether we aimed directly downwind, directly into the breeze or at a variety of angles across, the Innovision 616 tracked smoothly, cut through the waves with a minimum of effort
and landed softly. Although Simon had stressed the importance of trim on the way out, I found the 616 so forgiving that the trim (especially the fore and aft trim) made very little difference. As long as the tabs were correctly employed to counter the hardtop’s windage, it did not seem to matter a whole lot whether the bow was high enough heading downwind or in enough going the other way. It was, in short, a very impressive performance in those conditions for a hull length of just 6.16 metres. In the more challenging conditions of the
TECHNICAL Make & model: Manufacturer: Priced from: Price as tested: Type: Construction: LOA: Beam: Deadrise: Trailerable weight: Test Power: Propeller: Power Options: HP Range: Fuel capacity: Trailer:
Innovision 616 Explorer Innovision Boats $79,500.00 $119,550.00 Hardtop Alloy: 5mm /4mm 6.56m 2.45m 21 degrees 1910kg full fuel Yamaha F150 16”3 Bld Outboard Only 130-250hp 165 litres Alloy
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: Hydro-Dynamic Stability Chine’s (HDSC), Flooding keel. Notable Options on Test Boat: Bait board/Custom bait station, Maxwell RC6 capstan winch, Fusion stereo, Garmin GPSMap 750S, trim tabs Contact: Innovision Boats Ltd Simon Minoprio Ph: 021 407 000 E: simon@innovisionboats.com
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The Innovision 616 is a very soft-riding, dry vessel.
homeward trip, the windscreen did not, sadly, stay completely dry. However, there was still no need for a wiper. There were no waves crashing into the windscreen; just spots of wind-driven spray and the Rainextreated glass dealt easily enough with those. Simon reports that, during his initial cruise over the summer, he encountered an impressive blow of around 30 knots or so. Initially cautious with his new creation, he quickly realised his “rough water” design needed to be properly tested if his claims were to have any validity. Using his extensive sailing experience, he ran downwind at about 30 degrees in the reasonably large following seas. This is the so-called “broaching angle," the angle at which the stern is most likely to “let go” and allow the boat to lie precariously beam-on to the seas. He need not have worried. His design performed perfectly, safely running true down the waves, lifting its bow in the troughs and comfortably climbing out the other side. Summary There is no doubt that Simon Minoprio has made a very impressive debut as an aluminium boat designer and builder. His first model, the Innovision 616 Explorer, has the look and feel of a far larger vessel. It also performs like a boat with a considerably larger waterline than its just over 6 metres. The boat’s plumb bow and other hull design characteristics ensure a safe, comfortable ride at virtually every angle to the wind and 616 is both easy to drive and very stable at rest. It is hard to ask for much more. As a virtual prototype, this first offering is by no means perfect. Simon is already considering some tweaks to the chines (to further improve rough water handling) and is planning to recess the bait board bracket, so it does not jut up when board is not in use. I would suggest adding some form of ventilation for the hardtop to that list. Since displaying this 616 Explorer at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in May, Simon has been following up the not inconsiderable amount of interest the boat generated there. Although, as we went to press, there are as yet no further firm orders, there are, he says, a number that are very close. One of the most promising so far is an 8.5-metre version of the Explorer. Regardless of his success in the next few months, I am in no doubt that, in years to come, the Innovision’s plumb bow and distinctive appearance will become a common sight on our waterways.
CUSTOM MADE LIVE BAIT TANKS AND TUNA TUBE COMBOS Hi Tech Plastics Products are all NZ Made for NZ Boating conditions At Hi Tech Plastics we can custom make all sizes of live bait tanks and Tuna Tube combos to suit your boat. Live bait tanks from 15 litres- 300 litres portable or permanent tank combos available. Check out our standard sized range at our website or contact us or your marine dealer NZ wide for a custom set up.
Perfect package for those wanting a portable live bait tank just fill up with water and clip to your battery. Package includes: 15, 45or55, Litre Tank, Small lid, Bung, RULE 360 GPH Portable aerator Pump with suction feet, Handles. Or complete custom set up made just for your boat. Prices start at $ 316. Our hugely popular Portable Twin Tuna system, an ideal Tuna Tube combo for those wanting an easy to remove twin tube option. Can be easily bolted or fixed to duckboard. Available in White and Black. NZ made. Can be custom made to suit your boat set up also available in single and triple systems. Prices start at $ 308.
The ideal live bait tank set up, allowing maximum longevity of your live bait. Ideally situated on the duck board where 5 holes are drilled into the tank for continuous flow of water. Package includes: 15,45,55,70,75,85,125, and 300 litre Tanks, Small, medium or large lids, Bung, RULE 500 GPH Tournament series pump, and bracket, and all plumbing to set up tank system. Or complete custom set up made just for your boat. Prices start at $ 499
Our latest live bait tank combo comes complete with a single removable 138mm ID Tuna Tube, 55 litre tank ( can be customised to suit larger tanks with twin tubes also), small hatch, 1100 Gph pump, pump bracket and all plumbing. This combo is ideal for those how want to incorporate all there live bait into one area, with only using a small amount of area. Tuna tube can be easily screwed from tank and then have access to all 55 litre of tank space. Pump flows into both tube and tank at same time or tank by itself when tube removed. Prices start at $ 675 for full
AB0914
55 litre combo.
You can view our full range of New Zealand made boating accessories including seating, pedestals, bait boards, custom made water tanks, custom made underfloor fish bins and much more at www.hitechplastics.co.nz
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 www.hitechplastics.co.nz, and mti.co.nz
CODES: BR: Bowrider, CA: Cabin or Cuddy Cabin, CO: Console, CC: Centre Console, HT: Hardtop, PP: Party Pontoon, RU: Runabout, TS: Tiller Steer, WA: Walkaround.
