Boat Reviews

The Australian boat manufacturing team at Bar Crusher certainly had their hard-core fishing caps on when they designed the XT range of boats. The three different sizes in the range provide options when choosing an open hardtop fishing weapon. While not small by any means, the 670XT is the smallest of the three models, and the one I tested recently …

The team at Australian Marine Centre had their Bar Crusher Blitz recently – an on-water day where keen boaties got to test a mix of Bar Crusher boats. I was fortunate to be invited to test and review a couple of the models, one of which was the Bar Crusher 615XSR – a hardcore rear-centre console, designed for fishing – …

Hi crew, for those who read my articles in this publication, you’ll know that I recently purchased an older 5.5m Aussie Whaler as my new work boat. When I bought the boat, it had a two-stroke OptiMax on the back. Though it had plenty of power, at 2500 hours, it started to have a few issues. So, we decided to …

The Edencraft name is well known throughout Australia but more so in the southern states, with its cult-like following for being the pinnacle of offshore fibreglass trailer boats. The owners of the company are a husband-and-wife team who employ a group of highly experienced staff. They believe there should be absolutely no compromise in the build quality, performance and safety …

What is 2023 going to bring? Hopefully, with a bit of luck, some good consistent weather, but I won’t be holding my breath. I managed only a couple of days on the water since writing my last article. The fishing was quite good, with a few nice flathead caught still, even though the water’s warming up. All the usual techniques …

Thinking of new ways to improve the boat is something we all enjoy doing. Over the cooler months, I noticed that the side combings of my Bar Crusher were a little hard and cold on the legs when leaning on them fighting fish. After being on other people’s boats, I had several ideas in mind – including having upholstered pads …

When it comes to fishing, I love it all. It doesn’t matter whether I’m surface popping for whiting in the shallows, chasing barramundi on lures in impoundments or bottom bashing for pearl perch in the deep – I want to be able to do it all. For that reason, I have a soft spot for dedicated sportfishing boats that are …

ONE company that is always looking to develop unique multipurpose boats is Caloundra-based boat builder Ocean Craft. Its latest vessel is the 6000 Camper Cruiser and, as the name suggests, it can be used for camping, exploring, fishing and cruising. Based on the proven Beamy hull design with a Posi Lift bow, the new Camper Cruiser has plenty going for …

THE exhilaration of having 800hp at your disposal on a 10m fishing platform with gunwale-to-gunwale fishing space is an experience that many of us don’t often get. Recently, I was very privileged to be able to test such an incredible machine. Invincible 33 The Invincible 33′ Catamaran is not only one of the best fishing platforms I’ve ever been able …

Originally derived to suit Australia’s rugged Top End conditions, the Quintrex Top Ender epitomises the definition of strength in aluminium boating. Part and parcel with its solid build and durability, the Top Ender has comfortably established itself as one of the most popular and sought-after fishing boats in Australia – and for good reason. The barramundi bass tournament-style layout means …