Jackaroo 455 Tournament right on the money BRISBANE
Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au
Coomera-based Jackaroo Boats aren’t as well known as some other SEQ manufacturers, but once
word gets around I’m certain we’ll see more of these well-performing fibreglass craft on the water. These boats have an all fibreglass construction, even to the point of having a fibreglass stringer system under the floor plus a composite/fibreglass transom for maximum long-term durability. The hull warranty is 20 years! There’s also some flexibility in the interior layout of these Jackaroos, although the basic design of the Jackaroo’s soft riding and quite stable hull naturally remains the same. The reviewed Tournament 445 featured fore and aft casting decks, ample rod storage, a massive 110L live well (with divider) plus a neat doorequipped centre console. If you prefer though you can go for a tiller steer rig and order seating to suit your needs – it’s all up to you.
A right-sized centre console dresses up the Jackaroo’s interior without being intrusive. TOURNAMENT BASED LAYOUT The test boat is used by Scott Corby of Jackaroo Boats as his current tournament rig, but the
445 Jackaroo appeals to more than just tournament anglers. It’s in the popular 4-5m range that can be towed by the family sedan, yet would suit up to four
Well-made, lined and lockable under deck compartments are located up front. SPECIFICATIONS Length..............................................................4.45m Beam................................................................2.05m Deadrise.............................................................. 18° Hull weight......................................................400kg Fuel......................................................................70L Engine ratings............................................. 60-90hp Engine fitted.......................... 70 Yamaha four-stroke Persons...................................................................4 Towing............................ Family six sedan or wagon
The Jackaroo’s hull travels with very little fuss or spray.
Left: The Jackaroo has a practical layout. The aft fish well is a useful addition, it doubles as a seat, with casting deck capability. Right: An easily monitored dash is a handy feature. 114
AUGUST 2015
anglers with ease. Up front there’s an electric motor pad to port of a lid-equipped anchor well. An (optional) sounder was set up to function via a transducer on the Minn Kota electric. The raised casting deck was coated with SeaDek for safety and convenience, featured two large under-floor waterproof and carpet-lined and lockable compartments for storage of valuable tackle. The large steps either side of the console which lead down from the raised deck up front (these were part of the deck moulding) were both set up as ice boxes. The centre console had plenty of room for instruments and gauges on its upper section, yet was not so large as to take up excessive room within the craft. On the upper face of the console, tucked behind a tinted windscreen, were Yamaha multi function gauges, a Humminbird