Savage Aluminium 450 Mirage

It took me a long time to pen this story. Not because I had writer's block quite the contrary. The problem was each time I sat down to write, the fishing atlases that clamour for space on my desk kept beckoning well-thumbed maps for waterways throughout Victoria, NSW, South Australia and beyond, promising great expeditions to come.

I've dog-eared pages that detail particularly interesting hotspots, noting boat ramps, winding estuaries, diverse lake systems, inland creeks all the munching ground for bass, bream, estuary perch and freshwater species. Daydreaming about what will be, as soon as I get the show on the road...

The really exciting part is that it is not just the stuff of a desk-bound dreamer. There are points on fishing maps all over the country that Trailer Boat magazine will experience with our new project rig a 450 Savage Mirage. It will see us venture where we dared not venture before without the right rig...

THE LONG & THE SHORT OF IT
By way of introduction, we picked up the Mirage a month or so back, and since that time, have been inundated with requests from boaties within the Trailer Boat HQ to take the craft out for a spot of fishing. We've started to tell the fans to take a number, and have even started accepting bribes, such is its popularity.

We've had at our disposal sister mag's 6.4m project rig, BlueWater II for over 12 months, and have not had half the requests. The difference with the Savage is its versatility and practicality as a go-anywhere fisher. It can towed behind the family car, and launched just about anywhere, and importantly, can be handled one-up if necessary.

Measuring 4.5m with a 2.03m beam, the 450 Mirage is the smaller sibling of the 580 Mirage . Both were built in response to the demand for a purpose-built inland fishing craft in Japan. Before long, John Savage saw the potential of such a craft in Australian waters, particularly on the burgeoning bass fishing and freshwater impoundment circuit.

The Mirage signifies a new direction for Savage Boats (which recently became a division of Mercury Marine). Based on the company's general-purpose Scorpion pressed alloy hull, the Mirage is designed as a pure fishing boat primarily used for inland and estuary fishing.

As a result, stability became a key priority over the need for an ultra-smooth riding deep-vee hull. The outcome is a moderate vee hull weighing just 350kg, with low freeboard height and a flat floor throughout along with a low centre of gravity all in the name of boosting stability for adeptness on plowing brackish waters and impoundments.

One key aspect was to keep the overall height of the Mirage as low as possible. With a low freeboard, and the casting platform just under gunwale height, the idea was to make it harder for the fish to see the boat and angler when lure and flycasting. The lower freeboard also presents less profile to catch the wind making it easier to control when using the bow-mounted electric trolling engine.

BUILT FOR BUSINESS
Built as a two-person boat, seating is provided via two swivelling seats built into the deckwell. The swivelling action is unnecessary, as there is nowhere for the seats to turn!

Casting platforms are the feature at each end of the cockpit ready to accommodate the removable pole-mounted kidney fishing seat. (We intend to uprate this to a regular style seat soon).

Recessed cleats keep the smooth line of the gunwales, to ensure the only thing your line is snagged on is fallen timber and rocks in some narrow waterway haven.

The most prominent feature of the boat is the enormous amount of storage space integrated into the lay of the fully-carpeted deck. No less than five huge deck hatches open on hinges to reveal storage space in abundance for everything from safety gear, fishing gear and rods, spare clothes... Even a tent et al if you choose.

The forward hatch houses the anchoring gear, while at the rear behind the driver and passenger there is also a large livewell.

The helm is currently graced with flush-mounted gauges.

Currently, a 50hp two-stroke Mercury outboard is fitted, and while the rig performs well the jury is still out on what powerplant will equip the rig for the longterm. As the hull has been designed to carry the slightly heavier four-stroke outboard engines without modifications, it's likely we will replace the two-stroke 50 with a four-stroke of the same power rating.

Of course, there's a certain Editor-in-Chief around here who keeps mumbling about a 90hp four-stroke, High Five prop, engine jacking plate, etc, etc. We reckon he's seen too many US bass fishing specials on cable television!

