Boat Reviews

Trevor was driving an Extreme 545 Side Console (full review in the August edition) and playing up for the camera over the breaking waves, while I stood in the Fisherman and attempted to get decent photos and videos of his antics. Becoming somewhat absorbed in the filming, I didn’t notice until almost too late that I’d drifted into a shallower …

I DON’T need a lot of incentive to get away from the computer and onto the water for a boat test, so whenever possible I jump at the opportunity. This is especially so for Australian designed and built models because I’m fairly patriotic. I recently had the chance to go for a run in a fully decked-out 520 Sea-Rod Deluxe in …

With Adam driving, our speed was increased to 60km/h before Adam wound in full steering lock and mashed the throttle. We proceeded to do ridiculous doughnuts at full throttle, with our speed remaining north of 55km/h and the turning radius staying incredibly tight. I’ve never felt stronger G-forces (just remembering it is making me queasy) and our cornering forces were so …

That voice-command computer is actually Harri’s wife and fishing partner Anna, whose track record is perfect when it comes to making great decisions (after all, she married Harri). Over the past six years and with the approval of his trusted computer, Harri has gone on to buy three more plate alloy craft designed and built by AMM. Harri followed up the …

You may have noticed the vast majority of smart passengers will fight for the seat at the very rear of the boat because this is where the ride is smoothest. So when it came to configuration, I made it very clear I needed a big side console. The seating position on a centre console is still forward, which makes for …

Another standard feature of the Stessco Bowrider 490 is a rear lounge with backrest. The rear lounge offers not only comfortable seating but doubles as a large storage area where you can keep a variety of items in easy reach. Two large side pockets provide extra storage, as do the compartments under the bowrider section. The driving position was fairly good and …

These are big figures for a little boat, however a 60hp motor on a lighter, pressed alloy tinnie would surely result in even higher numbers. Though what a lighter boat couldn’t do is make a mockery of decent size waves created by passing boats. Even with its shallow 10-degree variable deadrise, the RMP managed to avoid the dreaded ‘tinnie slap’ over …

In this instance, the F115XB fitted with a 13 1/8” diameter, 16” pitch Talon stainless steel prop punched out some impressive figures, especially in the 3000-4500rpm range. At 3000rpm, the Bar Crusher 575C was well up on the plane, cruising along at about 24km/h with an impressive 2.3km per litre fuel economy figure. And it only got better from there: …

Overall, the Stessco Catcher SFX450 SC brought plenty to the table in terms of inclusions and performance. If you are after a well-appointed boat that performs well and is ready to hit the water straight out of the box, it would definitely be worth considering. The test boat was supplied by Motorsport Marine at Burpengary, so for more information, give …