Blue Fin Scoundrel 4.25

WITH strong competition in the under-5m range, it is important for manufacturers to deliver a well-built and practical boat at a reasonable price.

Demand for these smaller boats is increasing, so having a package that fits the bill in more than one way is important.

This is something that Blue Fin Boats has focused on with the release of its new Blue Fin Scoundrel dinghy.

The Scoundrel comes in a variety of lengths from 4m through to 5m and you have the freedom to option up this boat and deck it out the way you want.

Although the base model is already pretty decked out with plenty of features, you can still add your personal touch.

The base tiller model fitted with a 30ML Mercury 2-stroke is priced at a respectable $9900 (supplied by Cunningham Marine Centre).

It has plenty of well thought out features like fully welded side decks, front casting platform with three hatches and side pockets.

Also included in the price is a rear casting platform with two removable hatches, two upholstered and adjustable pedestal seats and a fully carpeted floor.

So you can see, the base model is already tricked up and ready to hit the water.

From here there are plenty of options – you can keep it as a big tiller steer open boat or transform into a more sports fishing style vessel with a side console.

On the larger models (4.5m-5.0m) you can even opt for a centre console for the more traditional hard-core fisho.

Under floor fuel tanks can also be fitted to all 4.25m models and larger.

I am a fan of under floor tanks, as it gives more storage room, which is vital in a smaller boat, plus it generally puts some extra weight in the middle of the boat and at the lowest point.

While this can improve the ride, it also makes the boat more stable, which again is a bonus for smaller boats.

In a gap in the weather I took the 4.25 Blue Fin Scoundrel for a quick run.

The model tested was the side console with a 40hp Mercury fitted.

And even with three people on board it performed reasonable well and still had enough room for everyone to move around comfortably.

You need to keep in mind that this boat is

4.35m in overall length, with a healthy beam of 2.05m and packed full of features, so you are getting a lot in a small boat.

The test model was $15,990, which included the side console, plate side, seat upgrade, bowsprit, paint, electric motor bracket and Humminbird fish finder.

These are probably the options I would lean towards if going the side console option.

Alternatively you could leave it as a tiller and put on an electric motor and upgrade the electronics for around the same sort of dollars.

For more information on this boat or others in the Blue Fin range, give Cunningham Marine Centre a call on 07 3284 8805 or call the manufacturers direct for a dealer near you.