Haines Signature 788SF Review

OVERVIEW
Big outboard-powered centre console sportfishing boats from the US have always held appeal, but this style of craft has really taken off in recent years thanks largely to the advent of bigger outboard engines pumping out more than 250hp. With twin, triple, quad and even quin rigs, there's seemingly no stopping the big 'centres' from the U.S.

The success of the leading brands like Boston Whaler, Grady White, Regulator, Sea Fox, Wellcraft, etc., has not been lost on leading Aussie boatbuilder Haines Signature. The long-serving Brisbane-based boatbuilder has stepped up to the plate with its new 788SF bluewater centre console sportfisher.

This locally designed and built craft has one big advantage over most of the imports. The 788SF has a standard and Aussie road-legal 2.50m beam, so you don't need to concern yourself with towing restrictions, over-width flags, and all that bother. By way of comparison, most of the similar-sized imports are at least 2.59m wide.

While sticking with a modest 2.50m beam does make the 788SF an easier towing proposition compared with its rivals, you will still need a substantial towing vehicle as the rig weighs 3440kg in highway trim. But with today's big towing tugs and trailerboat braking units, hitting the highway with the 788SF shouldn't present too much bother.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
The first of the 788SF boats to emerge from the Wacol, Brisbane, factory was a prototype built specifically for company chief, John Haines. To that end, the boat was rigged with every conceivable option and accessory including an impressive electronics suite featuring two massive Simrad NSS 16" Evo3 multi-function displays with StructureScan 3D transducer, WiFi, GPS, radar, fishfinder, the works.

The prototype boat was also rigged with two of the brand new 4.4L V6 Suzuki DF350A four-stroke outboard engines for a combined output of 700hp. We should stress however, that regular production models will be rated to a maximum of a single 400hp outboard or 500hp for a twin installation. (The prototype boat was over-powered to confirm it can comfortably handle the weight and thrust from a pair of big outboard engines, we were told.)

Pricing for the Signature 788SF starts at around $146k. The package includes a single Suzuki 250hp V6 four-stroke engine (30" ultra-long shaft), with hydraulic steering, digital controls, and a tandem-axle aluminium Dunbier trailer with a full break-away braking system.

As you would expect from a boat of this calibre, there are plenty of standard inclusions. Chief among them is the two-person width centre console with a spacious head, shower and vanity compartment underneath.

Also included is the bow casting/seating platform (with cushions and ice box), CZone electronic NMEA switching control system, non-glare dash with folding instrument panel (for wiring access), interior and navigation lighting, a four speaker JL audio system, trim tabs, thirteen rod holders, coaming rod racks, Thermo-Lite composite fibreglass construction (no timber) with all cavities foam-filled, pump-out under-floor wet kill tanks, self-draining deck, auto bilge pumps, raw and fresh water deck wash, padded coaming bolsters, and the superb live bait tank/helm seat box module - upon which is mounted a pair of deluxe helm chairs with flip-up front bolsters.

As noted, our test boat was rigged with extra gear. In addition to the dual Simrad 16" multi-function displays the prototype was upgraded with the overhead alloy framed hard-top with radio box, flood lights, enclosed windscreen and Taco outriggers, two-tone hull paint, an upgraded stereo system, underwater blue LED lighting, Viper drum winch with plough anchor, VHF radio, triple battery system with isolator switches and VSR charging, and a bow-mount cocktail table.

With the above extras, and rigged with a pair of extra-longshaft 200hp Suzuki four-stroke engines and Dunbier trailer, the 788SF prices up to $210,361. This is a fair sum on its own, but represents great value compared to the cost of similar-sized boats from rival US imports.

Before moving on, we should add that the above price does not include the Suzuki Precision Manoeuvring joystick control system and autopilot that was fitted to the test boat. Both can be added for an extra $32k.

