$ FREE
Official Melbourne
2015
BoatShow
yearbook
BLUEFIN BONANZA!
Monster tuna secrets revealed inside!
victoria's
top10
FISHING DESTINATIONS
Miguel’s AWESOME Paella RECIPE
www.baysidejeep.com.au 4
// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
Jeep - the official tow vehicle of the Yearbook
2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
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contents 07 10 12 38 42 72 80 90 106
WELCOME
Meet the boss of the BIAV
WHAT'S ON
Daily event schedule
EVENT MAP
Find your way around the show
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THE SHOE FITS
Picking your perfect boat
TOP 10 FISHING DESTINATIONS Hitch up the boat and check out the best spots in Victoria
HERO BOATS
Five legendary fishos and their hero boats
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TUNA HUNTING
Two WhitePointer boats bust barrels in a Tasmanian wonderland
ELECTRIC SHOCKS
7 ways your electronics fit-out is killing your boat
TAKE 5
Al McGlashan’s top 5 Victorian fish
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Available at selected fishing and optical stores. 100% AUSTRALIAN OWNED.
MAKOEYEWEAR.COM.AU
from the editors the boatshed
PLEASED TO MEET YOU
COME HELL OR HIGH WATER
The Yearbook is brought to you by Jack and Trav from Moby Dick Content. We love creating content, almost as much as messing around in boats. We’ve owned a few, too. Here’s what’s been in our boatshed over the years.
CREATING GREAT MARINE CONTENT COMES WITH OBVIOUS CHALLENGES
JACK'S BOATSHED
T
o bring you this magazine, we confronted 5m seas off the east coast of Tassie and jumped into chilly water to photograph barrel-sized bluefin tuna. We journeyed to the Shelf (three times) and never even turned a reel. We sat under a leaky tarp in far-East Gippsland for three days drying out our gumboots. We waterskied in Williamstown, subdued the seals in the Southern Ocean and battled bream in the Bemm. And when we weren’t trying to conquer Mother Nature, we tore up trailer tyres and lived off a diet of Double Quarter Pounders, half-priced parmas and pots of Carlton Draught. We made some new friends and lost some old ones. We put products through their paces, and placed them in stories that we hope you enjoy. At the heart of the magazine was a desire to help you pick the right rig and get the most out of the fantastic pastime that is boating.
“WE WATERSKIED IN WILLIAMSTOWN, SUBDUED THE SEALS IN THE SOUTH AND BATTLED BREAM IN THE BEMM”
5.6m Caribbean with 115HP two-stroke Yammy “My first love, ‘Fish Fingers’, was a trusty battle-axe which served me well during my boating apprenticeship.” 5.25m Haines Hunter Prowler with 115HP four-stroke Yammy “The most versatile boat I’ve ever taken the wheel on. Took me to the Shelf, Cape York and the local backwater with ease.” 1650 Stabicraft with 100HP Mercury four-stroke “Red Dog was my faithful companion on many East Coast sojourns. My first experience owning a tinnie, and it left me wanting more.”
TRAV'S BOATSHED 500SF Clark centre console with early-model 90HP four-stroke Evinrude “Had a bow on it like a hippo’s rear and loved to chine-walk, but that re-badged Honda engine was pure bliss. Maybe the quietest engine on the sea.” 6.0 Bass Strait OceanPro with 250HP Optimax and Easytow trailer “More stable than a barge, with the grunt of a drag-car, the ‘Straiter treated the ocean with contempt.” Conceived a Haines Hunter V19 re-build for a magazine, after finding the hull rotting in a Sydney back street “That boat wore a wave breaker like Johnny Depp wears sunglasses. Oh, so cool!”
Official Melbourne
2015
BoatShow
yearbook
CONTENT CREATORS Jack Murphy jack@mobydickcontent.com Travis Godfredson travis@mobydickcontent.com SUB EDITORS Tom Etherington, Katie Fox & Mairead Jacques CREATIVE TEAM ART DIRECTOR - Brendon Wise DESIGNER - Emma Godfredson CONTRIBUTORS William Davis, Miguel Maestre, Al McGlashan, Duncan Reid & Paul Burfitt ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION David Granville, Mardi Mason & Emma Godfredson The 2015 Melbourne Boat Show Yearbook is published by Moby Dick Content. Moby Dick Content Pty Ltd 88 Hudson Parade Clareville NSW 2107 www.mobydickcontent.com
The 2015 Melbourne Boat Show Yearbook is published by Moby Dick Content Pty Ltd. All material is protected by the Commonwealth Copyright Act, 1968. No part of this Yearbook may be reproduced, replicated or adapted in whole or in part without written permission from Moby Dick Content Pty Ltd.
THE 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW IS PRESENTED BY OUR OFFICIAL PARTNERS
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// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
from the BIAV
MEET THE BOSS Steve Potts combines his personal and professional interests as Chief Executive Officer of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV). The role of the BIAV is to provide services to members of the Victorian boating industry and to help the public get the most out of their boating experience. We ask him how it all started – and how we can get a job like his!
How can I get a job in the industry? We warmly welcome newcomers to the Victorian boating industry. This year at the show we have a careers stand and boat building stand. Get along and ask them questions. You can also visit the Training and Employment section on the BIAV website. www.biavic.com.au/training-employment
How did you get into boats? I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula, so boats were never far away. I’m a keen sailor and scuba diver, and when snapper fever hits, I enjoy watching the ramps and jetties come to life. My interest went a step further joining the Coast Guard and more recently the BIAV.
What’s the best thing about boating in Victoria? Gee, where do I start? If I had to pick one, I’d say the diversity of places you can go boating. I think Victorian boaties should get out and discover some amazing new destinations, or try their hand at a new on-water activity.
Have a great 2015 Boat Show!
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WHAT's ON
5 THINGS not to miss With so much to see and do, we’ve picked five things you shouldn’t miss at the show! Shimano Fishing Tank
Dave “Mossy” Moss hosts the Shimano Fishing Tank
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Fishing tanks are always a favourite with the kids, so don’t miss the 10m long Shimano Fish Tank. David ‘Mossy’ Moss will be catching and releasing barramundi and bream, each in their own tank.
THE EXHIBITORS
There’s over 100 exhibitors to see this year! Check out the huge range of boats and jet skis, and boat gear including fishing tackle. Turn to the map on page 12 to plan your boat show visit.
// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
THE STAGE
Fishing gurus Paul Worsteling and Lee Rayner will be passing on their fishing tips and tricks. V8 Supercar stars Todd and Rick Kelly will be stopping by. The events schedule is on page 10.
LUXURY YACHT
Jeanneau Boats are displaying their beautiful new 379 Cruising Yacht (at stand C9). The team will show how you can experience luxury yachting in Gippsland Lakes.
TREASURE HUNT
Want to win some of the $60,000 worth of prizes on offer? Just scan your ticket at one of the six designated points on the map. See the prize details over the page.
FISHING SCHOOL for KIDS...
C
heck out the kids’ fishing clinics hosted by river2surf. The junior catch pool and casting zone is located indoors (marked in red on page 13). The Yarra fishing clinic is located outdoors. JUNIOR CATCH POOL (For kids aged 0 to 6 years): Try your hand at catching floating fish of different colours (loop to hook at head). Every fish caught wins a prize! Parents can help or sit and watch in the family zone just next door and the friendly staff will be on hand to help the little ones. CASTING ZONE (For kids aged 7 years and over): A great opportunity to practice your target casting. There will be a group of targets - a bit like a hand-passing competition. Just cast into the hole/ target to win a prize. The team from river2surf will be on hand to help. YARRA FISHING CLINICS (For kids aged 7 - 17): Come and experience a fishing clinic on the banks of the Yarra - in the wild! This has limited places due to the nature of the activity. It’s free and will work on a first come first served basis.
FRIDAY 12th, SATURDAY 13th & SUNDAY 14th June 10am to 9pm Little Tackers Big Catch - Pool Fishing for kids under 6 - next to main stage. 10am to 5pm Kids Fishing Clinics on the Yarra - Real Fishing for Real Fish on the Yarra with Instructors, Life Jackets and Coastguard - 20 kids per 30 minute session.
UE VAL9K $
GREAT PRIZES
TO BE WON D
on’t forget to scan your ticket at the six points in our treasure hunt for your chance to win some amazing prizes! When you scan at all six locations your ticket goes into the draw to win. First prize is an Evolution 500 Cuddy fitted with a 90 horsepower engine, electronics and trailer, the complete ready to go boating package. Second prize is an awesome Hobie Mirage
VALU $50K E
Tandem Island Fish/Sail Kayak with trailer valued at almost $9,000. Third prize is a great Gippsland family adventure for four complete with a loaned Jeep Cherokee valued at $3,500. To be in the running, visitors need to register and then scan their ticket at EACH of the six treasure hunt sites around the show. Scan points are marked on the exhibitor map on page 12 - so get hunting!
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WHAT's ON EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAy... 11AM 12PM 1PM 2PM 3PM 4PM 5PM 6PM 7PM 8PM
CHARLIE MICALEF (SAVAGE SEAS ADVENTURES) SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY PAUL CARTER (SQUID, SQUID AND MORE SQUID) DARREN FINKELSTEIN (WHERE TO GO BOATING) KEN THOMPSON (ALL ABOUT ELECTRONICS) SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY PAUL WORSTELING (STAR OF IFISH) SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY LEE RAYNER (STAR OF FISHING EDGE) SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY
SATURDAY...
10.30AM 11AM 12PM 12.30PM 1.30PM 2.30PM 3.30PM 4.30PM 5PM 6PM 7PM 8PM
SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY CHARLIE MICALEF (SAVAGE SEAS ADVENTURES) SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY PAUL WORSTELING (STAR OF IFISH) TODD KELLY (V8 SUPERCAR STAR & RACEBOAT OWNER DARREN FINKELSTEIN (WHERE TO GO BOATING) KEN THOMPSON (ALL ABOUT ELECTRONICS) SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY LEE RAYNER (STAR OF FISHING EDGE) SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY PAUL CARTER (SQUID, SQUID AND MORE SQUID) SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY
SUNDAY...
10.30AM 11AM 12PM 1PM 1.30PM 2.30PM 3.30PM 4PM 5PM
SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY PAUL CARTER (SQUID, SQUID AND MORE SQUID) LEE RAYNER (STAR OF FISHING EDGE) SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY RICK KELLY (V8SUPERCAR STAR & RACE BOAT OWNER) PAUL WORSTELING (STAR OF IFISH) SHIMANO FISHING TANK WITH MOSSY KEN THOMPSON (ALL ABOUT ELECTRONICS) DARREN FINKELSTEIN (WHERE TO GO BOATING)
Correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice. 10
// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
Visit Club Marine at the Melbourne Boat Show, stand E12 • Boat insurance quotes • Find out more about Club Marine Assist – a 24 hour emergency and personal service, free for all Club Marine policy holders
• Club Marine’s Gourmet Experience with Bart Beek – an exclusive personal coaching experience with Club Marine’s resident chef, Bart Beek
• Club Marine Assist life ring promotion benefiting the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard – Victoria
• Club Marine Gourmet Delights cookbook now available for purchase on the stand
• Club Marine policy holders receive a free gift when visiting the stand*
• Check out the Club Marine merchandise sale range
• Club Marine magazine giveaways
*Subject to availability.
Trusted to protect your boating lifestyle
Australia’s No. 1 provider of boat insurance for more than 45 years
1300 00 CLUB (2582) clubmarine.com.au
Insurance is issued by Club Marine Limited (Club Marine) ABN 12 007 588 347 AFSL No. 236916 as agent of the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Allianz) ABN 115 000 122 850 AFSL No. 234708. Club Marine is a related body corporate of Allianz. Before making a decision, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) available by phoning 1300 00 2582.
WHAT's ON
EVENT MAP
TRACK DOWN YOUR FAVOURITE EXHIBITORS
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// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
C13 AirThere A14 All Marine Spares A44 All Aboard Trimming D10 Aussie Boat Sales M3 Australian Grand Prix A46 Anchor Right A59 Avtek Covers C4 Bar Crusher Boats D8 Bayside Jeep A25 Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron C5 BL Marine A37 Blue Reef Vision A26 Blue Bottle Fishing B10D BLA A27 BoatCatch B14 Boating & RV E9 / D6 Boats & More D1C Bundoora Boat Upholstery C7A Capacity Sports B11 CH Smith Marine E12 Club Marine Insurance A1 Cover Craft Boat Covers B4 Crawford Marine A48 Cumberland Yacht Charters E3 Custom Dry Docks A49 D’Albora Marinas A2 DCM Auto & Marine D1A DEJA VU
A62 Dock Pro E13 Dunbier Trailer Group C7B Edencraft D13 Evolution Boats A55 Every Battery A66 Fishing Getaways A34 Fishing for Life B19 Flathead Fred B10A Furuno Australia B10C Garmin Australasia E14 Geelong Boating Centre B10B GME D1D G3 Boats B1 Harris Pontoon Boats A4 Hengda A17 HiDow Australia A31 Hidden Harbour Marina B16 Hobie Cat Australasia A3 Horizon Committee A23 iHealth Saunas A64 IntroFishing E8 Inverloch Marine D7 JV Marine World C9 Jeanneau Boats A5 Lavere Products A21 Knight Marketing A63 Lone Star Marine D3 Mastercraft
A8 Marine Plus A24 McQuarrie Fibreglass A39 Mediscope E7 Melbourne Boat Brokers B5 Melbourne Marine Centre E18 Melita Marine E17 Melbourne Sea-Doo B6 Mercury Marine B2 Monster Fish D9 MY Marine B9C Nautek Marine Services B13 Navico G3 Parks Victoria B3 Performance Marine A45 PCM Distributors B10C PFD Australia C7 Phillip Island Marine B8 Port Phillip Boating Centre C8 Quarterdeck Marine A28 RACV Insurance B9B Raymarine A41 Regal Marine B9 Regal Marine D5 Regal Marine E19 Rig Master Tackle G2 Roads & Maritime Services A60 Safe Wheels A18 Safety Marine Australia
C2 Savage Aluminium A22 Savwinch B16 Savage Seas Adventures D11 Sirocco Marine Melbourne Main Stage Shimano Fishing Tank D2 Ski Force E6 Ski Force E6A Ski Force E3 Sleekline & Classique Boats A43 Solas Propellor A57 Southern Cross Textiles D12 Sundance Marine E16 St Kilda Boat Sales C3 Streaker Boats A61 StressFree Winches E4 Tacklebusters M2 TheFishingChannel.com G1 Transport Safety Victoria M1 Tradeaboat Magazine E15 Transtyle Australia A36 TRE Motorsport A56 TRE Motorsport A7 Ultimate Health M4 VIC Fishing Monthly Magazine A33 VR Fish D4 Whittley Marine Group A6 Wine Selectors E10 Wyndham Harbour C6 Yamaha Motor Australia
Correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date details please visit www.melbourneinternationalboatshow.com.au/exhibitor-list 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
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HOT AND NEW COOL stuff
SIMRAD HALO Fishos;
CANON EOS 7D MK II
If you like to photograph marlin jumping out of the water, birds swooping down on baitfish or maybe just your kid’s soccer game, then the EOS 7D Mark II is your baby. This new release from Canon has a 65-point all crosstype auto focus system – meaning, it focuses damn fast. It also shoots quick too, with the ability to capture 31 RAW frames at ten frames per second. www.canon.com.au
are you sick of squinting at the horizon for white blotches which may or may not be birds? Well how about a radar that can find flocks of birds from miles away. Yep, it’s called Bird-finder mode and the new Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar has it. www.simrad-yachting.com RRP
$7,150.00 +
POA
hot property Stuff you MUST HAVE
TRIWA WALTER LANSEN
With a gun plated, brushed stainless steel bezel and contemporary one-piece orange leather strap, the Triwa Walter Lansen watch is the boaties best friend. Waterproof to five atmospheres (50m), it’s high-end fashion meets deep-sea diver. www.triwa.com RRP
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$339
// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON Like
an EPIRB, a PLB talks to search and rescue, letting them know you’re in distress. The only difference, a PLB stays with you at all times and can be activated if you were to have a boat emergency, fall overboard or even get lost in the bush. www.roadtechmarine.com.au RRP
$289
MAKO EYEWEAR GTS Are you sick of being mocked
RAYMARINE Is that a sunken ship or a swarm
of jellyfish? Maybe it’s just a fish after all. Sigh. Sick of second guessing your pixelated sonar readings? Well, Raymarine have just added seven new Dragonfly products to their range. Using wide-spectrum CHIRP technology anglers are now said to expect “photo-like images of fish and underwater objects”. Also joining the range is Wi-Fish, which lets anglers view, pause and rewind sonar imagery from their smartphones and tablets.. www.raymarine.com.au
for wearing your fishing sunglasses out in public? Tired of making up excuses like, “They’re polarized” and “I bet they have more anti-reflective coatings than your servo sunnies”. Well worry no more. Mako Eyewear have just released the GT range, which look just as awesome off the boat, as they do on it. www.makoeyewear.com.au
POA
POA
REELAX MULTI MOUNT ROD HOLDER Fully adjustable, suitable
for all sorts of situations and constructed from 316 mirror polished stainless steel. No this isn’t an infomercial for a new magic cooking pan, it’s the awesome new Reelax multi mount rod holder. Who needs outriggers with these bad boys on your boat! www.reelax.com.au RRP
$280
FUSION 750 Boating and beats
were just made for each other. I mean could you imagine trying to jig without a hard-core EDM track blasting in the background? Of course not, it’s called jigging for groupers sake! Well Fusion’s new MS-UD750 marine stereo with internal dock will have your boat bopping for years to come. www.fusionentertainment.com
POA
PENN BATTLE II
Want to do battle with some serious denizens of the deep? Well, the new Penn Battle II spinning reel is here and ready for action. Featuring a full metal body, five sealed stainless ball bearings and carbon fibre drag washers – this thing won’t retreat. www.pennfishing.com.au RRP
$220
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MARINE NEWS
TALLEST BOAT AT THE SHOW! Jeanneau 379 Cruising Yacht
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// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
18m EXPLORE GIPPSLAND LAKES IN LUXURY This Jeanneau 379 Cruising Yacht is fresh off the boat from Europe and will soon be available to charter in the Gippsland Lakes.
Safe boating on show Join Roads and Maritime Services at the Melbourne International Boat Show to find out about the differences between New South Wales and Victorian boating regulations. This is particularly important in border areas like the Murray River, where the laws of NSW apply. Our Boating Safety Officers and Boating Education Officers will be on hand to advise on lifejacket selection, use and maintenance. Check out our display for: • Important lifejacket demonstrations • Advice on safe boating practices.
For more information visit rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime
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QueenscliFF & geelong
Just across the bay
From the iconic bollards to the spectacular views which are as plentiful as the vast amount of fishing, the Geelong waterfront is a terrific destination. The Royal Geelong Yacht Club and marina is the heart of the waterfront and a hub for recreational and competitive boating.
Discover the beauty and history of Queenscliff, boasting impressive restaurants and great harbours, it’s the perfect destination. From the heritage listed architecture to the endless water activities presented by its location at Port Phillip Heads, there is something for everyone in the iconic location.
visit
www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au
MARINE NEWS
AWESOME NEW TECH BOBS TO THE SURFACE Commercial fishermen have been stacking the odds in their favour for years – now you can too!
