Boat Reviews

One of the coolest features on the AMM 5200 Sea Class was a pair of LED headlights recess-mounted in the bow that provide up to 500m of usable light: perfect for night-time docking or spotting those hungry saltwater crocodiles in northern rivers and creeks. That’s really where I can imagine this boat being most at home – in a Cape …

While under 5m in length, the Sea Jay 4.88 Avenger Sports felt like a big boat, which I partly attribute to the clean layout but also the substantial 2.3m beam and 1.22m depth. Overall, the Sea Jay 4.88 Avenger Sports is a sweet package. It’s big enough to go almost everywhere, including offshore on a good day, yet one person …

Trevor was driving an Extreme 545 Side Console (full review in the August edition) and playing up for the camera over the breaking waves, while I stood in the Fisherman and attempted to get decent photos and videos of his antics. Becoming somewhat absorbed in the filming, I didn’t notice until almost too late that I’d drifted into a shallower …

I DON’T need a lot of incentive to get away from the computer and onto the water for a boat test, so whenever possible I jump at the opportunity. This is especially so for Australian designed and built models because I’m fairly patriotic. I recently had the chance to go for a run in a fully decked-out 520 Sea-Rod Deluxe in …

With Adam driving, our speed was increased to 60km/h before Adam wound in full steering lock and mashed the throttle. We proceeded to do ridiculous doughnuts at full throttle, with our speed remaining north of 55km/h and the turning radius staying incredibly tight. I’ve never felt stronger G-forces (just remembering it is making me queasy) and our cornering forces were so …

That voice-command computer is actually Harri’s wife and fishing partner Anna, whose track record is perfect when it comes to making great decisions (after all, she married Harri). Over the past six years and with the approval of his trusted computer, Harri has gone on to buy three more plate alloy craft designed and built by AMM. Harri followed up the …

You may have noticed the vast majority of smart passengers will fight for the seat at the very rear of the boat because this is where the ride is smoothest. So when it came to configuration, I made it very clear I needed a big side console. The seating position on a centre console is still forward, which makes for …

Another standard feature of the Stessco Bowrider 490 is a rear lounge with backrest. The rear lounge offers not only comfortable seating but doubles as a large storage area where you can keep a variety of items in easy reach. Two large side pockets provide extra storage, as do the compartments under the bowrider section. The driving position was fairly good and …