Haines Hunter 520CC Prowler

Invariably, in my position as a boat tester, discussion emerges with manufacturers and dealers on the suitability of different styles of boats - their layout and configuration, ie. centre console, runabout, cuddy, etc. What surfaces are likes and dislikes, and of course, the buying patterns of the Australian boating public.

On numerous occasions I have asked some of the leading fibreglass manufacturers why they haven't built a mid-size fibreglass centre console. Not too many have been forthcoming with answers and the fact of the matter is, until recently, there were few such craft available.

This still intrigues me as Haines Hunter's 445 and 565 were very popular in days past and still remain so... These 15 and 19-footers were the boat for keen sportsfishermen - they performed well and certainly looked the part during those formative sportsfishing years.

So popular are these boats still that it is rare for owners to sell them. And if they do, they are soon snapped up, especially if in reasonable condition.

During the '90s, there have been few fibreglass centre consoles available in the 4.5-6m range. Southwind is a notable exception with its UB range of longboats, and a number of specialist manufacturers are now starting to join the fray (see Longtom test this issue) but aluminium continues to dominate this marketplace. Indeed, scan any popular sportsfishing waterway and you'll likely notice dozens of alloy centre consoles, of all makes and models.

PRICE IS RIGHT
Price was probably the most significant reason for the imbalance between these two rival groups in the past. Also some of this discrepancy was artificial, as back then boat buyers tended to get a lot more standard equipment in a new fibreglass boat.

Now, given aluminium boats' gradual price rises and the trend these days to fully deck out tinnies with a long list of goodies (optional or otherwise) and it is no surprise to see this field opening back up to fibreglass boat manufacturers.

Haines Hunter's 520CC Prowler is a practical move back into this market at a time when it is it is not only die-hard anglers opting for a centre console. You see, in this day and age, more and more families are taking to the water in centre consoles and the like.

Indeed, although Haines Hunter's 520CC is primarily marketed as a fishing boat, its overall finish and features make this boat a little more comfortable, and therefore appealing, to the whole tribe.

There is little argument that the soft-rounded lines possible with a moulded fibreglass hull are not only attractive to the eye, but allow designers the ability to incorporate features in the make-up of the hull to deliver a softer, drier ride.

The Prowler makes the most of these and combines an aggressive hull shape with a touch of flair and a deep 21° deadrise - an attribute that contributes to the superb roughwater handling of Haines Hunter's boats.

In choppy conditions, you are always going to thump and bounce a bit in a boat of this size. But the severity of these bumps is what changes from boat-to-boat and make-to-make. The deep entry and fine vee of the 520's hull cuts nicely through the chop, with no worries about slamming hard into the next wave and drowning in the wall of water and spray that is pushed up in the process.

In a boat of this size, this makes a difference on days when you head out in the calm of the morning and are confronted with bigger seas and a long, rough trip on the way home.

I discovered the hull to be quite dry even though, as with every centre console, there will always be some wind-blown spray pushed back onto you.

POCKET ROCKET
The carbed Evinrude's 90hp V-four powering the Prowler certainly gives this boat some sting. (Note: OMC's line-up change now sees all carbed outboards marketed under the Johnson brand. Evinrude's 90/115hp V-four is now FICHT-equipped).

Little throttle work is needed and the torquey engine really gets the boat going with a minimum of fuss. There's little or no bow-high attitude and it lifts nicely out of the water and glides along on the plane.

You don't have to work the engine hard to get a decent speed out of the rig. Indeed, when you consider the boat has a maximum horsepower rating of 115hp and the 115hp Evinrude is basically the same engine and weight of the 90hp fitted, there is reasonable scope to make the 520 Prowler a swift little missile, indeed.

Hit the throttle and the boat is at full speed and powering down on top of those surface-feeding pelagics before they know what's happening. Just make sure the crew has hold of something solid as acceleration is such that you will sit them on their tails if they are not prepared.

At 460kg, the 520CC is heavy enough to remain stable and in the water at these faster speeds. There is no fear of the boat being flighty and hard to control. The ride is impressive and no doubt will be a selling point.

If there is a downside to centre consoles (aside from getting wet in windy conditions), it's commonly the lack of storage space around the boat. Not just areas to keep things dry, but somewhere to put all those odds and ends one tends to accumulate.

The 520CC's sidepockets start at the transom and continue forward to end in a small pocket across the bow. With the exception of the transom, this set-up gives you pockets virtually around the entire boat. Adding to the convenience rod and gaff racks have been fitted in the sidepockets.

This set-up should please most anglers. For a start there's always somewhere to drop that sinker or knife, without having to worry about it rolling around the floor. And due to the pockets' length you can store some fairly long rods in here - protected and out of the way.

Fly rods immediately spring to mind - these are fragile items and considering a reasonable one costs more than $500, the value of these holders becomes quite obvious. With the 520CC's set-up they can be stored and rigged up ready for action where they won't get damaged.

On top of the sidepockets, there are two large, dry storage areas on the boat - the centre console itself and a seat box on which the helm seat is mounted.

The console is unusual in one respect. There is no access into the centre console storage from the 'standard' position (below the steering wheel). Instead, the moulded front section of the console with its additional single bucket-style seat, tilts forward to give good, open access into a large storage area.

While not fitted to this particular rig, there's certainly space for an additional tackle hatch or similar on the helm side of the console in the abovementioned 'under the wheel' position.

Accommodation-wise, the helmsman is provided with a single-swivel pedestal seat - a welcome addition to this type of boat. It allows you to take the weight off your feet and the chair provides plenty of back and kidney support.

The swivel seat is mounted on a storage unit and the back half is another single benchseat. The padded seat forms the lid of the unit and hinges to one side. Peek inside and you'll see an open space which can be turned into a good-sized fish box or Esky.

The Prowler's transom has bait wells in the corners and a bait station cutting board over the engine well. Underneath this section are the batteries, oil bottles and cables, concealed by a clip-in vinyl cover. The cover certainly helps to keep the transom neat and tidy. Our test boat had a canopy fitted to it, which on hot days will be a welcome addition. Clip-in carpet on the floor also adds to the civility of the Prowler.

There are various ways of having a canopy fitted to a centre console. My advice is to go for one that has the least number of side straps and supports, as these just get in the way when fishing and defeat the purpose of having a centre console.

Perhaps Haines Hunter should add a console-mounted T-top option to the 520CC. The company offers a neat alloy-framed example on its biggest Prowler, the 680CC, and it certainly looks the part.

In summary, the Haines Hunter 520CC Prowler is a smart, well-presented and great performing package. It behaves and performs well on the water, offering families and anglers a versatile fishing rig and accompanying comfort.