Make/Model
LOA
Beam
Hull Const Type
ALLENCO 4.6 Runabout 5.20m 1.86m 6mm 5.00 Runabout 4.70m 2.17m 6mm 5.3 Cuddy 5.70m 2.17m 6mm 5.5 Cuddy 5.80m 2.27m 6mm 5.9 Cuddy 6.28m 2.27m 6mm 6.25m 6.50m 2.50m 6mm 6.60m 6.90m 2.50m 6mm 6.70m 7.00m 2.50m 6mm 6.80m 7.10m 2.45m 6mm 7.50m 7.80m 2.50m 6mm 8.00m 8.30m 2.50m 6mm 8.50m 8.80m 2.50m 6mm 9.00m 9.40m 2.80m 8mm * All hulls also available as pontoon boats and larger boats overwidth. .
RU CC CA CA CA HT/CA HT HT/CA HT/CA HT HT HT HT
ALTEC 6.8m 7.10m 2.50m 7.0m 7.20m 2.50m 7.6m 7.80m 2.50m 8.5m 8.70m 2.70m 8.8m 9.00m 2.70m 9.0m 9.20m 2.70m 10.5m 10.50m 3.00m
6mm 6mm 6mm 8mm 8mm 8mm 8mm
HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
8mm 8mm 8mm 8mm
HT CC HT HT
6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CC/CA/RU CC/CA/RU/HT CC/CA/RU/HT HT HT/CA
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 4mm 5mm 5mm
RU RU RU CA CA HT CA/HT HT HT HT HT
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CC CA HT CA HT
4mm 4mm 4mm
CC CA/HT/CO HT/CA
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CC HT HT HT
AMF PRO SPORT 580 Pro Sport 5.80m 2.25m 610 Pro Sport 6.10m 2.35m 660 Pro Sport 6.80m 2.45m 720 Hardtop 7.20m 2.50m 770 Hardtop 7.70m 2.50m
BAXTER C 420 Jet 4.20m 1.64m C 460 Jet 4.60m 2.00m C 510 Jet 5.10m 2.00m B 540 5.44m 2.35m B 590 5.90m 2.35m B 600 SC (Cat) 6.00m 2.43m B 600 6.00m 2.40m B 635 6.58m 2.40m B 650 WC (Cat) 6.79m 2.43m B 750 7.50m 2.50m B 800 SC (Cat) 8.79m 2.5m/3.1m
BIG EYE 450 4.50m 2,00m 550 5.50m 2.41m 585 5.85m 2.41m 630 6.30m 2.45m 700 7.00m 2.50m
BLUEFIN Bluefin 620CC Bluefin 620HT Bluefin 650HT Bluefin 665HT
6.20m 6.20m 6.50m 6.65m
2.30m 2.50m 2.45m 2.50m
Beam
Hull Const Type 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
HT HT HT HT HT
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CA CA HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
BLUEWATER Bluewater 5.4 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
5.90m 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 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.80m
6.00m 4.60m
2.25m 1.84m
COAST CRAFT 560 Rapid Runner 460
CA RU
Circa 6.0 6.00m 2.40m Circa 7.3 7.30m 2.50m
5mm 6mm
CA/HT HT
3mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 6mm
RU CA HT HT HT
6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
HT HT HT HT HT HT
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CA CA CC HT HT HT HT HT
4mm 5mm
TS/CO CC
4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6/8mm 6/8mm 6/8mm
TS CA/CC TS CA/CC/HT CA/CC/HT CA/CC/HT CA/CC/HT HT/CC HT HT HT
DIYNO KITSET 361 3.65m 1.67m 501 5.05m 1.93m 601 6.06m 2.13m 701 7.12m 2.43m 801 8.13m 2.48m
DICKEY Custom 750/XS 7.90m 2.50m Semifly 28 HT/Softop 8.80m 2.80m Custom 800 8.50m 2.50m Custom 850 8.90m 2.50m Custom 900 9.50m 2.83m Custom 950 10.0m 2.83m
DNA 531 Sport Fisher 5.30m 2.02m 551 Sport Fisher 5.50m 2.28m 621CC 6.15m 2.41m 721 HT 7.21m 2.50m 761 HT 7.61m 2.50m 821 HT 8.21m 2.50m 850 HT 8.50m 2.50m 941 HT 9.41m 2.50m
ENDURO 4100 4.30m 1.88m 6400 6.40m 2.45m
EVERYMAN
BLADERUNNER 5m cat 5.00m 2.45m 5.5m 5.50m 2.45m 6m Cat 6.00m 2.45m
LOA
CIRCA
AMF Viper 720 7.20m 2.50m Cobra 750 7.50m 2.50m Viper 770 7.70m 2.50m Cobra 850 8.50m 2.50m
Make/Model
Bluefin 700HT 7.10m 2.50m Bluefin 720HT 7.20m 2.50m Bluefin 720 WK 7.20m 2.50m Bluefin 769HT 7.69m 2.50m Bluefin 769 WH 7.69m 2.50m
DIYNO KITSET - see review page 62
430 4.30m 2.00m 470 4.70m 1.86m 500 5.00m 2.10m 550 5.60m 2.05m 595 5.95m 2.35m 635 6.35m 2.35m 650 6.55m 2.45m 690 6.90m 2.50m 8.0m 8.20m 2.70m 8.5m 8.65m 2.80m 9.5m 9.45m 3.05m
ENDURO 4100 - see review page 96
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ALLOY BOAT BUYERS GUIDE 3.8m - 11m Make/Model LOA Beam EXTREME 540 Sportfisher/CC 5.50m 2.10m 570 Sportfish 5.75m 2.22m 610 Gameking/CC 6.18m 2.50m 650 Gameking/SF 6.65m 2.50m 700 Gameking 7.20m 2.50m 750 Gameking 7.60m 2.80m 850 Gameking 8.60m 2.80m 950 Gameking 9.54m 2.94m 1100 Gameking 11.00m 3.10m
