Boat Reviews

HAVING owned and fished out of a side console for over 10 years, I have a bit of a soft spot for this style of boat. The reason I feel this way probably relates to how I use the boat, which usually involves fishing two or three-up with a mix of casting and trolling lures or bait fishing, crabbing and …

EVERY now and then I come across a boat with a fit and finish so fine it’s akin to a luxury car. This was exactly the case when I hit Moreton Bay in the McLay 651 CrossXover Hardtop, which is interesting as this boat is marketed as a hard-core fishing weapon. Leading up to this boat test, McLay’s reputation for …

An additional six rod holders can be found on the targa, which keeps them well out of the way, as well as a few more in each gunwale. As with all Sea Jay boats, the finishing and attention to detail is top-notch and I think the quality of Say Jays and the pride in workmanship is one reason why more …

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 …