It’s no secret that accessing highly detailed sea surface temperature information means you can locate the areas where pelagic game fish feed and Seasurface’s software can do just that. It has been available to recreational fishos too, but the overly technical Java-based system meant it always dropped in the ‘too hard basket’. But good news is on the horizon. Seasurface is now beta testing a non-Java system, which requires no huge map downloads and can be used on laptops, tablets and even smartphones. With sea surface charts being updated 30 times a day, you could literally hunt out temperature breaks while you’re hunting marlin. Advantage: you. For more info head to www.seasurface.com
atching a marlin on a 5000sized spinning reel is a pretty adequate test of a fishing reels performance. I actually can’t think of a better way to test a reel, short of hooking it up the back of Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha YZRM1 and telling him to ride off into the sunset. Unfortunately, a lack of budget meant we had to choose the former – damn, looked like we were going fishing. Armed with an Omoto Severo 5000H and the knowledge of a hot marlin bite off Sydney, we trolled for a couple of hours before hooking a beauty on a Pakula Sprocket. The Severo screamed
PRODUCT TEST
GO HARD OR GO HOME C in excitement. With wet carbon fibre drag washers and 20kg of stopping power, the reel ate up everything the feisty black marlin threw at it; running, jumping, twisting and shouting (ok, maybe not shouting). But the smooth drag nonchalantly subdued the beast, before being put to work again on the kingfish jigging grounds. Who says you need a reel worth more than a small cottage to land a marlin? Not me. For more info head to www.jroctackle.com.au
THE SEVERO 5000H LANDED A MARLIN ON ITS FIRST TEST RUN
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MARINE NEWS
THE JEWEL OF NAGAMBIE
Discover a relaxing lakeside complex just one hour from Melbourne. Whether it’s sailing, fishing, canoeing, yachting or watersports that float your boat, Lake Nagambie is always buzzing. Set across 49 hectares with stunning lake views, Elloura includes a residents’ only club with a tennis court, swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and a function room. The address also boasts a lakeside beach, BBQ areas and a secure play area to keep the kids happy. It’s only a short walk along Elloura’s lakeside path to all the shops and cafes found on the main street in Nagambie. There’s also easy access to schools, hospitals, public transport and, more importantly, the Nagambie Golf Course and the region’s award winning wineries! Sound good? Elloura currently has a choice of premium lakefront and parkside homesites on offer, in a range of sizes to suit all types of homes. www.elloura.com.au
www.
Never Antifoul Again. Ever! - Advanced Dry-docking technology - Suits All vessels 5 - 30M - Power, sail and catamarans 20
.com.au
Jump on & GO! - The original modular docking system - Vessels up to 6M / 1300KG - Floating walkways & platforms
Contact 07 5580 4465 / info@dockpro.com.au // 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
elloura.com.au | 5794 2000 Enter from Vickers Road, Nagambie
Relaxed
ANOTHER QUALITY PROJECT BY
MARINE NEWS
PUSH THE BOAT OUT Looking for a new best mate? Try Colin Fletcher from Boat Concierge. He’s the crown prince of boat maintenance and a wizard with anything that has a petrol or diesel engine. He’ll also work wonders with a jet ski and is a bit of a Jamie Oliver around the marina. OK, he won’t whip you up a lobster bisque, but his years of restaurant experience means he can cater to all your boating grub and drink needs. Colin’s crew can check and maintain your boat all year round, so it’ll be ready to roll at the drop of an anchor. Which, of course, leaves more time for catching fish – or at least trying to. Details at www.boatconcierge.net.au
Quintrex's 'F Series' Hornet range is the buzz of the boatshow Slide over to JV Marine’s stand if you want to ogle the new and improved ‘F Series’ Hornets and Explorers. Dubbed ‘the ultimate fishing boats’, the F450, F481 and F500 models are among those to feature a new bow design, which magically expands the front casting deck for heaps more storage space and stability. The facelift love has also spread to the Explorer range and the good news is you could easily pick one up on the day. Ask at the stand and JV Marine’s crew will hook you up with a Quintrex Instant Boating Package, which includes a monster ‘cash back’ deal. Kerching!
Mad about boating? Then dive onto the Life’s Better with a Boat website and you’ll find loads of cool ideas for things to do, places to go and people to meet on the water. The place is overflowing with fishing and boating tips and tricks, but mostly it’s just about telling stories – even a few tall ones! You’ll find them on Facebook, or at www.lifesbetterwithaboat.com.au and use the hashtag #lifesbetterwithaboat when showing off to your boating buddies on Instagram. 22
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BLENDING THE RULES Heading out on the Murray? You will be in the sights of the Roads and Maritime Services, the NSW boating regulator, and there are a few things that vary from Victorian rules. Read on, so you don’t get caught out. LIFEJACKETS On NSW waterways, including the Murray River, kids under 12 must wear a lifejacket at all times in a vessel under 4.8m, and when in an open area of a vessel 4.8m to 8m that is on the move. On vessels less than 4.8m, everyone must wear a lifejacket when boating at night or when boating alone. Everyone on recreational and commercial vessels must wear an appropriate lifejacket when crossing designated coastal bars. Easy fix? Always wear a lifejacket.
TOWING ACTIVITIES On NSW waterways observers must be at least 16 years old, unless they hold a valid young adult licence. PERSONAL WATERCRAFT OPERATION Both states require a PWC licence, but on NSW waterways PWC use is banned between sunset and sunrise. GO EASY ON THE DRINK NSW rules mean breath testing can be conducted on the operator while the vessel is underway, including drifting. The blood alcohol limits are 0.00 for recreational vessel operators under 18 and 0.05 for those over 18. Less than 0.02 is the limit for commercial operators. Full details are found at rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime
More style, More substance...
www.chaparralboats.com 03 9397 6977
THE BAY IS BRILLIANT... SO DON'T MESS IT UP
REN ME! T
Five reasons Port Phillip is the best – and five ways you can keep it that way SIZE COUNTS Port Phillip covers an area of around 1950 square kilometres, which is about 35 times bigger than Sydney Harbour. Take that! DON’T BE A TOSSER Take all your rubbish home with you, especially the sort of plastic items that mangle the marine wildlife. WILD AT HEART If you’re a twitcher you’ve come to the right place, plus you’ll find more than 500 species of fish, seals and penguins all calling the bay home. STEER CLEAR Yes, trying to hug a whale or dolphin is a tempting idea, but it’s not on. Don’t ever get closer than 100 metres. GUN SHOW Port Phillip once kept baddies from having a pop at Melbourne and this have-a-go history is reflected by some impressive forts and gun placements scattered around. STAY PUT Don’t just chuck down your anchor and sit back with a beer. Make sure it’s secured properly, as the reefs and seagrass beds don’t like it when they get sliced and scraped. SEAL THE DEAL Jump on a boat to Chinaman’s Hat and you’ll see mobs of Australian fur seals chilling out on the sunny decks. RIGHT ANGLE Unless you can pass for a pensioner or teenager you’ll need a fishing license (required by all anglers in Victoria aged 18-70). And make sure you check bag and size limits, fishing methods and closed seasons. IN THE DARK After shining bright for 111 years, The South Channel Pile Light was switched off in 1985. Although now unemployed, it’s still one of the most recognisable features in the bay. KEEP IT CLEAN Do everything possible to prevent petrol, oil, sewage and detergents from ending up in the water. Cleaning out bilges and sumps regularly will have wildlife smiling warmly at you and offering to share their snacks (probably).
Por t e on to r o m For lip head v.au Phil .vic.go web park
TRIPLE WHAMMY
Fancy seeing the bay with a couple of mates? Then get your hands on a jet ski from Jetlet – and make sure you’re in the driving seat. Jetlet boss Jesse Smith says he ‘loves nothing more than showing off the beauty of Mornington Peninsula Waters’ – even if the scenery is whipping by at a rate of knots! The boys only deal in three-seated Yamaha’s, which are kitted out with an 1100cc engine. Flash a PWC endorsement (jet ski license) and you’re away. Prices begin at $150 for half day. For more info visit www.jetlet.com.au
What does the BIAV do? The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) is the peak body for the marine sector. It represents an industry worth $4.5 billion dollars to the Victorian economy and provides over 17,700 FTE jobs. Its membership base represents over 80% of the state’s recreational boating industry including manufacturing, wholesale, retail and service businesses. The BIAV is committed to promoting recreational boating in a safe and environmentally friendly way - and it’s focused on promoting professional standards and services for their members and the boating public. For more info visit www.biavic.com.au
FEEL GOOD NEWS
FISHING'S THE BEST THERAPY Inspirational angler Paul Bennett fights his way out of life’s snags
JORDY (RIGHT) WAS HESITANT TO GET ON THE BOAT AT FIRST. BUT AFTER AN HOUR OF FISHING WITH PAUL (LEFT), THEY COULDN’T GET HIM OFF!
MURRAY RIVER MADNESS! We all daydream of buzzing around in a tinnie for a week, but Dick Phillips and those involved with the Murray Charity Meander actually live the dream. In reality it’s hard work, of course. The overall goal is to notch up 2500kms of tinnie travel and next year’s leg begins in Echuca-Moama on Saturday 26th February and winds up in Mildura eight days later.
“IT’S MORE A CONTEST OF WITS, INGENUITY, SOCIAL ENDURANCE AND A CHANCE FOR PEOPLE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CANCER SUPPORT”
A
nyone who has ever wet a line knows that fishing is the greatest medicine for anything that life throws at you, but Paul Bennett has taken that philosophy to the next level and wants to encourage others to do the same. Paul lost a son from complications around cerebral palsy in 2001 and was understandably devastated. “I was hopeful that in time I would be able to get him into fishing, but several weeks later he passed away,” Paul says. The tragedy inspired Paul to launch not-for-profit charity Introfish, which came to life in 2009 and aims to help bring angling to people with special needs and improve motor skills, hand-eye coordination, self confidence and self esteem. But it certainly hasn’t been plain sailing. A damaged back, depression and anxiety all dogged Paul, but by December 2013 things were looking up and the organisation bought an 1990 Streaker 585. “The idea was to invite the fishing industry to get behind us
with sponsorship and refit the boat for following snapper season,” Paul says. “But in August 2014 our boat was stolen.” TV and radio stations picked up the story and Atomix Boats embraced the vision and greenlit sponsorship of a new 18ft centre console boat. Now the Introfish/Atomix boat is sponsored by the Melbourne Boat Show and Paul hopes it will create a great awareness of the service to the public. “It’s not only fishing trips for special needs,” Paul continues. “We also have educational fishing trips, including safe boating and responsible angling for able bodied youths.” And it doesn’t stop there. Paul does a pretty good Santa Claus impression at Christmas, giving away rod and reel combos to kids in need and families doing it tough. “We hope our story inspires other individual’s around Australia to take our lead and make it happen in their state,” Paul says. They’ll find there’s no shortage of people wanting to help.” Get involved at www.introfish.com.au
“The river distance is usually easily manageable each day,” says Dick. “And there’s ample time for fishing.” But before you rush out and buy a supersonic boat, Dick is quick to point out the event is not a race. “It’s more a contest of wits, ingenuity, social endurance and a chance for people to raise funds for cancer support,” he says. If you’re willing to put your tinnie where your mouth is, or just offer some support, get all the details at www.murraymeander.com.au
“BUT IN AUGUST 2014 OUR BOAT WAS STOLEN.”
2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
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CAR SPOTLIGHT JEEP MALIBU
ROAD TRIPIN’ WITH WRANGLER AND ROBALO IN TOW.
TOW TITANS Dean Giakoumakis from Bayside Jeep threw us the keys to a couple of tow tugs for our road-trip adventures. Brave man.
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he further away from the city you get, the more you feel at home in the Jeep Wrangler. Good news for us – we had a long road to East Gippsland ahead of us, Robalo Cayman in tow. The Jeep’s rugged good looks and simplistic nature are a nice throw-back to a time when aerodynamics and fuel efficiency only mattered to the Delorian (of Back to the Future fame). The Jeep is kitted out by Boss Frankston, turning the Wrangler from a troop carrier into a Sherman Tank. Boltons include Uneek 4x4 rock sliders, front bar and roof rack system, Lovells 2-inch lift-kit, Eldorado 35-inch tyres, Warn winch, and Torque-Tuner power upgrade.
Back at Bayside Jeep, we slid out of the Wrangler and kicked off our gumboots. Dean threw us the keys to a shiny new tow-tug, taking us back to the future with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Hitching up the Evolution 552, we sat behind our new leather-clad command centre. ‘Click’ for leather steering wheel heater. ‘Click’ for self-levelling suspension. Cruising down the M1 we could barely tell the Evo was hooked up on the back (thankfully it was). The Grand Cherokee is an awesome towing machine, the 3 litre diesel V6 delivering 570nm of torque and 3500kg towing capacity. For more info visit www.baysidejeep.com.au
Good on ya guys! Bayside Jeep also partner: BIAV, River to Reef, MY Marine, Gwaine Blake, Charlie Micallef and Lee Rayner
CHECKING OUT ALL THE BEST FISHING SPOTS TAKES ITS TOLL...
...LUCKILY THE LITTLE CREATURES BREWERY WAS EN ROUTE!
MARINE NEWS
JASON ANDREWS AND SIMON ANDERSON TAKE THEIR 6.7M SEAJAY TO SOME PRETTY INCREDIBLE LOCATIONS
HONDA GOES THE EXTRA MILE ALL 4 ADVENTURE POWER UP THEIR SIXTH SEASON WITH HONDA OUTBOARDS
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ason Andrews and Simon Anderson from Australian television show, All 4 Adventure, do some pretty crazy trips – on and off the water. With a big Seajay 6.7m Pursuit for the long coastal runs and a couple of Seajay 3.7m Nomad tinnies for the backwater creeks, they can pretty much go wherever their noses take them. Exclusively powered by Honda outboards and generators; they run a BF250 on the big Seajay and BF20s on the smaller tinnies. At the moment they’re currently out in the field filming their sixth season, but show host Jason says, “Last
series we set off on an epic ten day voyage travelling hundreds of nautical miles off the Kimberley Coast. Not only are we totally reliant on our outboards to bring us home safely but we depend on the efficiency of our outboards to help us travel such long distances away from civilization. Whether it’s heading offshore for days on end, tackling the treacherous rapids of the Horizontal Waterfalls, or taking tinnies up crocodile infested creeks, when we hit the water we rely on Honda Marine to take us on our adventures and get us home safely.” You might think Honda
Marine is nervous when their products are pushed to the limit on national television, but Chris New, National Manager is very proud. “We like to think that Honda outboard engines are tested rigorously, but the guys push them to the extreme,” Chris says “When you travel to remote locations like Jase and Simon do, reliability is everything. It’s great to see they rely on Honda.” For more information on Honda products head to marine.honda.com.au. To see the All 4 Adventure boys in action hit www.all4adventure.com
“RELIABILITY IS EVERYTHING. IT’S GREAT TO SEE THEY RELY ON HONDA”
THE BIG HONDA BF250 AWAITING ITS NEXT ADVENTURE. 28
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MARINE NEWS
WYNDHAM HARBOUR READY TO LAUNCH Thirty two years after it was first proposed, stage one of the massive marina development 30 minutes west of Melbourne’s CBD is almost complete… It was a dream that began way back in 1983, it took eight years for the plans to get the green light and this summer will see the $440 million Wyndham Harbour Marina project become operational. Dredging work is underway and floating pontoons will go in later in the year. When stage one of the marina is complete 150 wet berths, including visitor berths, will be available in addition to refuelling facilities. On completion of all stages of the project, Wyndham will
eventually boast around 1000 wet berths and dry boat storage for up to 390 boats – making it the largest marina in Victoria and the second largest in the country. There’ll be 615 houses and apartments on site – and even two brand new beaches for you to chill out in the sun in between sails. For more information visit www.wyndhamharbour.com.au, or contact Sudha Pon on 0414 061 144.
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Sea Surface your eyes above the ocean NEW All new ‘pinch-zooming’ version available for desktops/lap-tops, iPads/ iPhones and Android based Tablets
Updates 30 times a day Australia-wide coverage Ocean currents also available Sea colour images also available Instant read on temperatures and position Measure distance in kms or nautical miles
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// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
TECH SPECS
BOAT SPOTLIGHT
LENGTH 6.65M BEAM 2.6M DRAFT 0.7M DIMENSIONS 3m X 1.6m SEATING CAPACITY 14 WEIGHT 1,950kg FUEL CAPACITY 182lt STANDARD HP 350 MAX HP 555 STANDARD BALLAST 408kg MAX BALLAST 1064kg (plus Power Wedge II)
MALIBU WAKESETTER 22 VLX THE ALL-NEW MALIBU WAKESETTER 22 VLX HITS AUSSIE SHORES
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f you’re in the boating world and don’t know Malibu Boats, it’s safe to say you’ve been living under a rock, or you’re just a fisherman – the latter is probably more likely. Either way, Malibu is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of watersports boats and is renowned for building a quality product with oodles of cool innovation. New for Malibu in 2015 is the Wakesetter 22 VLX. A complete redesign of the previous 21 VLX model, this new 6.65m offering is packed with all the gizmos and gadgets that get skiers, tubers and wakeboarders hot under the wetsuit. It features a new running surface for perfect wakes and waves, Zero Off GPS speed control, Surf Gate and ballast systems.
Also fresh for 2015, and incorporated into the 22 VLX, is the Power Wedge II, which Malibu says, “builds even better wakes and has been engineered to get boats on the plane much faster.” It’s definitely a serious understatement to say Malibu is proud of its 2015 line-up. “Our product-development team has delivered more new innovations (this year) than ever before in our 33-year history”, Malibu Boats CEO, Jack Springer, says. “We’ve made this the most versatile 22-foot (6.65m) boat on the market.” To see a video of the 22 VLX in action, head to www.malibuboats.com/ video/22vlx. For more info visit www.malibuboats.com.au
HMM, WHERE TO SIT...
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TECH SPECS
BOAT SPOTLIGHT
CRUISECRAFT EXPLORER 595 HARDTOP
LENGTH 5.95M BEAM 2.44M HEIGHT ON TRAILER 3.15M DEADRISE 20 DEGREES SEATING CAPACITY 6 WEIGHT 2,250kg (BMT) FUEL CAPACITY 190lt STANDARD HP 175 MAX HP 200
THE NEW 595 HARDTOP GOES FISHING IN THE RAIN, HAIL OR SHINE
LEGENDARY AUSSIE BOAT MAKER, CRUISECRAFT, INTRODUCES THE NEW BABY OF ITS HARDTOP RANGE
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proud, third generation Australian boat manufacturer, CruiseCraft, is at it again, having just unveiled its new hardtop fishing machine – this time in the sub-6m category. It’s called the Explorer 595 HardTop, and it’s designed for the angler that wants to take full advantage of the fishing season, regardless of the weather conditions. CruiseCraft’s latest push towards hardtops isn’t just on a whim, either. Nathan Nichols, of CruiseCraft, says, “Since we launched our initial HardTop model, the market has voted overwhelmingly that this is the style of boat they prefer. Sales of CruiseCraft HardTop
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models easily outstrip those of the conventional soft top models.” So what key features can you expect on the Explorer 595 HardTop? Well for a start, the extra large beam means you can stand three abreast at the helm – that means no more complaining from your mates that they’re marooned outside the hardtop in the cold, the poor dears. Airflow can often be a problem in most hardtop boats, but CruiseCraft has fitted large sliding side screens to counter this. Another handy feature is the optional lockable sliding Perspex cabin door – great for storing bits and bobs when your baby is on the dry or left alone at a marina.
// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
HARDTOPS LIKE THE CRUISECRAFT EXPLORER 595 ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY
Finally, for the tropical fisherman, there’s a slide-out canopy option that offers sun protection from the helm all the way to the baitboard. Head to cruisecraft.com.au for more information.
