Freedom Angler 4.9

The days when practically every trailerboat on the water resembled a 'boy's only' fishing trip are gone forever. The rat-race has seen to that - leisure pursuits are now afforded far greater importance and time with the family has become a highly-valued commodity. This progression has lead to more family-oriented trips on the water - and not necessarily just to catch fish.

But surprisingly, there are relatively few economical trailerboats targeted at this user-group. Maybe that's why the popular Queensland-built Freedom range of boats is proving a winner for proprietor, Glen Grams.

PROVEN FORMULA
Freedom's formula with its latest model - the 4.9m Angler cuddy cab - is to targte first-time family boat buyers, with a practical package at a sensible price.

A boat of this length certainly has broad appeal, particularly to entry-level boat owners. The reason is that it presents plenty of options and doesn't really pose too many restrictions on day-to-day applications. Bay, estuary, river, freshwater and even a few of the closer reefs are all within the Freedom Angler's capability.

Its cuddy-cab format is intended primarily as a family boat - most suitably a young family with small children.

The cab provides adequate protection from the elements. There are no bunks, although there are a couple of cushions over small storage areas where kids can lie down if need be.

The cab isn't isolated from the helm area as there is no bulkhead. Thus, it's easy to get in and out of the cab, and there's good ventilation and a watchful eye can be kept on the kids.

Accessing the anchor well is also via the cab. The hatch is a good size and the well is directly in front. Adjacent to the well a bowsprit is standard, thus the anchor sits locked into position, ready to drop over. This system makes anchoring a breeze.

Two swivel seats are located behind the dash. You can sit quite comfortably on these while driving, or you can stand and drive without being crammed between the seat and the wheel. If you like to share the driving (and dad's often have no choice), there's sufficient room to put one of the littlies on your knees and allow them to take over the wheel.

For those more serious about fishing, there's room to mount a depthsounder on the dash.

The passenger side of the dash features a small well for odds and ends and a small lockable glovebox.

Sidepockets hold the majority of everyday items and are the most practical and readily accessible location for paddles, lifejackets, etc.

The transom set up Freedom boats range has always impressed me. Much thought has gone into the mould to present a very user-friendly area with moulded steps and grabrails. The objective is not just to create a step, but an easily accessible area to get in and out of the boat (if you are swimming) or even a comfortable seating position while having a bite to eat in still waters. The two-tier steps are situated at water level.

Obviously, a well-designed transom will be more regularly utilised. Running across the transom is a fold-down lounge, which acts as a cover for the aft bilge area when not in use. When the seat is up, you can slide under a few items (ie: tackle boxes, buckets, small Esky) so they don't clutter the deck.

NO SURPRISES
For a small cuddy-cab the ride of the Angler is quite good, and the fibreglass hull rides the chop nicely and throws up very little spray.

There are no surprises while driving the Angler. The wheel won't spin out of your hands, or the boat stand on end if you push the throttle down hard and fast.

At rest the stability is reasonably good as you move around, although there's some lean if you put too much weight on one side. From a boat manufacturer's perspective, this is difficult to overcome in a boat of this size as you don't have a heavy boat in the water with plenty of counterweight, or a big area underneath, to offer support. It's not a problem though, and you'll soon adapt to the hull moving below your feet.

The 60hp Mariner fitted to the boat delivered ample speed and performance. I would not advise too much horsepower on a boat of this size - especially when it is to be used by first-time boaties.

All that's required is enough neddies for the boat to get up and on the way without struggling, and to cruise along at a moderate and economical pace.

For many, too much speed or power can be frightening and deter usage. Remember, we are talking family boating here...

The boat has a smart, tidy appeal with contrasting striping and trims. Large four-cylinder family cars are capable of towing the rig, and it isn't difficult to handle at the ramp. In fact, one person can manoeuvre the Angler on and off the car and push it into the carport.

With the abovementioned 60hp Mariner two-stroke, the testboat retails for just under $20,000 including trailer, safety gear and on-water costs.

When you shop around for a fibreglass boat you'll notice there isn't much available in this price range, especially of Freedom Angler quality.