HARD-core fishos might laugh at the prospect of attempting serious fishing from a bowrider. They’re just poser boats designed for young blokes and bikini girls, or dads to pull screaming kids around on tow toys, aren’t they? I admit to being somewhat of this view when asked to review the latest model from Anglapro.
In recent years the alloy brand has become synonomous with boats of the hard-core fishing mould. And plenty of fishos buy them, according to the man behind Anglapro, Derek Rodway of Good Times Marine in Sydney’s south. Rodway was very upbeat recently while talking about Anglapro’s new “crossover” model, the 48 Trixsta. After he’d given me a quick on board rundown, I could see why. The Trixsta name is fairly apt for this 4.8m side console. It’s part runabout, part bowrider, part tournament fisher – a neat trick, indeed.
Rodway explained that the boat is the result of listening to customers who wanted a roomy, family oriented boat with good freeboard that could easily double as a serious inshore and occasional offshore fishing weapon. Stricter state laws around the wearing of lifejackets on boats under 4.8m were also a factor in producing the new Trixsta, Rodway says. The first thing that struck me about the boat was that I’d been thinking it would be a bowrider that could fish. In reality it’s more the other way around; more Saturday fishing boat than Sunday tow toy puller, this Trixsta looks capable of performing both duties pretty well.
Design & Layout
Sure to be a big selling point of the Trixsta is its bowrider section which, handily for fishos, doubles as a fully functional and roomy casting deck that extends aft to around amidships. This deck has vinyl upholstered cushions velcroed in place that can be pulled out to reveal the carpeted deck below. Depending on footwear preference, fishos could opt to fish from the front as is, or remove the cushions and stand atop the firmer timber deck for added security in messy water. The deck’s mid section pulls out to reveal an open deckway and transform the Trixsta into bowrider mode.
Compartments in the bow provide good storage space underneath and the portside is also home to a good size kill tank/ice box. The pointy end also houses an anchor well (with drain) and bowsprit. The boat’s wide gunwales didn’t sport grab rails up front although they will be an optional extra. The only thing missing from a fisho’s point of view is a bow-mount electric. A mounting plate is an optional extra for the Trixsta, which takes care of that.
For potential buyers more into cruising than fishing, there’s an option to fit a fully functional freshwater galley – portside around midships – complete with sink and 20 litre tank. Hopefully, opting for the galley doesn’t cause arguments about who’s doing the washing up.
The boat’s deck is quite roomy and fully functional when fishing. A couple of the fellas from Good Times Marine were on board and Phil, especially, was keen to wet a line and demonstrate the boat’s fishing attributes. While there’s plenty of deck space it’s hard to miss that metal pipework towering over the transom. For those not familiar with sports boats, this pyramid like bar is for attaching tow ropes for “donuts” and the like. Fishos are catered for here too with the tower sporting a couple of rod holders, which can be added to depending on individual customer preference.
Either side of the tow bar are squab seats which are surprisingly comfortable and take up little space overall. There’s also storage below at the stern, although the starboard side is restricted by the battery box. The Trixsta’s side console was a good fit on this boat. It’s not too wide that it detracts from the roomy 2.2m beam while maximising functionality. The console has a grabrail above and Perspex screen to give a bit of wind protection to the driver and electronics. The console housed a flush-mounted Lowrance Elite-5 sounder/GPS, which could be replaced by a 7” flush mount or larger on a RAM style bracket mount. There’s also a six switch panel and a handy VesselView console for digital readouts of battery voltage, engine RPM and fuel. Underneath there’s space for storage of readily accessible items like tackle boxes or camera cases.
The Trixsta had two pedestal seats fitted, with the skipper’s featuring slide adjustment. These moulded seats were comfortable and like the rest of the boat’s upholstery were highlighted by stylish grey vinyl with green trim to match the hull’s striking graphics. The hull itself is finished in glossy black paint on the side panels with hard-to-miss Trixsta (painted) signage and white paint atop the gunwales and transom. The hull is also available in black or grey paint options.
On the water
The Trixsta was fitted with a Mercury 75hp four-stroke outboard, which spun a standard four-blade 15” pitch prop. Typical of modern outboards, it jumped to life and ran impressively quietly. Notably, its electric trim was impressively fast in operation.
My first impression behind the wheel of the Trixsta was good. The driving position was ideal, thanks to the slide adjustable seat, and being an open boat, vision all round is as good as it gets. It’s a boat that quickly made me feel comfortable.
The Merc outboard was impressively responsive and effortlessly had the Trixsta planing with a nudge of the throttle. While the standard package of this boat includes a 60hp donk, which reduces the price significantly and could suit fishos who often go solo or with just one mate, family oriented buyers could do well to stick with the 75 if regular towing duties are on the agenda.
Overall, the Trixsta 48 exuded a solid and secure feel on the water. From my short time at the wheel it was clear it’s a boat that’s loads of fun to drive and delivers a surefooted and stable ride. Many potential buyers are sure to be into doing “circle work”, at which the Trixsta excels. Sharp turns at reasonable speed will have you smiling on this boat, as it feels solid as a rock. It also easily took the average sized chop and boat wake we encountered on the Georges River entrance to Botany Bay in its stride. The Trixsta 48 comes atop a quality Dunbier single axle braked trailer that sports stylish black alloy rims that nicely complement the rig.
Unfortunately there was no time for any serious fishing in the Trixsta – despite some very fishy soundings appearing on the Lowrance Elite-5 screen! The shiny new boat had other commitments that afternoon – a brochure photo shoot awaited. While I didn’t get loads of time on the new AnglaPro I came away convinced it’s no one trick pony. If you’re a serious fisho who has to factor the family into your next new boat purchase, the Trixsta might be well worth a look.
More information including the full range can be found on the Anglapro website.
