Anglapro 374 Lite

Like the larger boats in the Anglapro range, the Lite series is manufactured for Anglapro by Queensland company Albo Marine. The latter is best known for its Stessco and 4-Seasons boat ranges.

The introduction of the three Lite models expands the Anglapro range to more than thirty models -- most of which are pressed-alloy boats with smooth topsides and a heavy-duty construction.

The Lite series are the smallest of the Anglapro models. For this test, we were able to secure the middle model, the 374 Lite coupled with the new Suzuki 15hp EFI manual-start outboard.

Standard features include two seat thwarts, rowlock holders, a double towing eye (so you can attach a safety chain), bow and stern carry handles, transducer bracket, and an anchor shelf under the foredeck.

Hull paint is one of a number of options available for the 374 Lite. Another is the carpeted plywood floor situated between the seats in the test boat. The flat floor is worth the additional $280 cost as it makes the boat much more user-friendly -- whether for fishing or when using the boat as a tender.

The seat thwarts in the Anglapro Lite are just about the biggest I have seen on a craft of this size. The thwarts are welded into position and contain enough foam to achieve a basic flotation standard -- so the boat will not sink when laden and submerged.

The 374 Lite can be car topped or trailered. With its 2.0mm hull bottom, 1.6mm clinker-panelled topsides, and hull weight of 106kg, it is a bit on the heavy side for car topping -- but the manufacturer has ensured that the carry handles at bow and stern sit flush with the deck so the boat can be slid along a roof-rack without obstruction.

The transom is well supported with V-shaped bracing and two diagonal supporting struts. Gussets in the transom corners provide additional reinforcement.

The 374 Lite is not an expensive boat. Packaged with a Suzuki 15hp two-stroke outboard and trailer, the standard boat is priced at just $6,839.

As tested, with the optional painted hull and floor, and fitted with the superb Suzuki 15hp EFI four-stroke and trailer, the price rises to $9,525.

After running the Suzuki I have to say that I would never go back to a two-stroke motor -- even on a lightweight package like the Anglapro 374. The four-stroke Suzuki is now within 6-8kg of a two-stroke in weight, and far more user-friendly. The engine starts first time, runs smoothly and efficiently, and there’s no smoke and no annoying rattle or vibration at idle and low rpm speeds.

The Suzuki DF15A is the perfect motor for the Anglapro 374 Lite. With just the writer onboard, the test rig achieved a credible top speed of 21.4 knots. More weight onboard would slow the boat down a little, but 15hp is still ample for this craft as it accelerated quickly and strongly from idle through to wide open throttle.

The new Lite series models are true to this design philosophy. With a V-nose punt style layout, the 374 test model was stable, dry and comfortable in smooth waters.

As with any lightweight, relatively flat-bottomed hull, the 374 Lite is a bit bumpy in choppy water -- but I would rate it better than many competitor models with regard to quality of ride.

Underway, the 374 Lite is easy to handle and predictable. The fore and aft balance is excellent and through turns it sits quite flat. It is stable at rest and underway.

It compares favourably with competitor models in both fit-out and performance and with the new Suzuki DF15A EFI four-stroke on the transom, the 374 Lite is a ripper little package for smooth-water boating.