Haines Signature 502RF

Born out of the mould of their 543RF model, the 502RF hits the water 41cm shorter in LOA which initially does not seem a lot but in reality has turned this boat into one that is economical in more ways than one.

The trimming of length from its stern has reduced the weight of the original design dramatically, enabling it to be carried around on a single-axle trailer. That represents a saving, not only on weight of the boat, but weight of the required trailer which enables one to seriously look at the ratings of the tow vehicle. Owners may now contemplate a large family sedan as an option rather than a smallish 4WD the likes of a Toyota Prado or Mitsubishi Pajero. There’s at least $20k saving there alone.

The next big win for the back pocket is the powerplant on the back. Downsizing to the 502RF has reduced the engine requirements, and at a pinch you could get away with 70hp. As tested, the 90hp Suzuki four-stroke performed just nicely.

And yet another saving will be in the insurance of such a rig. With that commodity a necessity, the premiums are kept trimmed like the recommended retail price of this overall rig. Bear in mind that premiums never go down and in fact with the recent calamities that have beset the insurance industry after floods and cyclones, you can be sure they will go through the cabin roof to offset insurance company losses elsewhere.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

The Garmin 4515 was an add-on as was the two-tone deck and hull colouring. You don’t get the transom ladder or the rear lounge and carbon fibre dashboard. The trailer is also not included in a base price.

Between the two corners is a padded back rest for the rear lounge that folds down to allow fully-tilted outboards with large cowls to superimpose over the bulkhead if necessary.

The 502RF is rated to a maximum of 115hp and we doubt there are any outboards up to that category that would require this extra tilt space but it is there if required.

The rear lounge has two fold-up post support legs and when tucked away a stowage net style pocket is installed on its front. The bulbous top edge of the cushion squeezes under the back rest to secure the lounge so that anglers may stand here and fish. A simple method to retain the lounge when not in use but very practical in that many fold-up rear lounges have intricate locking systems that rattle, come loose and or collapse and become an annoyance.

Typical side pockets run forward to the helm station and these are situated up off the deck so feet may tuck underneath with ease.

The gunwale height in the cockpit is unusually high for any trailer boat; an attribute that offers a good amount of safety for anglers when moving about the cockpit and for youngsters.

Both the skipper and passenger have sturdy pedestal seats with moulded fibreglass shells in which comfortable upholstery is installed. When seated here one realises how ‘big’ many of the features of this boat are. The Perspex windscreen is also taller than most and offers effective shelter from spray without the aluminium surrounding frame being in the line of vision as it often is in many trailer boats.

The canvas bimini top is manufactured with the zips to enable installation of a set of clears either at purchase or aftermarket. It is positioned high enough for an above-average height person to move about underneath without having to stoop.

The helm layout is also practical with the wheel low set and a large flat fascia that would take up to 12-inch flush-mounted screens of depth sounders and chart plotters, at the correct angle to the skipper. Above that, a short brow holds the Suzuki instrumentation.

In front of the passenger seat the bulkhead has a deep cavity which is more akin to a sink, in which gear such as keys, sunglasses and the like may be stowed without fear of them jumping out when traversing rough water. It would also make a good ice bucket for drinks; it is that big!

The companionway between the skipper and passenger bulkhead is deeper than the gunwales are high.

With the windscreen centre pane opened, a forward hatch opens to one side to allow the anchor man to walk through. A step up at the front section of the companionway allows them to get above the anchor well for maximum leverage while working the ground tackle. All the while, the person doing the hard work has high support from both sides of the roof liner which has vertical insides extending toward the deck so there are no sharp edges to bruise the thighs, hips or ribs.

The ground tackle is located under a hatch at the bow point. It has a brow in the forward edge of the hatch to allow rope to pass through while the hatch is closed.

Stepping back from this area the sides of the bulkheads that form the companionway are supported with panels that extend to the deck. Large apertures forward of these supports allow the voids under the top liner to be used for stowage of safety gear.

The boat reviewed was the first and only one off the production line, so some fine tuning was yet to be done and these minor issues will be successfully addressed.

The hull was very quiet over chop and wash due to its voids being foam filled after the top and bottom sides were adhered together with special glue impervious to salt water.

A single crank battery was installed under the transom bulkhead and the bilge pump was in a small sump mid beam under the same bulkhead. Against the back of the bulkhead, the fuel filter is accessible for draining when required and the fittings at the rear end of the fuel tank are also visible here and easily accessed should maintenance be required.

Hole shot was good with two adults aboard and acceleration throughout the range was also acceptable as was manoeuvring at speed.

It could handle the chop and small waves without an issue either in softness of ride or excessive water noise through the hull (thanks to the foam filling) and dead in the water it proved to be a stable platform.

This boat performs well in all aspects but where it will really stand out is when fishing those choppy waters down south for snapper and whiting. The ability to run solo and anchor while stepping back behind the helm to watch the sounder before tying off over a sand patch or wreck is going to be handy.
The safety when fishing out of the cockpit is another aspect where this boat gets full points; it feels really safe and comfortable!