Black Watch 30 Express

It's been some time since we've seen a 30 Express roll off the Black Watch production line. This is a shame in a way, as many regard this pocket-sized sportsfisher as the quintessential light-tackle gamefishing boat.

The 30 Express was one of the original Black Watch models produced in Australia by the company's first owners after they imported the hull from the United States back in 1989.

From 1989 to 1997 the 30 Express steadily rolled off the line but never really gained in popularity. Subsequently the Express moulds have been moth-balled since '97, but a recent resurgence of customers wanting Express-style boats has seen them dusted off and back in production.

Most of the interest in the 30 Express has come from Japan and the United States where the Express is king, however, there is also a local following of hardcore anglers who love the economy and versatility of this style of boat.

BOUND FOR JAPAN
The 30 Express we tested on this occasion was indeed bound for Japan and was specifically configured to satisfy the requirements of that particular customer. The cabin especially included modifications that are quite different from the standard spec.

For instance, the cabin on the testboat was fitted with two Pullman berths above the main V-berth so the boat could sleep four anglers. The installation of these bunk beds meant the galley and the head had to be reduced in size.

Personally I don't think anyone should expect a 30 Express to sleep four people. This is a dayboat and therefore even a V-berth, galley and head could be considered luxuries.

The testboat featured a drop-down dinette in the V-berth which converts it to a double bed. There is storage below the V-berth and a large overhead hatch for natural light and ventilation.

A small galley is located on the port side, aft of the V-berth. Features include a small sink with freshwater faucet, microwave oven, single-burner cooktop and 12/240-volt refrigerator. More bench and cupboard space is reportedly provided on the standard model.

Opposite the galley on the starboard side is a compact bathroom which I'd describe as pokey. Still, it did offer all the essential amenities including electric toilet, shower, storage compartment and ventilation. Again, the standard boat is reported to feature a larger bathroom than that of the testboat.

RAISED HELM
Three steps up from the cabin through a lockable sliding door and you find yourself on deck, adjacent to the helm. While there is no bridgedeck as such, both helm and passenger positions are slightly raised which does aid vision.

A low-profile windscreen certainly looks the part, however a gap between the dash and the windscreen looks suspiciously like a spot where small items could be lost forever. Clears offer the necessary protection and provide good vision while standing at the helm, however vision for the seated helmsman is poor.

The dash layout is stylish but there is only room to mount smaller electronics that are longer than they are high.

The smaller Furuno and Simrad units should fit ok, but don't think you're going to install a couple of 10in screens.

Dual lever controls were also fitted at the request of the Japanese. I'd get rid of them and put a set of singles there, quick smart. Trim tab and windlass controls are located adjacent to the throttles to starboard.

The helmseat is fixed to the engine box and cannot swivel. I'd find this very annoying if doing a lot of trolling, as you can't swivel between looking at your electronics and looking at your wake.

EASY ENGINE ACCESS
Each engine box can be opened individually, which works better than most bridgedecks where the whole helm area has to be raised to access the engines. Iceboxes with overboard drains are incorporated above each engine box, as are aft-facing bench seats which are ideal spots to sit back and watch the lures.

The teak-laid cockpit continues at the same level right through to the cabin between the two engine boxes.

This concerns me a little, especially if you are planning on backing down hard on a hot-to-trot billfish. Any water entering the cockpit could potentially end up against the cabin bulkhead. I'd like to see a step-up of some description separating the cockpit from the helm area.

The cockpit itself is absolutely huge for a 30-footer, and you would have no trouble swinging a chair if you decided to do a bit of heavy-tackle fishing. Cockpit padding surrounds the cockpit and an enormous livewell is incorporated in the transom. A saltwater deckwash is standard while an optional freshwater shower was fitted on the port side. An outward opening transom door and heavy-duty cleats are standard, just in case you need to boat that fish of a lifetime.

Below the cockpit sole are two large hatches with removable fish boxes, another livewell and access hatches to all steering gear etc. The testboat was fitted with teak covering boards, which also featured four heavy-duty rodholders.

TIDY TOWER
The stainless steel tower on the testboat was built in-house by Deep-Vee Marine and compliments the 30 hull nicely.

If polishing stainless isn't your cup pf tea, you could also opt for a sexy anodised aluminium number from Black Marlin Towers.

The hardtop on the 30 Express forms the floor for the hardtop, which is the way I like it. Any taller, and your centre of gravity becomes too high on a little boat like this. Even though you're only a few feet higher, it's amazing how much better the vision is from up there.

Access to the tower is ok, although it could probably do with a little more angle. The tower floor is carpeted and a small bimini provides minimal protection from the sun. Some may consider applying clears to the tower, however most like the wind in the hair while scanning the horizon for signs of life.

A small bench seat is provided for the helmsman in the tower, which is at a reasonable height. I would like to see the padded railings extended so you can tuck yourself in the forward corner of the tower and still watch your pattern.

The dash in the tower features a steering wheel, dual-lever controls, speedo, tacho and trim tab switches, however there is limited space for installing flush-mounted electronics.

A five-pot rocket launcher is mounted on the aft edge of the tower for storing rods while underway.

ENGINE UPGRADE
The testboat had an engine upgrade from the 230hp four-cylinder to the 300hp six-cylinder Yanmars diesels.

This powerplant provided a top speed of 31kt at 4000rpm, while cruise revs of 3600rpm still resulted in a sprightly 28kt.

Of course the boat was travelling very light, so expect a small decrease in speed once fully loaded.

As we punched our way out through the Gold Coast seaway into 25kt of breeze, I was very impressed with the ride. Bring the bow down with the tabs and the little Express just ploughed away putting that deep forefoot to good use and shedding the spray far and wide.

The only time we copped a bit of spray was when I backed off the revs slightly to pull into a hard turn. Running down sea is where the Black Watch hulls shine. Just give them a bit of trim and go for it. They really are amazing hulls and indeed defy their length at times.

It's nice to see the Black Watch 30 Express back in production and with Deep Vee Marine's constant R&D, there is no doubt that they will make each boat even better.

Although Japan and the USA are fulfilling most of the 30 Express orders, I reckon it's an ideal dayboat for running out of ports like Mooloolaba, Townsville, Broome or Port Stephens, just to name a few. Not to mention all those fantastic overseas ports that are blessed with calm seas and great fishing close to shore.

How good would a 30 Express be in Guatemala or Costa Rica where you have to chase down 50 sails a day?

Who knows, the 30 Black Watch may just be the ideal replacement for all those tiring 31 Bertrams out there.