Haines Hunter 560 Classic Offshore

Looking for a bit more grunt to get him to the fishing grounds quickly, Phil has opted for a 150hp Yamaha four-stroke engine swinging a 19-inch Yamaha prop. Smooth and barely audible at idle, the Yamaha is a great powerplant for this boat.

Standard fitment for the 560 is a 130hp two-stroke Yammie which would be quite ample for this boat as it planes quickly and although it’s built strongly and is therefore fairly heavy, it doesn’t need a heck of a lot to push it along.

The 560 is not only quick, it’s highly manoeuvrable too. Crank over the light steering and the boat will flick into a tight arc without overdue leaning. The hull design with its Performance Deadrise Vee (PDV) and reverse chines gives a great ride and exceptional handling.

On the equipment side, the 560 is full of goodies for the fisherman. Twin live-bait tanks adorn the transom and there is a very big kill tank in the cockpit which could take water toys or wet gear if you’re out with the family.

Speaking of the family, the 560 is rated for six people and there is plenty of room for all. The cabin has a deep, recessed floor so the kids aren’t going bash their heads on the roof if the going gets a bit rough. Forward, there is a large hatch so you access your anchor easily. Phil had fitted an electric anchor winch to the test boat which would be great inclusion for any owner.

Also ticked on the options box for this boat was a set of trim tabs which featured handy lights on the switches which let the driver know exactly how much trim he had on each side – nice. And at 1800 bucks, I reckon they’re a great asset.

The cockpit of the 560 is large for a boat of this size (5.9 metres LOA) and it’s clear and uncluttered. Rod holders on each side keep the gear away if you haven’t got the rocket launchers, and your feet will fit nicely under the gunwales.

The twin helm seats I found to be comfortable, and if you prefer to stand while driving, there is plenty of room there as well.

Interesting to see that Haines Hunter has beefed up the stainless steel to 32mm so the bimini frame can be used as a grab rail with the passengers (and owner) not having to worry if it’ll give way.

The bow rail is a similar diameter and while we’re up there, the bow roller for the anchor is also a very sturdy affair.

From the helm, the driver gets a great view all around. The standard Yamaha gauges featured readouts for speed, engine revs and fuel burn. They are simple and very easy to read. Also on the test boat was an optional Lowrance X510C sounder/Global map 5200 C plotter which was easy to use and see.

Other goodies on the test boat included an optional deckwash (salt water), GME stereo system, VHF and 27mhz radios and cockpit lights.

Today, the company operates from its state-of-the-art, 8000sqm premises in Melbourne (Victoria). Officially opened in 2007 and incorporating all business functions -- administration, accounting, research and development, design, manufacturing, marketing and training -- under one roof, this facility has the capacity to produce up to 1000 boats each year.

From initial design concept right through to the finished product, Haines Hunter’s processes are world class.

This is confirmed by the company's numerous recent awards: Along with several national Boat of the Year, Business Growth and Business Excellence awards, Haines Hunter was inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame in 2006 in recognition of the company’s vision and success and its continuous improvement in its manufacturing and environmental practices.

Consequently, the boats that are turned out are beautifully finished. The 560 was hard to fault in this regard. Storage abounds, the underfloor fuel tank with deck filler and breathers, and the foam-filled hull all combine to form great little package.

So confident is Haines Hunter of the quality, it offers a seven-year structural warranty on its boats.

The 150hp Yamaha proved to be an excellent engine for the boat on our test day. It's very quiet, has good power delivery through the rev range and will not disappoint. Personally, I'd rather this engine than the two-strokes. They are more fuel efficient and much quieter, making for a more relaxed drive -- especially if you're travelling a long way.

Although Phil and his mates prefer to use a bucket, the 560 can be optioned up with an underbunk toilet which includes a half-bunk infill and curtain.

Overall, I found this boat a terrific package. It's easy to haul with a family sedan (no need for a big four-wheel drive), it has a lovely ride and good manners. Couple this with the four-stroke motor and it won’t disappoint, no matter whether you're mucking around with the family or out seriously fishing.