Hull Const Type 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 5mm 6mm 6mm
CA/CC CA/CC/HT CC/HT HT/CA HT HT HT HT HT
3/4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm
TS CC CC CA/CC CA CA/HT CA/HT
3mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
TS TS/CC TS/CC CA CC CC
FARGO 430 4.30m 1.80m 480 4.80m 2.06m 570 5.70m 2.10m 620 6.20m 2.40m 680 6.80m 2.40m 800 8.00m 2.50m 850 8.50m 2.50m
FC BOATS FC 390 FC 430 FC 500 FC 580 FC 600 FC 640
3.90m 4.30m 5.00m 5.90m 6.00m 6.40m
1.82m 2.02m 2.06m 2.46m 2.50m 2.50m
Make/Model
LOA
Beam
610 6.10m 2.35m 660 HT 6.60m 2.45m 720 HT 7.20m 2.50m 760 HT 7.60m 2.50m
Hull Const Type 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm
CA/HT HT CA HT
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
RU RU RU RU RU
4mm 5mm
CA/CC/CO CA
5mm
HT
HAMILTON MARINE Jet 132A 4.20m 1.90m Jet 141A 4.60m 1.90m Jet 151A 4.70m 1.90m Jet 152A 4.70m 1.75m Jet 161A 5.00m 1.90m
ICONIC 440 4.45m 2.04m 540 5.42m 2.20m
INNOVISION 616HT 6.35m 2.35m
INNOVISION 616 - see review page 114 IMAGE FC610 - see review page 28
FINLAY Sports 5900 Ignite 6300
6.29m 6.75m
2.31m 2.43m
5mm 5mm
HT HT/CC
5.8 Elite 6.10m 2.30m 6m Elite 6.50m 2.35m 6.4 Elite 6.40m 2.35m 7.45 Fishfinder 7.45m 2.50m 7.5 Fishfinder 7.50m 2.50m 8.25 Fishfinder 8.50m 2.50m 8.25 Fishmaster 8.50m 2.50m 8.25 MasterJet 8.73m 2.80m 8.75 Fishmaster 9.00m 2.70m 9.0 Fishmaster 9.25m 2.80m 10.4 Cruisemaster 10.50m 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
KWIKKRAFT 661 Offshore 761 Offshore 861 Offshore 922 Offshore 1022 Offshore
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
4mm
CA/CC
4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
TS/CO CA/RU/TS/CO CA/RU/TS/CO RU CA/RU/TS/CO CC/CA/RU CC/CA/RU CC/CA/RU CC/CA/HT CC/CA/HT CC/HT/WA
KINGFISHER FINLAY 5900 - see review page 106 FYRAN 12 13 16 385 440 500 550
3.54m 3.85m 4.90m 3.85m 4.50m 5.00m 5.50m
1.52m 1.55m 1.74m 1.80m 195m 2.19m 2.20m
1.6mm 1.6mm 2mm 2mm 4mm 4mm 4mm
TS TS TS TS RU CA CA/HT
370 Dinghy 430 Dinghy 490 Dinghy 500 575 650 705 795 875 575 Cat 705 Cat 800 Cat
MARKS 1 525 5.25m 2.06m
MARCO
FYRAN 550 - see review page 78
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
400 Dory 440 Dory 480 Dory 510 Thresher 520 Dory 520 Angler 550 Striker 570 Angler/Striker 600 625 650
121
4.00m 4.40m 4.90m 5.10m 5.20m 5.20m 5.50m 5.70m 6.00m 6.25m 6.50m
www.alloyboat.co.nz
1.90m 2.10m 2.10m 1.90m 2.07m 2.07m 2.07m 2.20m 2.20m 2.27m 2.49m
Make/Model
LOA
Beam
Hull Const Type
MARCO 652 - see review page 72 700 Souwester 760 Souwester 880
7.40m 8.00m 9.30m
2.49m 2.49m 2.90m
5mm 5mm 8mm
CC/HT/WA CC/HT/WA HT
4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
TS RU TS CO CO CA CA CA CC CA CA CA CA CA/HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CC CC CC CA
1.6mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 2mm 1.6mm 1.6mm 2mm 2mm
TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS
MCLAY Fortress 441 4.40m 1.85m Sportsman Package 461 4.60m 1.85m Fortress 481 4.80m 2.00m Fortress 521 5.00m 2.00m Fortress 551 5.50m 2.08m Sportsman Package 521 5.18m 2.00m Sportsman Package 551 5.50m 2.08m Sportsman Package 571 5.65m 2.20m Fortress 571 5.65m 2.20m Fisherman 581 5.80m 2.28m CrossXover 561 5.60m 2.08m CrossXover 581 5.80m 2.20m CrossXover 601 6.00m 2.28m Sportsman Package 591 5.95m 2.20m CrossXOver 611 6.10m 2.28m Cruiser 671 6.75m 2.35m Cruiser 681 6.75m 2.35m Cruiser 721 7.20m 2.35m Cruiser 751 7.45m 2.45m Cruiser 781 7.80m 2.48m Cruiser 811 8.10m 2.48m Cruiser 931 9.30m 3.00m Walk Round 1100 11.40m 3.09m
ORCA Seablade 19 6.52m 2.25m Seablade 22 6.70m 2.43m Seablade 24 8.29m 2.65m Orca 6200 Walkaround 6.20m 2/40m
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
3.58m 3.64m 3.75m 3.76m 3.80m 3.85m 4.00m 4.01m 4.01m 4.05m 4.27m 4.29m
1.45m 1.49m 1.50m 1.45m 1.58m 1.79m 1.69m 1.73m 1.76m 1.87m 1.87m 1.87m
Make/Model
LOA
Beam