VICTORIAN SUPPLIER
Streaker Boats are the Melbourne & Victorian dealer for CruiseCraft. ph 03 9729 8288 www.streakerboats.com.au
oat oncierge
CALL 0407 538 738
Seaside Service, Safety & Security
service@boatconcierge.net.au www.boatconcierge.net.au
Boat Concierge is a service developed for boat owners who enjoy time on the water but don’t enjoy the upkeep that comes with owning a boat. Take advantage of our custom Boat Concierge service packages with scheduled boat security/ condition checks & maintenance services custom fit to the needs of you & your vessel.
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e c n ie r e p x e o t y a w s u o r u t n e v d a d n a y d e e A sp a l u s in n e p n o t g in n r o m e h t f o y t u a e b e h t JETLET is Melbourne’s most popular Jet Ski Hire company. If you’re looking for a ski boat company with a professional rating and excellent service, get in touch with us today! JETLET is the only jet ski hire business on the Mornington Peninsula, delivering ski’s from Portsea to Frankston.*
WWW.JETLET.COM.AU www.facebook.com/JETLET.Jet.Ski.Hire www.instagram.com/jetletjetskihire
*A PCW endorsement (Jet Ski License) is required to operate a Jet Ski on the Victorian Waters by Law.
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product profile the sea pen
A POOL-LIKE LINING KEEPS THE NASTY THINGS OFF YOUR HULL
THE PEN IS MIGHTIER I
n the mid ‘90s engineer Alan Barber, built a homemade collar for his 30-foot sailing cat. His friends were so impressed they asked Alan to build them one. Little did he know, he’d created the foundations of DockPro, an all-Australian company making big waves in the on-water storage market. Twenty five years later, Alan’s son, Mark, and his wife, Sandra, operate the business, employing 20 people on the Gold Coast. The company has expanded distribution to New Zealand and Indonesia, with plans for America. The most popular product in the range is the Sea Pen. It’s a pool-like lining that protects the hull from organisms and other nasty things in the water. In between the pool liner and the boat is a woven roving mesh that leaves the hull totally dry. The Sea Pen eliminates the messy and expensive job of anti-fouling. The lining also reduces the
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saltwater bridge between boat components, a known cause of electrolysis. The most popular sized pen is the 7.5 and 8.5 gate unit, ideal for boats between 20 and 28-foot. The largest fitted Sea Pen sits under an 85-foot boat in Darwin. Sandra estimates there are around 250 units in Victoria. The most popular locations are Paynesville, Williamstown, Patterson Lakes and Martha Cove. The Sea Pen is also ideal for commercial use with customers in the emergency services field and Royal Navy. DockPro has extended the range to include the FloatBrick; a modular docking system ideal for smaller craft up to 6m (see the boat storage feature on page 96 of the Yearbook for more information on FloatBrick).
the facts: PRICE: From $14,900 for the 7.5 Sea Pen, includes full installation MORE INFO: www.dockpro.com.au
// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
the lowdown
FORGET THE ANTI-FOUL, WITH THIS INVENTIVE PRODUCT FROM DOCKPRO
WE LIKED:
• Takes less than three minutes to open the gate before disembarking • Takes about the same time to facilitate after mooring • Sea Pen acts as a corral when mooring, making docking easier and safer • Hulls and engines can be washed and flushed with freshwater within the pen • Maintenance-free polymer construction won’t grow barnacles • Can be easily moved between locations
"I USE ONE!" Dani Limback from The Anchorage Marina
“There’s over half a dozen Sea Pens in operation at The Anchorage Marina currently, with an additional two on the way. The unit also works like a complete fender system, guiding boats in and out of the marina berth without rubbing shoulders with their neighbour. The product is also true to its promise; the hulls on the boats using the Sea Pen are in immaculate condition. The hull remains completely dry whilst the boat is accessible at water level and no anti-fouling is required. We have a number of customers who have bought and sold their Sea Pen and boat as a complete unit, and then have upsized both. The manufacturers are great to work with, supporting the relocation of pens, general product follow up and any maintenance required.”
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TV Fishing legends will be live on the Yamaha stage daily, at the Melbourne International Boatshow 12-15 June 2015. Visit the Yamaha show stand C6 for details and a timetable.
boat feature choosing a boat
THE SHOE W O R D S J A C K M U R P H Y I M A G E S J A C K M U R P H Y, S U P P L I E D
FITS 38
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With so many different boats on the market, picking the perfect one can be near impossible. Jack Murphy considers your options. Buying a new boat is kinda’ like buying a new pair of shoes. There are thousands of different brands, shapes, sizes and colours to choose from. But every shoe has its purpose. In this feature I’ll detail which boat suits your style the best. Is it the thong of the boating world, the open and exposed centre console? Maybe you’re a Crocs sort of boatie and would prefer a comfy bowrider? Whatever your style, you’ll find the right shoe to fit your foot in these here pages.
Sub Six-Metre Cabin Boat (R.M. WILLIAMS boot)
The trusty RM boot. They’re safe, versatile and if you keep ‘em shiny they can be damn sexy. Just like the RM boot, the sub sixmetre cabin boat is all of these things and more. Ideally suited for: the weekend warrior with two or more ankle biters. They’re often busy and need a boat that’ll take the crew fishing on the shelf one day, while still being able to take the family for an island picnic the next.
PROS
-Protection from the elements -Extremely versatile (family, fishing, water sports, diving, etc) -Usually a cosy cabin for extra storage or Sunday siestas
STABICRAFT 1600 FISHER
CONS
-Often no walk-around capabilities -Can be a struggle fitting one in your garage
Jack's Top Five
1. Evolution 552 Platinum 2. Stabicraft 1600 Fisher 3. Haines Hunter 580 Classic 4. Cruise Craft Explorer 530 5. Haines Signature 575RF
Six-Metre Plus Cabin Boat
PROS
Colossal and classy with a 10/10 on the head turning spectrometer, the cowboy boot demands your attention. Just like a big sixmetre plus cabin boat does at the local ramp. Don’t stare for too long though, or you might just be challenged to a duel. Ideally suited for: the trophy hunter that wants a fridgefreezer, three downriggers, a davit lift and every other optional extra in the catalogue.
CONS
(cowboy boot)
-More mod cons than your house -Will handle the seas in a category two cyclone -Often no walk-around capabilities -Can be hard to manage solo -You need a serious 4x4 to tow them
Jack's Top Five
1. Sailfish S7 2. Evolution 652 Hardtop 3. Stabicraft 2050 Supercab 4. Haines Hunter 760R 5. Bar Crusher 670 HT
SAILFISH S7
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BOAT FEATURE // CHOOSING A BOAT
Side Consoles (Converse All Star)
They look good, they’re fuss free and they feel natural. The side console is no doubt the Converse All Star of the boating world. Ideally suited for: the boater that wishes they could simply fish out of their car. With a familiar seating layout and usually plenty of open space. The side console is a great option for sportfishing in inshore waters.
Jack's Top Five
1. Haines Signature 485SF 2. Anglapro Bandit 454 Team 3. Quintrex F450 Renegade 4. Tabs 5000 Territory Pro 5. Formosa Classic 430
PROS
-Heaps of fishing space -Ergonomic layout
CONS
-Exposed in the elements -Can have trimming issues if not setup correctly
QUINTREX 460 RENEGADE
QUINTREX 450 HORNET
Tinnies (barefoot)
No shoes. No worries. Why bother wearing them anyway, they’re just going to get wet after all. In some ways the humble tinny is the pinnacle of boat ownership. They have very little ongoing costs, they’re easy to manage and don’t have you losing sleep when you scuff them. Ideally suited for: First boat owners and adventuring fishos.
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Jack's Top Five
1. Surtees 485 Work Mate 2. Quintrex 450 Hornet 3. Clark Predator 395 4. Stabicraft 1410 Explorer 5. Quintrex 390 Explorer
PROS
-Light and easy to tow -Can easily manage solo
CONS
-Can be unstable if overloaded -Limited offshore -Not many creature comforts
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MALIBU 22VLX
Water Sports Boats (footy boot)
Fast, agile and plenty of grip; the footy boot is to a freshly manicured pitch like a water sports boat is to a glassy freshwater river. Ideally suited for: tubes, skiers and wake boarders. If your idea of fun is towing around the kids like a giant fishing lure, or watching your buddies pull off an epic Indy Backside 180, then the water sports boat is your ticket.
Jack's Top Five
1. Malibu 22 VLX 2. MasterCraft X55 3. Chaparral 284 Xtreme 4. Supra SE 450 5. Rolco Paragon
PROS
-You can usually change your wake to suit your water sport -Lots of creature comforts -Look like F1 cars on water
CONS
-Often not overly versatile
WHITEPOINTER 730 HT
Commercial work horses (gumboot)
They excel in the slop and live forever. The tough old gumboot never went away, but somehow they’re back in fashion. Ideally suited for: fishermen who treat seats as optional extras. They can catch live-bait by just staring at them, and prefer a cord hand line to any gold plated Saltiga. Still popular in trade circles, commercial boats are growing in popularity with boaties who keep breaking their boats – and backs.
Jack's Top Five
1. Edencraft 233 2. WhitePointer 730 HT 3. Bass Strait 6m OceanPro 4. CootaCraft 21 foot Big Ram 5. WhitePointer 243L
PROS
- Fears no sea - Bounces off everything - Other boats give way
CONS
- Not the ladies first pick - Typically heavy - Long lead time for building
ROBALO R207
Bow riders
Jack's Top Five
(Crocs)
Crocs are a serious fashion statement. Some people love ‘em, some people hate ‘em. No matter which side of the fence you’re on, there’s no denying they’re damn comfy – just like a bow rider. Ideally suited for: family fun, in the sun. Bow riders dominate the inshore family boat market. There’s plenty of seating for the girls and more than enough horsepower for the guys.
Centre Consoles
1. Chaparral 257 SSx 2. Robalo R207 3. Regal 2100 Bowrider 4. Quintrex 530 5. Bayliner Element
PROS
-Super comfy -Usually very stable -Safe for the family
CONS
-Often not overly versatile -Can be exposed in bad weather
Jack's Top Five
(thongs)
Thongs, pluggers or jandles. It doesn’t matter what you call them, they scream summer days and a relaxed demeanour. However, wear them in the wrong weather and you’re going to have a bad time. There’s no doubt, centre consoles are the thongs of the boating world. Ideally suited for: the angler that demands maximum fishability even at the cost of potential hyperthermia.
1. Contender 23 Open 2. Edgewater 188CC 3. Robalo 206 Cayman 4. Evolution 552 Axis 5. Haines Hunter 525 Prowler
PROS
-Ultimate fishability -Less weight than a comparative cabin boat
CONS
-Exposed in bad weather -Not ideal for the family
HAINES HUNTER 525 PROWLER
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destinations
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W O R D S T R AV I S G O D F R E D S O N A N D J A C K M U R P H Y I M A G E S J A C K M U R P H Y, A L M C G L A S H A N , W I L L I A M D AV I S , S U P P L I E D
top fishing destinations in victoria Trav hitched up the boat, Jack grabbed an esky and the boys headed to every corner of the state to find out where the fish bite best...
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very fisho worth his salt has a secret fishing spot, where it seems like the fish never stop biting. The sun always sets on glassy waters while pelagics feverishly compete for the evening hatch. The esky is always full and cold, and sleep is only broken by the smell of fresh, butcher-cut bacon grilling on an open fire. Well, luckily for you, we’re going to let you in on our best-kept secret fishing spots in Victoria. But shhh, keep it to yourself!
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DESTINATIONS // FISHING
MORNINGTON PENINSULA E ver since Nan and Pop could tow a trailer, the Mornington Peninsula has been a popular fishing destination. Its shoreline is dotted with colourful boat sheds clad in seashells and overlooking sandy beaches. It’s a postcard-perfect scene, bound to inspire nostalgia in fishos from Melbourne and beyond. Some of our favourite table fish call this place home, including whiting, squid, garfish and snapper. It’s only a stone’s throw from Melbourne and a golf-putt away from some of the best fish and chip shops in the country. You know, just in case. Snapper is the species that defines most Victorian boaties, and when the AFL grand-final siren sounds, fishermen turn off the TV and hook up the family runabout. With a full thermos, a block of pilchards and a pack of size 3/0 octopus hooks, the masses hit the ramps in anticipation of a ‘big red’.
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
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One hour’s drive southeast
Boat sheds, beaches, snapper and fish and chip shops
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PORTLAND P
ortland is fast becoming the game-fishing capital of Victoria. Last year, the local ramp had over 400 boats in a single day. That’s why the State Government spent $7 million on revamping the boat ramp and harbour in 2014. They’re chasing tuna, and it’s a big water battleground, popular with blue-collar boaties armed to the teeth with vibe lures, skirted lures and deep-diving Rapalas. As well as tuna, Portland has a big reputation as an albacore and dolphinfish destination. Bottom bouncing with electric reels for big eye, trumpeter and other googlyeyed bottom feeders is also growing in popularity. Keep your eyes peeled for 200-tonne blue whales, too!
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
Four hours southwest, or 360km
Tuna barrels, whales, quality ramps and wind generators
“I LIVE HERE”
Bob McPherson has lived in the area for 35 years. He’s a plumber by trade, but can be commonly found scouting the boat ramp or spinning a yarn in the tackle shop. If there’s a big fish caught off Portland, rest assured Bob will know about it. The bluefin fishery off Portland was largely untapped until 2006. Before then, most
anglers headed straight to Bermagui to catch the ‘big one’. Bob reckons the tuna fishing alone is worth over $10 million annually in the southwest region, a figure he says is based on official government reporting. Bob has seen the standard entourage of celebrity fisherman come to town, but reckons, “most of them are big sooks, spending half a day to reel in tuna that should take a
few hours to bring in”. He tells us the best fishermen that pass through are humble, working class blokes that don’t fish for fame or fortune. “Just last weekend a fella from Hopper’s Crossing caught two barrels over 130kg”, Bob said. “He fished with Tiagra 30-wides spooled with 900m of braid, landed his fish, cut them up and went home without even weighing them”.
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DESTINATIONS // FISHING
03 PORT FAIRY F
or boaties who like a splash of history, hitch up and head to Port Fairy. It’s one of the prettiest ocean entrances in Victoria, with historic sandstone buildings lining the timber piers, which hold boats fast in the current of the Moyne River. Lee Marvin and John Denver were two notable tourists in the ’70s, drawn by the lure of catching a big shark. At one point in its history, Port Fairy held the record for the biggest tuna caught by an angler in Victorian waters. It was 85kg, and took the anglers over four hours to land in more than 500m of water.
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
PORT FAIRY GETS OUR SEAL OF APPROVAL
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// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
Three-and-a-half hours southwest, or 290km
Beautiful seaside village with shark fishing pedigree
WESTERNPORT BAY W
esternport Bay is a swirling mass of silty water, wrapping itself around French and Phillip Islands. It can be a boatie’s nightmare. The run-out tide stands up in a southerly breeze and sandbars appear like desert fortresses at low tide. The locals say there are two types of fishermen in Westernport; those who have run aground, and those that will. But fish seem to love the fast water, and those who master the tides often catch big bags. The key to Westernport is to hit it up at slack water, or an hour either side of it. Fish the channels in between tides, then sit on the banks and backwaters during the tidal run. Use dropper rigs to keep bait off the bottom, adjusting sinker weights to hold your position in the current. Summer is the best time of the year, however you can pretty much count on catching a fish year-round at Westernport. The North Arm is the equivalent of the Nepean Highway, carrying every species imaginable up and down the Bay, from Yarringah to Stony Point and east from Tankerton to the Eastern Channel. At high tide, fish the edge of weed beds for whiting, garfish, calamari and trevally. A burley trail will help bring the fish on. Popular spots are the Tyabb banks, Middle Spit, Tortoise Head and Tankerton. Chase the big one around the change of tide in the deep water off Lysaghts and in the channels.
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FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
An hour’s drive southeast to Hastings, or 74km
Boaties who run aground, prolific whiting and snapper
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DESTINATIONS // FISHING
EAST GIPPSLAND
M
any Victorian fishermen cut their teeth at sleepy little coastal towns in East Gippsland. Places like Mallacoota, Bemm River and Marlo can hold their heads high in fishing folklore. The area is distinguished by tannin-stained water running down from the Great Dividing Range, finding its way to the Tasman Sea through the Snowy, Bemm, Cann and Wallagaraugh Rivers, to name a few. East Gippsland can lay claim to some of the best bream and flathead fishing in the state, and the author loves nothing more than piling up the tinnie, grabbing a handful of bass yabbies, German beers and heading to a quiet East Gippsland channel for a flathead drift or black bream session at sunrise.
05 FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
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Six hours to Mallacoota, or 515km
Pretty, tannin-stained rivers, big bream and bigger flathead
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KILLER EAST GIPPSLAND COMBOS
• Drift the drop-offs with small live baits on dropper rigs • Cast DOA prawns or live
prawns towards large, fallen trees on the river bank • Flick lightly-weighted bass yabbies onto sandbanks at dawn and dusk • Small metal vibes are deadly in this region at all depths • Go dip netting on moonless nights for all your bait needs – and your entrée!
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PORT WELSHPOOL
P
ort Welshpool is another industrious coastal town where colourful trawlers line the jetties and young families enjoy fish and chips in the local parks. The area overlooks Wilsons Promontory, and its waters are famous for huge snapper and gummy sharks. In December 2010, Brendon Wing, host of YoufishTV, had an amazing session in the Singapore Deep channel off Port Welshpool. In two sittings Brendon and his crew caught 32 snapper between 7-12kg.
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
Two-and-a-half hours southeast, or 200km
Thumper snapper, gummy sharks and colourful local trawlers
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07
DESTINATIONS // FISHING
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
50
Two hours north, or 140km Trout fishery in Melbourne’s backyard, trout farms, watersports
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LAKE EILDON
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s you slowly troll a minnow pattern Rapala lure on Lake Eildon, nestled in a valley of the Central Highlands, it’s hard to imagine this waterway is only two hours’ drive north of Melbourne. And when the fishing is slow in the lakes and rivers, just slink into the trout farm for a sneaky ‘takeaway’ rainbow trout. Don’t catch a big one, though. It could be costly at $20 per kilogram! Over 100 years ago, Lake Eildon was developed as a waterstorage facility for Victoria’s northern plains. Fish stocks are regularly maintained in the lake, where trout over 10lb (4.5kg) are regularly caught. Anglers can also find redfin, golden perch, and Murray cod in the lake and adjacent rivers.
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PHILLIP ISLAND
‘T
he Island’ is a virtual 360-degree fishing platform, surrounded by Bass Strait to the south and Westernport Bay to the north. It’s a showcase of everything fishy in Victoria, with great angling for whiting and squid among the weed beds and shallow channels, snapper and gummy sharks on the deeper reefs and salmon and sharks from the beaches. Oh, and mako sharks are only a boat trip away in Bass Strait. Even trout are represented on Phillip Island. Try fishing at The Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm. If the fishing is slow, check out the seals at The Nobbies, or the famous fairy penguin parade at Summerland Beach.
