If the number of these poly boats in Queensland is any indication we will see more and more of them in Tasmanian waters. I’ve already seen some of the 4.10m ‘challenger’ on the boat ramps. So if you’re in the market for a new boat then check them out. You might be surprised. Polycraft 4.80 m Brumby centre console Honda 75 hp Four Stroke Length: 4.80m
P
Polycraft 4.80 m Brumby
lastic boats have been steadily increasing on Tasmanian lakes over the past few years. These boats usually create interest and curiousity on the boat ramps and their owners are quick to point out the merits of their boat, especially when the conversation turns to comparism with the traditional ‘tinnies’. This year I upgraded my 4.35 side console tinny to a 4.8 Polycraft Brumby. Polycraft are one of the leaders in the manufacture of Polyethylene boats in Australia. Based in Bundaberg they manufacture an impressive range of boats from 3 metre tenders to the largest 5.99 metre ‘Frontier’ model. Polyethylene is a very strong UV resistant material designed to stand up to tough conditions. With a number of fit out options I finally decided on the centre console arrangement. However, this was not an impulse buy. I’ve been reading reviews, checking the online forums and chatting to owners for some time before deciding making this choice. I’ve had the Brumby for a while now and I am happy to report that this is an impressive outfit that fits my fishing and boating needs perfectly. Most of my fishing is on the lakes with occasional inshore trips around Hobart. As a part time fishing guide, I wanted a bigger, rugged, safer boat with increased carrying capacity. Additionally, this boat will be in survey which required more floatation during manufacture. The Brumby is rated up to 80 hp and was fitted with a Honda 75hp four stroke. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to tow. I guess a new modern trailer that is correctly balanced makes a difference. Polycraft insist on the appropriate trailer. I launched at Boundary Bay on the Great Lake. No problems there. The new Honda is very quiet at rest and very powerful on the water. I opted for hydraulic steering
Beam: 2.15m Depth: 1.01m and what a difference that made. The Brumby is a heavy boat (540 kg) but we were off and running smoothly in no time. There is plenty of reserve power which is comfortable to know if you’ve been on the Great Lake on a choppy day. With the centre console, I can see whats up ahead. Sharks! The console is rounded and compact, which gives room to move around easily but still has room for those gauges and fish finder. The boat has a nice wide layout and with the fitted casting deck is free from obstructions and nicely elevated for fishing. I also fitted a Minn Kota ipilot which moves the boat around just fine. One good thing about the extra weight is the smooth quiet ride on the water. In fact this is the most obvious difference to my old boat. When drifting I often don’t need to use a drogue as the boat doesn’t get pushed around so much by the wind and waves. Due to the wide beam this is a very stable boat at rest and also up on the casting deck.
Weight: 540kg Capacities: Max HP 80 Passengers: 6 Engine: Honda 75 hp Four Stroke Dealer: Deegan Marine. 102 Eastland Drive. Ulverstone. 6425 2238 Polycraft Industries Web. www.polycraft.com.au Polycraft boats are not usually sitting in the showroom at the local boat yard so its important to trust your dealer who can answer all your questions and perhaps organise an inspection of a boat for you. I purchased this from Waine Chilcott at Deegan Marine in Ulverstone and was very happy with the professional advice and recommendations. I am happy to talk to anyone considering a Polycraft. Call Waine and he will give you my number. David Hemmings
So what could be improved? Driving the boat on to the trailer takes a bit of practice. There’s not much room for error but once you get the trailer backed in the correct distance i.e not too deep, it’s a lot easier. The Brumby is often criticised for a lack of storage but I can’t say this is a significant problem. However, with the additional foam in the rear of the boat hatches it would be nice to have had that available. Additionally, with the extra foam, the rear seat doesn’t fold away as it should. So some minor design change there would be good.
Boats ready for Summer Fun Stacer boats in stock and ready for you 359 Seasprite SS Dinghy Only $2,300 369 Seasprite SS Dinghy Only $2,400 399 Proline LS Dinghy & Trailer $4,600 449 Seahawk Runabout, Trailer & 50hp Mercury 2 stk (60hrs) pre-owned $16,000 449 Seahawk Runabout, Extruded sides & aft rails $12,800 449 Centre Console Northern Fisher, Trailer & 60hp Mercury 4 stroke $24,000 neg. 469 Seahawk Runabout, Trailer, 40hp Mercury 2 stroke $22,000 Ph 6428 7124 Shopping Centre, Club Drive, 6.6 Olympian Razerline, Alloy Trailer, 200L6 Mercury Verado $110,000 now Shearwater www.portsorellmarine.com.au $85,000 not negotiable Quicksilver Inflatable 340 Sports model $2,200 Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat: 9am - 2pm, Closed Sun.
Port Sorell Marine
www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.
Fishing News - Page 49