Like its imported rivals, the Signature 788SF is designed as a bluewater sportfishing boat, but with enough features, fit-out and equipment for it to serve double-duty as a comfortable family bay cruiser.

To that end, you'll find a chemical toilet, shower and vanity in a spacious side opening compartment beneath the centre console, along with a moulded wrap-around lounge seating area at the bow with a smaller jump seat in front of the console.

Comfortable padded cushions perch atop the seat mouldings, while two spacious storage lockers can be found underneath. A removable ice box is situated in a handy location in the forepeak, within close proximity to the optional pedestal cocktail table.

When it's time to go fishing, the seat cushions and the socket-mounted backrests are easily removed to create a forward casting platform — although you will need to purchase the optional infill board which fits in between the side seats.

All the fixtures and fittings in the bow area — and throughout the boat — are made from quality stainless steel, including the sturdy, low-set bow rail which encircles the forward compartment.

Like the rear cockpit area, the bow compartment is clean and uncluttered, which is great for fishing. The side coamings are wide for the easy install of additional rod holders, and there is plenty of room to stand and fish alongside the centre console helm station.

At the helm, you'll find two high-quality bucket chairs with flip-up bolsters for the skipper and first mate. The chairs are mounted above a large storage box/module, which also contains the batteries, and a large aft facing live well and bait-preparation table.

The two-person width centre console has ample space on the anti-glare coloured fascia for multiple electronics displays, as well as engine gauges, the binnacle throttles and the tilt-adjustable sports steering wheel.

Beneath the alloy framed fibreglass hardtop is a storage shelf and radio box.

Our test boat was fitted with the Mk2 version windscreen which is apparently taller than the original. It stretches full height between the console and hard-top and provides decent shelter from wind and spray, along with a clear, unrestricted view from the helm. The steering wheel and throttles are also well placed for a seated or standing skipper.

Behind the centre helm seat/live well module there is about a metre of cockpit space back to the transom wall. This doesn't sound like a lot, but keep in mind you can also stand and fish all the way down each side of the boat, leaning very comfortably against padded side coamings which are 740mm off the floor.

There isn't quite as much freeboard in the stern at around 650mm, but this is still plenty and more than you'll find in some rival imported brands.

Fishing features abound. Anglers will appreciate the horizontal rod storage racks built into the side panels, along with the toe/foot hold space under the side storage pockets.

You'll also find two big underfloor wet kill tanks with pump-out drainage, two fold-out tackle storage cupboards, dual transom doors, and transom corner non-feedback scuppers for the self-draining system.

The 788SF prototype was rigged with the two DF350A Suzuki outboard engines to test the limits of the hull, and we certainly put it through its paces during our test.

Conditions were mild offshore but an ebb tide at the entrance to the Gold Coast Seaway ensured we had plenty of big, sharp looking waves to punch through or, rather, leap-off (as you can see from some of the photos).

We spent some time in the entrance to the Seaway to trial the hull in the mixed-up sea conditions. Throughout this bar-crossing test, the hull performed admirably, riding comfortably into the chop and safely in a following sea.

But we did not expect anything less really. While the 788 hull is new, its variable deadrise, concave shape was pioneered by the Haines family several decades ago and has been fine-tuned over the years.

To my mind the key feature of the Signature 'VDH' hull is that it is able to provide a comfortable head-sea ride without sacrificing stability. Certainly, for its modest 2.5m beam, the 788SF is rock solid at rest and underway.

The hull does benefit from the included trim tabs, but this is generally used more for trimming the hull on a fore and aft axis, rather than laterally. It doesn't really suffer from beam-on "wind list" due to the relatively low topsides and super-structure, and the hull is inherently stable and well balanced anyway.

Overall we were pleased with the offshore handling, ride and performance of the new 788SF. We were also enamoured with the new Suzuki DF350A four-stroke outboards.

With contra-rotating gearboxes and propellers (four of them in total), low speed manoeuvrability and high speed tracking is improved over a traditional dual outboard installation, while the sheer grunt delivered by these monster engines is something to feel and behold.

