New from Morning Star
Morning star Boats has carved out a solid reputation over the past few years building a range of seaworthy boats in the sub-5 metre range. The Taiwanese built aluminium boats use state-of-the art construction methods to produce a boat reminiscent of fibreglass in both looks and performance.
During the recent Sydney International Boat Show the company unveiled a range of car-topper style tinnies. The new tinnies range in size from 3.2 to 4.1 metres and feature 5083 alloy, which Morning Star says is 43 per cent stronger than the next grade of aluminium. This means these boats are stronger, lighter and the beamy design results in a stable platform suitable for fishing. Best of all they’re affordable with a starting price of $1895 for the 320 M3 up to $2580 for the 410 M3. Packages are also available and boats come with a 3-year warranty.
More info at morningstarboats.com
Formosa 580X
Formosa’s Tomahawk 580X is a crossover boat based on the 580 Offshore hull. Formosa has lifted the console and created a large T-Top for wakeboarding and skiing and allows additional sun protection for the family. There is also a rocket launchers and other fishing accessories.
The bowrider seat in the front can be converted to a casting deck and there’s plenty of storage. The boat on display was also fitted with Raymarine electronics and a fusion entertainment system.
Unlike many family boats, this boat is built on a well known offshore-capable hull. So while everything is a compromise, this boat would be well suited to the fisho who wants a versatile boat for the family and serious fishing.
More info at formosamarineboats.com.au
Bayliner Element F18
Bayliner’s new Element F18 takes full advantage of its stable M-Hull by combining it with a deck plan focused on fishability. The hull comes from the company’s proven Element family boat and adds a clear deck and a bunch of fishing features which should appeal to Aussie fishos.
The Element F18 is 5.57 metres long and has a capacity of six people and a maximum horsepower rating of 115.
With its clear decks and beamy design, this boat should be ideal for lure and fly fishos and would accommodate three anglers easily.
More info at bayliner.com.au
Stay tuned for a review in an upcoming edition of Fishing World.
Brooker 420SC XTD
The latest estuary sport fishing boat from Sydney-based manufacturer Brooker Marine looks the goods with a matt black finish and cleverly designed deck layout.
What’s unique for a boat of this size is the underfloor fuel tank, which leaves plenty of available fishing space and moves the centre of gravity lower for a better ride.
The side console configuration should allow two, perhaps three anglers to fish rivers and bays in comfort. It has all the standard features you’d expect in a pint size sportfishing boat and comes in a range of colours.
More info at brookermarine.com.au
Regulator 23
US-built regulator boats are known for their high performance, quality and attention to detail. The brand is relatively new to the Australian market and offers a high-end option for offshore sport fishers in this growing centre console market.
The 23 is the baby of the fleet and measures a true 23 feet excluding pod. So this is a sizable boat and capable of handling rough water or fishing harbours and bays.
As expected it has all the bells and whistles including large livewell, killtank, built-in coolers and most importantly, loads of storage. There’s also a long list of options. The model shown here was fitted with a Yamaha F300hp outboard, so you’d expect speed won’t be an issue.
Stay tuned for a review in an upcoming edition of Fishing World.
More info at onebrokerage.com.au
