HAINES HUNTER PROJECT BOAT (PT 2): A 445R runabout conversion to a centre console

Now that I finally found a decent second-hand 445R and it was home in Melbourne after an epic tow from Port Stephens, it was time to examine the boat in more detail and consider just what I had to work with in the shed...

I needed to start plotting how to set-up the boat for fishing. With plenty of ideas in the background, there was something physical to focus on, map out the layout and create a plan.

Converting the 445R runabout to a centre console involved some obvious remodelling — there was the removal of the windscreen, dashboard and seating in order to gauge an idea of internal space to see what could be done.

Key aspects of this project boat were to ensure correct weight distribution, not to sacrifice structural integrity, and to improve functionality so that the end result would ensure fishability.

Of course, the easy option would have been to get the measurements of the original Haines 445F (the centre console model) and to use them as a template. However, for my fishing purposes, I thought I could do better than the original and the newer Formula F15 versions, so I split the boat into three parts: front, middle and rear (see layout plans above).

By the way, the Haines 445 moulds ended up with Formula Power Boats Australia in Victoria (FPBA), who refined the hull and top deck and created the F15. This boat is well built and finished, but I set out to achieve a more fishing-friendly configuration that went to the next level.

MAPPING OUT THE INTERNAL LAYOUT
- I found myself admiring several American-built centre consoles to get ideas as to what mine may look like
This gave me some key ideas for storage and the like. However, the USA rigs are bigger than a 445 and therefore can achieve more because of their size and hull footprint.

Local builders that now reproduce hulls of similar size to the 445, such as Jackaroo, Galeforce and Flycraft, have evolved the early styling and layouts by modernising them (the collage with this story shows these boats and the Formula F15). Other brands like Hooker and Bonito boats also do good centre consoles.

However, we all have our preferences and I wanted a configuration that blended various set ups but which weren’t existing in any one production boat.

Of course, the beauty of today’s mobile phones is that you can take a picture of something you see and save it, tucking it away for future reference. By this the time I had 400-plus images on my phone of various set up and ideas.  

THE FRONT OR BOW SECTION
- An uncluttered bow with a casting platform, more storage and anchor well with drum winch

I also wanted the option of adding an electric motor, whether it be fishing for bream, flathead or squid. Being up the front standing and fishing under drift is very enjoyable, and sight casting is a very exciting way to fish.

And I wanted a space for an anchor well, as the existing runabout had nothing existing, and it needed to be large enough to be able to accommodate the installation an electric winch.

An inquiry to Lone Star Marine helped me establish the minimum requirements for future proofing the anchor well for the winch model matched for this boat’s size.

While the existing forward bulkhead’s placement may not need to be removed, that still needed to be confirmed with the builder. Either way, it would need beefing up, to be glassed over, and enclosed to achieve a dedicated well.

A step down from the anchor well would be a flat area for standing that two people could fish from. It would have twin storage lockers under foot for holding larger items like a spare trolling battery or a spare fuel tank.

The prospect of a kill-tank-come-livewell here toward the console was also something I wanted to explore. Years earlier I had consulted with David Granville on a set-up he had customised on his then Formula 15 (which he has since moved on) and got the idea from him on this feature.

A full-width tank running across the front would enable a decent gummy, kingfish or small tuna to be stored, but also double as a livewell should there be a need to keep tournament fish for weigh-ins.

An added bonus, rods could also be broken down and, along with tackle, stored when travelling while locked away safely.    

Last but not least, I was going to need to include provision for an electric-motor mount bracket, which I would discuss with the builder at a later stage.

As he ‘Lecky’ would be somewhere on the gunwale, it meant I would need a split bow rail configuration to accommodate the motor retrieving and deploying up and down. A discussion with my stainless fabricator would be required.  

THE MIDDLE OR MIDSHIPS
- The plan here was to have a console made and customised to suit
My custom centre console was to be positioned just forward centre of the hull, which would bunt onto the stepped casting deck.

Within the console itself, the plan was to store the batteries, with a large latch providing access. I also wanted a shelf internally for dry storage.

The console’s profile and size proved to be the biggest hurdle. I searched a lot, scanning pictures of what others had created and fitted.

My console needed to be tall enough to flush mount a GPS/sounder, so it could be visible from the fishing area, and also have enough depth to mount radios or an infill for an EPIRB and the like, plus enough real estate for switch panels.  

Yet I didn’t want the control centre of the 445 to be too heavy and it had to remain aesthetically pleasing.

