Kevin Smith•12 Apr 2012

REVIEW

Formosa 550 Tomahawk Half Cab

For the family that likes the fishing life, this half cab is tough to beat.

LIKES

Spacious layout

Good fishability

Stable at rest

Easy access to everything

DISLIKES

No rodholders in the gunwales

Limited console space for electronics

OVERVIEW

- Half cabin for weather protection

I was really impressed with the Formosa Tomahawk 620 Centre Cab when I tested it several months ago. The centre-cabin design is great for serious fishos wanting the extra space created by the walkarounds. Indeed, the boat rates a great all-round fishing platform.

But what about those anglers looking for a bit more protection? I’m talking about those who are not quite as dedicated to walkaround fishability as others?

Formosa has the answer with the new Tomahawk 550 Half Cab — a quality plate-aluminium monohull boasting a number of features including super fishability, wider cab space, and a new look from a modern marine age.

LAYOUT AND ACCOMMODATION

- Fishing rig with greater family appeal

The half cab has ample shelter from the elements so it should happily cater for the kids or even mum if she wants a nap.

The half cab has a full bunk with the infill in place, or a mini lounge without it, and there’s storage beneath.

The console area is fitted with comfortable swivel seating on pedestal boxes, and is kept spacious and fully protected by the windscreen and bimini cover.

Depending on your height, the screen’s raked-back angle might be a tad on the close side if you're skippering in the stand-up position. Then again, if you happen to nose-butt it, you were probably driving like you stole it.

Behind the cabin, the cockpit widens to an open-plan fishing area. It’s nothing fancy but everything is in the right place, making it a neatly done and workable office.

The carpeted deck runs all the way to the stern, which has a fair-sized kill tank that can remain closed or be allowed to self-flood.

Another feature (one that always appeals to me on an offshore boat) is the self-draining deck. The gunwales are also nice and high, with built-in side pockets, and the transom section has the sturdy alloy baitboard/livewell system with mounted rodholders.

The layout is uncomplicated but has everything you need.

I personally prefer rod racks built under the gunwales rather than side pockets, but that applies to any boat. I suppose it’s just a matter of checking with the dealer to see if it can be done.

For the passengers, a rear three-quarter folding lounge comes as standard, as does a full boarding platform in the stern, with a dive ladder for easy access on and off the boat.

ON THE WATER

- 115hp Evinrude gives ample performance

The power behind the 550 was a 115hp Evinrude E-TEC with standard cable controls and hydraulic steering.

Many 5.5m boats can feel fairly small but in this case the Formosa is quite the opposite and I would even go so far as to call it a “large 5.5m boat”.

Still, when I first noticed the 115hp on the transom I was sceptical and thought it might have been rated with the minimum horsepower. However, I can tell you that when it came to winding it up offshore, there was no shortage of chemistry between the 5.5m hull and the motor.

The boat shot out of the hole to a top end of 35 knots (64.7kmh) at 5800rpm (with a consumption of 40 litres/hour — and don’t forget that’s flat out). By dropping the speed down to around 20 knots (36.9kmh) you’d almost halve consumption.

Stability is another notable characteristic of these boats, thanks to the decent beam and 17° deadrise.

There’s always a price to pay, or at least a compromise, when it comes to stability. That’s a reduction in ride quality compared to craft that have, say, a 21° deadrise. Nevertheless, in my opinion the 550’s still pretty good.

VERDICT

- An affordable crowd pleaser

These boats feature a high-tensile aluminium hull with 4mm bottom and sides, shaped and welded with modern lines and strength.

When it comes to combining fishing with family boating, these boats tick all the boxes in standard trim and can be transformed into whatever you want (or can afford) with a few smart accessories.

And the best bit? For what you start with I reckon the Formosa 550 Tomahawk Half Cab is good value for the money.

Specifications:

Price as tested: $52,970 including bimini and 115hp E-TEC upgrade

Length (overall): 5.7m

Beam: 2.45m

Freeboard: 670mm

Weight: 840kg (hull only)

Rec. max. HP: 140hp

People: 7

Fuel: 150lt

Engine: Evinrude E-TEC E115DSL

Supplied by:

Australian Marine Centre

3491 Pacific Highway

Springwood, Qld, 4127

Phone: (07) 3808 7333

Website: www.australianmarinecentre.com.au

Manufactured by:

Formosa Marine

3/1424 New Cleveland Rd

Capalaba West, Qld, 4157

Phone: (07) 3245 2950

Web: www.formosamarineboats.com.au

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Formosa 550 Tomahawk Half Cab

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