AMM 5200 Sea Class Centre Console: Fishing Boat Review

The Sea Class range from Australian Master Marine is a series of heavy-duty plate-alloy trailerboats available between 4.5 and 5.7m in length and with configurations spanning open tiller-steer through to centre cabin. For this review we have secured the 5200 Sea Class centre console powered by Suzuki’s evergreen DF140ATX four-stroke outboard.

OVERVIEW
- AMM expands small-boat range
Brisbane’s Australian Master Marine or AMM is one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of plate-alloy boats. For more than two decades this family-owned company has produced high-quality, full-plate boats, predominantly between 6.1 and 10.0m in length.

From time to time, AMM has dabbled in the production of smaller models, but until recently smaller boats have played second fiddle to AMM’s larger and very successful Tournament hardtop and Weekender models.

Customers have always been able to place a special order for smaller, completely custom built craft, but mainstream semi-productions models were off the table for the most part. This changed in 2015 with the introduction of the Sea Class range, a series of boats built around four hull sizes — including 4.5m, 4.9m, 5.2m, and 5.7m.

In addition to the four different hull lengths, the Sea Class boats can be ordered with open tiller-steer, side console, centre console, runabout, bowrider, and cuddy and centre cabin in the two larger size models.

All Sea Class boats are built with a minimum 4mm 5083 marine grade plate aluminium with sealed, welded checker-plate self-draining floors, heavy-duty box section underfloor stringer grid with full-length keel bar, 18 – 20 degree transom vee angles, built-in fuel tanks and foam flotation to Australia’s Basic Standard.

To date, the centre console Sea Class boats have proven the most popular. For this review we were offered the 5.2m model, powered by a Suzuki 140hp extra-longshaft four-stroke outboard.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Build your AMM Sea Class
AMM has introduced the Sea Class range as a semi-production series, but this applies only to the construction of the bare, unpainted alloy hull. For the hull only starting price of just over $18k, only the basics are included — such as the hull with rear pod transom and welded cockpit floor, casting platform in centre console, bow rails, cleats, anchor well, towing eyes, etc. Pretty much every thing else beyond that is an option, including the console itself in the centre and side console craft.

Having noted the above, AMM has a price sheet with a huge list of standard options, so buyers can pick and choose only what they want in their new Sea Class. With the cost of each option clearly itemised, calculating the final price of your boat build is easy.

What is not so easy is providing a "from" price for the test boat in this review. As a demonstrator the test rig was fitted with just about every single option available, lifting the price to an eye watering $89,855 when packaged with a Suzuki 140hp four-stroke outboard.

Ok, so $90k is a fair ask for a 5.2m boat — but it does include a range of high cost options — most notably the AMM Off Road trailer. Exchange the AMM trailer for a single-axle Redco braked trailer and you save around $14k. Lose the top of the range Furuno electronics and Minn Kota electric trolling motor (and accessories) and you save a further $10k. Don’t need paint? Save another $7k.

Already we are down to $58,855 and if you are circumspect with some of the other options, you could easily get the package price down to beneath $50k... and that’s without dropping back to a smaller outboard.

Or course, if you’re a cashed up buyer looking for the very best in plate alloy boats we doubt you’ll find a better package than this AMM Sea Class with the "works'. It’s a stunning craft, and with the level of gear and equipment fitted (including the awesomely tough Off Road trailer), it has the capability to fish pretty much anywhere – including remote locations in FNQ and the NT.

Some of the key features and equipment on the test rig we have yet to mention includes the lockable port side horizontal rod locker, Flowrite timer to the plumbed live bait tank, freshwater deck wash, spot lights, LED lighting, fuel tank upgrade to 200L (from 160), and a hull bottom upgrade from 4mm to a heavier 5mm plate alloy.

INTERIOR LAYOUT
- Tried and tested
There are no surprises with the interior layout. For smooth water lure casting, fly fishing, etc, the Sea Class test rig has an elevated casting platform forward, with a much deeper rear cockpit with high sides and wide coamings for offshore fishing.

There is provision on the carpeted forward deck to mount one of the two pedestal bucket chairs while underneath the deck is a spacious storage area along with a separate battery locker at the bow to run the optional Minn Kota electric trolling motor.

The anchor well is large and open, but could do with some carpet lining to dampen anchor clatter and rattle.

Upsized 32mm diameter tube bow rails (instead of the standard 25mm) surround the bow and there is a big, sturdy bollard aft of the anchor well and bowsprit.

The Sea Class models are available with three different width consoles — 600mm, 700mm, and 900mm. The test rig was fitted with the largest console, which is wide enough for two people to stand before the helm and remain well sheltered from the weather.

The console has lots of shelves for storage along with ample flat panel space around the steering wheel for switch panels and engine instrumentation.

There is also provision to mount a large single electronics display, such as the Furuno TZT2 12in fish finder/GPS fitted to the test rig.

Hand rails surround the console and there is a five-rod storage rod rack overhead.

As you would expect there are plenty of seating options, from single and dual pedestal-mounted bucket chairs through to the two-person width Evakool E140 ice box/bench seat with vinyl upholstered cushion.