These big, naturally aspirated V6 engines are particularly strong in the higher rpm range. When we slammed the throttles from around 4500 rpm the test boat leaped forward, accompanied by a spine-tingling roar. Forget your V8s, and forced induction outboards, these big Suzuki V6s sound tough from anywhere above three quarter throttle.

Of course, 700hp is a bit over-the-top for the 788SF. The boat handled the grunt, but does not need it. A pair of 200-225hp outboards should provide ample power and acceleration.

For the record though, the dual 350hp Suzuki outboards powered the test rig to a blistering 56.7 knot top speed or 105km/h. On the water, that feels doubly fast.

The 788SF is a worthy addition to the Haines Signature fleet and an excellent alternative to some of the more expensive US imports. The boat is finely crafted, intelligently designed and ideally suited to bluewater fishing and coastal family boating.

But as good as the big Signature is with 700hp on the transom, we now look forward to sampling a regular production model with more modest outboard power.

PERFORMANCE - SPEED
5.9kts (10.9km/h) @ 1000rpm
7.5kts (13.8km/h) @ 1500rpm
10.1kts (18.7km/h) @ 2000rpm
15.6kts (28.8km/h) @ 2500rpm
26.4kts (48.8km/h) @ 3000rpm
32.0kts (59.2km/h) @ 3500rpm
37.8kts (70.0km/h) @ 4000rpm
42.5kts (78.7km/h) @ 4500rpm
48.6kts (89.9km/h) @ 5000rpm
53.0kts (98.0km/h) @ 5500rpm
56.3kts (104.2km/h) @ 6000rpm
56.7kts (105.1km/h) @ 6250rpm (WOT

PERFORMANCE - ECONOMY (BOTH ENGINES)
11.2 l/ph @ 1000rpm
17.2 l/ph @ 1500rpm
26.2 l/ph @ 2000rpm
40.7 l/ph @ 2500rpm
52.6 l/ph @ 3000rpm
70.1 l/ph @ 3500rpm
93.4 l/ph @ 4000rpm
122.4 l/ph @ 4500rpm
164.65 l/ph @ 5000rpm
189.05 l/ph @ 5500rpm
221.2 l/ph @ 5700rpm
221.5 l/ph @ 6400rpm (WOT)
MAXIMUM RANGE ON 95 PER CENT OF 5001 FUEL TANK: 238nm @ 3000rpm

Specifications: Signature 788SF
Price: $210,361 including dual Suzuki 200hp extra longshaft (25") in-line four cylinder outboards with hydraulic steering, a tandem axle aluminium Dunbier trailer with break-away brakes, duel Simrad NSS 16" Evo3 multi-function displays (with StructureScan 3D transducer, WiFi, GPS, radar, fish finder, etc), overhead alloy framed hard-top with radio box, outriggers and flood lights, an upgrade stereo system, underwater blue LED lighting, electric anchor winch, a bow-mount cocktail table, and more. Add another $31,821.60 for the Suzuki Precision Manoeuvring joystick control system with auto-pilot.

Priced from: $146,324 with a single Suzuki 250hp ultra-longshaft (30") V6 four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering, a tandem axle aluminium Dunbier trailer, four speaker JL audio system, trim tabs and more.

Length overall: 7.88m
Beam: 2.5m
Deadrise: 16 - 34 degrees
Hull weight: Approx: 1900kg
Weight on trailer (dry with dual 200hp): 3440kg
Maximum power single: 400hp (30" ultra-longshaft)
Maximum power twins: 500hp (25" extra-longshaft)
Maximum engine weight: 600kg
Engines as tested: Dual Suzuki 350hp four-stroke outboards
Fuel: 500L
Freshwater: 57L
Live bait tank: 57L
Maximum persons: 10/900kg

Supplied by:
Signature Boats