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
Two hours southeast, or 140km
Penguins, seals and fast motorcycles
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DESTINATIONS // FISHING
09
LAKE BULLEN MERRI & LAKE PURRUMBETE
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
52
Two-and-a-half hours southwest, or 200km
Deep volcanic craters, clear water, big salmon and trout
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any Victorian boaties drive past these old craters, missing the opportunity to catch a whopping trout or salmon. The lakes are stocked with browns and rainbows, as well as quinnat and Atlantic salmon. Don’t drop your rod here, though, the lakes are up to 200ft (60m) deep! Trolling is a popular method, but you’ll need to get down deep with weighted line and downriggers. With your sounder fine-tuned, work the thermoclines with Rapalas and Tassie Devils. In the morning and evening, the fish will rise from the depths, and offer some surface and sightcasting action.
Images for illustrative purposes only.
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DESTINATIONS // FISHING
QUEENSCLIFF
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10
t’s a chilly Friday afternoon in Melbourne. The clock hits 5pm. You rush home, load up the family, hook up the boat and cruise down to Queenscliff, arriving just after sunset. Pulling up at The Queenscliff Inn, the smell of a red wine beef ragu in flaky pastry hits your nostrils. Thoughts of work are replaced with thoughts of a local Pinot Noir and a big, comfy mattress. Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, you might know Queenscliff as the home to the Searoad Ferry, but it’s much more than that. Queenscliff has a rich maritime history and heaps of things to see and do, particularly fishing. Known for southern calamari squid, flatties, whiting and even gummies, it’s a fisho’s dream – and only an hour from Melbourne! Visit www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au for more information on Queenscliff.
“WE WENT HERE...” THE MUST-DOS IN
QUEENSCLIFF (in no particular order)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Have a beef ragu at the Queenscliff Inn www.queenscliffinn.com.au Gobble down brekky at Belsize www.twitter.com/belsizeco Get lost in history at the Maritime Museum maritimequeenscliffe.org.au
Catch a squid off the Queenscliff Pier and learn about the lifeboat shed
Get a 360-degree view from the Queenscliff observation tower www.queenscliffharbour.com.au Roll into Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes for Australia’s Best Pie www.rollingpin.com.au
Check out the two lighthouses, white and black Jump on a South Bay Eco Tour and get up close and personal with seals and dolphins
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
54
One-and-a-half hours southwest, or 100km
A rich maritime history and big, tasty calamari squid
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Have a spectacular meal with a tasty cider at the buzzing Flying Brick Cider Co www.flyingbrickciderco.com.au Have a boogie aboard The Blues Train. A real life movin’, groovin’ steam
train! www.thebluestrain.com.au
BR
EG
LA
O
FI
AT S
ALIST FIN
S S FIS HI N G
B
Introducing
Australia’s Greatest Fishing Boat A purpose-built fishing machine that took all the judges by storm. — Trailer Boat Magazine issue 272
500 CUDDY
Small boat with big balls.
One of the best boats of this size I’ve ever tested.
— Kevin Smith
— Warren Steptoe
600 EXTREME
650 PREDATOR
4/254 Canterbury Road Bayswater VIC 3153 • T: 03 9738 0085 • E: info@evolutionboats.com.au
www.evolutionboats.com.au
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TECH SPECS
boat spotlight LENGTH 6.20M (OVERALL) BEAM 2.49M HEIGHT ON TRAILER 2.15m DEADRISE 21 degrees SEATING CAPACITY 6 people WEIGHT 820 kg (hull only) FUEL CAPACITY 150 litres STANDARD HP 100hp MAX HP 150hp PRICED FROM $59,990 PRICE AS TESTED $79,990
EVOLUTION 552 THE 552 IS AN AWARD-WINNING FISHING BOAT, AND SEVERAL YEARS ON, ITS LUSTRE HASN’T DIMINISHED
T
he Evolution 552 is the winged-keel equivalent of fishing boats. Below the waterline is a design master-piece that stole linehonours and propelled a giant-killer into the big time. The on-water performance of the 552 has been acclaimed by boat testers. New Zealand writer, Jeff Strang delivered high praise claiming “driving that boat was worth the price of the ticket to fly here”. A quick walk around the boat shows stability hasn’t been compromised for performance. Above the water-line the fishing features come thick and fast with a flush mounted tackle locker, trademark PM Marine baitboard (the best around) and a rear doorway for bringing in the beakies. The fishing
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ergonomics are off the scale, matched by a high quality of finish. The 552 offers a mid-sized boat with big boat features. A raised sheer-line and flared bow wraps around a large cabin with a good sized walkway to the fore-deck. The cabin entrance is spacious easily accessible for big blokes reaching in to grab a cold one. There’s plenty of headroom and the dash sits high on a fully enclosed bulkhead, capable of housing a 10-inch screen with room for a 8-inch screen below. At the back end the 552 marries up beautifully to a 150hp E-TEC that makes the most of the responsive hull. The faster you go the better the Evo feels.
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MILLIE DOESN’T CARE FOR BAIT-BOARDS OR ROD STORAGE. THE FULL LENGTH CABIN THOUGH, THAT’S ANOTHER STORY
EVOLUTION BOATS ph 03 9738 0085 www.evolutionboats.com.au
boat spotlight
EVOLUTION 652 EVOLUTION BOATS HAVE JUST RELEASED WHAT IS ARGUABLY THE HOTTEST LOOKING FISHING BOAT ON THE WATER, THE 652 ENCLOSED out aft. There’s a live bait tank, off-floor battery/oil compartment storage and even the option for in-built tackle box trays. Having this sort of space across the transom means more fishing room for you and your motley snapper crew. In the horse stable, the 652 Enclosed has a base horsepower of 225 and a max of 400. With twin Evinrude E-ETEC G2 200 HO outboards and 20-inch RX4 four-blade propellers this boat hits a mind-boggling 108km/h wide open. According to Evolution, turn
one engine off and you’re still able to pull 75km/h out of the hull! When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 652 Enclosed burns 40 litres per hour (both engines combined) at 3000RPM travelling at 50km/h. The 652 Enclosed comes with a seven-year warranty and is available now from Evolution Boats. For more information, head to www.evolutionboats.com.au
TECH SPECS
W
ith a bootylicious beam, sharp deep-V and animalistic lines, the big Evolution 652 Enclosed will have all the boat ramp folk staring with envy. The fully moulded, double sided hardtop demands your attention and provides southern anglers salvation from the icy elements. With hectares of headroom and complete with a stainless frame, this thing is so strong you can even stand on top of it! Another big-ticket feature of the 652 is the clean cockpit lay-
LENGTH 7.20M (OVERALL) BEAM 2.49M HEIGHT ON TRAILER 3.2m DEADRISE 21 degrees SEATING CAPACITY 6 people WEIGHT 1,800kg (hull only) FUEL CAPACITY 300 litres STANDARD HP 225hp MAX HP 400hp PRICED FROM $109,000 PRICE AS TESTED $189,000
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TOP 5
DESTINATIONS // FAMILY
top 5 family destinations in victoria
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Victoria is not all about trolling for tuna and 10-pound trout. In this list, we leave the tackle box at home, pack the ski-rope and the kids and head to some of our favourite family holiday spots. Actually, you might want to throw a couple or lures and a rod in, just in case...
01
GEELONG
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hat was once an industrial town built on the wool trade is now an edgy city with quite an international feel. The woollen cargo that lined the pier has been replaced with fancy restaurants, former wool stores are now trendy cafés and old mills are home to high-end shopping. Yep, Geelong has certainly come a long way in the last century, and is now the secondmost populated city in Victoria. With bucket loads of culture and plenty of things to see and do, this waterfront city is a travelling boatie’s mecca. The boat ramp is just minutes from the CBD, there’s an exciting foreshore to explore and thankfully the fishing ain’t too bad, either.
Visit visitgeelongbellarine.com.au for more information on the area.
“WE WENT HERE” – THE MUST-DOS IN GEELONG
into Sailors’ Rest for a Go for a victory lap of the freshly squeezed orange juice waterfront at 1,000 feet with 1andPop 6 ‘The Jack Sparrow’ for brunch Geelong Helicopters www.sailorsrest.com.au
www.geelonghelicopters.com.au
Go for a spin on the beautifully Walk Eastern Beach and see restored carousel right on the how many bollard sculptures 2Geelong 7 Waterfront you can spot www.facebook.com/ TheCarouselGeelong
Tread the timber boards that surround the Eastern Beach 8ocean pool or jump in and cool off
lost in a maze of greenery at the Geelong Botanic Gardens the gills 3 Get down Cunningham Pier out a bargain at an at sunset antique shop 4 Cruise 9 Hunt on over to the Little Go back in time at the Creatures Brewery and grab a Geelong Naval and Maritime 5tastyHead 10 ale and a gourmet pizza Museum www.littlecreatures.com.au
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
One hour, or 70km
Good food, awesome views and a rich cultural history
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02
FEATURE // DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS // FAMILY
NAGAMBIE
N
agambie is an aboriginal word meaning ‘place by the water’. And it lives up to its name, with a wide range of water-based activities including skiing, fishing, cruising and general sightseeing. Nagambie is a man-made lake, created by the Goulburn Weir in 1991. The lake is well known as a haven for rowers, with a 2km, fully-buoyed, National Standard rowing and canoeing course. It’s famous for its ‘Head of the River’ rowing regatta. From the lake you can take a boat trip between Mitchelton and the historic Tahbilk wineries. Boaties share the waterway with the abundant birdlife that inhabits the lake and wetlands. Swans, pelicans, ducks and brolgas will fill your viewfinders, and around every river bend you’ll find a new species. Off the water, visit cellar doors, historic bridges and shop for little treasures in many of the quaint country towns nearby.
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
One-and-a-half hours north, or 140km
Prolific wetlands, wineries and rowing regattas
“I LIVE HERE”
Wally Cubbin has been a local resident of Nagambie for 40 years. A keen angler, he’s watched the fishing fortunes of his town rise and fall – and rise again. He’s very proud of the fishery, claiming it’s now up there with places like Lake Mulwala. From 2008 to 2014, over a million Murray cod and golden perch were released into the lake. Fish are best
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caught on a slow troll with Stump Jumpers. Casting to structure with spinner baits can produce some big cod. Wally believes the bigger the spinner-bait, the better. “The deeper you go, the bigger the fish”, he proclaims. Wally loves nothing more than drifting along the river and lake, and he reckons Nagambie seems to have a different persona every day, so thriving with life is it.
03
Photo: Holger Leue
THE MURRAY RIVER
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he ‘Mighty Murray’ is part of Australian maritime folklore. Spanning three states and over 2500km, the Murray served as a highway for shallow paddle steamers carrying wool, wheat, and other goods. Rail transport slowed the steamer trade, but the Murray continues to serve the public as a managed waterway, with weirs, locks and dams regulating water flow and irrigation for over 1.5 million households and various industries. The Murray no longer flows at its full potential, but boaties still flock there for waterskiing and fishing holidays. The river hosts famous events including the Murray River Marathon and the Southern 80, the longest waterski race in the world. If you prefer innerspring mattresses over inflatable ones, houseboats are a great way of exploring the river. Be sure to check out the paddle steamers still operating on the river.
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
Three hours north to Yarrawonga, or 282km
Paddles steamers, big Murray cod, ski and paddle races
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DESTINATIONS // FAMILY
LAKES ENTRANCE
A
popular seaside village on the Gippsland Lakes, Lakes Entrance’s marinas and jetties serve one of Australia’s biggest fishing fleets. The main channel is fringed with pretty gardens, wooden sculptures, shops, restaurants and accommodation. Pop across the footbridge and you’re into vast sand dunes, which cascade down into Bass Strait. ‘Lakes’, as it’s known locally, offers plenty of saltwater fishing options. There are four major lakes feeding the main lake, and marlin are targeted offshore. The region produces snapper, bream, tailor, luderick, perch, flathead, garfish and mullet. There are a lot of small fish in the lake system, so fish with live baits early and late in the day for best results. More fish in the lakes have fallen to prawn baits than anything else. Salmon and shark fishing from the surf beaches is also productive.
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
04
Four hours east, or 318km
Impressive views of expansive lake system And seafood!
05
WILLIAMSTOWN
S
urrounded by water on three sides, Williamstown was Melbourne’s first working seaport. Today it’s a fashionable bayside village, but thankfully it hasn’t lost its maritime roots with old piers, slipways and docks dotting the foreshore. Moor your boat at Anchorage Marina and step back in time at the old Fort Gellibrand military site, or visit the Timeball Tower, which was used by ships’ captains for timekeeping and navigation. Historic buildings once frequented by raucous sailors and wharfies are now dressed as chic restaurants, hotels and galleries. Back on the water, cruise the Yarra, taking in the Melbourne skyline. Williamstown Beach sweeps along the southwestern side, where boaties can enjoy swimming, waterskiing and fishing. Heading further west, you’ll come across Jawbone Reserve wetlands, named after its distinctive shape.
FACT FILE Distance from Melbourne:
famous for:
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Only 20 minutes
Maritime history, chic cafes and views of Melbourne’s skyline
by
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TECH SPECS
boat spotlight
LENGTH 6.27M (OVERALL) BEAM 2.54M DEADRISE VARIABLE DEADRISE FINISHING AT 18 DEGREES SEATING CAPACITY 8 PEOPLE FUEL CAPACITY 227 LITRES MAX HP 200HP PRICED FROM $85,000 PRICE AS TESTED $98,500
ROBALO R207 BOWRIDER THE ROBALO R207 IS A BRILLIANT ALL-ROUNDER THAT JUST MIGHT REDEFINE THE WAY BOW-RIDERS ARE PERCEIVED BY CUDDY-CAB FISHERMEN
W
hen the Robalo designers created the R207 Bowrider, I can imagine somewhere on the design brief the boss wrote, ‘build the perfect boat’. We tested the theory with a day on the water at Williamstown, fishing, waterskiing and cruising under the Melbourne sky-line. The fishing features on the R207 put most fishing boats to shame. There are three fish boxes, all with external overflows, a 50 litre bait tank, stainless toe rails, padded bolsters, rod racks for four rods, and rod holders cleverly disguised as drink holders. The R207 leaves cuddy cabins behind in the race for deck space. Fore-deck cushions can be removed to reveal a large, wrap around casting platform finished in a neat non-skid 66
finish. The aft jump seats flip down to create another ‘deck zone’ for casting. These wide, flat spaces also make a great swim platform for the kids. Tuna trips to the shelf are well within reach with a 227 litre fuel tank. The hull features high top-sides and Carolina-style flared bow giving the boat a dry, safe ride. If you do cop a wave over the wrap-around windscreen, self-draining decks will bail you out. The multiple lifting strakes and extended running surfaces (V-planes) give the boat a firm and fun ride. It’s not light (at just over 1500kg) but there’s not many off-shore stallions in the featherweight class either. When the fishing stops and the party starts, this boat becomes the centre of attention. It has seating for
// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
THE ROBALO R207 FEATURES A STYLISH AND PRACTICAL LAYOUT
eight and room in between the dual console for a dance floor. There’s even a cloak-room (better known as the head) to change out of your party gear – and into a wetsuit when the skis come out. At 1.9 metres long, the under-floor storage locker has enough room to store skis and wake-boards, plus gear, out of the way. A factory tow frame and wake tower are optional. Powering the Robalo
was a 200HP Honda, which rearranged hairstyles. It was the perfect day out off Williamstown. The perfect boat? Might have to head to the shelf with some mates and gamefishing rods to find out…
AUSTRALIAN SUPPLIER
Aussie Boat Sales 34 The Strand Williamstown Phone: 03 9397 6977 aussieboatsales.com.au
boat spotlight
ROBALO R260 The Robalo R260 is the ‘velvet sledgehammer’ of centre-consoles insulated live-well. The bait prep area features a cutting board and removable fiberglass bait box. It’s easy to keep this baby clean and tidy. Storage is only an arm’s length away and everything is easy to operate, with flushmounted latches. Robalo claims the R260 has three times the cooler/fish box capacity of its competitors. This was good news for Jack who travels with every lure he’s ever owned, plus the 2646 he borrowed from me. There’s plenty of deluxe features that resemble apartment living – but Jack and I were more interested in tuna barrels. On the water, this thing turns into a velvet sledgehammer, eating up 4 to 5 metre rollers coming in on the head as we passed Point
THIS HELM WOULD PUT MOST COCKPITS TO SHAME
Danger. The hull is Kevlar reinforced, with a 23-degree variable dead-rise and extra wide, reverse chines. Robalo call it Hydro-lift, but Jack prefers ‘tungsten reinforced steak knife that soars like a flying fish’. The dual helm is more comfortable than a Matt Blatt couch with adjustable cushions.
On the back sit twin 225 Honda 4-strokes. I couldn’t think of two better mates to take to the shelf. They don’t drink too much, they never interrupt and they’re always there when you need them. And they punch hard when it gets rough. Twice.
TECH SPECS
J
aws dropped when the Robalo R260 rolled into Portland’s seaside streets. It’s not just big, it’s damn beautiful. Like everything that comes out of the Robalo factory, the R260 performs as well as it looks. You’d expect that from a company with almost 50 years of boatbuilding pedigree. One step on the R260 and you know you’re on a fishhunting machine. The boat is crafted around fishing gestures. Reach out and there’s a grab rail waiting for you. There’s a heavy-duty stainless toe rail, 24 rod holders, tackle storage and lockable gunwale storage. Down aft you’ll find a tough, but comfortable transom seat that cleverly folds down, giving access to a 125 litre,
LENGTH 8.05M (OVERALL) BEAM 2.74M BRIDGE CLEARANCE WITH T-TOP/RIGGERS 2.49M DEADRISE 23 DEGREES SEATING CAPACITY 12 PEOPLE HOLDING TANK CAPACITY 23 LITRES WATER CAPACITY 83 LITRES FUEL CAPACITY 719 LITRES MAX HP 500HP PRICED FROM $164,500 PRICE AS TESTED $197,500
boat feature TECH EXPOSé
HARDER BETTER FASTER STRONGER WORDS JACK MURPHY IMAGES JUSTIN DUGGAN, SUPPLIED
ERGONOMIC DASH
ONE-PIECE WINDSCREEN CARBON FIBRE STRENGTHENING
A Stabicraft connoisseur through and through, Jack Murphy runs through the big features of the new Project Carbon Series 1600’s. No doubt one of the most forward thinking designs in the trailer boat market today, is the Stabicraft 1600 Project Carbon Series. If it hadn’t already, it has now certainly quashed all preconceptions about Stabi’s being “ugly ducklings”. The new 1600 Fisher and Frontier have made a serious splash in Australia and New Zealand, with overwhelmingly good feedback on social media. Although the two new hulls have been completely designed from scratch, they both draw their inspiration from the 1530 Fisher, as well as the 1650 Fisher (my last boat). With an innovative and futuristic design accompanied by a multitude of new features the Carbon Series may take some getting used to for old salts. So what better way to get you acquainted, than to take you for a tour…
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MAXWELL RC6 WINCH WING STYLE COAMING
MULTIHOLDERS
GAME CHASER TRANSOM
ARROW PONTOONS To find out about these cool features, turn the page
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BOAT FEATURE // TECH EXPOSé
THE NEW RIG CARBON FIBRE STRENGTHENING
They ain’t called the Carbon Series for nothing; the 1600 Fisher and Frontier both feature a resin infused composite cabin/console with reinforced carbon fibre strengthening to boot. Not only do they look like Transformer’s on steroids, they also make the boat lighter and tougher too.
ARROW PONTOONS
Achieved by raking back the weld lines at high impact points, the Arrow Pontoon hull configuration is a huge attribute to the Stabicraft range. The Carbon 1600 Fisher and Frontier models both feature these pontoons, which offer a seriously soft and perfectly predictable ride. In short, it eats up chop and comes down soft and stable on big swells.
