LONG standing aluminium boat brand Stacer revealed its 2012 range at a media launch during the week on Queensland’s Gold coast. Fishing World was in attendance and got a taste of what Stacer has in store for aluminium boat buyers this year, most notably a couple of new Stacer plate models that should excite fishos.
As in recent years the brand has streamlined its line-up by discontinuing some models and introducing design enhancements to revamp others. As well as introducing two brand new serious fishing models with the 649 Ocean Ranger and 539 Nomad Fisher, the Stacer 2012 line-up will see it still boast over 70 “different” boats thanks largely to myriad size and layout configurations across a seven-model range.
Refinements on the company’s Baymaster runabouts and family oriented bow riders include a stylish streamlined pointy end via what Stacer calls the Low Profile Sports Deck. This improvement reduces the profile of windscreens and affords the boats a compact sportier look. Redesigned dashes and cabin internals are other refinements.
Stacer’s brand new 649 Ocean Ranger is the manufacturer’s first serious foray into the offshore plate boat market. From the brief time Fisho spent on board the big new platie it certainly appeared to have the goods for anyone contemplating buying a serious offshore weapon. As we took a short run around the entrance of the Gold Coast Seaway the hull felt as solid as could be expected from a boat constructed from 5mm alloy plate bottom and 4mm topsides. A fully welded sub frame rib structure and self-draining chequer plate deck scream loud and clear that this is a hard core fishing boat.
The hull is rated to 175hp maximum ports a 19 degree deadrise for improved ride and handling and a deck design that’s a departure from the norm with large folded perimeter edges rather than welded sides, which Stacer says add to overall strength and quality of finish. In essence the chequer plate deck appears to be a separate “drop-in” section rather than being fully sealed. The Ocean Ranger also features a walk-thru cabin that provides easy access to the anchor well and has an additional 300mm of cabin space over other Stacer cabin models. With a good level of standard fit-out that includes alloy cutting board c/w with rod holders, rocket launcher, berley bucket, plumbed bait tank and a 135 litre kill tank, and a large options list that covers clears, anchor winch and more the Ocean Fisher is made to fish.
For 2012 Stacer has also introduced redesigned “podded” transoms that have added 200mm to rear internal space while still allowing tall outboard cowlings to trim up without fouling proceedings.
The 539 Nomad Fisher is another exciting plate boat release from Stacer. Clearly aimed at the northern Australian market this open centre console won’t look out of place on any inshore waters around the country. Featuring a 4mm alloy plate bottom and 3mm topsides, the Nomad Fisher has a rear set centre console typical of big open decked barra boats popular in the Top End. The boat features Stacer’s new and improved Evo “Advance” hull as well as a no nonsense self draining chequer plate floor, carpeted front casting deck, 100 litre underfloor plumbed live well/kill tank and expansive sidepockets. The Nomad Fisher is rated for outboards up to 130hp and can be also configured as a side console.
Also on show was Stacer’s range of redesigned aluminium trailers. The manufacturer says the drive-on design (see video footage soon) has 50 per cent less flex for improved overall strength and durability as well as other refinements.
Fishing World will be reviewing Stacer’s new platies in a future edition so stay tuned, in the meantime for all the info on the 2012 range go to: www.stacer.com.au
