Walkarounds or centre cab boats offer the best of both worlds. Good fishing boats need to offer manoeuvrability for those onboard and walkarounds allow space alongside the cabin to reach the bow while fishing or fighting fish. Yet, being a cabin configuration, they also offer protection from the elements and even somewhere to sleep. You can fight fish, cast from the bow and still have all of the advantages of a cabin boat.
Let’s look at five different walkaround style boats, all different, and all suitable for offshore fishing around Australia.
Yellowfin 7000 Centre Cabin
The Yellowfin 7000 Centre Cabin is said to be a force to be reckoned with for all offshore applications. A favourite in the Yellowfin lineup, it is heralded as the perfect all-rounder with its 360-degree fishability and spacious cabin area. For those into some serious game fishing and offshore escapades – the Yellowfin Centre Cabin delivers the epitome of plate boating – breaking the boundaries of time and serving up unlimited potential as a fully equipped blue-water machine. Boasting 360-degree fishability with its seamless helm design, and spacious yet discrete bow bunk which can be extensively customised to feature long-haul essentials including an electric toilet, it is the perfect allrounder. Built tough to go the distance, the Centre Cabin is designed afoot the industry renowned Offshore HD Hull – perfected since the brands inception to deliver an impeccably reliable and predictable ride. With 6mm plate bottom sheets, crafted to form its sharp entry point and 19-degree variable deadrise, Yellowfin boats cut through swell with ease, to deliver impressively soft performance. The carefully crafted reverse chine deflects spray away from the boat whilst its wide beam enhances stability. Backed by decades of boating experience and expertise, with a forward-focus on world-best design execution, Yellowfin have conceptualised a sub-floor framework to deliver ultimate strength. Each boat is constructed using vertical stringers, each being 6mm thick, and 5mm horizontal ribs for maximum strength, then completed with a fully welded checker plate floor.
Whilst commonly known for its game-changing blue-water fishing application, the Centre Cabin has also been seen traversing the Australian landscape as a comfortable overnighter on long-haul trips due to its vast storage capacity and cabin area.
Plus, a trusted vessel to hit up some of the world’s most spectacular dive spots, right here in Australia. The Centre Cabin holds stature as one of seven different model configurations within the Yellowfin lineup, offered alongside the Southerner Hard Top Cabin, Hard Top Cabin, Folding Hard Top, Cabin, Centre Console and Rear Console.
Available as a fully configured boat, motor and trailer package, built directly from the Gold Coast factory, buying a Plate Boat has never been easier. With a carefully selected network of Yellowfin dealers located across the country, all Australian’s can experience the Yellowfin Plate Boat difference.
For more information: https://www.yellowfinplateboats.com.au/
Bar Crusher’s “extremely tough” XT series
Like all models in Bar Crusher’s range, the XT Series features several purpose-builtFishing Weapons–the 670XT, 730XT and 780XT.With large and functional centre consoles, cavernous dry storage and heavy-duty fixed open hard tops, the high-performanceXT series takes the imported T-topper boats to task with features specifically designed for Australian anglers.As thoughtfully-designed and expertly-engineered 360°fishing platforms, all three models are ready for anything. Wherever you want to go, these bulletproof boats will take you there–and get you home.Winning particular favour among serious Aussie fishos is the massive amount of onboard space(something lacking on most other boats in this class),which allows you to take everything you need for extended trips into the most remote fishing destinations. Swags, cooking gear, fishing gear… there’s a huge fully-sealed and lockable storage space under the forward casting platform, as well as a large dry storage area within the console itself. Not forgetting, of course, plenty of room to fight big fish right around the boat.While the fixed open hard top configuration was designed for the northern Australian market, Bar Crusher says the XT Series is proving popular right around the country–from fly fishing for trout on Tasmanian lakes, to casting lures for barra in Top End creeks, to trolling lures for marlin wide over the shelf.The 670XT, 730XT and 780XT are built to Bar Crusher’s exceptionally high standards, featuring exclusive innovations such as the Waveslicer smooth-riding hull; Rigideck engineered sub-floor system for superior hull strength; Quickflow water ballast technology for excellent stability at rest; and SafeTank advanced fuel system.Built in Bar Crusher’s state-of-the-art facility in Melbourne (VIC), these ultra-tough walkaround / T-top sportfishing boats are constructed from heavy duty, pre-stressed marine grade plate aluminium and decked-out using the highest-quality materials.Fitted as standard with a huge range of features hardcore fishos expect (things other manufacturer’s charge as ‘extras’), every Bar Crusher boat is factory-packaged on a custom-designed trailer, which ensures towing, launching and retrieving is a breeze. Self-centering and aligning perfectly every time, Bar Crusher’s innovative Bar Catch system also allows for single-handed launch and retrieve.Like all Bar Crusher boats, the XT Series can be personalised to suit your style. Check-out the online boat builder on Bar Crusher’s website to build your Fishing Weapon.
