Ally Craft 4.55m Bay Raider

Over the last two years or so, Ally Craft Aluminium Boats has been working hard to upgrade its craft. Indeed, as well as thoroughly revamping several of its existing models, the Labrador (Qld) company has been steadily building the number of boats in its range.

One of the most recent additions is the 4.55m Bay Raider - a conventional runabout that is pitched slap bang in the middle of Australian boating's most popular trailerboat size range.

It's no coincidence that 4.5m is a magic mark for this style of boat. It's this size that gets more families into boating than any other. While at home running around the estuaries and rivers, the 4.5m can also head out into the bay and on good days, out to some of the inshore reefs.

And all without being too big or unwieldy when it comes time to load and unload at the local ramp.

HANDLE WITH FLAIR
I'm pleased to be able to report that unlike some craft this size, the Bay Raider handles modest choppy conditions with aplomb. It also exhibits a ride which is smoother and more level than some of its opposition (indeed, flatter than some of Ally Craft's bigger boats, too).

Smooth water handling is a breeze and the craft offers good stability to ensure comfort for all onboard. Best of all, the Bay Raider 4.55's layout features a good open aft deck which allows enough room for budding and experienced anglers to fish.

We tested the Bay Raider on the Sunshine Coast and threw it at the Noosa River bar for good measure. Here we encountered a bit of sloppy water and a few little curly waves - nothing serious, but more than most anglers would encounter on a rough day out on the bay.

With the sea behind you the Bay Raider offers good control, though some of the bigger surges caused the boat to broach just a little. Heading into the waves, the level attitude of the Bay Raider handled the little breakers easily.

The runabout layout and optional overhead canopy kept us dry and out of the weather. The sides are not closed in, thus when quartering the sea on very windy days you should expect some spray to be blown back in. However, if you drive sensibly, you won't get too wet.

The Bay Raider's helm design enables you to drive the craft either standing or sitting. In calm conditions you'd most likely sit and drive, while in rough waters zipping the canopy open and standing makes it a lot easier to control the vessel and see what you are doing.

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
We tested the Bay Raider with Suncoast Marine's Glen Grams. A big fan of Honda four-strokes, there are no prizes for guessing which outboard Glen had matched to the Bay Raider.

Sometimes the choice of motor a dealer fits to a boat can be cause for concern. The engine may be a bit too small to ensure a more attractive package price, or in the case of four-stroke engines coupled with smaller alloy craft, the boat is not always suited to the extra weight.

However, the 40hp Honda Glen specified proved an ideal match and I would be hesitant to recommend any bigger. Indeed, a 50hp two-stroke would be about the limit, as the 4.55m Bay Raider is light, as mid-sized tinnies go.

Travelling long distances is not usually a priority in a boat this size, so speed shouldn't really be too much of a concern. Nonetheless, the 40hp Honda four-stroke pushes the boat along around the 60kmh mark.

As with most four-strokes, you shouldn't assume the boat will be quick off the mark. Instead, what you get is a nice even progression through the powerband from slow to fast.

Importantly there's no struggle to get the boat up and going, and you're not turning high revs to get any significant speed.

One of the big attractions of four-strokes, of course, is their quiet running and fuel savings. If you do a lot of fishing the money that you save in fuel and oil will make a big difference over the life of the motor.

The Honda also seems to start easily, whether hot or cold.

THE INSIDE STORY
As mentioned in our intro, the size and layout of the Bay Raider 4.55 makes it attractive to a wide variety of users. The rig is capable of being towed by a four-cylinder car and only needs one person to launch and retrieve it.

It is the type of boat that would be perfect for fishermen, retirees or a family. The ability to adapt to a variety of situations is the key to the success of this size boat. The price of around $16,000 doesn't hurt either!

Accommodation comprises two pedestal seats positioned behind the windscreen.

There is no sleeping room under the bow area - it has been set aside for storage space for tackle boxes, Eskies and tubs. The aft deck is clear and it's feasible to sit and fish in the shade of the canopy by simply pivoting in the helm chairs.

If you prefer to sit out in the open or require additional seating, there is an optional folding lounge across the transom. The lounge is comfortable, yet folds quickly and easily out of the way, making it a must for a family boat or for crews of more than two.

Long sidepockets offer good storage while bigger items can be slipped under the transom area or under the bow.

The aft section is a good clean work area with an outboard well and half-pod arrangement for the motor. The beam of 2.0m and side height of 1.13m gives you the feeling of being in a much bigger boat and adds a dimension of safety for young families.

Aside from the battery (and oil bottle in the case of two-strokes) on the rear shelf and whatever gear you put in the boat, the aft deck is clear and user-friendly.

The underfloor fuel tank of 50lt is quite adequate for a boat of this size, especially when matched with the four-stroke engine.

Ally Craft has picked up its act substantially over the last few years. The Bay Raider 4.55m has a much better finish than past models, and more thought has been given to the layout and end usage of the boat. The craft has a spacious feel and the handling of the hull, even in average conditions, will ensure that anglers get home safely without being bounced all over the ocean.

With a very competitive price, this rig is sure to take many more anglers and their families out on the water in the future.