As a helm seat the Evakool ice box does the job well enough, but the boat felt most comfortable to drive while standing with the steering wheel and binnacle-mount throttle close to hand.

In the rear cockpit of the test rig there were plenty of great fishing features, including an underfloor kill tank, six in-deck welded rod holders, starboard side live bait tank, port side lockable under-gunnel rod locker, freshwater deck wash, removable bait board, 655mm cockpit freeboard, elevated side pockets, and 235mm wide side coamings.

For servicing and maintenance there is excellent access to the elevated batteries, bilge/bait pumps and associated plumbing and wiring behind two large Sopac hatches at the transom.

ON THE WATER
- 5mm hull for bullet-proof durability and a super soft ride
The Sea Class 5200 comes standard with a 4mm hull bottom and topsides, but the hull bottom can be upgraded to 5mm. The test boat was optioned accordingly, and this heavier gauge alloy combines with the sharp vee entry and aggressive 20 degree deadrise to provide a very soft, comfortable ride.

There are no spray chines or lifting strakes in the AMM hull and this also contributes to the hull’s excellent ride and performance in chop and swell.

With such a deep vee you might expect the hull to be a tad tender at rest, but it is actually very solid, no doubt due to the wide, 2.25m maximum beam and the flattened, reversed angle chines.

Underway the test rig was also reasonably dry, easy to handle, maneuverable and sure-footed in a following sea.

There is plenty of buoyancy in the stern of the boat to carry large outboard engines up to 150hp or a maximum weight of 228kg.

Our test rig was fitted with Suzuki’s wonderfully smooth, light weight 140hp four-stroke in the extra-longshaft (25in) configuration.

With close to the maximum power fitted, the test boat was understandably fast, winding out to a top speed of 35.8 knots at 6,200 rpm.

Through the low and middle rpm range there was no shortage of power or acceleration even with full fuel, a heap of gear and two adults onboard.

VERDICT
- The ultimate console sport fisher for outback adventure angling
Australian Master Marine has built many superb fishing craft over the years and this new Sea Class 5200 centre console is another beauty — particularly when packaged with the company’s awesome off road trailer.

Sure, the package price as tested is expensive, but with that over-built beast of a trailer underneath it, the Sea Class 5200 is tough enough for long-range barra fishing trips to the most remote and rugged parts of Australia. When do we leave!

LIKES
>> Heavy-duty plate-alloy construction
>> Excellent ride and performance
>> Super heavy-duty off-road alloy trailer
>> Great fishing fit-out
>> Versatile size

NOT SO MUCH
>> High price with all the good gear fitted

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.76/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.9/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.8/5.0
On the water Performance: 4.8/5.0
Value for money: 4.5/5.0
X-factor: 4.8/5.0

PERFORMANCE
3.4kts (6.3km/h) @ 1000rpm
4.3kts (7.9km/h) @ 1500rpm
5.6kts (10.4km/h) @ 2000rpm
7.0kts (12.9km/h) @ 2500rpm
8.0kts (14.8km/h) @ 3000rpm
12.3kts (22.7km/h) @ 3500rpm
19.4kts (35.9km/h) @ 4000rpm
22.5kts (42km/h) @ 4500rpm
26.0kts (48.2km/h) @ 5000rpm
33.4kts (61.8km/h) @ 5500rpm
35.8kts (66.2km/h) @ 6000rpm (WOT)

Specifications: AMM 5200 Sea Class Centre Console
Price: $89,855 including 140hp Suzuki extra-longshaft (25in) four-stroke outboard, AMM Off Road alloy drive-on trailer, hydraulic steering, Icom VHF radio, Furuno TZT21 12in Fish Finder/GPS (including map), upgrade to dual batteries, live bait tank with Flowrite timer, freshwater deck wash with 40L tank, rod-locker, plumbed kill tank, Satin black coloured topsides with white deck, Minn Kota 24 volt, 80lb thrust bow-mount electric trolling motor with mounting bracket, bilge pump, baitboard/cleaning tray with five rod holders plus drink holders, six welded in-deck rod holders, Evakool E140 ice box/helm seat, internal plus external LED lighting, upgrade to 5mm hull bottom, lift-out, removable forward console pedestal seating, and a port side transom door.

Priced from: $55,645 as tested but for an unpainted hull, no electronics or electric trolling motor, standard raw water deck wash, no spot lights or rod locker, standard 4mm hull bottom, single battery, and a standard Redco single axle braked trailer (in place of the AMM off-road trailer).

Length overall: 5.6m
Hull length: 5.2m
Beam: 2.25m
Hull weight: Approx. 1,200kg
Towing weight: Approx. 1,880kg
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Bottom alloy: 5mm (upgraded from 4mm)
Topside alloy: 4mm
Cockpit floor alloy: 3mm
Maximum power: 150hp
Maximum engine weight: 228kg
Engine as tested: Suzuki 140hp four-stroke
Fuel: 200 litres (upgraded from 160)
Maximum Persons: Six

Supplied by:
Australian Master Marine
234 Leitchs Road
Brendale QLD 4500
Phone: (07) 3889 7380.
Email: info@australianmastermarine.com.au
Website:
www.australianmastermarine.com.au.