GAME CHASER TRANSOM
Trailer boats are now a common appearance in the game-fishing scene; but backing down on rampaging marlin and line burning bluefin has always been the Achilles heel of the small boat owner. For this reason, the Carbon 1600 Fisher and Frontier models both have an interesting transom design. Dubbed the ‘Game Chaser Transom’, its wedge-like shape allows water to move easily around it, giving greater manoeuvrability and speed in reverse.
WING STYLE COAMING
Designed to maximise seating, storage and space, whilst minimising spray, the Wing Style Coaming is another Stabicraft feature that is a big part of the Carbon Series.
ONE-PIECE WINDSCREEN
High enough to get protection from the elements, but still low enough to poke your head out when standing and driving. The sleek one-piece windscreen on the 1600 Fisher offers clean panoramic viewing for the skipper and his first mate.
ERGONOMIC DASH
Improving on the helm of the Stabicraft 1650, the Carbon Series dash has been overhauled to provide the driver and passengers the best configuration possible. The GPS/fish finder display has been centred in the dash of the 1600 Fisher, which provides easier viewing for skipper and crew, as there’s no steering wheel in the way.
MULTIHOLDERS
Designed by Stabicraft, for Stabicraft’s. The Railblaza manufactured Multiholders are a standard feature on the new Carbon Series range. Strong, practical and versatile; they’ll hold anything from fishing rods to cameras.
MAXWELL RC6 WINCH
A standard feature on the 1600 Fisher and an option on the 1600 Frontier, the Maxwell RC6 anchor winch takes many an argument out of fishing – trust me.
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the OLD RIG You may have seen me cruising around Australia in a Stabicraft 1650 Fisher, for a recent magazine feature. Before the trip, I was a fibreglass man through and through, but after spending months in the Stabi, I really saw aluminium for all its merits. Although the new Carbon Series 1600 Fisher is slightly shorter with a little less beam than my old 1650 Fisher, I can pretty confidently say the ride is going to be damn good, if not better. Without a word of a lie, I don’t think there’s a more predictable trailer boat in a following sea than the old rig. Fishing buddies and I would battle over who got to drive her home. For more info visit www.stabicraft.co.nz
7 REASONS TO TRUST YOUR HONDA UNMATCHED RELIABILITY FORMULA 1 TECHNOLOGY OUTSTANDING FUEL ECONOMY SPECIALISED DEALER NETWORK UNRIVALLED PERFORMANCE SUPER QUIET OPERATION ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY *For a limited time Honda is offering a 5 + 2 = 7 years domestic and 1 + 2 = 3 years commercial warranty . The additional 2 years are based on the following conditions: The Outboard must be sold and set up by an authorised Honda Marine dealer, The Outboard must be serviced for the entire warranty period by an authorised Honda Marine dealer, in line with the recommended service schedule, The Outboard must be serviced for the entire warranty period using genuine Honda parts and lubricants. Offer ends 31st March 2016.
1300 1 HONDA | marine.honda.com.au 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
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04 boat feature
HERO boats
HERO BOATS AND THE MEN THAT RUN THEM W O R D S T R AV I S G O D F R E D S O N I M A G E S J O H N F O R D , A L M C G L A S H A N , S U P P L I E D
These five blokes own the best boats and catch the biggest fish. When we’re hard at work they’re in the big deep blue chasing monsters. We take a ride out with them, to see what makes them tick - and tease out a few tips...
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“I MIGHT GET A CARBON FIBRE TOOTHBRUSH NEXT!”
01 JOEL plies his craft
Joel Ryan is a young gun on the fishing circuit. He lives an exciting life, motorcycle riding, diving, surfing and catching huge fish. Jealous yet? Oh yeah, he also has one of the coolest boats on the southern seas.
H
i Joel, sounds like you have an exciting life … what’s your day job? Yeah, I don’t stay still for long. Some say I’ve got ants in my pants. I work for a wholesale company, distributing motocross products around Australia. That’s fun, but any spare time I get, you can find me on - or in - the water, fishing, surfing or windsurfing. Cool. Where did you get the taste for fishing? I grew up in Beaumaris in the South Eastern Suburbs. There’s a secret reef off there where I fished with Dad for snapper, squid and whiting. We also holidayed at the South Coast at Pambula. It’s a magic spot. I still love getting back up there. So many fishing options, I think I could retire there! I’ve seen your Facebook page. Impressive! What’s your favourite type of fishing? I’d fish in a puddle if you gave me a rod. You can’t beat bluewater
gamefishing though. You never know what you’re going to get. Some of the best moments of my life came after a whole day of lacklustre trolling. It can all change in an instant. What’s your most memorable catch – and what’s still on the bucket list? There’s no better rush than catching a marlin out of your own trailer-boat. Mind you, I lost a few before I got to touch that first beak. That was awesome. Letting it go was just as cool. I want to take the Edencraft to Tassie and catch my first swordfish. I dream about that stuff when I close my eyes at night. Mean looking rig. Why did you pick her? It’s an Edencraft 6.0 Offshore. It’s a no-fuss, hardcore, offshore work boat. The name Edencraft comes with a sense of history and a hard-core reputation. I sometimes find myself in ugly conditions - it’s reassuring to know she’ll get me home.
She sure is a burger with the lot … what’s your favourite feature? It’s hard to pick just one feature, but the handling and ride would be the stand-out. It’s why I bought her. She looks great, too. I get a kick out of people ogling her at the ramp, recounting their own Edencraft stories. It gets annoying wiping up the dribble though. What’s with the new carbon fibre? It looks damn cool. It stands out against the white decks and looks tough with the tempered safetyglass windows. I got my cabin lock-up door made out of the same stuff. I might get a carbon fibre toothbrush next! You do have nice teeth. What other boats have you owned and how does this boat compare? Our last boat was a Streaker 5.45. What a great little boat for catching snapper in the Bays. It just wasn’t in the same class as the Edencraft for offshore work though.
Impressive donks. Why the twins? They’re Suzuki 140 lean-burn four strokes. They’re quiet and economical – and match up beautifully to the hull. The twins give me extra safety – and the counter rotating props give the hull awesome grip. What electronics do you run? Any sounder tips for us techno-phobes? A pair of the Garmin 8020XS units. The map functionality is a dream to use, especially helpful in tricky waterways like Westernport Bay. On the second unit I run the sounder function matched to an Airmar 600w M/H CHIRP transducer. The units are simple to use and they find fish! When the hot bite is on, I always take a peek at the sounder, so I know what to look for in future.
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BOAT FEATURE // HERO BOATS
02 Theo's Bluewater Boardroom
Theo Rozakis is a director of My Marine in Dromana and also front man on the TV show, River to Reef. His floating office is also a blue-water battlewagon built for fishing and filming expeditions.
T
heo, you’ve been in this caper for a while. When did it all start? I started at the age of four, fishing from Mordialloc and Flinders out of a 3m fiberglass dingy. At school, I’d dream about fishing, and when I wasn’t on the water I’d play with fishing gear and read fishing books and magazines ‘til I fell asleep. How did you turn your job into a media career? I met Phil Harris, producer of the River to Reef TV show, and hit it off straight away. We went fishing, had a beer, and the rest is history! The best thing about creating the show is the amazing places we go and interesting people we get to meet. Sure beats the office! Don’t print that, ok? You must have caught some varied species. Which one is your favourite? I love catching kingfish and giant trevally. They’re an awesome challenge on light gear. I lose more than I catch, but that’s fishing!
Ok, you’re rubbing it in now. What’s your best effort? A 20kg kingfish in New Zealand and 35kg GT off Lucinda in Far North Queensland. I still want to catch a big cobia (black kingfish) and a dolphin fish. Those species are hiding from me. But I’ll catch them. We don’t doubt you! What boat will you do it in? Either a Surtees 485 Workmate or a Surtees 6.7 Gamefisher Enclosed. The 485 is a tough little boat that’s easy to handle. The 6.7 Enclosed is a bluewater machine with all the creature comforts of home. Impressive ride. What’s the best feature? Has to be the soft ride! The nonpounding Deep-Vee gets me from point A to B comfortably, without pounding me into oblivion like some boats can.
What other boats have you owned and how does this boat compare? I’ve owned some big name glass boats. They were good, but the Surtees is something special. Being a plate alloy they are very hardwearing. The fully enclosed hardtop gives us the protection we need for extended touring and filming. And day-time snoozing when Phil goes into town for supplies. Don’t tell him I said that! Your secret is with us. What engine do you run – and why? I run the Hondas because of their reputation for reliability. They’ve never let me down. Which is lucky because we’ve been in some hairy situations. What about the electronics. Got a favourite gizmo? Garmin units, because they’re easy to use. And great value. I still have my first ever Garmin handheld GPS (GPS12) from nearly 25 years ago. I still use it on every trip!
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“THERE’S AN UNDERWATER ELECTRONIC BATTLE GOING ON OUT THERE”
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03 Al's Evolution takes on the big boys
Al McGlashan is a photo-journalist and mad-keen fisherman. His works have been published worldwide. His most famous photo is a mako attacking a marlin at the side of the boat. On the water, he’s taking on the big boys in his highly specced Evolution 600 Extreme.
his is your third Evolution. Why do you keep coming back to the Evo? Yeah, I’ve got a soft spot for them. You can’t blame me though; my fingerprints are on many design elements on the 600 Extreme. To Paul ‘Junga’ Junginger’s credit, he listens to advice – and acts on it. The boats just keep getting better and better. My current boat is the best I’ve ever owned! What is it about the 600 Extreme? A massive clean working deck and flat gunwales, as well as the side door for bringing in the barrels. One important upgrade has been the hardtop. I begged Paul to make me one – and I’ve never looked back. You really love that hard top. Does it make that much difference? Yep! No matter how good your clears are, there’s always leakage with zips. Now I’m snug as a bug and water-tight, too. The hard top gives me strong mounting points for aerials and radars and I can stand up there performing rock concerts when the fishing is slow. The cameramen love it. I bet they do. I know you love your electronics. Tell me about ‘em I’ve been using Furuno since day one. In previous models I ran
a Furuno 585 fish finder with a 50/200kHz 1kw transducer, but I started getting interference from other units fishing alongside me. Really? Are you saying there’s an underwater electronic battle out there? Absolutely. More so around popular areas like The Carpark off Port Stephens. The big game boats can blind everyone with their 3 and 5kw transducers, while they have perfect readout on another frequency. How do you beat the big boys? Join them, running a variable frequency transducer (other than the standard 50/200). However I still wanted a 50kHz wide beam transducer which is awesome for spotting fish. The 585 can’t run multiple transducers so it was time for an upgrade. Time to go shopping? I’m excited. Yep, Mark from Furuno came up with a Furuno 295 which can run multiple transducers at once. In the end I chose a 2kw 60-110khz transducer and a 1kw 50kHz wide beam unit. These can be displayed simultaneously on a split screen. Back to the battle with the big boys. How does the new unit help? OK, when the 50kHz frequency
is jammed up, I’m getting a perfect picture, running between 60 to 110kHz. Now I’m playing with the big boys! I’m giving them screen envy too. The dash is fitted with a 14” Furuno TZ Touch. Junga modified the dash to fit it. The unit can run maps, radar and even the internet through my phone. Perfect for live sea surface temperature charts and weather. Interesting stuff. What’s on the transom? Is it thirsty? A Yamaha 250ho Big Bore. I’ve just clocked up 1000 hours without a problem. At 253kg it’s the lightest engine I’ve ever run on an Evo. I burn around 100 litres of fuel in a full days marlin fishing off Jervis Bay. Hardcore bluefin fishing 40 miles from shore in rough seas will burn more than 200 litres. No sweat with a 340 litre tank! Me? I’m thirsty. Let’s go for a beer...
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BOAT FEATURE //HERO BOATS
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04 NICK AND ANDREW TAKE THE BAIT, HOOK, LINE AND SINKER
From making tuna lures out of dog’s hair and attempting to catch squid with a remote controlled boat; Nick Duigan and Andrew Hart are the dynamic duo from televisions Hook, Line and Sinker. They’re relatable, and damn hilarious.
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o guys, where did you grow up and how did you first get into fishing? Nick: My family moved from Victoria to Flinders Island when I was about five, on the island everybody went fishing. I graduated from eels, to flathead, to snapper and by the time I moved off the island I was hooked. Andrew: I grew up in Launceston and have an older cousin who got me into fishing, we used to spend every chance we got either fly-fishing for trout in the Tassie midland streams, or fishing off the various jetties along the Tamar River. When and why did you decide to start Hook, Line and Sinker? We both worked in the newsroom at Southern Cross Television. In the year 2000 we took holidays for a couple of weeks from the newsroom. We also conned a cameraman into taking leave as well and ‘borrowing’ the TV stations camera equipment. We produced two episodes, just fishing around Tasmania. When we got back from holidays, we took the footage to the program manager, and she was good enough to play it. Describe your TV work in 5 words: Nick: Make it look like fun. Andrew: Travel, travel, travel, fish and beer.
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Favourite boat and why: It would have to be the Bar Crusher 670 Hard Top. We’ve just finished a massive 1,500km circumnavigation of Tasmania and it strikes me as just about the perfect boat. It’s easy to tow, brilliantly fitted out and built to a really high standard. This boat has a massive safety margin - you’ll have given up and gone home long before the sea gets too big for the Bar Crusher. Favourite outboard and why: Nick: Yamaha F350 V8, the most powerful outboard on the planet. We fitted one of these monsters to an old Bertram 23 and she’d pull 50 knots! Quiet, refined and fuel efficient but just a hint of that V8 burble. Andrew: Yamaha! We have used Yammy four-strokes for the past decade and have never had one stop, not start or even cough! They’re unbelievable! We even drove a single F200 around Tasmania without taking an auxiliary engine – that’s how good Yamaha’s are! Most memorable catch: Nick: A mako shark that would have been close to 200kg, it jumped six metres into the air on a couple of occasions early in the fight and then settled down to give me a
work out like no fish has done, before or since. After five hours we managed to tag it and watched it swim away. Andrew: A near 1000lb marlin I caught while on holiday with my wife in Cairns. It was a beast and one hell of a fight, it would’ve made for an epic Hook, Line and Sinker episode - unfortunately there was no cameraman on board! For those that don’t know about the good ship (or ships), The Cindy Maree, can you explain a little about her previous exploits and accomplishments? The original Cindy Maree was a true pioneer in the fishing world. A middle range remote control boat, she set out and caught some very impressive captures, the highlight of which was a big trout taken while she was drifting a dry fly. Then one dreadful day a squid sunk her. We then built Cindy Maree II – a much bigger, much more powerful remote control boat, which is capable of catching massive fish! She has even got her own remote control reel mounted on the back.
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Australian Owned and Manufactured 78
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Built for Life
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epic feature bluefin tuna hunting
WHITE POINTERS HUNT
SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA W O R D S T R AV I S G O D F R E D S O N A N D J A C K M U R P H Y I M A G E S J A C K M U R P H Y
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Jack discovers a gamefishing wonderland in a land (and sea) that time forgot.
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EPIC FEATURE // SOUTHERN BLUEFIN
A
s the plane flew low over Hobart I glanced out the window at the shimmering water beyond that southern city and wondered, is there such thing as gamefishing heaven? In the fantasy world inside my head, huge birds work the surface all day long and the sea showers schools of baitfish in blue, green and silver. The surrounding landscape is ancient and jagged, and the boats are lovingly handcrafted by silver-haired men with piercing blue eyes and hands of leather. The crew is battle-hardened, dry of wit and rich in spirit. The fish are as big as barrels and when hooked in the jaw, charge to dark blue depths to which no man has ever been. Could such a place exist? Suddenly, I awoke from my daydream as a rainbow emerged from the clouds and kissed the Tasmanian mainland. Maybe, just maybe. Nestled in the southeastern corner of the Apple Isle lies a remote stretch of coast guarded by an army of vertical cliffs standing proud in the face of the Tasman Sea. And those stoic rocks are showing their age, with limestone cracks animating the cliffs like the lines on an old man’s face. The tallest of their kind in Australia, those ancient sea cliffs decorate the brochures that sit quietly in magazine racks at the quaint hotels and cafes dotted along the winding road in. That road meanders between bays fringed by huon pine trees and bookended by rocky headlands. Timber boats gently rise and fall in the swell at anchor, their gunnels scarred and their ironwork rusted. Their paint is chipped away, telling tales of a long, hard life at sea. This is the doorway to our game-fishing wonderland.
BRUCE FRANKS GOES TO BATTLE WITH A 100KG+ BLUEFIN TUNA
“THE COASTLINE IS GUARDED BY VERTICAL CLIFFS STANDING PROUD IN THE FACE OF THE TASMAN SEA” the bluefin crew
JACK MURPHY
NICKNAME: JACK SPARROW SIGNATURE MOVE: ROD GRABBING TRIP HIGHLIGHT: FISH OF A LIFETIME
A STORMY ORANGE SUNRISE FILLED OUR SQUINTING EYES
BRUCE FRANKS
NICKNAME: BLUEFIN BRUCE SIGNATURE MOVE: ALWAYS HAVING A CLEAN RAG HANDY TRIP HIGHLIGHT: BOATING A 100KG BARREL TUNA
CAM MCDONALD
NICKNAME: CAM SIGNATURE MOVE: MAKING SURE EVERYONE HAD A COLD BEER HIGHLIGHT: FIRST GAFF SHOT EVER. RIGHT IN THE KISSER!
CHRIS RICHARDSON
NICKNAME: RICHO SIGNATURE MOVE: FINDS THE FISH & EPIC BROADBILL STORIES TRIP HIGHLIGHT: FIGHTING A BARREL FOR TWO HOURS
‘THE ROCK’, SCENE OF MANY BLUEFIN HOOKUPS
BARRY HAY
NICKNAME: BARRY THE BARREL BUSTER SIGNATURE MOVE: CAN SNIFF A TUNA IN A TRILLION SQUARE METRES OF OCEAN TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: DOUBLE BARREL HOOK UPS
REX BRIANT
NICKNAME: THE CRAZY KIWI SIGNATURE MOVE: TECHNICAL ADVICE & SEAL MANAGEMENT TRIP HIGHLIGHT: SPENDING TIME WITH WHITEPOINTER OWNERS AND SEEING HIS BOATS IN ACTION
TRAVIS GODFREDSON
NICKNAME: BIG TRAV SIGNATURE MOVE: GAFF MANAGEMENT & UNDERWATER OPERATIONS TRIP HIGHLIGHT: WILD TASMANIAN COAST AND BARRY’S STORIES
DAVID KRUSHKA
NICKNAME: THE KRUSHA SIGNATURE MOVE: EXPERT BOAT DRIVER TRIP HIGHLIGHT: BIGGEST FISH ON HIS BOAT – AND REX POINTING OUT THE WIPER WASHER BUTTON
EPIC FEATURE // SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TRUSTY STEEDS AWAIT
SCANNING THE HORIZON
Bluefin grows to 170kg, but it’s not size its renowned for, rather it has a reputation as a world-class table fish, with sashimi the dish of choice. The biggest tuna I’d ever seen in the flesh was about 30kg, but I’d seen photos of 100kg-plus fish – something my imagination couldn’t reconcile. We’d heard fish that size had recently been caught in the area, but it appeared the weather gods cared not for our optimism. Five-metre seas, 35-knot winds and snow above 300m greeted us. Not exactly the stuff of idyllic days on the high seas. But nonetheless our steeds awaited us at the ramp; two spectacular WhitePointer boats – shrouded in armour of silver and grey – lances at the ready. One was a 730 Sports Hardtop named Cray Nomad, while its older brother, a big, beautiful 800 Sports Cruiser, was affectionately dubbed Lie-ability. Aboard the 730, a gentle and wise old salt called Barry murmured softly through cold, thin lips. “Big tuna love this sordid weather”, he assured us. Our spirits were filled.
