Boat Reviews

Our test boat cost $21,900, which included the 50hp four-stroke Suzuki, Aluvan trailer, safety gear, electronics pack, electric motor bracket, Garmin GMI 20 instrument display and 12 months boat and trailer ergo. While not the cheapest 4.4m boat on the market, when you consider what is included I think it is definitely up there for value for money and ahead …

“I started out with little 10-footer tinnies, then upgraded to 12 footers and then a 16’ aluminium centre console,” Shaun said. “I also did a lot of professional fishing in catamarans – 18, 23 and 28 footers as well as a 48’ Randell. “But most of my fishing career was out of a large plate boat – a 22’ Pacific …

In saying that, the Armour 45 has a massive amount of storage, with plenty of room to stow a number of items. The front storage hatch is huge, though I think some little ‘keeper’ walls on the sides to prevent things rolling off may have made the shelf section a bit more user friendly. However if you want to store …

These new Quintrex Explorers have received the first real update to the model line in about 10 years, with a host of changes made to try to improve upon the already stellar reputation of the range. So, what’s new? Well the most immediately noticeable feature when walking up to the boats bobbing patiently in the water was the forked bow …

Again I was happily surprised by how level and true the boat remained, which gave a good indication of the performance of the hull. Having satisfied my curiosity about performance, I set about checking out the layout and how it worked. For a 5.8 model there is plenty of fishing room as well as a good amount of storage, with …

My initial thoughts were that it was going to be a 175hp (which I think might be just around the corner) however I was wrong and a brand new light-weight 200hp 4-stoke Yamaha was sitting on the back. Obviously I was keen for a ride, so along with a few other media people we went for a run in the …

Vindicator trailers come with a spare wheel and spare wheel carrier, Australian jockey wheel, Timken bearings and bearing buddies. The ladder-rack system down the centre of the boat trailers has stainless steel spindles and split pins as well as Australian rollers with a Teflon entry cradle, providing the ability to drive a boat onto the trailer. Adjustable wobble roller racks …

In terms of storage, there is a shelf in the console and room underneath to stretch your legs or stow anything that you want kept within easy reach. Side pockets on either side of the boat also make sure additional items are kept secure and out of the way, leaving your boat clutter-free for fishing. There is bulk storage under …