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 as at home in the shallows as they are offshore.
Recently, I tested a boat set up by the team at Wynnum Marine that definitely hit the mark – being able to accommodate most, if not all of these fishing needs – the Stacer 589 Crossfire Centre Console.
The overall length of this beast is 5.95m and I’m sure when you check it out in person, you’ll agree with the tag. Combined with a healthy beam of 2.3m, you have the basis for an awesome all-rounder.
As the ‘cross’ part of the name suggests, this boat has been specifically designed for a mix of uses. The front section of the boat can be fitted with cushions, making an ideal lounge for family and friends to sit and relax on while at rest.
However, remove these cushions, deploy the electric motor and you have a large-raised fishing platform. The front casting deck also allows for a large amount of storage on both sides and an anchor well at the front.
Underneath the centre section, you can store tackle bags, which means they are out of the way yet within easy reach. Additional storage areas include large side pockets on each side and a platform at the rear.
Given the specifications of this boat, a huge amount of deck space is also available, so you easily have room for a big Esky, swags and almost any gear you wanted to take with you for a weekend away.
Additional storage can be found in the helm, with a secure glove box at the front and more space underneath that would be ideal for a tackle bag or two.
In terms of quality and finish, it is what you’d expect from a leading Australian boat manufacturer… top notch.
Fully welded gunnels, a neatly incorporated mounting plate for an electric, live bait tank with a Perspex window and a rear access door are all part of the well-appointed Telwater package.
Combine that with the maximum-rated powerplant from Yamaha – a 150hp four-stroke – and you are sitting pretty in a boat I would be happy to own, fish from and drive!
I keep going on about how this boat felt like a beast and that’s because – aside from the huge amount of fishing room – the performance was awesome. Given the length and design of the hull, this boat seemed to move effortlessly across the Moreton Bay chop when sitting at a very respectable 3700RPM – which pushed along at 47km/h and with an economy of 2.3km/l.
Not bad figures for a decent sized boat and engine. While the sweet spot in terms of economy and ride was around 3500 to 4500RPM, it was great to open it up and see what the Stacer Crossfire could do with the maximum horsepower sitting on the back.
And it didn’t take long to find out. A sharp punch of the throttle saw the Yamaha jump to 6000RPM and the speedo reading 79km/h.
This boat is quick, though it’s easy to drive at that speed and you feel in control of the boat’s response – which is reassuring.
While you’re not going to be driving at that speed often, it’s important to have a boat that can perform when you push it. It’s worth noting that the economy was 1.2km/l at wide-open throttle, which I think is still reasonably good.
Aside from getting you to your fishing spot quickly and in comfort, there are additional key features that help make the Stacer 589 Crossfire Centre Console a great all-rounder:
- As standard there are four seating positions, though the boat is plated to carry six, which means you can take a family of four and friend or two over to Peel Island for a relaxing day on the water
- The high freeboard means you can comfortably sit or lean against the side of the boat, alternatively if you’re fishing, it’s at a good height to give you plenty of leverage when fighting a big fish
- The optional ski pole bait boat mount is a must and again provides versatility
- Even though this is an open boat, the ride was exceptionally dry and, combined with the optional bimini, you get enough protection from the elements.
- An additional pole holder in the front casting platform lounge would hold an umbrella.
Overall, this is an excellent crossover boat. Add a couple of extra options or personalisations, such as more rod holders and an electric motor, and you’d have a boat that nails everything you wanted to throw at it.
If you’re interested in this package, you can currently check it out at Wynnum Marine.
As tested, the boat retails for about $76,000, which includes all the options mentioned, including a Stacer aluminium trailer.
Alternatively, visit wynnummarine.com.au to see the full list of inclusions and options.