Two All-purpose Runabouts In Stacer Fleet Upgrade
The Age
Friday January 24, 1997
MELBOURNE boatbuilder OMC Stacer Alloy Craft has embarked on a major upgrade of its fleet of family fishers, headed by two new all-purpose runabouts called the 4.75 SeaProwler and, pictured left, the 4.95 SeaMaster.
Using a blend of aluminium and fibreglass, Stacer's stylish runabouts offer the best of both materials in a configuration that makes a reasonable sort of near-shore fishing boat and family fun runner. There is the toughness and efficiency of an aluminium hull married to the style and flexibility of a fibreglass deck moulding.
As Outboard Marine Corporation owns Stacer and Haines Hunter, the latter has been called on to produce not just a fibreglass deck, but the entire deck, forward cockpit surround, dash and helm station in one unit. The fibreglass section incorporated a slightly raised foredeck, and enough height in the cockpit surrounds to get a high windscreen.
Aside from giving both boats protection from wind and ambient spray, the high screen also contributes to their purposeful look. The screen is five-piece, backed by a big interior grab rail, side rails in the cockpit and a split bow rail on the foredeck.
The helm and companion seats front a smart dash set-up. The fibreglass moulding from Haines Hunter is very much along the lines of what they employ on their dedicated sportfishing boats. All of the gauges are set to one side in a cluster, while the space behind and above the sports wheel is designed for flush-mounting of a depth sounder/GPS.
Although there is sufficient space to through-mount a marine radio in the main console, mounting space has been provided for it on the passenger's side of the boat. Below that is a lockable glove box. The walk-through dash and opening windscreen give direct access to the foredeck rope locker and deck hardware for anchoring.
A full-width rear lounge comes as standard. But being attached with spring-loaded keeper bolts, it can be removed in a jiffy to access the battery and oil bottle hiding behind, and to make the cockpit more workable for serious fishing. Both models come with standard 68-litre underfloor fuel tanks, with space for a spare 25-litre portable tank under the engine well.
The transom has a half-pod and half-well, to help keep the outboard within rod's length of the water and to generate some lift. The 475 accepts an outboard from 40 to 60 hp, while the 495 is rated for a 50-70 hp. Top speeds of both boats with their maximum power is around 30 knots, while both hulls plane as low as 2000 rpm with two men and a full fuel load.
With factory-fitted options ranging from fish boxes, additional rod holders and fitted radios to through-hull transducers for depth sounding, both Stacer runabouts can be transformed into more effective fishing than family machines.
© 1997 The Age
Share This