New cat for fishers

Sailfish catamarans has released a new 6.3m aluminium fishing boat that it is said has almost twice the fishing space of a similarly-sized mono hull.

The Sailfish Shelf Runner catamaran is the first attempt by the company’s designers to turn their attention to the more affordable end of the trailerable catamaran market. They have come up with a rugged boat that will appeal to those anglers whose fishing adventures have them exploring the rigours of offshore conditions.

With a hull that boasts both excellent quality, great performance and stability, the Shelf Runner offers a safe and stable fishing platform for a bunch of anglers.

With an overall length of 6.34 metres and beam of 2.45 metres, the Shelf Runner is a substantial vessel but such is its design and construction that it can run offshore at more than 30 knots driven by just a pair of 75hp Honda outboards.

In recognition of the searing sun regularly endured by Australian anglers, the Shelf Runner has a hardtop version that offers protection from both the sun's rays and inclement weather. For those wishing to get a real big-boat feel there is the optional enclosed hardtop which is fitted with a windscreen wiper.

Standard equipment includes bolster seats for the skipper and passenger, ample space for storage bins, a live bait tank with pump and drain, 10 rod holders, deck wash and custom aluminium trailer.

Other features sure to meet with approval from anglers are a Garmin 750S GPS/plotter/depth sounder with touch-screen functions, Fusion stereo and a VHF radio.

Gavan Daly of Webbe Marine, the specialist Sydney power cat retailer which is the authorised agent for Sailfish cats in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania, says the Shelf Runner establishes a new benchmark for trailerable alloy boats.

"The big Shelf Runner with its huge cockpit and wide beam allows you to get a lot of boat, it is superb value for money," Daly says. "Stability is crucial for fishing offshore. For anglers demanding a stable offshore fishing platform you could not look past the Shelf Runner cat, especially when comparing it to a conventional vee bottom hull."

While the suggested twin 75hp outboards give excellent performance and peace of mind, those anglers who feel the need for more speed can upgrade to twin Honda 90hp outboards.

The Sailfish range now comprises models from 6.2 metres to 12 metres in three distinct styles -- the Platinum, the Gamefisher and the Weekender series.