THE ROCK
THE 800 SPORTS CRUISER IN FULL BATTLE DRESS
As we motored out of our limestone fortress, a stormy orange sunrise filled our squinting eyes. The ocean was alive with large, yellow-toothed seals and spraying baitfish. Massive sea birds worked the surface, vertically dive-bombing their quarry. This was the fishiest water I had ever seen. After 20 minutes of trolling we had a quadruple hookup on 15kg southern bluefin tuna. Seals caught and mauled our fish, reminding us this fishing paradise had other revellers. After losing two more fish to lustful seals, Barry suggested we push south. “We’ll catch a big one near The Rock”, he offered, with gentile confidence. And sure enough, it wasn’t long before the skirted lure on the short corner screamed off. The TLD 50 offered little resistance to the blue-water beast. Seals agitated on the surface. If we got the big fish to the boat, they would be our next foe. After a 45-minute battle that brought a man to his knees, a goliath eventually came to the surface. Seals pounced. The big WhitePointer heaved too, giving the crew a chance to fight the seals with fist and fury. The flipper gang were subdued and four men hauled a behemoth bluefin over the gunwale. Grown men embraced. Stories would be told for years to come. Reputations of boat and men were forged. THE SEALS MAKE THEIR MOVE
“BARRY REPLACES THE REAR HOOK EYELET WITH A D-SHACKLE!”
BARRY THE ‘BARREL BUSTER’ PICKS HIS TOP 5 BLUEFIN TUNA LURES
1
River2Sea, Killer Vib With a blue and white body and yellow belly, Barry reckons the Killer Vib is one of the best bluefin lures going around. They take a beating though, and as such Barry has replaced the rear hook eyelet with a D-shackle! Super versatile, they can be trolled from 3-12 knots.
2
JB Lures, Little Dingo Pink and purple with streaks of yellow, the Little Dingo is the lure that caught the barrel bluefin tuna on the first day of our Tasmanian adventure. The lure was also used in the World All Tackle Record capture of a whopping 167kg southern bluefin tuna.
3
River2Sea Killer Vib Similar to lure number one, this bigger Killer Vib in a stripy blue and pink pattern is another must have. Not as battered and scared as it may seem, Barry actually scuffs the paint off these lures to bring out a more natural silver sheen.
4
Lively Lures, Mac Bait Another vibe style lure, the Mac Bait in a ‘Blue Bait’ pattern is great on the bluefin tuna and albacore, according to Barry. A smaller profile lure, the acute angle of the nose causes an erratic swimming action that proves irresistible to zippy pelagics.
5
Halco, Laser Pro Affectionately known as the ‘Brown Dog’, the Laser Pro in Kingbrown pattern is the one lure you’ve always got to run when chasing southern bluefin tuna. With the ability to be trolled at seven knots, they can also keep up with a spread of skirts.
EPIC FEATURE // SOUTHERN BLUEFIN
SEAL vs TUNA
On the second day we mounted the 800 Sports Cruiser; a true stallion of the sea, finished in charcoal metallic paint. The boat was perfection; like a beautiful woman, everywhere we looked we saw gorgeous curves and handles. We only trolled for 20 minutes before the first hook up. Our driver, David, kept the WhitePointer in gear. Another reel screamed off, then another. Three rods were buckled over, bluefin charging for freedom en masse. We manned the rods as the WhitePointer slipped into low gear, bow to the sea.
“THE COASTLINE IS GUARDED BY VERTICAL CLIFFS STANDING PROUD IN THE FACE OF THE TASMAN SEA” After 15 minutes, I was the only one with a fish still connected. One had pulled the hooks; the other was ‘sealed’. I battled on for another 45 minutes, dropping to my knees in submission several times. The fish neared the boat, a big southern bluefin. A single seal then appeared, quickly diving down to inspect my trophy. The tuna ran hard with his (and our) adversary in hot pursuit. Although no one saw the deep-water battle between tuna and beast, the imagination paints pictures of a mythical kraken versus sperm whale tussle. In an attempt to salvage my prize, I cranked the last 100m of line back onto the tired TLD 50. The last few slithers of adrenaline fuelled my shaking arms and throbbing lower back. When the barrel bobbed up boat side the seal attacked again, ambitiously snapping at its tail with almost canine barks between breaths. The crew jumped to action like a SWAT team, grabbing the leader and sinking the gaffs before hauling the oversized tuna onboard. I collapsed, exhausted and ecstatic.
BARREL ON THE BEAM
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TECH SPECS
boat spotlight
WHITEPOINTER 730 SPORTS HARDTOP
LENGTH 7.4m (overall) BEAM 2.44m FREEBOARD 900mm HULL PLATE 6mm WEIGHT 2000kg (BMT) PRICE AS TESTED $175,000
THE 730 IS CENTIMETRE PERFECT IN THE EYES OF BRUCE FRANKS Bruce Franks is a numbers man. An engineer by trade, he applied his no-nonsense sensibilities to conceive his ultimate boat, the WhitePointer 730 Sport Hardtop. Stepping aboard the 730, named Cray Nomad you get a sense that this boat is built for purpose, with everything neatly stowed in its place. The boat’s purpose, according to Bruce, is singlehanded deep-sea fishing and crayfishing. The layout features an acre of deck-space with an enclosed cabin and customised bench seating. Bruce might have the brain of a physicist, but he has the hands of a plumber. He’s definitely a doer. Not just content to own his perfect boat, Bruce works Cray Nomad hard – and often. When the invitation came 88
to chase barrel-sized tuna in south east Tasmania, he slotted himself straight in. The fact he’d never caught a tuna didn’t stop him. Nor did the 5m swell that was forecast. Rounding the heads, the WhitePointer drove straight and true in the south east slop. The 730 achieves a good balance between ride and stability, with an 18º deadrise, a fine entry point and downturned chines. The hulls are built in a jig and welded over an egg crate frame. The result is a curvaceous hullshape that predictably carved through the Tasman Sea. I can imagine when Bruce first stepped on board a WhitePointer, he felt right at home. The slide down window from the cabin to the rear deck is effortlessly efficient, creating an open feeling,
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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT; YOU ONLY GET BEAR HUGS FROM BRUCE FRANKS IF YOU’RE A 100KG TUNA. DOUBLE BARREL HOOKUP ABOARD THE 730 SPORTS HARDTOP. NEAT AS A PIN WORKSTATION
while keeping the elements out. Up front, a yachting-style hammock (pipe berth) can be unrolled from the helm, which provides a third sleeping area. The cabin is fully lined in carpet – with stylish handrails up inside. Every detail has been carefully planned out. The 730 Hardtop has been
20 years in the making, a culmination of great ideas and testing. The result, as WhitePointer puts it, is the perfect predator. Bruce agrees, knowingly.
VIC / TAS SUPPLIER
Geelong Boating Centre Phone: 03 5241 6966 www.geelongboats.com.au
boat spotlight
WHITEPOINTER 800 SPORTS CRUISER IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST RIDE FOR DAVID KRUSHKA
TECH SPECS
Halfway through David Krushka’s first WhitePointer test drive, he turned to Cameron McDonald from Geelong Boating Centre and said, “I’ve had enough”. Shocked, Cam asked, “Oh, what did you think?” David replied, “Best boat I’ve ever been in…” The next day David ordered his new WhitePointer 800 Sports Cruiser. The 800 Sports Cruiser strikes a mean pose on the ocean, sleek lines and rugged, yet elegant styling. The flagship of our WhitePointer Tasmanian expedition; the 800 is all battleship outside – and deluxe cruiser inside. There’s no doubt David is a man that knows what he wants. He even painted a piece of aluminium with Mercedes Charcoal paint, took it down to the foreshore and stuck it in the sand. He
then took a step back, and looked at the colour scheme in relation to the water. All of this, just to make sure that his newly ordered WhitePointer 800 Sports Cruiser in Mercedes Charcoal would look awesome on the high seas. Now that says something about the type of people that buy WhitePointers. They’re driven, perfectionists and won’t accept anything but the highest quality product. David has spared no expense kitting out and personalising his 800 Sports Cruiser, affectionately baptised Lie-Ability. Outriggers don the sides of the cab, a fleet of rocket launchers line the hardtop with a glistening Garmin radar dome sitting close-by. It’s not just fishing accessories though, David has set his rig
AT THE HELM ON LIE-ABILITY
800 OWNER, DAVID KRUSHKA
THERE’S SERIOUS SPACE IN THE 800 SPORTS CRUISER. REX AGREES
up to accommodate his family as well; there’s a warm water shower, cooking facilities and fridge/freezers – all of which were welcome creature comforts on our Tassie trip. Onboard, Rex Bryant, owner of WhitePointer Boats
describes the layout, “The cabin is cosy, but it’s not over the top. Out the back you’ve got a functional area that you can knock around without worrying about breaking anything”.
LENGTH 8.2m (overall) BEAM 2.5m FREEBOARD 900mm HULL PLATE 6mm WEIGHT 3200kg (BMT) PRICE AS TESTED $265,000
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tech feature boat electronics
WORDS
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boat r u o y g n i l l i p is k u t i f c i n o r t elec r u o y s y a w 7
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t’s the silent killer of boats; a white man’s magic that few boat owners fully understand. We recently spoke to a bloke that does understand, Michael Fitzallen from Nautek, who sees up to 10 boats a week that have major electrical problems. As a former aeronautical engineer for the Royal Australian Navy, working with high-voltage hardware in harsh, salt-laden environments, Michael knows a floating time bomb when he sees one. He reckons there are seven main ways in which your electronics fit-up might be killing your boat.
TECH FEATURE // ELECTRIC SHOCKS
1 2 3
Your boat is not 'electrically connected'
A great misconception held by boat owners is that everything electrical should be isolated with rubber and other buffers like Sikaflex. Not true. Generally speaking, everything on your boat needs to be electrically bonded, bringing the electrical potential for all items down to the same level. Bonding straps made from tinned copper or copper straps are common ways to achieve this. These bonds will form a ‘grounding circuit’, connecting all the boat fittings and appliances.
FACTOID: Michael estimates 95% of trailer boats don’t have a grounding plan, exposing them to electrolysis and other safety hazards when in the salt water. No anodes, or too many anodes
Anodes have long been the catch all for electrolysis problems. But studies have shown that excessive zinc anodes can encourage electrolysis, as it sits far apart from alloys and other metals on the periodic table. Nowadays, anodes are made from a range of alloys. Michael comes across several boats a year with no or insufficient anodes, meaning somewhere on the owner’s boat, a part is slowly corroding away.
FACTOID: Too many anodes can create electricity. Use anodes that are just big enough to do the job required. Incorrect wiring size and length
Michael has identified three common wiring mistakes made by the DIY boat electrician: using wire that is not tinned, using wiring that is too small and unsecured wires or poor looming. The best wiring for boats is tin-lined to prevent corrosion. Corrosion creates resistance and resistance creates heat. Heat, of course, can create circuit resistance or fire. Thin wire can also cause heat, leading to resistant or corrosion – caused from carrying too much current. Michael’s rule of thumb is that every independent circuit needs a wire adequately sized for its own requirements. For the technically minded, these are set out in the Australian Standards, AS3000. Wiring length can also cause problems. Long wires can cause voltage drop, while short wires can pull on terminals creating a bad connection (in turn creating resistance and heat) or potentially break off. Likewise, too much wiring – especially when coiled together – can create a heater, technically known as electromagnetic induction. Your multi-metre won’t pick up this hazard, because it’s designed to measure volts, not heat. So uncoil those wires.
FACTOID: Michael once pulled 2.2kms of incorrectly sized and unused wiring out of an American powerboat. Yikes!
A BRIGHT SPARK, MICHAEL IS A FORMER AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER FOR THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY WHEN THIS ANODE CORRODES AWAY, ELECTROLYSIS WILL START ATTACKING SOMEWHERE ELSE
ELECTROLYSIS CAUSED BY USING NONMARINISED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS MICHAEL ONCE PULLED 2.2KMS OF UNUSED WIRING OUT OF A BOAT
BONDING STRAPS ARE A CRITICAL COMPONENT FOR MINIMISING ELECTROLYSIS
SOLDERING IRON
TECH FEATURE // ELECTRIC SHOCKS
3
TOOLS EVERY BOAT OWNER NEEDS
Multi-meter
A multi meter will identify if negative battery has continuity to your hull
Moisture Meter
Measures the amount of moisture in timber. The author has borrowed Michael’s moisture meter on many occasions, saving thousands on transoms he never had to rebuild
soldering iron
A hand tool used to melt solder so that it can flow into a joint between two work pieces. Soldering and sealing a joint with heat shrink will stop the wire from wicking salt water (and turning black)
A MOISTURE METER CAN MEASURE THE AMOUNT OF MOISTURE IN A TRANSOM, SAVING THOUSANDS ON REBUILDS
4 5 6 7
Non-marinised electrical components
The term ‘marinised’ can refer to water and dust integrity, but it can also refer to the way an appliance is isolated from an electrical system. In a boat, it’s critical that your electrical items are ground to the potential of the boat (refer to point one). Automotive products are often installed onto boats by the overzealous DIY enthusiast, without a full understanding of their differing electrical function. These appliances are ground to the negative terminal of the battery, otherwise known as the black wire. This is a big no-no on a boat, because it results in 12-volts of current travelling through the hull (if a metal boat) accelerating the electrolysis process and potentially eroding your hull like an Aspirin in water. Always opt for marine-specific radios on your boat, and be sure to avoid any automotive or non-marinised appliance.
Terminal problems
Michael has noticed boaties love wiring appliances directly to the battery – which typically sit near the transom – often without a fuse. This is the wettest part of the boat, and also where fuel resides. Needless to say, it’s a major danger-zone for boat fires. Michael recommends running one big cable to a dry, safe part of the boat. He also advises against stainless steel for conductors. Stainless has some resistance properties and can generate heat with a current. Copper and brass are far more effective and much safer conductors of electricity.
FACTOID: Michael once found 21 ring terminals on one stainless bolt. It was a veritable welding rod! Electrolysis rots wooden boats, too
Contrary to popular belief, timber can be a conductor of electricity, especially when it’s wet. Timber also absorbs salt, and the minerals themselves can cause electrolysis. The electrolysis, combined with dissimilar metals like brass, stainless and copper, can create a Bermuda triangle of electrolysis rot. A grounding circuit can avoid this.
Your entire boat is a live battery
Poor wiring can turn your boat into a live battery. Michael showed us an imported boat that was delivering 1.2 volts from the through-hull fittings, which he identified via a standard multi-metre. It was enough to light a small torch. The cause? Loose wires dangling in saltwater in the bilge. As a result, the owner would get a tingling sensation when he put his hands in the livebait tank. Eventually the trim tabs blew apart and the boat was fully rewired.
D E A L E R FOR MELBOURNE & VICTORIA
w w w. c r u i s e c r a f t . c o m . a u
feature boat storage
on the
shelf
W O R D S T R AV I S G O D F R E D S O N IMAGES JACK MURPHY
You'd love to be out on your boat all the time, but life has other ideas. So where on earth are you going to find the space to store your pride and joy? Worry not, we've got it covered.
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“THE FIRST TIME YOU DOCK AT A MARINA, IT’LL FEEL LIKE YOU’RE PARKING AN ELEPHANT BETWEEN TWO DOMINOES”
C
ompromise is the bedfellow of boat owners. We spend endless hours deliberating the virtues of weight, length, construction and power plants. Boat storage typically isn’t a talking point, but it’s a growing consideration – especially for people upgrading to bigger boats. The changing shape of our home hasn’t helped the boat owner’s cause, either. Garages and yards have shrunk to accommodate larger homes on smaller blocks, and street parking is getting harder to find. So where are you going to store your pride and joy? We’ve put together a few options.
THE HOME-AWAY -FROM-HOME Marinas offer the comforts of home for you and your boat, offering facilities such as power, water and internet. Your boat lives in the water full time, ready and raring to go whenever you are. If you’re prone to getting angrier than Barry Hall at the boat ramp in snapper season, a marina berth might be the best option for you. But beware: the first time you dock at a marina, it’ll feel like you’re parking an elephant between two dominoes. They’re social places, too; like-minded people gather on Sunday afternoons sharing fishing spots, a rum and stories of the sea.
UPSIDE
• Ideal for bigger boats • Your angry neighbour will get off your back about the boat taking up valuable street space • None of the stress that can come with boat ramps, and no waiting for your turn to launch • Most marinas have good security systems with locked gates and CCTV • Meet and socialise with like-minded people • Close to amenities
DOWNSIDE
• Ongoing costs, including anti-fouling if you don’t have a Sea Pen or FloatBricks • Not easy to take the boat away on holidays • Your boat likes to rub shoulders with other boats and pylons • Docking a big boat takes some practice
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FEATURE // BOAT STORAGE
HANG LOOSE ON A SWING MOORING A swing mooring is a length of chain and rope connected to a cement block, typically found in sheltered bays and waterways close to residential areas. They’re a good option for big-boat owners who don’t want the expense of a marina.
UPSIDE
• Generally pretty affordable • Boat is ready to go • Easier to moor than a marina berth
DOWNSIDE
• You need another boat to get there (unless you consider a morning swim a positive thing) • Your boat is exposed to the elements • No security • Anti-fouling costs
AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT
BOAT STORAGE YARDS
At-home trailer-boat storage is the most realistic and cost-effective option for most boat owners. You can admire the boat from the lounge room, and fish wherever they’re biting. The garage tools are always on hand, and you can escape the missus or husband with a spot of virtual fishing in the garage.
If the front yard, garage and street parking are full, a boatyard could be a good option. Recognised companies like Kennards and Storage King offer realistic rates. The service usually includes secure parking and 24/7 entry via a pin code. Boatyards can also include open parking in a marina, or even privateers offering land for rent.
UPSIDE
• Flexibility to fish or ski wherever you want • Your boat goes on holidays with you • It’s a good talking point whenever your mates pop over • Modern trailers are strong and sturdy enough for long-term touring
DOWNSIDE
• Space is the nemesis of trailer boat owners • Security can be an issue • It’s you versus the world at the boat ramp when the snapper fishing is hot • Trailers come with cost and maintenance issues • If you don’t have a garage it will be exposed to the elements
UPSIDE
• Affordable • Usually close to water • Generally secure
DOWNSIDE
• Can be exposed to the elements • Access hours might be limited • Can get a bit tight
FLOATBRICKS Another storage option is Float Bricks. The bricks are a modular configuration, offering a safe, sturdy platform, high above the waterline. The Float Bricks are ideal for PWCs and smaller boats up to 6m. The Float Brick is not just a boat storage dock. It can also double up as a platform or temporary bridge.
UPSIDE
• You’re on the water before the bite cools • Boat or jet ski sits well clear of the bugs • Offers a wide working area on the water • Upgrade FloatBricks as your boat grows • It’s Lego for grown-ups!
DOWNSIDE
• Limited to boats up to 1300kg • Max out at about 6m
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“BOATYARDS CAN ALSO INCLUDE OPEN PARKING IN A MARINA”
RACK AND STACKING
SQUEAKY CLEAN SEA PEN
UPSIDE
Dry racking is a good option for owners of small trailer boats. Your boat is stored in a cradle within the safety of a building or shed. When you’re ready to go fishing, call the storage facility and they’ll forklift it onto the water for you.