Quintrex 420 Trophy 4.29m 1.87m Quintrex 430 Top Ender 4.41m 2.00m Quintrex 420 Angler 4.29m 1.87m Quintrex 440 Hornet 4.43m 2.02m Quintrex 440 Trophy 4.43m 2.02m Quintrex 430 Escape 4.48m 1.90m Quintrex 450 Fishseeker 4.50m 2.00m Quintrex 450 Top Ender 4.50m 2.10m Quintrex 450 Trophy 4.50m 2.05m Quintrex 440 Angler 4.54m 2.01m Quintrex 440 Dory 4.54m 2.01m Quintrex 450 Escape 4.61m 2.10m Quintrex 450 Top Ender 4.61m 2.10m Quintrex 460 Dory 4.65m 2.09m Quintrex 440 Top Ender 4.69m 1.96m Quintrex 460 Classic 4.72m 2.09m Quintrex 470 Fishseeker 4.75m 2.05m Quintrex 480 Trophy 4.84m 2.05m Quintrex 470 Coastrunner 4.96m 2.10m Quintrex 500 Trophy 5.00m 2.05m Quintrex 500 Fishseeker 5.01m 2.25m Quintrex 470 Freedom Sport 5.05m 2.09m Quintrex 470 Escape 5.05m 2.09m Quintrex 470 Top Ender 5.05m 2.09m Quintrex 490 Escape 5.21m 2.25m Quintrex 490 Freedom Sport 5.21m 2.25m Quintrex 490 Coastrunner 5.21m 2.25m Quintrex 490 Legend 5.21m 2.25m Quintrex 490 Top Ender 5.21m 2.10m Quintrex 520 Dory 5.26m 2.09m Quintrex 520 Classic 5.32m 2.10m Quintrex 510 Legend 5.41m 2.25m Quintrex 510 Spirit 5.41m 2.22m Quintrex 570 Escape 5.41m 2.25m Quintrex 510 Freedom Sport 5.41m 2.22m Quintrex 510 Freedom Cruiser 5.41m 2.22m Quintrex 510 Coastrunner 5.41m 2.25m Quintrex 510 Top Ender 5.41m 2.38m Quintrex 530 Escape 5.61m 2.25m Quintrex 530 Legend 5.61m 2.25m Quintrex 530 Spirit 5.61m 2.25m Quintrex 530 Top Ender 5.61m 2.30m Quintrex 530 Freedom Sport 5.61m 2.25m Quintrex 530 Freedom Cruiser 5.61m 2.25m Quintrex 570 Coastrunner 5.88m 2.38m Quintrex 570 Spirit 5.88m 2.38m Quintrex 570 Legend 5.88m 2.38m Quintrex 570 Top Ender 5.88m 2.38m Quintrex 570 Freedom Sport 5.88m 2.38m Quintrex 600 Fishseeker 6.13m 2.21m Quintrex 610 Top Ender 6.16m 2.40m Quintrex 610 Spirit 6.16m 2.40m Quintrex 610 Legend 6.16m 2.40m Quintrex 610 Freedom Sport 6.16m 2.40m Quintrex 610 Coastrunner 6.16m 2.40m Quintrex 650 Coastrunner 6.43m 2.40m Quintrex 650 Spirit 6.43m 2.40m Quintrex 650 Freedom 6.43m 2.40m Quintrex 650 Offshore 6.43m 2.40m Quintrex 610 Freedom Cruiser 6.93m 2.40m Quintrex 690 Offshore 7.44m 2.40m Quintrex 690 Offshore SDP 7.44m 2.40m Quintrex 690 Spirit 6.81m 2.40m
Hull Const Type 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 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
4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CA/CC CA CA CA CA CA CA HT HT HT HT HT
3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
TS TS RU CA/CC RU CA CA/HT HT HT
RAMCO 4750 Prelude 5050 Prelude 5050 Sportsman 5450 Prelude 5450 Prelude 5500 Dominator 5800 Interceptor 6020 Fisherman 6250 Fishmaster 7010 Provider 7450 Seahunter 8450 Ultimate
4.75m 5.05m 5.05m 5.45m 5.45m 5.45m 5.80m 6.02m 6.25m 7.01m 7.45m 8.45m
2.05m 2,10m 2.10m 2.10m 2.10m 2.10m 2.25m 2.20m 2.33m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m
SCORPION 360 Dinghy 400 Dinghy 440 Runabout 470 500 Bowrider 535 Cuddy 610 670 Wheelhouse 730 Wheelhouse
MCLAY 581 CROSSXOVER - see review page 42
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
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3.60m 4.10m 4.40m 4.70m 4.80m 5.35m 6.10m 6.70m 7.30m
1.80m 1.90m 1.90m 2.17m 2.17m 2.20m 2.30m 2.40m 2.40m
ALLOY BOAT BUYERS GUIDE 3.8m - 11m Make/Model
LOA
Beam
850 Wheelhouse 8.50m 2.45m 890 Wheelhouse 8.89m 2.80m
Hull Const Type 6mm 6mm
HT HT
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CU CU HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CC HT HT HT HT HT
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CA CA CA CA/HT CA/HT CA/HT HT
5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CA CC HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
SENATOR MC 540 5.57m 2.38m MC 600 6.00m 2.38m MH 630 6.49m 2.38m MH 670 7.15m 2.5m MH 700 7.3m 2.5m MH 760 8.0m 2.5m MH 800 + Wide beam 8.35m 2.7m MH 850 Wide beam 8.8m 2.7m MH 920 Wide beam 9.3m 2.7m Offshore 1020 10.80m 3.10m
SKELTON CRAFT Bardozer 3.5-4.8m 2.00m Phantom 6500 6.50m 2.50m Phantom 7000 7.00m 2.50m Phantom High Bow 7.50m 2.70m Ocean Series HT760 7.60m 2.90m Carbon Series 8.0-10.0m 2.8-3.5m
