MELBOURNE-based fibreglass boat manufacturer Haines Hunter has launched two new centre console models, and has also produced a big new offshore boat that should have serious trailerboat gamefishermen drooling.
As well, Haines Hunter has announced its own insurance line, a state-of-the-art aftercare service centre and an exclusive club for owners of its boats.
Haines Hunter MD John Haber unveiled his new centre consoles – a 400 Prowler and a 525 Prowler – and provided a sneak peek at a prototype of a new 760 flagship model during a launch function attended by Fisho in Melbourne yesterday. The 400 is based on the same 4m hull as featured on the zippy little Haines Hunter Wasp. Maximum horsepower for the 400 is expected to be 40hp, and the boat will be available as a BMT package for well under $20,000. Owners will be able to customise the hull layout with forward casting decks and bow mount electric motors being options.
Prowler 400
The 525 model should prove popular for keen sportfishermen with the centre console design allowing plenty of room for active fishing such as spinning for tuna or working plastics for snapper. Initial inspection of the hull at the Haines Hunter factory revealed a tidy, clutter-free deck, good sized console with room for thru-mounting a 10-inch sounder/GPS and plenty of storage options. Max HP for the 525 Prowler is expected to be 130hp, with a Haines Hunter spokesman saying that outboards in the 115hp class should provide excellent performance and fuel efficiency.
Prowler 525
The 760 will be available in runabout and full cabin configurations and will likely have a max HP rating or twin 225s. Twin 150s would be a popular option for this new hull, the spokesman said.
All three new boats will be officially launched at the Melbourne Boat Show, to be staged at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from June 9-13. Fishing World will arrange tests on the 400 and 525 Prowlers as soon as possible. Stay tuned to the Fisho website for exclusive videos showing details of these new boats.
As well as the new boats, Haines Hunter also released details on Haines Hunter Boat Insurance, which will be underwritten by marine insurance giant Nautilus. The feature-packaged insurance package – marketed as being “boat insurance for boating people” – is available to all boats and PWCs and will be available only through authorised Haines Hunter dealers.
Haines Hunter Boat Insurance repairs will be carried out at the company’s new $500,000 aftercare centre. This state-of-the-art facility at the Haines Hunter complex will provide a wide range of detailing, repair and servicing options for all boat brands.
Haines Hunter’s John Haber said the aftercare centre would allow boaters to have their craft professionally cleaned and detailed. “Boats will come out of here looking like new,” Haber said at the launch ceremony yesterday.
Accessories such as electronics, deck washes, lights, winches, stainless steel deck hardware, outrigger systems and so on would be fitted by the Haines Hunter aftercare technicians.
Members of the new Haines Hunter Club, also officially launched yesterday, would be entitled to discounts and priority service on aftercare work and would also be eligible for discounted rates on Haines Hunter Boat Insurance packages.
Membership of the club is exclusive to owners of Haines Hunter boats. Club president Glenn Greene said the club was based around “family fishing and activities” with a raft of exclusive events and fishing tournaments planned throughout 2011.
More info at www.haineshunter.com.au.
