Blue Fin Barracuda 480

Available in 4.5, 4.8 and 5.2m lengths, the new Limited Edition Barracudas have a number of features over the standard models. They have also been upgraded with Blue Fin’s latest 4mm EZIRIDE hull bottom -- which is said to be softer riding and drier than its predecessor.

During the unveiling of the new Blue Fin Barracudas on the Gold Coast recently, we were able to sample the mid-sized model, the Barracuda 480 coupled with a Mercury 90hp EFI four-stroke motor.

Features common to both include, but are not limited to a side console with wrap around screen, an elevated casting platform with underfloor storage lockers, a large polyethylene anchor well, side and bow rails, cockpit side-storage pockets, transducer bracket, transom ladder, carpeted floors and hatches throughout, 85-litre underfloor fuel tank, 800gph automatic bilge pump, two folding seats with four in-floor socket locations, underfloor flotation (to basic standard) and navigation and cockpit lights.

With the above features a standard 480 Blue Fin Barracuda is excellent value at just $28,300 packaged with a Mercury 75hp EFI four-stroke motor, Dunbier single axle braked trailer, Fusion RA50 Audio system, boat and trailer registrations and an inshore safety gear pack.

The features unique to the new Limited Edition Barracudas include a 4.0mm hull bottom upgrade, newly-designed bait board with two rod holders, new console, Teleflex Xtreme mechanical steering, plumbed live bait tank, Humminbird 798Ci HD sounder/gps combination unit, True Marine IPOD Dock, raw water deck wash with pump, bow electric motor mount, two tone paint, and a Limited Edition badge numbering sequence.

With all of the above kit, along with an upgrade to the larger 90hp Mercury EFI four-stroke with hydraulic steering, and a custom vinyl hull wrap, the Limited Edition Barracuda 480 is priced at a very reasonable $38,400 at Nitro Marine on the Gold Coast.

The Barracuda on the other hand is much more of a cross-over boat. Its high topsides and ample interior freeboard (minimum of 580mm in the rear cockpit) make it suitable for light coastal offshore fishing in addition to roaming the bays and harbours. It’s a versatile, more general purpose design that is likely to appeal to a greater number of fishermen.

The Limited Edition Barracuda also has a much bigger side console unit which makes it easier to fit an array of electronics and engine instruments.

From a skippering point of view, the large helm console works a treat as it provides increased shelter from wind and spray. The steering wheel and throttle box are well positioned for a seated helmsman, though it is a bit of stretch to reach the throttle while standing up.

Teleflex Xtreme mechanical steering comes standard with the Limited Edition Barracuda, but the test boat was upgraded to hydraulic steering and it worked a treat. Whilst not necessary, hydraulic steering is an option I would prioritise.

Two comfortable folding (and lift-out) bucket seats are included in the standard package and you can move them around to four different positions, three in the rear cockpit and one up in the bow. If it was my boat, I would buy an extra seat so I could leave one up in the bow and two in the stern.

The casting deck forward is large at 1.72m long x 1.32m wide. It is elevated 260mm above the rear cockpit level and 335mm below the coamings and foredeck.

The two lockers under the casting deck are perfect for safety gear and clothing, etc. Both have a carpeted plywood false floor.

The rear cockpit is also a useful size at 2.35m x 1.78m wide. There is plenty of fishing space down the port side, but you are crimped for room over to starboard due to the size and position of the helm console and seat.

The battery box and master switch are also located on the starboard side -- on the floor beneath the rear starboard coaming. This position is less than ideal because it limits your foot-room when fishing over the stern and leaves the master switch exposed to the weather. I would have preferred to see both battery and switch mounted on a platform elevated off the floor for the protection of both -- and so you could have “toe-under” support when standing up against the transom wall.

I suspect part of the reason for the positioning of the battery box on the floor is that Blue Fin has fitted a raw water deck wash with the deck wash hose stowed on a removable shelf behind the battery. The hose is nicely tucked away – but this does leave the battery and switch in an exposed position.

Other design features of note include the provision of stern cleats and a bow bollard, a good size live bait tank recessed into the port size transom coaming, rear boarding ladder and platforms, a bilge access hatch, a ripper bait board that slots into a ski pole holder, 225mm wide side coamings, and above-floor cockpit side pockets.

The test boat was fitted with the maximum power and maximum weight outboard in the form of a wonderfully smooth Mercury 90hp EFI four-stroke. It's a great motor, but I think it is a bit on the heavy side for the Blue Fin Barracuda as the boat sits quite stern heavy with two adults in the rear seats.

I should stress that the weight is noticeable only when the boat is at rest and at displacement speeds. Once you get up on plane the hull balances nicely, runs flat and level, and responds superbly to the power trim button.

The performance of the boat/motor combination was excellent too. The test rig accelerated strongly through the mid range and achieved a high top speed of 38.3 knots with two adults on board.

In truth the Barracuda does not need a 90hp engine. Dropping back to a 70 or 75hp motor will result in a top speed in the low to mid 30 knot area which would be sufficient for most applications.

The 480 Barracuda we tested is arguably the pick of the trio of models because it is big, safe and seaworthy enough to fish coastal waters, yet small and light enough to hunt bream, bass and barra in inshore lakes, rivers and impoundments.

Priced from: $28,300 (Std model) with 75hp Mercury EFI four-stroke
Length: 4.80m
Beam: 2.15m
Hull weight: 400kg
Towing weight: Approx. 1000kg
Deadrise: Approx 15 degrees
Bottom alloy:  4.0mm
Topside alloy: 3.0mm
Maximum power: 90hp (with 4mm hull bottom)
Maximum engine weight: 181kg
Engine as tested: Mercury 90hp EFI four-stroke
Fuel: 85 litres
Maximum Persons: Five