Baysport is a Queensland-based fibreglass boat manufacturer that, until a few years back, was trading under the name of Freedom Boats.
The company name changed, but the boats remained the same and have gained a solid reputation for being quality family-friendly fishing boats.
The 585 fits well into this category and features some of the refinements you’d expect from such a boat.
Boat Fishing tested the 585 with western Sydney dealer Blakes Marine on a windy Sydney Harbour.
Layout
The 585’s layout is consistent with most similar family/fishing cabin boats.
The reasonably large cockpit features fully carpeted decks and has enough space to comfortably fish three or four people. The test boat featured an extra long bimini, and while shelter is always appreciated, it did impede on valuable fishing space.
I prefer the standard length bimini which provides enough shade and shelter, while allowing plenty of fishing space out the back. The transom features a walk-thru door and an optional cutting board.
Moving forward, the helm area and forward cabin is quite spacious. There’s loads of storage under the seats and inside the cabin.
The cabin bunks are long enough for an adult to sleep, which again, emphasises the family friendly features of the 585.
The dash featured standard gauges and a small Garmin sounder/GPS combo, gauges, compass and marine stereo.
The smallish dash won’t allow an extra large sounder display, but then again, I can’t see the need for oversize electronics on this style of boat.
Smooth operator
Cabin fibreglass boats of this size have always been popular offshore fishing rigs. The size isn’t too big to tow or store and the initial purchase and ongoing fuel bills won’t break the bank.
Given the purpose of the boat, I was keen to see how it performed in open water. Boat test day saw a trough of bad weather passing through Sydney leaving in its wake a large swell and ideal testing conditions.
The Baysport’s 21 degree deadrise and tunnel hull design provided a soft and dry ride through the chop around Sydney heads – this, despite the lack of clears for protection.
It was both a very soft riding and dry boat. In a following sea, the 585 tracked nicely, again thanks in part to the tunnel hull design of the boat. Back inside and in calmer water, we tested the boats manoeuvrability and speed.
The hull has a sporty feel and corners easily at speed. In calm water, a good cruising speed was recorded at 4400 RPM and 24 knots.
At this speed, the Baysport used 27.5 Litres/hour. WOT was recorded at 5550 RPM and 35 knots with fuel consumption at 40 litres/hour.
The 585 Sport has a maximum rating of 150hp. The test boat featured a 130hp Evinrude E-TEC, which was more than adequate with this style of boat without spending more money or wasting unnecessary fuel.
While the Baysport’s family-friendly features may not appeal to the hardcore angler, the keen family fisho looking for a versatile package will find this boat offers impressive performance at a reasonable price.
Baysport 585 Sport
LENGTH: 5.85m
BEAM: 2.45m
WEIGHT: Approx. 830kg
DEADRISE: 21degrees
POWER: Max.150hp; Recommended 115hp-150hp
FUEL: 140L (under floor)
PRICE AS TESTED: $41,500
CONTACT: www.baysportboats.com.au, www.blakesmarine.com.au
This story was originally published in the Fishing World February 2014 issue.