SEABOSS 550 5.50m 2.42m 580 5.80m 2.42m 600 6.00m 2.42m 620 6.20m 2.42m 670 6.70m 2.42m 700 7.00m 2.50m 750 7.50m 2.50m
SOUTHERN XP516 XP616 CC XP646 HTO XP676 HTO XP716 HTO XP746 HTO XP746 HTE XP776 HTO XP776 HTE XP816 HTE XP856 HTO XP856 HTE XP896 HTE
5.45m 6.20m 6.50m 6.80m 7.10m 7.50m 7.50m 7.80m 7.80m 8.20m 8.60m 8.60m 9.00m
2.20m 2.40m 2.40m 2.45m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.50m 2.80m 2.80m 2.80m
Make/Model
LOA
Beam
Supremacy Profisher 640 Supremacy Profisher 670 Supremacy Sportfisher 670 Supremacy Profisher 770 Supremacy Sportfisher 770 Supremacy Profisher 640
6.26m 6.70m 6.70m 6.68m 6.68m 6.26m
2.31m 2.40m 2.40m 2.43m 2.43m 2.31m
Hull Const Type 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
HT HT HT HT HT HT
5.50m 5.75m 6.50m
2.10m 2.25m 2.35m
4mm 4mm 4mm
HT/CU/CC HT/CU/CC HT/CU/CC
VMG VMG500 VMG575 VMG650
WHITE POINTER 550 Sports 5.60m 2.10m 6mm 550 Cente Console 5.60m 2.10m 6mm 5.80 Sports Jet 5.80m 2.10m 6mm 6.20 Sports Hard Top 6.20m 2.35m 6mm 660 Sports Hard Top 6.60m 2.45m 6mm 660 Sports Cruiser 6.60m 2.45m 6mm 660 Custom Cruiser 6.60m 2.45m 6mm 7m Sports Hard Top 7.20m 2.45m 6mm 7m Sports Cruiser 7.20m 2.45m 6mm 7m Custom Cruiser 7.20m 2.45m 6mm 730 Sports Hard Top 7.40m 2.45m 6mm 730 Sports Cruiser 7.40m 2.45m 6mm 730 Custom Cruiser 7.40m 2.45m 6mm 750 Sports Hard Top 7.60m 2.50m 6mm 750 Custom Cruiser 7.60m 2.50m 6mm 750 Sports Cruiser 7.60m 2.50m 6mm 8m Sports Hard Top 8.20m 2.50m 6mm 8m Sports Cruiser 8.20m 2.50m 6mm 8m Custom Cruiser 8.20m 2.50m 6mm 840 Pro Sportsman 8.40m 2.75m 6mm 840 Sports Hard Top 8.40m 2.75m 6mm 840 Sports Cruiser 8.40m 2.75m 6mm 840 Custom Cruiser 8.40m 2.70m 6mm 850 Sports Hard Top 8.80m 2.50m 6mm 850 Sports Cruiser 8.80m 2.50m 6mm 850 Custom Cruiser 8.80m 2.50m 6mm 920 Custom Cruiser 9.20m 2.90m 6mm 940 Pro Sportsman 9.40m 2.90m 6mm 1050 Pro Sportsman 10.50m 3.10m 6mm all models avaulable in 8mm
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
ALLOY BOAT PONTOON
AQUALITE 535 SS 5.34m 2.10m 570 SS 5.85m 2.10m 601 SS-XRV 6.03m 2.44m 645 SS-XRV 6.47m 2.44m 665 WHT 6.75m 2.44m 775 WHT 7.55m 2,44m
4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
CA CA CA CA HT HT
3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm
TS CA CA HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
5mm 5mm
HT HT
3mm 4mm 4mm
CA/CC CA CA
4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm
TS CC CA CA CA
3mm 3mm
TS TS
AQUALINE 435 4.35m 1.95m 495 5.07m 2.02m 545 5.52m 2.18m 565 5.65m 2.32m 595 5.95m 2.40m 645 6.47m 2.45m 705 7.20m 2.50m 780 7.77m 2.50m 860 8.55m 2.50m 890 9.00m 2.80m 1080 10.80m 3.10m
SOUTHERN XF 676 - see review page 50
SURTEES 4.85 Workmate 4.87m 2.01m 5.5 Workmate 5.63m 2.15m 5.5 Hardtop 5.63m 2.15m 5.8 Workmate 5.88m 2.26m 5.8 Gamefisher 5.88m 2.26m 6.1 Workmate 6.20m 2.37m 6.1 Barcrusher 6.20m 2.37m 6.1 Gamefisher 6.20m 2.37m 6.7 Gamefisher 6.70m 2.39m 6.7 Workmate 6.85m 2.39m 6.7 Sportfisher 6.70m 2.39m 7.3 Gamefisher 7.30m 2.50m 7.3 Sportfisher 7.30m 2.50m 8.5 Gamefisher 8.65m 2.50m
4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
CA/CC CA/CC HT/CA HT/CA/CC HT/CA HT/CC HT HT HT/CA HT/CA/CC HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA HT/CA
5mm 5mm
CA HT
SUPREMACY Supremacy Profisher 600 Supremacy Profisher 600
5.86m 5.86m
2.32m 2.32m
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
ASSAULT 672 APB 6.72m 2.40m 692 APB 6.92m 2.50m
BAXTER B 480 4.83m 2.00m B 530 5.30m 2.00m B 550 5.50m 2.42m
BLACKDOG CAT - Catamarans BDC 4.0 SS / XL 4.00m 2.05m BDC 4.5 CC 4.50m 2.20m BDC 4.5SS 4.50m 2.20m BDC 5.0 SS 5.00m 2.35m BDC 5.5 SS 5.50m 2.45m
BLUEFIN 420 APB 480 APB
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4.20m 4.80m
www.alloyboat.co.nz
1.87m 1.87m
Make/Model LOA Beam COMMANDO 3.1 Trooper 3.10m 1.72m 3.6 Trooper Delux 3.60m 1.72m 3.6 Trooper 3.60m 1.72m 3.9 Trooper 4.20m 1.72m 3.9 Trooper Sport 4.20m 1.72m 5.4 Trooper 5.40m 2.22m 5.8 Wide Body 5.80m 2.26m 7.5 Silverado 7.50m 2.48m 8.5 Trooper 8.50m