I hadn’t yet decided on whether to have a spray screen mounted on top of the console or opt for utilising clears that would attach to the T-top frame.

Certainly, a folding T-top was a must for some shade and it would also act as a frame for a set of clears to wrap around the console to afford some weather protection on the marginal days… after all Victoria’s not the warmest climate and centre consoles are exposed to the elements.

How would all this be achieved without making the working area too cumbersome? Plus the boat needed to be stored in a regular-sized garage, so height restrictions would mean that things would need to be folded down.  

SOME KEY STATS ON FUEL AND RANGE
- Underneath the console area, the underfloor fuel tank would be positioned slightly aft of centre.
This fuel tank, along with the driver, comprised a lot of the weight when the boat as underway.  Further research enabled me to get a feel for what was achievable in regards to fuel capacity.

My estimation was that 70-80 litres was possible, plus there was always the option of the spare tank that could be used if needed and housed somewhere else.

This fuel capacity was decent and seemed well within reach. I had calculated a conservative 108 nautical mile (200km) range was achievable on a 60lt tank averaging 20 knots from the stats I had from similar boats and power set-ups. If you can get a look at a bare 445 minus the floor you will see what's possible.

A leaning seat that would sit behind the console was the last aspect in regards to the midships layout. I’ve went with an idea I first saw in the USA, albeit mine would need to be a much smaller version.

While driving I rarely I ever sit in a boat of this size crossing open water. But having somewhere you can sit facing the stern would be a bonus at anchor when chasing snapper, whiting, bream and so on. This would require a clever balancing act.

THE REAR OR TRANSOM AREA
- This is the fishing area where everything happens and everything needs to be right
Regardless of the transom’s condition, I was always going to replace it and the floor. That way, you aren’t left second-guessing down the track — if something goes wrong on the water you just can’t get out and walk away!

The 445R hull has an engine well and a common complaint was that the odd wave would lick over the back bringing water into the boat [ED: Especially with a 70hp outboard and two blokes down the back. See last photo in gallery above].

This seemed to be more prevalent when owners had added more weight due to adding larger engines, but if there are two people fishing from the back on a drift then weight can be an issue again in this regard.

I wanted to do away with the well set-up and install a flat-back transom. In order to do this, I would need to look at modifying the engine position by extending 400-500mm with a transom extension/pod to the push outboard further aft. A call to the builder and he had no issue with the concept, we may even get some added buoyancy, and I would gain about 300mm internal room.

This meant, I could also configure the transom area to incorporate a live well, add storage compartments in the back pockets. And I would still have room for bilge pumps, fuel filters and a deck wash…  this area would be a big improvement on the former models.

A bait board would be installed mounted on top of the transom, but hang outwards as to not impinge on rear fishing space. Oh, I also wanted it to be uncluttered.

THE HULL CONDITION AND A WRAP
- The hull was in good order, as was the gelcoat
There were next to no gouges or scrapes in the second-hand hull. The only indications of any previous work were the transom holes from the previous engine’s bolts, which were ‘Sikaflexed’ over when the newer engine was fitted. But it didn’t matter as the plan was to replace the transom anyway.

At this stage, I was not sure what to do with repainting in regard to the hull. I was, however, considering a hull wrap, as it is more cost effective and you get an instant result with reasonable longevity.

That’s would need to be assessed for pricing and more research was needed, but an estimate I received was under $2000 for a wrap.

THE BUDGET I'D STICK TO
- The ballpark rough outline was a rig costing around $26k
I estimated most of the completed 445 boats were retailing for around $36k and more. So I was comfortable with my budget.

I intended to buy second-hand parts for major items and, with time on my side, I could search for the right pieces as they came to market.

I also realised I could make a few dollars by selling some of the existing boats off my boat. That would be the next step to get underway.  

Budget: 445 Project Boat
Here’s what my simple budget looks like…
Second-hand hull: $2500
Transom and floor fit-out: $6000
Second hand trailer: $3000
Engine: $5000
Electronics: $2500
T-top, stainless and covers: $3000
Fit-up: $2000
Wrap: $2000
TOTAL: $26k

NEXT: Part 3 in the fortnightly series — OLD SCHOOL HAINES HUNTER Haines 445 Runabout conversion to a Centre Console — sees Dan prepare the get down and dirty in advance of the rebuild.

FURTHER READING: Haines Hunter Project Boat Pt 1.

Check out some 300 Haines Hunter boats listed for sale on our sites with this Haines Hunter search. And if you want to sell an old rig, ads for boats up to $7500 are free on our sites.