The humble tinny is a ubiquitous and versatile rig – I’ve owned a number of them in my time and my current 5m plate centre console is simply a souped up version of the great fishing all rounder. For the average fisherman, a small, lightweight, easy to manage and cheap to run hull fits the bill perfectly and in the sub 5m range, a centre console can be hard to beat for all round fishability. The 4.9m Aquamaster centre console is one such hull meets the necessary criteria. I actually took a close look at the Aquamaster hulls when hunting around for my current vessel, finally opting for a heavier (and much more expensive!) custom plate boat. I was initially impressed with the Aquamaster, however, given their moderate 17 degree vee, close rib spacings and sound value for money. The boat, motor, trailer package price for a 4.9m Aquamaster was as much as some of the plate manufacturers I spoke to wanted – for a hull only!
The hull on test comes painted inside and out with black external topsides and electric green graphics, which was pleasant to the eye. Walking around the hull shows the Aquamaster to be a no nonsense fishing rig – the console is compact and functional with a folding windscreen while the 2.3m beam gives the boat ample uncluttered deck space. The carpeted deck area is minimalist with nothing to get in your way whilst fishing and plenty of space to walk around the console with ease. The wide gunwales were fitted with four flush mount rod holders while full length side pockets along each side provide easy reach storage along with toe support while bracing up against the gunnels. Rear grab rails were also included on this boat adding to the support available if bracing yourself in a corner in rough seas. A small hatch in front of the console provides additional underfloor storage however this is an open boat and as with most open boats, dry storage space is at a premium. Rounding out the pointy end was an anchor well and split bow rail arrangement while internally and directly beneath the anchor well resides a modest cavity for storing of ground tackle. Moving aft, the full height transom features a plumbed live bait tank in the starboard corner which was appropriate for a hull of this size while beneath the live bait tank, a water separating fuel filter and battery switch were neatly fastened to a pressing welded to the internal transom bulkhead. A recessed section in the rear centre of the deck housed the battery and battery box – the transom layout was basic and simple, maximising space and minimising cost.
The 4.9m model on test was the standard centre console model featuring an 80 litre underfloor fuel tank with deck filler on the stepped up section of the port gunwale. The step up in the gunwale gives additional bow height to assist with spray deflection and adds to the hull’s aesthetics. The console is tall and would provide some protection, however, if it’s raining or windy there’s nowhere to hide. The windscreen folds down to assist with storing the boat under a low lying garage. A sounder, engine gauges and switch panel were neatly located adjacent to the helm. The test boat also featured a removable ice box with padded lid. Alternate seating options are available, however, most fishos will probably opt for the esky/seat or a standard seat box for additional dry storage.
Performance
For a pressed tinny the hull rides quite well – you have to compare apples with apples here and when compared to other similar hulls, the 17 degree vee, 3mm aluminium construction and tight stringer grid provides rigidity and a decent ride through chop, relative to other, similar pressed hulls. Running the lower reaches of the Harbour at speed saw the hull take bumps and ferry wakes in its stride; a quick run around the heads showed it to be no slouch through the disorderly chop found there. The wide beam and vee combine to provide a good mix of ride comfort and stability at rest. The 70hp Suzuki four-stroke propelled the hull effortlessly and was a good match for the hull. In the absence of any real wind it was difficult to gauge the dryness of the ride, although I suspect that when the wind and sea are at a particular angle some spray will come on board.
Overall, the Aquamaster Abalone 4.9m is a sound and robust boat that is capable of tackling a decent mix of estuary, bay or freshwater fishing while having the ability to run to inshore reefs when required. A raised casting deck and bow mount electric bracket are options that would transform the rig into a very versatile and capable sportfisher. Realistically, there isn’t that much to a basic centre console tinny, however, the interesting points that differentiate the Aquamaster are its solid construction and 17 degree vee, along with a BMT package price in the $30,000 category, which represents exceptional value for money. The Aquamaster 4.9m represents an honest, solidly built pressed boat that can have you chasing bream in the Harbour one minute, snapper offshore the next – without having to mortgage the house first.
