All-new alloy boat brand Gulf Runner launches

Ordered as turn-key boats via the retailer’s “super stores” that will have the floor space to show them, the 2022 Gulf Runner family of boats will be available as complete boat, motor and trailer packages and exclusively featuring Yamaha outboard engines.

Merlin Marine, an offshoot of long-established Australian boat maker Stessco that also produces the Anglapro range of alloy boats, will build a range of fishing and recreational models in centre console, side console, and tiller steer configurations. 

Merlin Marine said the Gulf Runner name, formerly used for a Stessco-built side console boat that was dropped from showrooms in 2019, was now back as an all-new 18-model range, featuring multiple console designs, as well as robust car toppers and dinghies. 

Merlin Marine and Leisure managing director Donovan Weeks said he was proud to see the Gulf Runner name back on the water.

“Originally designed and built to be robust, these boats were designed to withstand the hardcore environments of the Gulf region, quickly earning a reputation of being almost unbreakable,” Weeks said.

“The Gulf Runner’s design and build philosophy of tough boats for tough Australian conditions remain, but now Gulf Runner is a brand in its own right.” 

The Gulf Runner range will start with the $3299 330CT Car Topper and end with the flagship Yamaha F150-powered 590FC Fishing Cuddy Cabin.

According to Merlin, the boats have been designed and built to perfectly match the performance of the Yamaha outboard engines that will power them. 

The boats will all also pay homage to the Queensland town of 1770, renowned for its appeal to serious anglers.

“The graphics chosen for the relaunch of the Gulf Runner range pay homage to a fishing location sacred to those who venture north in pursuit of a big catch,” Merlin said. 

“Seventeen Seventy, also known as the town of 1770, is a coastal town on Queensland’s Discovery Coast, legendary for its fishing habitat.

“Leisure and fishing are the two wrap variations that display the geographical coordinates of Seventeen Seventy.

“All Gulf Runner models five metres and above will feature a full boat wrap displaying the eye-catching 1770 graphics.

“The wrap, with its striking geographic marking, bright blue block colour, and GR logo will make the Gulf Runner range instantly recognisable.”

Merlin said every boat from the Heavy Duty 420 upward will be made using 3.0mm

and 4.0mm aluminium with a fully welded construction, “delivering an exceptional level of engineering”. 

“Even the smaller GR Car Toppers are built tough, featuring welded-in seats, one of the only boats in their class to have this design element,” Merlin said.

Not all models are yet listed on the Anaconda website, which will initially offer the Gulf Runner line-up via its Chullora, NSW superstore. The boats will sit on Dunbier galvanised trailers.

Merlin Marine and Yamaha warranties will apply to all the boats sold via Anaconda.

2022 Gulf Runner line-up*