New Streaker runabout

Runabouts once dominated the leisure market for keenly-priced fibreglass family boats but the introduction of bow riders from the US relegated the design to the back shelf.

Now Streaker Boats of Melbourne have reinvented the classic runabout configuration with the Streaker 5250 Sports model and it is sure to prove a hit with those whose boating is in anything other than pond-like conditions.

Bow riders were introduced to the American market as lake and river boats, and they fitted that role perfectly, but in Australia -- where most boating is on reasonably open waters -- you had to weigh up the extra room against the wind and spray those up front sometimes had to endure.

The new Streaker 5250 Sports is a classic runabout with an open cockpit, two forward seats on short pedestals and an ample rear lounge. The windscreen is hinged to allow a walk-through to get to the bowsprit and anchor locker.

With an overall length of 5.25m and a beam of 2.13m, there is a ot of room in the boat and it is rated to carry six adults.

"The runabout market is significant and the release of our Streaker 5250 Sports brings a contemporary look and feel to a timeless configuration," said designer and Streaker director Leon Savage. "It is a good, honest boat that will serve families exceptionally well for many, many years."

The 5250 Sports has a vee bottom with 17 degree deadrise and generous freeboard both of which combine to make it an ideal vessel for open-water boating. Leon Savage says the hull will be a strong performer under rough and adverse conditions.

The cockpit is trimmed in quality marine upholstery and the floor carpeted. On the dash, the driver has an excellent array of gauges plus a Lowrance sounder -- all of which are part of the factory-fitted standard pack.

The rig comes as a complete turn-key package with all the equipment needed for a day on the water. There is a bimini canopy, marine CD stereo, navigation lights, bilge pump, a stainless-steel boarding ladder, a bait board, a stainless-steel ski pole and boarding platforms.

It comes powered with a choice of Yamaha two-stroke or four-stroke outboards. It is rated to a maximum 130hp (two stroke) on the transom. The lightweight Yamaha 130 two-stroke gives spirited performance and is easy to handle. The boat comes on an Easytow Custom trailer with alloy wheels, disc brakes and galvanised axle, springs and hubs.

Available at less than $45,000 with a Yamaha 130 V4 Saltwater Series oil-injected outboard, the Streaker 5250 delivers a lot of fun for your dollar.

Streaker Boats is a leading Melbourne marine dealer which is an authorised dealer for Quintrex, Streaker, Lewis Ski Boats and Yamaha outboards.