My new boat is finally all finished and ready to show off! Its been a bit of a journey, but I think I now own the ultimate fishing weapon! Most of my readers would know that over the years I have slowly progressed more and more into lure fishing, and in particular luring the creeks for Barra and Jack’s. But I still like my blue-water fishing and chasing things like Spanish Mackerel. It was nice owning two boats, one for each task. But it’s an expensive option, and bigger more expensive boat spent most of the time sitting making a very nice looking garden ornament! So it was decided that the best option was to sell both boats and look for something that would do it all. Now most people would recognise that this is no easy task, especially without severe compromise. I’m not saying that my new boat isn’t a compromise, but with 80% of my fishing now creek and inshore, I was happier to make the offshore compromise more sever.
Townsville Marine had a second hand Seafarer Vantage 4.85m on sale for a quite a while. It was a pretty special boat, with a custom layout quite different to what would normally come from the factory. But it suited me well. The console in further after than standard, and there are no seats fitted. This means driving is done while sitting on the rear casting deck (or standing which is quite comfortable too). As well as a rear casting deck, the boat was fitted with front casting deck and extension. Giving quite a substantial amount of space up front. And with no seating, the inside deck space is simply enormous!
The boat was fitted with an 80hp Suzuki 4-stroke that had 55hrs to its name. The boat is rated to 90hp maximum, and considering the 70, 80 and 90 are the same weight, I would have opted for the 90 if buying new. Top speed is about 30knots at 6000rpm. But I know that Emmanuel has a 90 fitted to his 485sf, and top speed is about 33knots. So not much to be gained from the extra 10hp anyway. The fuel economy of these new Suzuki 4-strokes is simply amazing. At about 25knots and 4,500rpm I get 0.3lts per km. With 120lts under the floor, range is over 300km.
The performance from this hull blows my away. It will happily plane well below 15knots with the nose down and two adults sitting on the rear casting deck. Ride in rough chop is smooth and comfortable. In fact, I am happy to have this boat out in 15knot chop no worries at all. In smooth waters the boat corners at speed like its on railes! It sits true and flat through a tight high speed turn with no cavitation from the prop. It feels great to drive. Reviewers on Trailer Boat Magazine describe this boat as a ‘pocket rocket’.