2021 Haines Signature 640SF revealed in centre, side console

The new Haines Signature models enlarge the Queensland-based boat maker's trailerable fishing boat range, providing anglers with two terrific new platforms made for the pursuit of everything from mackerel to marlin.

Haines Signature's new 640SF models were on display at the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, but the official reveal and media launch was staged on the Gold Coast last week.

Haines Signature managing director John Haines hosted the launch at the Southport Yacht Club, before taking to the Gold Coast Broadwater and offshore for sea trials.

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Two boats were made available; a tricked-out Haines Signature 640SF centre console fitted with a 225hp Mercury V6 outboard engine, and a more modestly outfitted side console boat paired with a 200hp Suzuki inline four-cylinder outboard engine.

A third boat, a 225hp Yamaha-equipped 640SF centre console on display at the Sanctury Cove show that also featured a T-top, was not ready to hit the water in time for last week's launch.

Haines Signature has long been recognised for producing first-class fishing half cabin boats, but relatively few open boats have made it into the range.

Key console models have included the 542 Centre Console from the early 2000s, along with the current model 543SF side console and the big 788SF range-topper we tested back in 2018.

Given the relative dearth of open fishing boats, I suspect anglers will welcome the new model releases with open arms, as the new Haines Signature 640SF console boats neatly fill the size gap between the popular 543F and the flagship 788SF.

The Haines Group has launched two open console boats on the 640SF SVDH variable deadrise hull platform to cater for different angling activities.

That said, but for the shape, size and position of the helm console driving position, the two boats are identical.

The 640SF centre console will likely appeal to offshore anglers. The dual width centre-mounted console, with its high, protective windshield and port-side offset tilt-adjust steering wheel and controls, allows two people to stand comfortably at the helm, nicely sheltered from the wind and spray.

With this centre console model, most buyers will add a soft-top bimini or hardtop to further shield the helm from the weather.

The centre console module is a substantial unit, blacked-out to reduce sun glare, and with a fascia panel above the steering wheel big enough to take a massive 19-inch multifunction display or a pair of 12-inch screens.

The console also has surrounding grabs rails, a moulded footrest, cup and phone holders, and a side accessed storage/battery locker.

The front fascia on the console hinges forward to give access to wiring and to make it easier to install electronics gear.

A dual-width alloy framed bench seat comes standard in the centre console boat, but there is the option for a pair of pedestal bucket chairs.

Of the two console boats on offer, the side console Haines Signature 640SF has the most open deck fishing space by a fair margin.

The starboard offset console is relatively small, catering for the skipper only to open up the entire centre and port side of the boat for fishing.

There are no such restrictions in the side console model as the deck is wide open. In contrast, you have to work your way around the centre console to move back and forth from the bow to the stern.

There is a substantial 2.54 metres of space on both boats between the front and rear casting platforms, but movement is more limited in the centre console version.

Having noted the above, the side console helm station is a much simpler affair; there is space for a decent-sized electronics display, but the fascia panel is smaller and the low-set windshield does not provide the same level of weather protection.

But that's why Haines Signature has launched two different models. Horses for courses.

The centre console model has the shelter/protection required for regular wide offshore fishing, while the side console boat has the large open deck needed for a bay, impoundment, or NT/FNQ barra fishing platform.

The two new Haines Signatures are excellent fishing boats, laden with good gear and equipment.

Both boats have a 1.7-metre-long elevated casting deck at the bow with dry storage lockers underneath for safety gear and clothing, plus an insulated kill tank for keeping your catch fresh.

Further forward is a large anchor well with bow roller and pop-up cleats.

A second, shorter casting platform is situated aft, ahead of the compact, space-saver outboard well with flanking boarding platforms.

To starboard beneath the aft platform is a circular-shaped plumbed live well with a viewing window. A battery/bilge access locker is on the port side.

Other features include wide side decks with four included stainless steel rod holders, a five-rod vertical rod rack, pop-up cleats, raw-water deck wash, full-length cockpit side pockets with horizontal rod storage racks, and a 300L sub-floor fuel tank.

Impressively, the Haines Signature 640SF twins also come with an electronics suite that includes a Simrad G07 XSR multifunction display with 3-in-1 transducer and C-Map charts, Simrad RS20s VHF radio, JL Audio MM50 Bluetooth stereo with speakers, 12-volt socket, USB ports, and a ScanStrut ROKK wireless smartphone charging cradle.

Both test boats were optioned with a trolling motor plate (with Motorguide trolling motor on the centre console), bow rails, black powder-coating to rails, gas-strut forward hatch lids, aft corner cushions, custom deck and upholstery colours, padded coaming bolsters, and Signature's own X-deck foam rubber flooring in place of the standard non-slip gelcoat finish.

Our time with Haines Signature's two new fishing weapons was limited, but we were able to venture offshore to check the ride and handling of these deep-vee monohulls.

As expected, the 640SF is supremely soft riding at sea, the renowned SVDH variable deadrise, concave hull bottom taking everything easily in its stride.

The 2.43-metre-wide, 21-33 degree deadrise vee hull is not just soft riding, but stable and dry. Conditions were admittedly mild, but we put the boats through their paces outside of the Gold Coast seaway and remained comfortable and dry throughout.

Both boats performed well with their respective outboard engines. The 225hp Mercury-engined centre console edged the side console boat for top speed, but the latter was no slouch, topping out at 40 knots with the smaller 200hp Suzuki outboard engine on the transom.

The Haines Signature 640SF twins are welcome additions to the trailerable open fishing boat market.

These Australian-made boats have the quality, features and fit-out to compete, perhaps even best similar models from rival offshore brands

Look for detailed pricing and performance data in our full review of one of these fine craft in coming weeks.

In the meantime, check with your local Haines Signature dealer for further information and availability.