Hull Const Type 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 5mm 6mm 6mm
TS TS TS/CA TS/CA CA/CC CA/CC CA CA CC
361 Jet-2 3.67m 1.30m 361 Jet-3 3.67m 1.54m 442 Powercat 4.41m 1.51m 451 4.36m 2.10m 601 6.00m 2.39m
3mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm
TS/CC CA CC/CA HT HT
SEA SURGE
DNA 420 3.90m 1.71m 460 XC 4.60m 2.02m 515 5.15m 2.13m 610 XHT 6.10m 2.47m 660 XHT 6.60m 2.47m
FREWZA 3.4 3.40m 1.65m 3mm TS 4.1 4.10m 1.75m 3mm TS F14 4.40m 1.75m 3mm CA/CO/HT F16 4.95m 2.00m 4mm CA/CO/HT F18 5.75m 2.25m 4mm CA/CO/HT 605 6.05m 2.30m 4mm HT/CA 680 6.80m 2.30m 5mm HT
HARDY 4 4.0m 1.78m 4.7 4.7m 2.06m 5.25 5.25m 2.17m 5.4 5.40m 2.17m 5.7 5.70m 2.17m 6 6.00m 2.30m 6.5 6.50m 2.30m
3mm 4mm 4/5mm 4/5mm 4/5mm 5mm 5mm
CA CA CA/CC CA/CC CA/CC HT HT
3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm
TS CA CA CA CA/HT CA/HT CA/HT CA/HT HT HT
KIWI KRAFT 360 3.60m 1.82m 390 3.90m 1.95m 470 4.70m 2.00m 515 Fisherman 5.20m 2.10m 550 Fisherman 5.50m 2.20m 590 Sport 5.90m 2.30m 660 Sport HT 6.60m 2.40m 720 Sport HT 7.20m 2.50m 780 Sport HT 7.80m 2.50m 780 Overnighter 7.80m 2.50m
ORCA 3.8 3.80m 1.60m 4.5 4.50m 2.05m 5.4 5.40m 2.33m 6 6.00m 2.40m 7 7.00m 2.40m 7.0 Party 7.00m 2.40m 8.0 Party 8.00m 2.50m
3mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 3mm 3mm
TS TS/CA/CC CA CA/HT/CC CA/HT/CC PP PP
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
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
OSPREY Osprette 349 E/S 3.50m 1.68m Osprette 380E/S 4.00m 1.68m Osprette 450S 4.50m 1.95m Osprette 495 5.00m 2.15m Classic 520 5.20m 2.25m Classic 565 5.65m 2.25m Classic 590 5.90m 2.25m Plus 610HT 6.10m 2.25m Classic / Plus 650 6.50m 2.50m Classic / Plus 700 7.00m 2.50m Classic / Plus 750 7.50m 2.50m Plus 800HT 8.00m 2.50m 850HT 8.50m 2.50m
PROFILE 465C 4.65m 1.80m 520C 5.20m 2.00m 545C 5.45m 2.00m 585C 5.85m 2.14m 585CC 5.85m 2.14m 585H 5.87m 2.14m 600H 6.00m 2.25m 635H 6.40m 2.30m 650H 6.50m 2.40m 700H 7.00m 2.40m 750HW 7.50m 2.60m 780HW 7.80m 2.66m 940HW 9.40m 2.73m
Make/Model LOA Beam REVO
ALLOY BOAT Issue 3
Hull Const Type 3mm 3mm 4&3mm 4mm 4mm
RU RU CA CA CA/CC
3mm 3mm 3mm
CI TS TS/CC
3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 5mm 5mm
TS TS TS TS/CA CO CA HT
5mm
CC
3mm 3mm 3mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 5mm 6mm 6mm 6mm 6mm
TS CC TS CA CC CA CA CC CA CA CA CC CA HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
4mm 4mm 4mm 5mm
RU CA CA CA/HT
3mm 3mm 3mm 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 CA CC CC HT CA HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT HT
SEASPRAY 3.5 3.50m 1.70m 4.2 4.20m 1.70m 4400 WB 4.40m 1.87m 3.5 3.50m 1.70m 3.8 3.80m 1.70m 4.2 4.20m 1.73m 4.8 4.80m 1.73m 5.5 5.50m 2.20m 6.8 6.80m 2.20m 7.6 7.60m 2.50m
SEALEGS 6.1 D-Tube 6.13m 2.25m
SENATOR IS 380 4.00m 1.65m ICC 400 4.10m 1.80m IS 400 4.10m 1.80m RC 450 4.74m 1.87m RCC 450 4.74m 1.87m RC 480 5.04m 1.87m RC 500 5.30m 1.52m RCC 510 5.40m 1.98m RC 520 5.50m 1.98m RC 540 5.70m 1.98m RC 580 6.12m 2.18m RCC 580 6.13m 2.20m RC 620 6.45m 2.38m RH 580 6.13m 2.20m RH 620 6.45m 2.38m RH 650 6.75m 2.38m RH 690 7.13m 2.49m RH 770 7.93m 2.49m RH 780 7.97m 2.70m RH 860 9.90m 2.70m
SCORPION 392 3.92m 1.90m 455 4.55m 1.90m 530 5.30m 1.90m 600 6.00m 2.30m
STABICRAFT 1410 Explorer 4.30m 1.7m 1410 Frontier 4.30m 1.7m 1410 Fisher 4.30m 1.7m 1530 Fisher 4.67m 1.87m 1650 Fisher 5.00m 2.15m 1750 Frontier 5.26m 2.15m 1850 Fisher 5.40m 2.16m 1850 Sport 5.40m 2.16m 1850 Frontier 5.60m 2.40m 1850 Matt Watson Signature 5.50m 2.40m 1850 Supercab 5.60m 2.40m 2050 Fisher 6.27m 2.31m 2050 Supercab 6.27m 2.31m 2100 Supercab 6.40m 2.30m 2100 Frontier 6.40m 2.30m 2400 Supercab 7.32m 2.30m 2250 Supercab 7.16m 2.32m 2570 Matt Watson Signature 7.86m 2.49m 2600 Pilothouse 7.92m 2.49m 2600 Supercab 7.92m 2.49m 2900 Supercab 8.80m 2.49m 2900 Weekender 8.80m 2.49m 2900 Pilothouse 8.80m 2.49m