WHERE WE GO FROM HERE?
After delivery, the first port of call was to local marine accessories retailer JV Marine, to fit the new tinnie up with the necessary safety gear. The list included lifejackets, flare and fire extinguisher, along with the prerequisite torch, oars and bucket. In addition, we invested in a sand anchor, chain and rope and a good set of tiedowns, and basically, we were ready to go.

The first window of opportunity to test the new rig was a weekend at Lakes Entrance in eastern Victoria, exploring its myriad lakes and river systems. Unfortunately, the weather turned foul soon after our arrival in town, prohibiting any extensive testing. But there will be plenty of opportunity for that down the track.

Project Mirage was then taken through its paces on the Tarwin River southeast of Melbourne (see box story).

As with any project boat, there are a number of ways to outfit it to make it the perfectly-rigged machine. And like any ongoing project that involves a passion for boating and fishing, it will probably never be perfect. However, in the first instance we've plans to set it up with fishing accessories and a basic electronics suite.

Designed for fishing a variety of environments, we will need to be able to accommodate a number of rods and tackle. We plan to set it up with a couple of Bermuda three-way rodholders and perhaps a vertical rod rack or two all with the objective of keeping the cockpit clear. In addition, we'll consider running it with a compact GPS/sounder combo and invest in a hand-held 27mHz radio.

Safety wise, the boat will benefit from the inclusion of a bilge pump or two, and we will plumb in the livewell and very probably add a small livebait tank in one of the stern compartments. From there, the world of light tackle fishing from the shallow tidal flats to the coast should be the craft's oyster..

On display at the National 4x4 and Fishing Expo in Melbourne in October, the Mirage was quick to find plenty of admirers.

Most commented on its open layout, ample storage, fishing-friendly features and gung-ho attitude.

We intend to expand its exposure, not only at boat shows up and down the coast, but at fishing events throughout the year.

With Trailer Boat magazine coupled to such a thoroughly practical rig, it is going to be a very exciting year ahead.

So stay tuned...

It's a mirage

A test run in Savage's new 450 Mirage proved irresistible to Trailer Boat's resident contingent of estuary and freshwater fishos...

No sooner had it arrived at Trailer Boat's HQ from Savage's Williamstown workshop, the 4.5m craft was bundled up and put through its paces on the Tarwin River, 150km southeast of Melbourne.

The brackish, slow-flowing river and estuary system provided the perfect opportunity to put the Mirage's purpose-built features to the test.

Spinning and trolling were the order of the day proven methods to target the local estuary perch. With the Laser electric easily fitted, and a quick familiarisation with the foot controls, we were silently trolling the deeper runs of the reed-lined waterways, known perch haunt.

The quiet electric engine is almost an essential item these days for freshwater and estuary trollers. Trolling hands-free from the front of the boat with the sound of the birds and breeze is just about as tranquil as it gets in trailerboat fishing.

FRESHWATER PREDATOR
The most obvious benefit when stepping into the Mirage, especially coming from a deep-vee runabout is stability. Combined with a raised flat deck, and 360| fishing access, the Savage quickly proved to be a highly efficient freshwater or estuary predator.

The principle behind a streamlined fishing platform and high horsepower powerplant is born from bass fishing in America, and the need to get to hotspots and return quickly to weigh live catches. Even with just 50hp on the back, the 450 gives keen Aussie anglers a taste of the concept. It's an addictive taste too.

In Australian conditions the Mirage would be best applied to trolling, spinning and flyfishing for trout, bass and perch in southern waters and bream, barramundi, saratoga and the like in more northern waters not to mention redfin and cod around the Murray-Darling system. As the maker John Savage envisaged, the Mirage will no doubt be at home on the burgeoning bass fishing circuit, particularly in southern Queensland.

Generous-size lockers and rod compartments are easily accessible from any position while in the boat, and just as importantly, while trailered, avoiding the last minute clamber to pack in the thermos.

On our first expedition, the Savage comfortably stowed tackle, wet weather gear and overnight bags for three anglers. Versatility could be improved with the option of rearward facing seating positions from the driving position, rather than the casting platform. And with a little work the Savage will be just as adept baitfishing whiting, bream and other bottom feeders.