Haines 485sf

[ozskippy]

Hey guys was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Haines 485sf side console... I Am after a 5m side console for Morteon bay and outside would this fit the bill ???? Any suggestion would be great

[ozskippy]

Bump

[mickthe]

Have you looked at Boat Reviews?

Scott Mitchell guides out of one thru Tin Can and Hervey Bay, outside of Fraser Island inshore and offshore so the boat is clearly capable but more of an allrounder as he gets up the creeks for jacks as well.

Mick.

[Gudgeon]

Originally Posted by ozskippy

Hey guys was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Haines 485sf side console... I Am after a 5m side console for Morteon bay and outside would this fit the bill ???? Any suggestion would be great

I have the tiller-steer version, full factory front decks, custom mini-pod center consol, 60HP Yammie 4S (tiller), 75lb Motor guide Lecky, etc etc...

As an all-rounder, it makes a great all-rounder In other words, there are other hulls better suited to going-wide, or fishing flats, or keeping everyone dry etc. But this hull covers most things well I guess. Probably the biggest draw-back is the relatively low freeboard. If you're going to to a fair bit of offshore work, you may want to consider the Galeforce hull. Low freeboard suited me because I spend more time inside/estuary fishing to structure (ie windage factor). Having not fished Moreton I can't really comment, but they're a popular hull in Qld for guys who stay on the inside of GB reef. I really have no problems wiht mine taking it down to Port Phillip Bay heads, and I've had her out in Jervis Bay NSW no problems. She's perfect for my usual East Gippsland haunts...

[ozskippy]

I have to say, went and had a look at one today they look outstanding quality, finish, fitment seems second to none.. I am a little hesitant about the small freeboard has anybody got any experience with these outside??? Not just on a glassy day? B
I am super impressed with everything else

[ozskippy]

How does it go with a bit of swell/ chop in the bays gudgeon... Would you consider if safe for outside???

[TheSaint]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe8QqE9VGpg

[Gudgeon]

Originally Posted by ozskippy

How does it go with a bit of swell/ chop in the bays gudgeon... Would you consider if safe for outside???

Pretty much any boat this size is going to stuggle outside in some conditions. You just have to pick your days.

However, the small freeboard of this hull is definately something you have to keep in mind. Genuine 'swell' alone is OK, but if it 'chops' up behind the Swell, then it will struggle, particularly when the chop stands-up and begins to break over. With this hull you have to err on the side of caution, when going outside. Last summer I took her down to Portland (SW VIC) to chase the Kingies, but the weather was worse than forecast. We got 500m out of the Portland harbour before I turned her around and headed back- it was just too unsafe. So that was the end of the Kingy fishing, we went after the Bream in the Glenelg Rv instead.

Conversely, about 5 weeks ago she handled a ~1.5m chop (minimal swell) in PP Bay no-worries, when I was chasing some snapper. In these conditons they're a 'wet' boat, for sure. But still, she done quite well. What they love is 0.5-1.0m chop, they just eat it up beautifully

I would do approx 10-20% 'outside' fishing, and 80-90% 'inside'/bay/estuary. So for me, the low Windage factor of the hull outweighs the limitations of the small freeboard. And for that 10-20% outside fishing, I'm always prepared to pull-the-pin. If that ratio got anywhere neas 50% outside:50% inside, i'd be looking at a higher freeboard hull for sure...
As I said OzSkippy, I'm really not familair with the conditions up your way, so it's hard for me to comment there. But here in Vic, the Southern Ocean is a pretty nasty place when it turns sour, and no fish is worth my life!

[dpack]

Have you considered a Lewis Typhoon or second hand Southern Star Stealth?

A bigger / heavier boat and more hp, but has more freeboard and is incredibly dry at speed.

If you have the room for one and a decent tow vechile you wont find a better "all rounder".

Dave

[ozskippy]

So I bit the bullet and place my order on a new 485sf with a 90 hp 4 stroke Suzuki . Can't wait to get my hands on it.. Woud lovetosee one pics of other 485sf and nyhinhey would change if they were building another one!!!