Edencraft 6M Offshore: Review

The Edencraft 6M Offshore with twin 140hp Suzuki 4Strokes balances power and range with comfort in just about any offshore conditions to run with the largest of trailerboats out wide and on The Shelf. But this fully loaded $165k test rig really was an exception dreamboat in Edencraft.

OVERVIEW
- One of the most loaded 6m Edencraft around
Built in Newtown near Geelong in Victoria, the new Edencraft 6M Offshore underwent a design change from its predecessors. The running surface has been extended under the pod to give the boat added buoyancy and greater flexibility with the power options, specifically twin outboards.

Our test boat made full use of this hull modification to mount a pair of 140hp Suzuki outboards on the tail. The 6m boat was also fully tricked out, with a carbon fibre wave-breaker protecting an amazing arsenal of electronics.

The review day was the boat’s first sea trial for its owner Matt, who was grinning ear-to-ear after sighting his finished boat for the first time. This was an aspirational boat he had always wanted after owning several other hulls in the 5.8-6m size class.  Evidently, Matt broke a few of those lesser boats so, as he stated, he went “all out” this time.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- A loaded boat with all the goodies and a big ticket
Built to survey standard fit up with the electronics and plumbing, the loaded rig was priced at $165,000 with twin Suzuki 140hp counter-rotating engines and Easytow trailer (model SA6.5).

There were twin Simrad NSS12 EVO2s, 4G radar and autopilot, Lone Star anchor winch, Lenco trim tabs, VHF w/AIS, sound system, LED underwater lights, LED transom lights, stainless steel rocket launcher and snapper package, bimini and clears.

That’s a big ticket but owner Matt didn’t hold back with his dream 6M. That said, you can get afloat on an Edencraft 6m Offshore with a single 225hp for about $100k we’re told. But not many trailerboat fishos go with budget options with new Edencraft, as they are considered the ultimate rigs for educated and experienced fishos who have tried other production craft.

DECKS AND LAYOUT
- Snapper and ‘barrels’ in any weather
This boat was decked out for snapper fishing with an aggressive array of snapper racks wrapped around the deck, effectively using all the available gunwale space. But you can switch to game-fishing mode in a matter of minutes, using the rod holders in their well-considered locations and the smartly located recessed tuna tubes at short notice.

When it’s time to boat a big tuna, or of you are a spearo or diver, the boat has a dive door which will makes life easy. Outriggers are installed and sit in the Relax rigger bases; there is a large kill tank for the fish harvest; and plenty of room left over for fighting big fish.

The tops of the gunnels are wide, allowing crew to rest in comfort ,and there is ample freeboard amidships of 770mm tapering to 670mm at the rear corners. So you can work the deck safety even if conditions are ordinary out wide.

But to me a clear point of difference is the open deck space in this 6M Offshore, which means that 3-4 people can fish and move about comfortably without any drama. It’s a big little boat.

HULL AND ENGINEERING
- Tough construction for tough applications
A Matrix build system with fibreglass floor and boxed stringers, and a hand-laid build process comprising biaxial cloth, woven roving and composite glass, create the renowned and tough Edencraft hulls.

The layup is infused with fire retardant, while closed cell foam under the floor gives the hull positive buoyancy. Edencraft offers MSV survey build certification as an option for charter operators, commercials and enthusiasts.

Batteries were stored above the floor, recessed into transom storage lockers on each side, a deck-wash and bait station were included with the live well position in the middle of the transom.

You didn’t need to look or stretch too hard to place a hand on all the gear in the overbuilt side pockets flanking the hull, which also let fishos lock in their feet and go hard on the rod or gaff.

A peak into the cabin and the wiring fit up by the dealer Davey Marine at Pakenham was a work of art and simply “A” grade.

The electronics package fitted to this boat meant that a transom mounted 1kW transducer was installed with a stainless guard placement between the twin outboards. It’s the first I have seen like this (refer to image).  

Meantime, the deep vee, substantial hull weight and draft of 0.35m means you should avoid shallow ramps and, most definitely, have a large 4WD as your tow tug.