For more information: barcrusher.com.au
Cruise Craft Outside 635
The Outsider 635 delivers on comfortable seating, an abundance of features, a luxurious cabin and exceptional overall performance. This 6.35m cabin boat is also great for cruising with family and friends or enjoying a weekend away.
Anglers who are serious about offshore fishing can option up the Outsider 635 with all the game fishing gear that you could hope for, with the versatility of a family-friendly fun boat retained. The Cruise Craft Outsider is living proof that you can have the very best of both worlds.
Small and easy to handle, light to tow, utilising more modest outboard power on the transom, the Outsider 635 is an easy blue water boat to own. You’ll also be the absolute envy of other boaters at the ramp when you set off for a weekend of boating.
For more information: cruisecraft.com.au.
Arvor 625 Sportsfish
The all-new 625 Sportsfish, while technically an “enclosed cabin” boat, features a spacious walk-around configuration and makes an ideal platform for offshore fishing.
Thoughtfully designed to maximise every bit of deck space along with a well-equipped enclosed cabin, it’s a boat that can easily double as an impromptu overnighter. Reach your fishing grounds fast with a maximum 150hp Mercury outboard, and choose from Arvor’s equipment packs for the most popular safety, convenience, and comfort options to enhance every trip.
Reel in fish after fish, held securely on deck with port and starboard toe rails on the 625 Sportsfish. Hold your ground with high freeboard, and make your way safely to the bow with the starboard walkway and roof-mounted handrails. The deck can be kept tidy and clutter-free with built-in storage compartments in the cabin, bow, and massive lockers in the floor. Whether you’re seated in the cabin or you’re on deck, navigate to your next hotspot with high-quality Simrad electronics.
Find your fishing spots and get your lines wet sooner with available GPS NSS evo3 in the cabin, then pinpoint the school from the same Simrad electronics at the second helm on deck. Rail-mounted rod holders let you rest your arms between reeling in catches, the available Fish Pack keeps your bait fresh in an integrated baitwell as well as a wash-down raw water outlet when you’re cleaning fillets. Or, keep your fish fresh until you get to dock with two massive fish lockers.
Intelligently designed with the avid angler in mind. From inside the cabin, experience a full 360-degree panoramic view though large windows and full-length glass sliding doors. Built for a complete experience on the water for families, friends, and fishermen alike, you’ll love its extended swim platforms, airy roof hatch, and retractable sun awning.
For more information: arvor.com.au.
Formosa SRT PRO 595 Centre Cab
Formosa’s latest generation SRT launched in 2019 as a combination and evolution of the previous two hull lines – Searod and Tomahawk. Formosa says it combines the best of both designs and further enhances them into the new SRT range.
Walk-around configurations have made a big comeback in recent times and this Formosa is a great example of why the trend has gone that way. Every inch of the boat has been used to its maximum value. It’s first and foremost a fishing boat and the space at the front is perfect for throwing lures or fighting fish. The gunwales all the way around the boat are high enough to feel safe and I found fishing from the front comfortable and secure.
The stand-out feature and one that becomes instantly obvious is the “cage” at the transom. This optional extra closes in the duckboard area on each side of the outboard at the rear. It’s an area otherwise used to board and disembark, and that’s about it. Now, with the addition of a rail, anyone can comfortable fish in this area. It opens up more space and it’s space that’s out of the way of others in the cockpit area. It’s ideal for flinging lures around, etc. It’s also a safe place for kids to go and fish.
Moving slightly forward and Formosa offers four configurations of its Active Transom.
Depending on hull size, you can have no door, single door (standard), dual doors or with a transom that fully folds down into the hull completely opening the rear.
This particular boat has the aforementioned rails on each side, plus walk-thru doors on each side and a neat bait station area. There’s a cutting board and extra storage along the rear and underneath the board for pliers, knives etc. The plumbed livewell sits underneath the cutting board. There are also rod holders at the rear of the bait station. It’s a neat bait station that fits a lot into a small area and doesn’t impeded on the cockpit. There’s also a fold down seat in front.
Moving forward and there’s a large kill tank that’s welded in and drain plumbed to transom. It’s a decent size for the type of fish you’d want to chase from this style of boat.
Another handy feature and one that makes it a stable boat with great performance is the Quad4 Ballast system. It’s and option available on all Formosa hulls and includes 4 tubes (2 each side of the keel) that flood with water at rest and offer counterbalance weight to combat keel roll from wave and internal movement.
It’s different from a traditional ballast that adds water to the keel area only. The Quad4 offers counterbalance. Even without Quad4, the wide hull and generous reverse chine and chine extrusion would offer good stability at rest.
For more information: www.formosamarineboats.com.au.