Boats stored on-water need protection from organisms and other nasty things in the sea. Painting the hull with anti-foul is the most common way. Another option is a sea pen, a fitting similar to a swimming pool liner. It’s operated by driving your boat into a pen that resembles a swimming pool. As the water is pumped out, a flexible liner will shrink-wrap to the outside of the boat like a second skin. In between the pool liner and the boat is a woven roving mesh, which creates an air gap so the boat is totally dry. The sea pen eliminates the need for anti-fouling, improving on-water hull performance and reducing running costs, including fuel bills, anti-fouling paints and slipping expenses.
DOWNSIDE
UPSIDE
• You don’t have to get your hands dirty • They’ll wash and rinse your boat for you • Generally safe and secure • Skip the ramp queues
DOWNSIDE
• Not ideal for bigger boats • Monthly fees • Boat might still be exposed to elements including salt air and sea birds • Risk of forklift damage, so check your insurance cover
• Removes the saltwater bridge which causes electrolysis • Special polymer material doesn’t need cleaning • Forget the anti-foul • Better hull performance • Lower running costs • No pollutants • You’ll be on the water in three minutes • You can enjoy the lawn again • Initial costs for the pen, though this cost will be recovered over time • If the fishing is hot in Bermagui, you’ll have to get it on a trailer • You can’t admire your boat when you come home from work (unless you’re lucky enough to live on the waterfront)
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ALL NEW 1600
1600 Fisher
1600 Frontier
The Stabicraft 1600 Carbon Series, with its uncompromisingly sharp contours is the essence of our brand, poured into an extreme, awe-inspiring look which is eternally different, but unmistakably Stabicraft.
www.stabicraft.com
CARBON SERIES
feature OUTBOARDS
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O HOT
POTS
Jack Murphy fires up his engines and torques about EVERYTHING new, hot and happening in the outboard world
“OUTBOARDS ARE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR HULL” HONDA BF225 They might’ve been around for a while, but the technology inside the Honda BF225 is still kicking goals. Famous for its awesome fuel economy and quiet, yet powerful performance, the four-stroke, 24-valve, V6 BF225 is packed with features. One of which, is VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), the same system Honda uses in its racing technology for sports cars. VTEC incorporates a balance of power, torque and fuel efficiency to achieve a longer, flatter torque curve for maximum power throughout all the rev bands. So you’ve got loads of power and great fuel efficiency, what else? Well Honda have also just unveiled their new 7 Year Domestic Warranty on all new outboard products. Yep, seven years, that’s the largest extended outboard warranty available in Australia.
TECH SPECS
WORDS JACK MURPHY I M A G E S J A C K M U R P H Y, S U P P L I E D
utboards; they’re to boats like eggs are to bacon and they’re to transoms like koalas are to eucalyptus trees. Technically they can standalone, but what’s a koala without a eucalyptus tree? One sad koala. So if you’re thinking about buying a new boat, upgrading or repowering, make sure the outboard isn’t an oversight – they’re the heart and soul of your hull. In this feature we’ve put together what’s new, hot and cool in the mid-range outboard world.
ENGINE TYPE FOUR-STROKE, 24-VALVE, SOHC, V6 WEIGHT 272KG DISPLACEMENT 3471cc GEAR RATIO 1.87:1 FULL THROTTLE RPM RANGE 5000-6000
www.honda.com.au
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FEATURE // OUTBOARDS
Wherever you go in the world, you’re likely to see commercial operators running Yamaha outboards on their boats. It’s no coincidence either; they’re tough, torquey and seriously fuel-efficient. That’s why one of the most exciting outboard releases this year was the Yamaha F130A. This new four-stroke powerhouse weighs a minuscule 174kg, which according to Yamaha, makes it the lightest in its class. A four-cylinder, 16-valve, 1832cc engine, the F130A’s other big features include; electronic multipoint fuel injection, a juicy 35 amp alternator, easyaccess freshwater flush system and the Variable Trolling Function which lets you adjust your low speed RPM in increments of 50 – perfect for getting those fussy lures swimming true.
The Mercury F115HP CT (Command Thrust) outboard was released last year. A little pocket rocket of a four-stroke, the Command Thrust model has a larger gear case with a 2.38:1 ratio. In short, this means it has plenty of poke and great hole shot. According to Mercury, the larger gear case will also get a hull onto the plane at a much slower speed, which in turn, results in better fuel efficiency. As an added bonus, the F115 is also available in a counter rotation model. This means they’re ideal for setting up as twins - double trouble!
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ENGINE TYPE FOUR-STROKE, 16-VALVE, DOHC, IN-LINE 4 WEIGHT 174KG DISPLACEMENT 1832cc GEAR RATIO 2.15 FULL THROTTLE RPM RANGE 5300-6300
www.yamaha-motor.com.au
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TECH SPECS
MERCURY 115 COMMAND THRUST
TECH SPECS
YAMAHA F130AC
ENGINE TYPE FOUR-STROKE, 8-VALVE, SOHC, IN-LINE 4 WEIGHT 165KG DISPLACEMENT 2064cc GEAR RATIO 2.38:1 FULL THROTTLE RPM RANGE 5000-6000
www.mercurymarine.com
If you haven’t seen the new Evinrude E-TEC G2, you’ve most probably been living under a rock or you’re just a sailor. Actually, the former is probably more likely, sailors would’ve tuned out of this article long ago. Anyway, the 200HP HO G2 is one particular outboard from the new Evinrude range that’s already strutting its stuff in the Aussie scene. With provocative styling and controversial claims, this outboard has certainly split the marine scene. According to BRP (Evinrude), the G2 "...produces up to 75% fewer total regulated emissions, with 15% better fuel efficiency and 20% more torque than leading four-stroke engines."
The newest stallion in the Suzuki range is the DF200A, a four-cylinder thoroughbred through and through. The new donk is seriously light for a four-stroke, incredibly fuel efficient and has big features like a direct air intake and variable valve timing, which increases thermal efficiency and performance. The schmick new cowling style is also set to turn heads, but according to Suzuki it’s more than just a facelift. The new configuration allows the outboard to breathe cooler air; resulting in better acceleration and top end speed.
ENGINE TYPE TWO-STROKE, D.I, V6 WEIGHT 253KG DISPLACEMENT 3441cc GEAR RATIO 1.85:1 FULL THROTTLE RPM RANGE 5400-6000
TECH SPECS
SUZUKI DF200A
TECH SPECS
EVINRUDE E-TEC G2 200 HOME
ENGINE TYPE FOUR-STROKE, 16-VALVE, DOHC, IN-LINE 4 WEIGHT 226KG DISPLACEMENT 2867cc GEAR RATIO 2.50:1 FULL THROTTLE RPM RANGE 5500-6100
www.suzukimarine.com.au
www.evinrude.com
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fishing feature top 5 fish to catch
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TAKE
WORDS & IMAGES AL MCGL ASHAN
05
WITH AL MCGLASHAN
Al’s favourite fish to chase in Victoria
V
ictoria’s fishing has gone from strength to strength in recent years. As a kid, I always loved to fish, but in those days we battled with scallop dredgers in Port Phillip Bay, whiting netters in Westernport and the Japanese long-liners who wiped out the bluefin before they even reached our waters. I remember my old man catching a snapper when I was a little tacker after weeks of trying and everyone went mad. In fact, I believe
it even made the paper. Well, how times have changed. These days, catching a decent snapper is a common occurrence and the whiting population in Westernport has gone through the roof. And thank goodness for that! When the boys at Moby Dick Content asked me to write about my favourite five fish to catch in Victoria, narrowing it down was a tough process. We really are blessed with great range of fish in this state, but nonetheless, here’s my ultimate catch.
SNAPPER
01
An attractive fish with silvery pink flanks dotted with brilliant iridescent blue spots, snapper are one of the country’s most sought after species. Found sporadically throughout the temperate waters of the Indo-Pacific region from as far away as Japan, India and New Zealand it is Australian waters that hold the biggest populations. They are plentiful right around the southern half of the country from Exmouth in the West to Gladstone on the East Coast however my favourite place to catch them is Victoria, especially Port Phillip Bay. The snapper enter Port Phillip en mass in September, drawn by the urge to spawn, and leave again in late autumn. As the snapper population increases, there seems to be evidence that some snapper are staying in the Bay all year, although spring and autumn are still the peak periods. The best rig is a pair of 6/0 hooks, one positioned up in the head and the second midway down the body. A couple of half hitches around the tail will hold everything in place, while a swivel will minimise tangles and a small pea sinker will help get the bait down to the bottom. Snapper are great fun on light tackle. A 7ft graphite rod and 4000-size spin reel is perfect, and if you hook a solid fish you are in for a great fight. On the table, it is the smaller snapper that taste the best, while the bigger ones are better off released to fight another day.
FACT FILE
Where: 14m contour off Seaford in Port Phillip Bay. Westernport Bay holds the real whoppers, but beware the tides. When: Spring and autumn Best bait: Pilchards, squid and silver whiting Best rig: 7ft graphite rod with 4000 spin reel and a pair of 6/0 hooks Fighting qualities: Moderate Eating qualities: Smaller fish make for a delicious dinner of sweet, white flesh YEARBOOK
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TOP5 FISH TO CATCH
KING GEORGE WHITING
02
One of the largest of the whiting clan, the King George also happens to be the prettiest. However, it’s how it tastes that really makes whiting stand out. They are, in fact, one of the best eating fish in the world. Endemic to Australian waters, the highly prized King George whiting prefer cooler waters and are found in southern New South Wales, throughout Victoria and South Australia and up past Perth on the West Coast. They are also found throughout Bass Strait and northern Tasmania. While prolific throughout Victorian waters, it is Westernport Bay that is my favourite spot to chase King George whiting. The removal of commercial fishing nets in the region has seen fish numbers explode. The best time to fish is summer and autumn, although they can be caught all year round. Generally speaking, whiting prefer bait, with bass yabbies, mussels and pippis working a treat. Throwing some burley will help get the fish on the chew, too. Keep the rig simple, just a wide gape shiner hook with a running snap swivel so you can change the sinker to suit the tide. Whiting are only small, with a 40cm fish being a good one, but what they lack in size they more than make up for in fight. But to get the most out of them, a 2-4kg outfit is ideal.
SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA
03
It only took a decade of commercial fishing to decimate southern bluefin tuna stocks. I never saw a bluefin as a kid. Then, thanks to strong management from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the population began to rebuild. It’s one of the biggest success stories in fisheries management as the population continues to rebound. Western Victoria is the hotspot, especially Portland, which produces more bluefin than anywhere else in Australia. Interestingly, the bigger fish are usually found inshore in the 50-70m line, while the smaller, school-sized fish can be found anywhere from the Shelf to just outside the port. When it comes to technique, trolling lures is the most productive, and running a mix of deep divers and skirts is the best approach. Personally, I like to troll four rods when chasing smaller fish, but if the jumbo 100kg models are around, I’ll drop down to three rods. For me, the productive lure for bigger fish has been the Laser Pro 190 in ‘Blue Mackerel’ colour. Tuna are always powerful fighters, but those big ones will absolutely scream off – especially in shallow water.
FACT FILE
Where: Westernport Bay When: Spring and autumn Best bait: Yabbies, mussels and pippies Best rig: 2-4kg outfit with a wide gape shiner hook and running snap swivel Fighting qualities: For a smaller fish, they’ve got some fight in them Eating qualities: World-class
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FACT FILE
Where: Portland When: Best bite in early April Best bait: Deep divers and skirted lures, particularly the Laser Pro 190 in ‘Blue Mackerel’ colour Best rig: Three or four rods trolled Fighting qualities: Excellent Eating qualities: Very good, but only when prepared properly and quickly
GUMMY SHARKS
04
There are more than 340 species of shark in the world, most of which have sharp teeth. There are, however, a few species that have gone against the grain, bearing no teeth at all. The most famous of the latter group is the aptly named gummy shark. A demersal species, gummies are found right around the southern half of the country from midway up the New South Wales coast to Western Australia. However, it is Victoria that is the strong hold of the species, and it has a cult following here like no other. Gummies are plentiful throughout Victoria’s coastal waters as well as the larger bays and estuaries, especially Westernport and Corner Inlet. Some of my favourite spots to chase them are Mallacoota in the far east of the state, and the lower end of Port Phillip Bay. While they are a year-round proposition, the best times to chase them are spring and autumn. A bottom feeder, gummy sharks are opportunistic and will eat anything from squid to slabs of tuna. A paternoster rig fished on the bottom with fresh baits on the lead up to the tide change is the best option. Try and focus your efforts over gravel beds, ledges and light reef. A gummy’s bite is very unique, as is its fight, with distinct and determined head shakes. And while it is a reasonable sport fish, it is its table qualities that are second to none. Known locally as flake in the fish shops, beer battered fillets are my favourite meal.
FACT FILE
Where: Westernport Bay and Corner Inlet, although found throughout Victoria waters When: Spring and autumn Best bait: Anything from squid to slabs of tuna Best rig: A heavy-duty snapper outfit will do it Fighting qualities: Moderate. Distinctive behaviour with lots of head thrashing Eating qualities: Very good. Anyone for battered fish and chips?
TROUT
05
Having flourished throughout Victoria, trout has always been popular. While the fishery is largely based on stocked supplies, there are still some wild self-sufficient stocks in many of Victoria’s rivers – both brown and rainbow. In the western lakes, where there are large baitfish populations, rainbow trout has exploded in size, however the fishery usually collapses when the water heats up over summer. Brown trout, on the other hand, has established itself well in many High Country lakes, from Eildon to Dartmouth. When it comes to technique, trolling is the easiest in the lakes. Dragging a selection of deep divers like RMGs and the humble old Tassie Devils around is almost a sure thing. Having said that, I much prefer to spin instead. Drifting through dead timber or even walking the bank can be highly rewarding ways to get into the action. And it’s not just the lakes that hold the good stuff, walking streams and rivers can be just as rewarding when armed with a light spin rod and half a dozen lures. Light spin gear is certainly the best option for both spinning and trolling, loaded with 10-pound braid. Fly-fishing is also lots of fun, and while it does require more practice a sixweight fly rod is a great way to catch trout. Trout is reasonable to eat if it has been feeding on crustaceans, however if it has been eating baitfish then the flesh is usually grey and average to eat. My favourite way to eat it is smoked.
FACT FILE
Where: Inland lakes, rivers and creeks, particularly at cool, high altitudes When: Cooler months Best bait: Deep diving lures Best rig: Light spin gear with 10-pound braid, or a six-weight fly rod Fighting qualities: Moderate. Always fun to catch fish on fly, if you’re up for it Eating qualities: Okay if fed on crustaceans, average if fed on baitfish. Best smoked
Multi Mount
RIGGER
Features: • Adjustment straight vertical to flat horizontal at 15 degree increments • Adjustment fore and aft at 45 degree increments • Suits all trolling speeds and sea conditions • Constructed from 316 mirror polished stainless • Solid and precise investment cast components. • Sprung loaded 316 s/s adjustment pin secured by safety lanyard.
Can be from st trolled r angled aight or rod hol ders.
Mounting tube is 38mm o.d.
REELAX ENTERPRISES www.reelax.com.au 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
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PTY LTD
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NEW
Y OUR TUNE S, OUR TE C HNO LO GY
RELEASE
LIGHT YEARS AHEAD
FU S IONENTERTAINMENT.COM
AUS PH: 1300 736 012
P R O U D LY D E S I G N E D A N D E N G I N E E R E D I N N E W Z E A L A N D 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
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tech feature trailers
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W O R D S T R AV I S G O D F R E D S O N I M A G E S J A C K M U R P H Y, M I C H A E L E L L E M , E A S Y T O W, T R A N S T Y L E , T R A I L E R R E PA I R C E N T R E
I
rollin’
by the river
Is that shout of 'trailer trash' just to insult some American hillbillies? Or is someone trying to warn you that something nasty is about to happen to your boat's road ride?
t’s a dark, moonless night and you’re cruising down the road èn route to your secret fishing spot. The tunes are humming quietly while the wife and kids are in a deep slumber. Your tummy is wellsatisfied with a Double Quarter Pounder soaked in a Chocolate Shake. You imagine the perfect sunrise in the morning; visions of the perfect cast to your favourite tree stump. Your imagination is rudely interrupted when the boat and trailer start snaking down the road behind you. You ease off the gas, clattering to a stop to review the carnage. The boat and trailer are leaning stubbornly to one side; springs collapsed under twisted metal. The tyres are rubbing hard up against the steel, leaving the acrid smell of mechanical failure in your nostrils. You’re 100kms from nowhere, the missus wakes up, clears her eyes and is deeply unimpressed – and now the damn kids have just woken up. Then it occurs to you. Maybe you should have bought a better trailer…
Here are the common trailer problems - and how to avoid them: The Wheel Deal Overheating bearings are the most common trailer problem. A bearing is designed to hold grease or oil, lubricating small rollers within a housing. Over time the grease will dissipate due to extreme heat and seepage. Without grease, water will enter the bearing and corrode the steel. Then, under load, the bearing will overheat and collapse and your wheel will either seize up or fall off. The two indicators for bad bearings are noise and heat. Keep an ear out when towing, and also put your hand around the hub after stopping to check for excessive heat (don’t worry, you’ll know!). This is more likely to occur when touring – when the boat is loaded with gear placing more pressure on the bearings. Bearing buddies are a nifty product, enabling you to pump grease into the bearing. Pump in just enough so the front spring pops out – not too much, or you’ll pop the seal on the inside of the hub. Change your bearings once a year (whether you have buddies or not) and consider keeping a full replacement kit in your car for emergencies. Just make sure you have the right parts and tools to do the job. A practice run may save you a world of time and pain.
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TECH FEATURE // TRAILERS
UFO Sightings on the Hume Highway
Have you ever been cruising down the highway, been overtaken by a bounding wheel – and then realised it’s yours? Or, perhaps you’ve had one come your way? Losing a wheel happens all too often. It’s usually just the wheel nuts and is very easy to prevent. Keep a wheel brace handy and nip them up every couple of trips and put a small amount of grease on the stud to make nut removal easier. Sadly, you can’t always trust your mechanic to look after your nuts. I took my trailer to a reputable tyre supplier, only to watch my wheel bound down the road in excitement. The cause, as described by the fitter, was a faulty air compressor that didn’t generate enough pressure to drive the operator gun. Bollocks.
Pressure Acts
A patch of rubber no bigger than your hand separates your shiny new boat and trailer from the tarmac. If tyres run flat, there’s a good chance you’ll expose the weak sidewall to the road and damage them. Tyre walls can also be damaged when they rub against a curb. Over-inflating tyres can be just as wicked. We inadvertently ran truck tyres at the maximum load, and they lasted about 50kms before blowing to Kingdom Dumb. Keep tyre pressure around 30 – 40psi and run 8-ply tyres rated for towing, if you can. And avoid low profile tyres, which may give you that Snoop Dog look, but won’t offer the same cushioning effect of a taller tyre. Tread is a critical component of tyres. Well “der”, I hear you say, but it still surprises me how many people cruise down the highway in their 200 Series Landcruiser worth more than a small island, towing a trailer with tyres that ran bald some time before the Vietnam War. The thing with tread is that it creates static friction and the more static friction at the contact point, the better the traction. Good tread assists this process. Jack-knifing is not caused by heavy winds or unbalanced trailers (though they don’t help), it’s caused when tyres lose their grip (or friction) on the road and slide sideways.
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Alloy vs Steel: Ironing Out the Issue
Deciding between alloy or steel is the biggest consideration for trailer buyers.
