Boat Reviews

But with technological advances, two-strokes are not necessarily lighter than modern four-strokes. This is highlighted by the range of portable Yamaha four-strokes, which are becoming increasingly lighter and torquier. When run over the scales, the portable Yamaha 9.9hp four-stroke comes in at about 40kg (add an extra kilogram for the long shaft model), while the 15hp weighs a touch over …

The full transom provides a secure feeling and would allow you to comfortably take this boat offshore on the right day. Storage wise, the front casting platform has a massive hatch, and if you have a look at our YouTube footage of this boat above, you can check out Sea Jay National Sales and Marketing Manager Garry Fitzgerald and I comfortably …

Four flush-mounted cup holders are a nice addition (plus two in the bait board), as are the four flush rod holders (plus two more on the bait board) arranged neatly around the gunwales and angled perfectly for bait fishing. The gunwales are at a comfortable height for leaning against too, which is ideal when tackling solid fish offshore. As mentioned, …

Once back in smooth water, opening the taps on the Yamaha F115 saw us tickle 66km/h at 5800rpm. Internally, the Stessl 520 Bluewater has a raised foredeck constructed from fibreglass, which makes for a tidier finish and nicer touch points than regular aluminium. The seats both fore and aft are excellent and overall layout is perfect. A ‘luggage rail’ runs …

A large, clear central hatch allows for natural light to enter the cabin, giving a greater sense of space, and provides access to the bow to make anchoring a breeze. The driving position too, feels airy and is up nice and high, giving a commanding view out over the waves. Heading out of the cabin and moving astern, a heavily …

Three tinted pop-up hatches, two in the hard top and one in the cabin, allow extra sunlight into the covered areas and can be opened to afford extra ventilation on those balmy days and nights spent moored in sheltered anchorages. Sitting in the super-comfy captain’s chair built by Relaxn, the outstanding all-round view is thanks in part to a 6mm-thick …

If it was my boat and I was starting with a blank canvas, I’d add the above options as well as a cutting board and deck wash and I’d be a happy fisho. Performance There’s no need to beat around the bush – the 510 Frontier with a 115hp Evinrude E-TEC on the back is a dead-set weapon. Holeshot was …

The Moreton Bay 469 Outlaw had good storage under the front casting platform, accessed via two large hatches. There was ample room to stow safety gear and tackle as well as the battery for the electric motor. In addition, two big side pockets kept items out of the way yet within easy reach. The stern featured ample room for additional …

At the bow, I’ve extended the casting deck by about 70cm so two people can easily fish there. My side console setup is a little different to the normal ones as I have moved the seats forward. Traditionally, the seats in the side console are right at the back, but I’ve made a rear casting platform and put the seat …

This is the maximum rated horsepower for the 458 Stealth but it had very impressive fuel consumption to boot, with almost 4km per litre economy at the optimal cruising speed. However, this engine will be economical at most speeds, and when combined with the reverse chine and flat planing hull of the Sea Jay Stealth, you get a boat that …