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@pacificpowerboat.com
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ALLOY BOAT SPECIALISTS SCORPION 610 HARDTOP - The best buying hardtop out, full length berths, good head height, fully lined cabin, VHF, fishfinder, complete on trailer with 90hp Mercury. Retail $47,500 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 Phone: (07) 889 7193 • Fax: (07) 889 5405 Alan Solly: 021 595 151 • Benj: 021 241 535
Email: sportcraftboats@xtra.co.nz
Sportcraft fpg FN6177.indd 147
$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
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.
OVER 200 BOATS www.sportcraftboats.co.nz
FN6177
$29,250
TAURANGA
119 Hewletts Road, Mt Maunganui Phone: (07) 928 7193 Fax: (07) 928 7194 Roger: 027 669 7918 • Jamie: 021 795 597 Jason: 027 606 1063
Email: sales@sportcraftmarine.co.nz 16/06/2014 10:19:58 a.m.
review
PO Box 34-855 Birkenhead Auckland, New Zealand A/H:Bob (09) 418 0425
DIRECTORY
WHITE POINTER BOATS Custom Alloy Sports Fishing Boats “Ride with the best”
Phone (07) 849 4809 Fax (07) 849 5242 554 Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton. P.O. Box 10124, Hamilton email: sales@rollosmarine.co.nz Mob: 0275 815007
189 Stanley Road, Gisborne Ph: 06 868 6519 Fax: 06 868 9939 Email: rex@whitepointerboats.co.nz Web www.whitepointerboats.co.nz
T Thompson Marine
a
Alloy Commercial and Pleasure craft boats kitsets 3m - 9.5m+
CUSTOM ALUMINIUM BOATBUILDERS
Jason Elvines Ph: 03 542 3977 Cell: 027 635 2425 Ace Engineering Ltd. Bryant Rd. Brightwater. Nelson
Gisborne 868 9939 oats.co.nz oats.co.nz
ckland 0612 27 296 3254
Monohulls Pontoons Jet boats Barges
WWW.dnaboats.co.nz info@dnaboats.co.nz
30A Airdie Rd. Ranui. Auckland 0612 Ph: 09 832 2170 Mob: 027 296 3254
Monohulls Pontoons Jet boats Barges
Alloy Commercial and Pleasure craft boats kitsets 3m - 9.5m+
Jason Elvines Ph: 03 542 3977 Cell: 027 635 2425 Ace Engineering Ltd. Bryant Rd. Brightwater. Nelson
reid trailers 16 Cowley Place, Albany, Auck, NZ Private Box 302070, North Harbour, Auck, 0751. Ph: +64 9 415 0133 | Email info@reidtrailers.co.nz
0800 807 155
WWW.dnaboats.co.nz info@dnaboats.co.nz
Affordable Trailers Trailers BoatAffordable Trailers | Box Trailers
Covering Australia and New Zealand
12ft to 27ft boats 7x4 to 10x6 Boat Trailers 12ft to 30ft Boats / Box Trailers: 7’x 4’ to 12’x 6’6”
To advertise, call: Alex Ram Advertising Sales Ph (DDI): +64 (0)9 428 7277 Mob: +64 (0)21 0286 5298 E: alex@pacificpowerboat.com
www.pacificpowerboat.com 162 Foundry Road, Silverdale Freephone 0800 162 500 162 Foundry Road, Silverdale Email sales@xpresstrailers.co.nz Freephone 162 500 Mobile 0270800 228 8803 Email sales@xpresstrailers.co.nz www.xpresstrailers.co.nz
www.pacificpassagemaker.com
Affordable Trailers
PacificPacific PowerPBower oat SBePtemBer oat J uly 2013
BOAT 7x4 Issue to 2 10x6 Boat Trailers 12ft to 27ft boats | BoxALLOY Trailers
126141
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Trailers
ats
BOB WYLIE Phone (09) 483 8111 Fax (09) 483 7111 Mobile (0274) 942 580
review
Boat Builders
ATS
Phone (07) 849 4809 Fax (07) 849 5242 554 Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton. P.O. Box 10124, Hamilton email: sales@rollosmarine.co.nz
Designers
DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY
Sales & Services
HOLIDAY OUTBOARD SERVICES & BOAT STORAGE
FLUSH YOUR ENGINE WITH
Agents for:
holidayoutboards@xtra.co.nz
ph: 09 448 1650 fax: 09 448 1651
Salt-Away is the most concentrated salt removing product on the market. Using our Mixer Unit and 40 mls of Salt-Away you can flush your engine, wash the salt off your boat, trailer, trailer brakes, fishing gear (boats up to 7 metres in length), for as little as $1.15 per wash, and it leaves a protective film. Salt-Away breaks down and removes salt build-up with repeated use and is made in the USA.