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lloy is lighter, resulting in fuel cost savings under towing conditions. Lighter trailers can also (potentially) bring the total package weight within the required limits required for braked trailers (resulting in cost savings for brake components). Alloy wont rust, which suits a saltwater environment and the I beam construction on alloy won’t hold water, minimizing corrosion. Sure, an alloy trailer may flex a bit, but that’s a good thing as your boat won’t absorb the impact. On the down side, alloy trailers are generally more expensive – and early models suffered from quality issues. Designs from reputable Australian companies like Transtyle have largely overcome this stigma. Steel has the benefit of strength and is generally regarded as more cost effective. Repairs are easier too, with a wider access to qualified steel repairers. On the down side, steel trailers should be inspected to prevent rust. Paint scratches should be touched up to prevent oxidisation and repairs on galvanized trailers will need to be properly re-galvanized to prevent corrosion.
// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
LOW PROFILE TYRES MIGHT GIVE YOU THAT SNOOP DOG LOOK, BUT TALLER TYRES WILL GIVE YOU A SOFTER RIDE
IT’S ALL IT TAKES REALLY. PRESSURE, AND TIME.
Dirty Dozen 12 Trailer Failures to Look Out For
Duncan Reid from Trailer Repair Centre is the doctor of broken trailers. He’s successfully returned hundreds of wounded trailers back to the road, wiping up the tears of their despairing owners in the process.
I-BEAM SECTIONS WON’T HOLD WATER LIKE SOME BOX SECTIONS CAN
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Seized bearings due to a lack of lubrication. If you have bearing buddies stick to Duncan’s ‘two-everytwo’ rule. Two pumps of grease for every two trips. “And change bearings every 12 months, whether they are bearing buddies or not,” he advises. Poor quality lighting that swills salt water. “If it aint an ADR approved LED, don’t bother,” says Duncan. “Stick with local suppliers who can back up their products with parts and warranty.”
Corroded trailer plugs. “Easily fixed by rubbing the points with fine sandpaper and treating the plug to a bath of CRC, WD40 or Innox.” Duncan also advises an inspection of points and adjusting to make sure they’re slotting into the allocated holes. If that doesn’t work rewire the internals of the plug.
SAY GOODBYE TO LEAF SPRINGS WITH RUBBER TORSION AXLES
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Perished Tyres. Duncan says “months rather than miles” are the killer of tyres. Rubber breaks down over time, leading to cracking and blow-outs. Quality tyres will decay slower than cheap imports, which have flooded the market. Rusted-out or broken leaf springs. “When the leaves spread, or you see light between the layers it’s time to change them. Some slipper springs have been around for 50 years, so might be time to check ‘em,” says Duncan. Problems with the spare. Here’s Duncan’s ‘flowchart-of-flop’ when it comes to spare wheels. “No spare wheel, a spare wheel that doesn’t fit, or a spare wheel that fits with no tools to change it,” says Duncan. He advises a tyre change in the back yard to see where you fit on the flopometer.
7
Bad rollers. Plastic rollers can shear, exposing your shiny new hull to hard steel. “Rubber rollers can also perish in the same way tyres can,” Duncan warns. He also says alloy boats are particularly tough on polyethylene rollers – and should be inspected and replaced when damaged.
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Poorly adjusted mechanical brakes. Mechanical override brakes are good things, when they work. But they need to be regularly adjusted. Cables should also be inspected for fraying. Hydraulic brakes. In Duncan’s experience, even the best quality brake components will corrode. “To avoid seized brakes, calipers should be changed every 2 years. Full changeover parts are now cheaper than reconditioning.”
Rusted trailers. “Box sections rust from the inside out and can be hard to spot,” says Duncan. “When you’ve launched the boat, check the trailer, particularly around joins and lower sections for rust.” Trailer parts hangin’ loose. “Trailers cop a lot of vibration – but nobody likes crawling under their boat with a spanner”. Duncan recommends changing spring washers and using nylocs nuts wherever possible. Seized or broken jockey wheel. Jockey wheels have moving parts, too. “Tyres should be inspected for cracking and correct air pressure,” he says. A tip from Duncan is to unwind the jockey wheel and apply some grease to the thread.
2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
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TECH FEATURE // TRAILERS Worth the Weight?
Weight is the serial killer of trailers. It creates excessive stress on frames, springs and bearings. Many trailer-boat owners work the margins, staying just within legal limits for braked trailers, however it all gets thrown out the door for the Christmas holidays when half-atonne of BCF product is loaded into the boat. Compounding the weight problem is that the load sits up above the axle, creating a higher centre of gravity and reducing stability.
Another problem is sending weight too far forward in the boat (and onto the trailer hitch), which compromises the ride. Your suspension is supposed to absorb impact through the wheels – not the weight of five Malvern Star bikes and a Swedish steel pram. Australian trailer manufacturers have compensated for our sins, building better quality trailers with a lower centre of gravity. Ride quality has also improved with independent suspension.
TRANSTYLE RIM BLING
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// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
COMPANIES LIKE EASYTOW USE TIN WIRING AND ADR APPROVED LED LIGHTS
EAST COAST PILGRIMAGE
Jack Murphy reflects on his trip with a Transtyle Trailer.
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he trip from Melbourne to Far North Queensland along the coast isn’t an easy drive by any stretch of the imagination. Doubly so, if you’ve got to trek it back again at the end of your adventure. All up, you’re looking at over 8,000km of hard wear and tear on you and your boat trailer. Along the way you’ll also find treacherous road works, corrugated dirt roads, cattle grids and plenty of potholes, which all try and put the boot in. Call me crazy, but I’ve completed this fishing pilgrimage back and forth three times! On my first two voyages, I experienced cooked wheel bearings, flat tyres and even a snapped winch post! However, on my last trip I got there and back without a single problem. Yep, I travelled 10,000km without any trailer niggles. With a singleaxle Transtyle under the belly of my baby, Red Dog (a Stabicraft 1650), the crew and I travelled in safety and style. Put simply; a good trailer is one that you forget about. That’s why I loved the Transtyle trailer. The low centre of gravity meant it didn’t dance, bounce or sway behind the car, nor did it flex too little or too much. The oil bearings were an initial concern, only because of the rumours I’d heard. However, they ended up being really simple to use and only needed to be filled up twice in 10,000kms. When it came to launching, the three-roller/skid combination worked a treat. The boat wouldn’t instantly slide off the trailer when the straps were removed. A touch of reverse from the outboard would get it off easily, which is ideal for those solo missions.
WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY, MINUS THE WHEEL
TOP 5 1 TOWING 2 QUESTIONS 3 ANSWERED 4
Q: When does your boat trailer need brakes? A: Under 750kg, you’re not required to have a braked trailer. Between 750kg and 2000kg you’re required to have mechanical/hydraulic brakes and over 2000kg breakaway brakes are compulsory. Q: How wide can your boat/trailer be when towing on Victorian roads? A: Up to 2.5m.
Q: Can you still tow your boat/trailer on Victorian roads if it’s over these dimensions? A: Yes, but it will be deemed a light oversize vehicle (also known as Class O). Provided the boat/trailer isn’t over 3.5m you don’t need a permit. However, you will need to carry the Victoria Government Gazette, which includes the regulations of where and when Class O vehicles may be used.
With so much regulation on our roads, it’s hard to know where you stand when towing large boats on Victorian roads. Here are five frequently asked questions from boat owners:
5
Q: Can you park an over-width boat/trailer on public/ residential roads? A: Yes, however it will need to meet the same obligations as if it were being towed.
Q: Can you be fined for not meeting Class O obligations? A: Yes. The penalties would be under the Road Safety (Victoria) Regulations. On the spot fines of $148 to $295 could be issued. Courts may issue heavier penalties. Your boat may also be grounded.
Easytow
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2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK Phone: 03 5433 2461 - Email: admin@easytow.com.au - Visit: www.easytow.com.au
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SEE FOOD RECIPES
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// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
RECIPE MIGUEL MAESTRE IMAGES JACK MURPHY
MIGUEL'S PAELLA a la Maestre Spanish celebrity chef, Miguel Maestre, promised to cook us his much-talked about paella if we delivered the squid. He came through with the goods and what a tasty deal it was!
Ingredients
The Preparation
5 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 400g Calasparra rice 300 mussels, cleaned 4 king prawns 300g calamari rings 300g pippies 4 chorizo sausages, sliced 1.5l chicken stock Salt and pepper 150g fresh or frozen peas 2 lemons, halved Chopped parsley, to garnish
To make sofrito, place all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth. Set aside.
Sofrito (sauce base used in Spanish cooking) 50ml olive oil 3 large ripe oxheart tomatoes 5 cloves garlic, peeled 4 piquillo peppers 1/2 bunch thyme, leaves only 1 bunch parsley 1 bunch chives 1 tsp saffron threads 1 tsp sweet paprika 1 tbsp smoked paprika
Heat oil in a large paella pan. Cook chorizo till golden, add sofrito and cook for a further 6 minutes stirring at all times. Add seafood and mix in well then add stock and bring to the boil. Season, cook for 18 minutes on high heat till stock is absorbed. Add peas. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon and parsley.
FOR MORE RECIPES... Check out Miguel’s books! FORTapas MOREand RECIPES... Miguels Spanish Cooking, available in all good bookstores.
2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
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THE ULTIMATE SNAPPER PIE Drop what you’re reading, hitch up the boat and get to the snapper grounds. Snapper have soft white flesh, perfect for a baked pie!
Ingredients 150g of butter 2 leeks 1/4 cup of plain flour 2 cups of fish stock 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 cup of cream 1kg – 1.5kg of skinned, de-boned snapper. 1 sheet of puff pastry 1 egg
The Preparation Preheat oven 200 °C. Sauté the leek in butter, stirring for 3 minutes. Slowly add flour and remove from heat.
Add stock, return to heat and continue to stir until mixture return to the boil. Add lemon juice and allow it to simmer on low heat for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir through cream and allow the mixture to completely cool. Cut snapper into small chunks and place pieces into a greased pie dish. Pour the cooled leak mixture over the fish and mix well. Cover with sheet of puff pastry and brush with whisked egg. Score diagonal lines in the pie to allow breathing and bake for 35 minutes.
RECIPE EMMA GODFREDSON I M A G E S J A C K M U R P H Y & T R AV I S G O D F R E D S O N
SEE FOOD // RECIPES
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HOT TIPS WHEN FISHING FOR SNAPPER IN PORT PHILLIP BAY 01 Keep an eye on where the charter boats fish 02 Be on the water, anchored, before sun up 03 Catch your own squid during the week after work 04 Catch garfish off the boat during snapper sessions 05 Maintain your baits. Good snapper fishermen rarely sit
‘TWO REDS’ FROM PORT PHILLIP BAY, CAUGHT BEFORE SUNRISE - AND COOKED BEFORE SUNSET
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// 2015 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW YEARBOOK
WORDS CLUB MARINE IMAGES JUSTIN FIELD
BART BEEK's SNAPPER CREPES Za’atar-Spiced Snapper Crepes With Yoghurt Dip Recipe by Bart Beek, courtesy of Club Marine Magazine (30.3 June/July 2015)
Ingredients
The Preparation
2 portions snapper fillets, skin removed, cut into strips 1 tblsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tblsps za’atar 6 crêpes 1 cup Greek-style yoghurt 1 tblsp fresh mint, chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed Salt flakes and freshly milled black pepper, to taste 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Place the eggs and milk into a mixing bowl. Add the plain flour and beat well. Mix in the melted butter and the salt.
ZA’ATAR 3 tsps dried thyme leaves 1 tsp sumac 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds ½ tsp salt flakes To make the za’atar, combine the ingredients and store in an airtight container. CRÊPES 1¼ cups full-cream milk 2 eggs 130g plain flour 2 tblsps unsalted butter, melted 1 pinch salt 1 cup coriander leaves 50g unsalted butter, to oil the crêpe pan (will make 20 crêpes)
Heat a crêpe pan and coat lightly with butter. Add a ladle of crêpe batter and tilt to cover the pan evenly. Quickly place four coriander leaves onto the wet top of the crêpe. Once the crêpe’s edges turn up slightly and the bottom has coloured a little, turn over and cook for 30 seconds. Continue making crêpes until the batter is used. Heat a pan and add the olive oil. Roll the snapper strips in the za’atar, then fry until cooked. Place a snapper strip onto each crêpe. Squeeze a little lemon juice onto the fish and roll the crêpe up tightly. Combine the yoghurt, mint, garlic, and seasoning. Serve the snapper crêpes with the yoghurt dip and extra lemon wedges.
CLU B Go urm et Del iGh ts
Head to the Club Marine Stand E12 and grab a FREE copy of Club Marine’s Gourmet Delights!
MAR INE
FOR MORE RECIPES...
S P E C I A L
Go u r
G O U R M E T
E D I T I O N
met D eliGh t
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RRP $12. 95
Temptin g ma rine taste treats from Au lifestyle stralia’s magazin leading e.
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exhibitor list AirThere www.airthere.com.au 1300 AIR THERE All Marine Spares www.allmar.com.au 1800 677 436 All Aboard Trimming www.allaboardtrimming.com.au 0402 502 196 Aussie Boat Sales www.aussieboatsales.com.au 03 9397 6977 Australian Grand Prix www.grandprix.com.au 03 9258 7100 Anchor Right www.anchorright.com.au 03 5968 5014 Avtek Covers www.avtekcovers.com.au 03 5995 2722
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Bar Crusher Boats www.barcrusher.com.au 03 9792 2999 Bayside Jeep www.baysidejeep.com.au 03 9783 7033 BL Marine www.blmarine.com.au 03 9478 1420 Blue Reef Vision www.bluereefvision.com.au 02 4271 8382 Blue Bottle Fishing www.bluebottlefishing.com 02 9651 3380 BLA www.bla.com.au 1300 252 932 Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron www.bys.asn.au 03 5988 8453 BoatCatch www.boatcatch.com 0400 222 824 Boating & RV www.boatingandrv.com.au 07 3823 5055 Boats & More www.boatsandmore.com.au 03 5822 2108 03 5482 1992 Bundoora Boat Upholstery www.boatupholstery.com.au 03 9465 3441
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Capacity Sports www.capacitysports.com.au 03 9598 9821 CH Smith Marine www.chsmith.com.au 03 9417 1077 Club Marine Insurance www.clubmarine.com.au 1300 00 CLUB (2582) Cover Craft Boat Covers www.covercraft.net.au 03 9729 3030 Crawford Marine www.crawfordmarine.com.au 03 5134 6522 Custom Dry Docks www.customdrydocks.com.au 0418 516 240 Cumberland Yacht Charters www.ccy.com.au 1800 075 101
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Dock Pro www.dockpro.com.au 1300 736 761 D’Albora Marinas www.dalboramarinas.com.au 03 9602 4511 DEJA VU www.dejavuski.com 03 9351 0013 Dunbier Trailer Group www.dunbier.com 03 9580 2455
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Edencraft www.edencraft.com.au 03 5221 0444 Evolution Boats www.evolutionboats.com.au 03 9738 0085 Every Battery www.everybattery.com.au 1300 123 228
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Fishing Getaways www.fishinggetaways.com.au 1800 654 202 Furuno Australia www.furuno.com.au
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Garmin Australasia www.garmin.com/en-AU 1800 235 822 Geelong Boating Centre www.geelongboats.com.au 03 5241 6966 GME www.gme.net.au 02 8867 6000 G3 Boats www.g3boats.com.au 03 8358 4422
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Harris Pontoon Boats www.xtrememarine.net.au 03 5482 2333 HiDow Australia www.hidow.com.au 1300 911 442 Hidden Harbour Marina hiddenharbourmarina.com.au 0481 207 832 Hobie Cat Australasia www.hobiecat.com.au 02 4441 8400 Horizon Committee www.murraymeander.com.au 0458 802 211
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iHealth Saunas www.ihealthsaunas.com.au 1800 455 089 IntroFishing www.introfish.com.au Inverloch Marine www.inverlochmarine.com.au 03 5674 1502
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JV Marine World www.jvmarine.com.au 03 9798 8883 Jeanneau Boats www.jeanneauaustralia.com
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Knight Marketing www.sierraexperience.com.au
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Lone Star Marine www.lonestarmarine.com.au 03 87744582
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Mastercraft www.mastercraft.com 03 8375 1634 Marine Plus www.marineplus.com.au 03 9521 6789 McQuarrie Fibreglass 03 9397 5187 Mediscope www.mediscope.com.au 1300 100 007 Melbourne Boat Brokers www.melbourneboatbrokers.com.au 03 8720 0999 Melbourne Marine Centre www.melbournemarine.com.au 03 9703 2003 Melbourne Sea-Doo www.melbourneseadoo.com.au 03 9374 1779 Melita Marine www.melitamarine.com.au 0422 148 889 Mercury Marine www.mercurymarine.com Monster Fish www.monsterfish.com.au 03 9763 7922 MY Marine www.mymarine.com.au 03 5987 0900
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Nautek Marine Services www.nautek.com.au 1300 4 NAUTEK Navico www.navico.com
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Parks Victoria www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Performance Marine www.skiboats.com.au 03 9465 4555 PCM Distributors www.pcmdistributors.com.au 03 9773 5335 PFD Australia Phillip Island Marine www.phillipislandmarine.com.au 03 5956 9238 Port Phillip Boating Centre portphillipboatingcentre.com.au 03 9369 0099
Correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date details please visit www.melbourneinternationalboatshow.com.au/exhibitor-list
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q
Quarterdeck Marine quarterdeckmarine.com.au 03 9583 7874
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RACV Insurance www.racv.com.au 13 RACV (13 72 28) Raymarine www.raymarine.com.au 02 8977 0300 Regal Marine www.regalmarine.com.au 03 9874 4624 Rig Master Tackle www.rigmastertackle.com 03 8712 8794 Roads & Maritime Services www.rms.nsw.gov.au 13 22 13
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Safe Wheels www.safecars.com.au Safety Marine Australia www.safetymarineaust.com.au Savage Aluminium www.savageboats.com.au Savwinch www.savwinch.com.au 03 83618841 Savage Seas Adventures savageseasadventures.com.au 0415 242 902 Sirocco Marine Melbourne www.siroccomarine.com.au 03 5975 1991 Ski Force www.skiforce.com 03 9470 1822 Sleekline & Classique Boats www.classiqueskiboats.com.au 03 5441 4488 Solas Propellor www.solas.com.au 07 5437 9400 Southern Cross Textiles www.sctextiles.com.au 02 9832 0848 Sundance Marine www.sundancemarine.com.au 1300 55 00 89 St Kilda Boat Sales www.stkildaboatsales.com.au 03 9525-5500
Streaker Boats www.streakerboats.com.au 03 9729 8288 StressFree Winches www.stressfreemarine.com.au 08 8382 5283
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Tacklebusters www.tacklebusters.com.au TheFishingChannel.com www.thefishingchannel.com 0417 590 547 Transport Safety Victoria transportsafety.vic.gov.au 1800 223 022 Tradeaboat Magazine www.tradeboats.com.au 1300 362 272 Transtyle Australia www.transtyletrailers.com.au 03 9775 1762 TRE Motorsport www.tremotorsport.com.au 03 9455 3665
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Ultimate Health
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VIC Fishing Monthly Magazine mags.fishingmonthly.com.au 1800 228 244 VR Fish www.vrfish.com.au 03 9397 6318
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Whittley Marine Group whittleymarinegroup.com.au 03 8339 1800 Wine Selectors www.wineselectors.com.au 1300 303 307 Wyndham Harbour wyndhamharbour.com.au 03 9233 8588
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Yamaha Motor Australia www.yamaha-motor.com.au
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