RazorCraft opens shop building Coldfront, Gunshot and Little Ram hulls

Heading up RazorCraft is Hary Bakkr, the managing director of Tullamarine-based marine services group Hi Tech Fibreglass Solutions.

The acquisition of the three CootaCraft moulds, as well as a move to a larger factory, now give Bakkr the start he needs to produce turn-key trailer boats.

Bakkr said RazorCraft would tweak some elements of the existing models so the build process on each of the hulls to help cut build times, but otherwise, they would remain unchanged.

“There won’t be any dramatic changes to how the hulls appear aesthetically from the outside, their profiles are popular, but we will change a few things in lay-up and construction methods, saving time in production,” Bakkr said.

“Weight distribution is key to on-the-water handling and performance. Optimal weight below the waterline of the hull – ensuring such elements as the top deck weight, internal placement of fuel/kill tanks suitably configured and balanced – are all critical.”

Bakkr said talks with the Mallacoota-based fishing and diving boat specialist started about five years ago, initially with the idea that CootaCraft-branded boats would be built in Melbourne under licence.

However, the chance to buy the moulds for three of the CootaCraft models now allow the boats to be built outright under the RazorCraft brand

RazorCraft’s first boat, a 6.0-metre Coldfront fitted with a 300hp Yamaha four-stroke outboard engine, has more weight added to the keel, taking its overall weight up from 950kg to 1150kg.

Changes to the position of the kill tank and fuel tank should also help with stability at rest, with RazorCraft planning to add other fishing-friendly features such as wider side pockets, and other options for the deck.

Coldfront boat, motor and trailer packages are tipped to weigh in at around 2600-2700kg.

The 5.5-metre Gunshot, a boat popular for two-up fishing, will gain upgrades including a new top deck with bulkheads integrated into the mould, and a thicker, heavier hull bottom to help the already soft ride.

Bakkr said he planned to produce centre console versions of these boats.

RazorCraft’s initial focus will be on the two bigger boats, with a modified version of the 4.0-metre Little Ram arriving later.

The boats will be sold sitting on a Savage PRO Series aluminium trailer, although buyers also will be able to use a trailer of their choice.

Hull and trailer packages are from $64,900 for the Coldfront and from $55,900 for the Gunshot, with what RazorCraft says is a solid list of standard equipment. Customers can also choose from a number of outboard engine options.

The boats also can be built and certified for commercial survey.