Haines Hunter 585SF Seeker

These informed, and sometimes adventurous consumers certainly keep the manufacturers on their toes. Wrongly or rightly, their actions more or less ensure that boats are built to take on the rough and tumble.

Over the past few years Haines Hunter has been one of the manufacturers that has carefully monitored the likes, dislikes and usage patterns of its consumers. Haines' development work has resulted in the modifying of hulls and layouts on some models and the introduction of new models into its range. One result is the maker's latest release, the 585SF.

With a good deep deadrise and high sides, the 585SF has a look of seaworthiness and solidity. And the hull certainly has the performance to back up this appearance, as was demonstrated during one of our recent test sessions.

The conditions were some of the most uncomfortable small boat fishermen regularly encounter - a short, sharp chop that has you constantly working the throttle to keep on the plane, without going too fast.

However, it was chiefly the fact that on this particular trip a bigger boat accompanying the 585SF was doing it a lot tougher - and copping a lot more water over the front - that really brought my attention to the conditions. In fact, had there not been a few other boats coming across the bay at the same time, I don't think I would have fully appreciated the superior ride we were enjoying in the little Haines.

In comparison to the rest of the fleet, the 585SF provided a buoyant, dry ride with little pounding - and a minimum of water shipped. Top stuff!

This ability to cleave through the rough water comes with little 'cost.' The stability of Haines' deep-Vees has improved with the wider, reversed outer chines they now typically feature. This set up has a number of other advantages including reduced spray and assisting in the initial take off of the boat.

Our testboat was fitted with 150hp of Evinrude's finest out back and in good conditions the hull glided through the water to a top speed of over 80kmh. The V-six Evinrude outboard is a perfect match for the 585, offering excellent overall performance without overpowering the hull.

While fuel consumption is on par with similar rigs, those really concerned might consider the new FICHT-equipped Johnson and Evinrude 150s. You're looking at around a $2500-3000 premium for the injected engines at present which means you'll have to use your boat a fair bit to justify it on economical terms. Nonetheless, the FICHT-equipped engines offer smoother, quieter running as well as better economy. It's your choice...

As noted in our introduction, one of the main pluses of the 585SF is its excellent compromise between fishing necessities and pleasure boat niceties.

There are plenty of features to keep fishos happy. For example, the gunwales feature nylon cover strips to protect from the likes of anchor chains and crab pots and double up as cutting boards, while the cockpit is open and uncluttered with deep side-pockets and coaming-mounted storage hatches port and starboard.

Where the 585SF offers a little more than other similar-sized rigs is the walk-through transom.

From the cockpit, a quadrant-shaped step on the portside provides easy access to a cutaway section in the transom (both the step and the step-through section of the transom have a small amount of storage room within them). This cutaway is high enough so that you do not need to worry about any wash coming onboard but combined with a semi-circular duckboard is laid out to make egress easier - whether it be when swimming or just at the ramp. It's also handy if you need to haul a good size fish onboard.

The remaining transom area has a folding rear two-seater lounge and, on the starboard side, provision for a good-sized livebait tank.

An optional extra that adds further function to the 585SF's 'workbench' is the custom bait-prep/bait-board that sits over the motor well.

Check out the photos of this unit and you'll see what I mean. Moulded from fibreglass, it features a rear section where you can place a few pieces of tackle and next to this there are a few slots in the glass to store knives.

As well there's a sink unit with split cutting boards.

It is a top little unit which is very versatile with a couple of rod holders in it to boot.

Moving to the helm, Haines hasn't gone overboard, offering a well-finished moulded dash with instruments presented horizontally. Below the clocks is a flat panel large enough to flush-mount a large sounder.

The drivers seat is a standard pedestal affair but the passengers seat is mounted on a box which extends rearwards to form another seat/storage unit.

The internals of the cuddy offer enough sleeping room via conventional V-berths for an overnighter. A centre cushion slips into place to create a generous double bunk.

Bedding and clothing can be stored under the bunks and in the internal side pockets and there is provision for a porta-potti.

In standard trim, the doorway is open. There's a small lift up hatch on the dash to make things easier. For more privacy it would be a simple and relatively easy job to have a clip on vinyl screen fitted.

Overall Haines Hunter has done a great job with the 585SF. In keeping with the trend highlighted by rival maker Whittley's release of the Sea Legend range, here is another boat that offers anglers a comfortable, well-optioned package that can handle big fish and the bluewater one day, and the wants of the family the next.