ON THE WATER
- Improved performance with new hull
The new 6M Offshore with increased waterline improves buoyancy to ensure the twin outboard set-up isn’t bum heavy. The 22 degree deadrise and flared bow create and a smooth and dry boat. All this is a given, but the boat obviously needs horsepower as its no light weight.

Built as solid as it is, a single rig would need 250hp minimum in my book. The rig we have here with the maximum twin 140hp Suzuki engines was extremely well balanced and surefooted. During its maiden sea trial, the Edencraft showed all the anticipated characteristics as you would expect — it was stable and predictable, very much point and shoot, ploughing through wake or chop without getting offline or laying-in.

I attribute these good manners also to the fact the Suzuki twins act like twin rails, propelling the hull through the water and keeping it upright when coming off or down a wave. The landings when were soft and quiet and this instils great confidence, while the spray is cast aside and pushed away without any fuss.

The engines’ limited out at 6000rpm WOT for 75km/h top speed or 40.5 knots with three on board. The boat wasted no time hitting this mark, but with a prop change more speed is no doubt possible.

The driving position with the twin binnacle throttle being positioned forward of the steering wheel did feel odd initially, as it is not this reviewer’s ideal set up with regard to hand positioning while driving. But there isn’t a lot of room to mount the throttles elsewhere.

The boat is tough and hard to see it blinking no matter what is thrown at it.     

VERDICT
- The 6M Offshore is nimble and rock solid
The ride is just excellent and it’s hard to know how Edencraft could improve the performance of this twin rig. But for my money, the dash layout could do with modernising, as today’s fisho demands twin screens and other display gauges. A configuration that can recess more gear would see more boxes ticked.  

Either way, Edencraft command a lot of respect and the resale value of the 6M Offshore will be very good. But there aren’t too many second-hand on the market, with a decent wait for a new boat as well.  

With a hankering for speed, the owner may well reprop. As we dove it, the 6m Edencraft with twin 140hp Suzukis was still a real Zinger. You’ll have to look hard to catch the hot rig flying along in its home water off Lakes Entrance in Eastern Victoria en route to some big snapper and offshore pelagics.

LIKES    
>> Handling as the twin rig set up takes performance to another level for a 6M
>> Build and overall finish excellent                                                        
>> Loads of usable deck space                                                                                  
>> Electronics package fitted added to the X factor
    
NOT SO MUCH
>> Dash layout could be modernised to allow all electronics to be flush-mounted
>> Cabin aesthetically resembles more a work boat despite it being in demand by rec fisherman      
>> Access to the dive door required a stainless screw to be removed (time consuming) from snapper rack frame above

RATINGS
Overall rating: 92/100
Mechanical/equipment: 5/5
Packaging and practicality: 4.5/5.0
On the water Performance: 5/5
Value for money: 4/5.0
X-factor: 4.5/5.0

Specifications: Edencraft 6M Offshore
Price as Tested: $165,000.00 with twin Suzuki 140hp counter-rotating engines, Easytow trailer model SA6.5, Simrad NSS12 EVO2 x 2, 4G radar and Autopilot, Lone Star anchor winch, Lenco trim tabs, VHF w/AIS, sound system, LED underwater lights, LED transom lights, stainless steel rocket launcher and snapper package, bimini and clears, survey standard fit up (electronics and plumbing)
Priced From: About $100K

LOA (standard): 6.20m
Beam: 2.40m
Weight: 1100kg dry, hull only
Maximum Horsepower: 300hp (224 kW), 2 x 140hp
Minimum Horsepower: 225hp (168 kW), 1 x 225hp
Dead rise at Transom:  22 degrees
Fuel Capacity: 280lt
Bridge Clearance with (on trailer): 3360mm
Engines: Twin 140hp Suzuki 4Stroke
Hull Draft: 0.35m
Cockpit Area: 6sq m
Warranty: 5 years (structural)

Supplied by:
Davey Marine
Factory 2, 100 Bald Hill Road
Pakenham, Victoria 3810
Phone: 1300 262 883
Email: info@daveymarine.com.au

More at Edencraft.