Corrosion Control SALT REMOVING TREATMENT
We Service all brands
209 Bush Road, Albany 0632 www.holidayoutboards.co.nz
WARNING! 9 out of 10 engines fail due to salt corrosion. Act now and protect your valuable boat, engine, trailer, fishing and dive gear.
0800 272 589 WHOLESALE MARINE DIRECT 1800 091 172 www.salt-away.co.nz www.salt-away.com.au
.co.nz
www. >Manufacturer
OUTBOARDS - BOUGHT, SOLD & TRADED
>Importer
>Distributor of Marine & Leisure Products
Anti Vibration Systems Stainless Leiasure Products
SALES & SERVICES
Chandlery
jointing compound Chandlery
291 West Coast Rd.Glen Eden Ph: 09 813 1240 Fax: 09 813 1248 Dave Dempster: 027 495 2237 Activeobs@gmail.com
PH: (64) 09 3595 424 3242 (64) 4241082 Email: mx@pl.net PH: (64) 09 422 Fax:Fax: (64) 422 3596 Email: mx@pl.net 2A Glenmore Arklow Lane,Drive, Whangaparaoa, Auckland, New Zealand 26 Warkworth, New Zealand.
www.Dixon.co.nz
www.MarineXpress.co.nz
www.Vibra-Stop.com
Call us for your nearest stocklist
POWER LIFT BRACKETS Jacking plates from $950
Power trim & tilt units from $1250
Phone (07) 849 4809 Fax (07) 849 5242 554 Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton. P.O. Box 10124, Hamilton email: sales@rollosmarine.co.nz MORRINSVILLE’S MARINE CENTRE
Thames St, Morrinsville ph (07) 889 7193 • fax (07) 889 5405 Email: sportcraftboats@xtra.co.nz Jamie (021) 795 597 www.sportcraftboats.co.nz
Boat Covers
Haulage
For: Cabin boats and Runabouts Hardtops Jetskis Dinghies
COVER 5252
Outboards
We’ve got everything covered
0800 080 872
BOB WYLIE Phone (09) 483 8111 Fax (09) 483 7111 Mobile (0274) 942 580 PO Box 34-855 Birkenhead Auckland, New Zealand A/H:Bob (09) 418 0425
ALLOY BOAT Issue 2
127
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www.coversystems.co.nz
Product & Accessoriwes
DIRECTORY
ADVERTISERS INDEX Aqualite
58
Hamilton Marine
Bluefin Boats
41
Hi Plastics
Boat Catch
23
Hidea Outboards
57
Savwinch
Boat City Aqualine
19
Honda Marine
111
Scorpion Boats
17
Casio
47
Image Boats
92
Senator Boats
4
Commando
39
Innovision
58
Sopac Hatches
69 87
DIYNO
95 119
Raymarine L&B
88
Sandbrooks
60 5
102
Isuzu
112
Southern Boats
Dolphin Aqualisers
92
Isuzu
113
Sportcraft Marine
125
Enduro Boats
12
Kiwi Marine Clean
13
Stabicraft Marine
89
KiwiKraft
39
Subscribe x 4
76
Surtees
71
ENL
7
ENL
27
McLay
Everyman Boats
85
Milton's Lures
47
Suzuki Marine
59
FC Boats
33
Nyalic strip
56
Tohatsu Outboards
37
Finlay Boats
61
Orca
27
Volpower - Volvo Penta
IFC
Frewza Boats
68
Peninsula Marine
White Pointer Boats
105
Fyran Boats
77
Profile Boats
16
Yamaha
OBC
IBC
Yanmar
15
Gulp
103
1
102
Rayglass Boats
S Southern outhern H HTO TO X XP776 P776 • R Ramco a m c o 44750 750 • S Scorpion c o r p i o n 6610HT 10HT • B Bluefin l u e f i n 5565 6 5 FFisherman isherman • S Stabicraft t a b i c r a f t 22600 6 0 0 • FFrewza r e w z a FF14 1 4 • FFC650CC C650CC
Southern HTOXP776 XP776 Southern HTO
18 18 GREAT GREATHAND HAND JOBS JOBS
FISHING BAITFISHING SOFT BAIT SOFT
Tiller steer steerboats boats onon thethe riserise
experts theexperts fromthe Tips from
4750 RAMCO 4750 RAMCO
2600 STABICRAFT STABICRAFT 2600
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FC650 FC650 CCCC
F14 FREWZA FREWZA F14 FISHERMAN FISHERMAN 565 BLUEFIN 565 BLUEFIN
Our attention to detail is over the top. It is also everywhere else on the boat.
rayglass.co.nz
built without compromise