2022 Impact Boats 7.3 FO teased
Impact Boats adds a cuddy-cab fishing boat to its line-upPlastic trailer boat specialist Impact Boats has teased the 7.3 FO, an all-new clean-lined cuddy-cab model featuring hardtop protection and a large cockpit with heaps of storage options.
The new model, aimed at the recreational fishing market, will sit between the Melbourne-based boat marker’s existing centre console models including the 6.0 HR and 8.0 HR work boats.
Impact also produces a 4.8 Punt, featuring a very shallow deadrise forward and using the same hardwearing and colourfast high-density polyethylene in its build as the other boats.
The Impact 7.3 FO is the first in the line-up to use a full-beam console. The skipper and crew seats are both built above what looks like removable iceboxes, while the skipper’s deep, flush dashboard has enough room for two large multifunction screens to sit beside each other.
Of note, the Impact 7.3 FO features minimalist styling with no visible features in the cockpit that would snag a line.
The Portofino-styled stern has a full-height transom with what appears to be a live bait tank built into one side, and a sliding access door on the other. Underneath, the boat appears to use Impact’s 22-degree-vee twin-stepped hull – it mixes air with the water running along the planing surfaces to reduce friction – as is used on existing models.
The concept boat is shown wearing twin outboard engines and a hardtop-mounted radome, hinting that this boat will be something of an offshore specialist. The larger 8.0 HR centre console also is fitted with twin outboard engines rated between 150hp and 250hp, suggesting the Impact 7.3 FO could gain a similar level of performance.
It also has a bait board with storage and rod holders, rocket launchers, an enclosed anchor locker, and a sliding cuddy cab door that will be handy for anyone with children or, if it is lockable, boaters who spend a lot of time tied up at a public jetty.
High-density polyethylene has several advantages over more traditional boat building materials such as fibreglass and aluminium in that it doesn’t need antifoul, has high impact resistance and is easily repaired.
Impact Boats said it was now taking orders for the new model. The company was asked for comment.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
