Savage Fibreglass Avalon 480 FMX Profisherman

Imagine owning a fishing-friendly rig that won't be scorned by the less than fanatical fishos in the family! A mid-sized vessel that can handle offshore fishing jaunts, but can just as easily turn on the charm as a daytripper for weekends out with the kids...

Third generation boat builder John Savage had family values in mind when he designed the new Savage Avalon 480 FM and FMX Profisherman. And it shows! The Avalon 480 is a safe, fun and stable vessel that doesn't require heaps of horsepower. Ideal for the family that wants to do a little bit of everything on the water.

FAMILY RESEMBLANCE
Released at last year's Melbourne Boat Show, the 480 Profisherman is a derivation of two models from the JJ Savage stable -- the Centurion cuddy cabin and the Envoy 480 runabout. It shares the same mid-sized modified moderate-vee fibreglass hull as both models, but features a practical, centre-console configuration.

In either standard form or fully optioned mode, it's a general purpose rig that is not too big for a day on the lake and not too small for offshore work on calm days.

Our testboat, Central Attraction, was a fully-optioned FMX version owned by a satisfied Savage customer with an obvious love for sportsfishing. Indeed, it was one with the lot!

Central Attraction was decked out with a stainless steel T-top with laced canopy and stainless targa-style rocket launcher and outriggers. Also fitted to the testboat were livebait tanks and raised nylon cutting board aft. With such features like this and the full glistening array of stainless add-ons, this vessel had plenty of the wow factor. Adding to the classy package is an all-white GRP-moulded interior with white vinyl upholstery with burgundy and grey accents.

FROM HEAD TO TOE
The Avalon is essentially a fishing boat first, with additional features -- such as a relatively high freeboard and exceptional storage and seating -- to meet the safety and comfort needs of a family.

The flush floor layout does not preclude flyfishermen from casting off the bow and there's room for two or three enthusiasts aft or either side of the central console unit.

Long, open side storage pockets run the full length of the coamings and a pair of rod storage racks are fitted as standard.

The absence of a self-draining cockpit on the vessel could be a shortcoming for some serious fishermen. The standard alternative is a sump for bilge pumps at the transom.

Seating is provided up front with a cushioned two-up seat that curves around the bow. For family boat buyers, it adds to the versatility of the vessel as a general purpose dayboat.

Underneath this seat is a large storage area for all your fishing gear. Removable backrests reveal even more functional storage space. Note that the cushioned seats and backrests gracing our testboat are optional extras on the standard FM model.

For dedicated fishing trips, the twin aft quarter seats can be completely removed and stored in the sidepockets.

The aft seats provide a comfortable ride when underway with the provision of recessed armrests on the side deck and grabrails.

Otherwise, the wide, bum-friendly side decks provide additional sitting room -- especially when you're waiting for a bite - while the non-skid inserts positioned in the side decks double as cutting boards.

The full-depth stern features integrated swim steps with large stainless grabrails aiding access on and off the boat for swimmers and skiers.

CENTRAL STATION
Dominating the cockpit is the moulded GRP centre console unit itself. The curvaceous design features an integrated forward-facing cushioned seat. It also provides a large underseat storage area that extends all the way back to the helm.

The helm design allows you to drive the vessel from either a standing or sitting position. The pedestal deluxe bucket seat is an option fitted to Central Attraction and would be a practical option if you intend to travel longer distances.

The easy-to-grip sports-style steering wheel is standard fare, as is the full-height tinted perspex windscreen that provides protection over the entire helm.

A recessed footwell provides plenty of leg room for the pilot as well as stowage space to stash a jacket or lure bag.

The deep recessed helm station features a well thought-out dash fascia with room to mount LCD instruments such as sounders and the GPS.

The dash on our testboat was set up with stereo controls, lights, trim, bilge and radio switches. The well-displayed gauges indicated engine hours, fuel speed and engine revs. Set on top on either side is two cupholders -- perfect for the mobile phone -- and a compass.

A handy feature is the design of the entire instrument console that allows it to be removed for factory pre-rigging and service.

ALL IN A DAY'S WORK
The Trailer Boat crew had the opportunity to test the Avalon 480 FMX Profisherman in the marque's home waters at the bottom end of Port Phillip Bay in Sorrento. As to be expected when you ask Melbourne's weather Gods to throw out a challenge, we were greeted with near idyllic conditions. In fact, it was one of those perfectly calm, cloudless days when we have to remind ourselves that this is actually work!

Nonetheless, we went in search of some reasonable chop and led the Avalon 480 into the mouth of Port Phillip Bay's infamous rip.

The fine entry on the moderate-vee cut the water easily and exhibited a smooth and stable ride on the glassy seas on the way out. It handled modestly choppy conditions with aplomb and provided a very dry ride.

Even in such ideal conditions, the 480 gives the overall impression that it is capable of handling a bit of rough water through an entrance or larger wind chop.

The boat provided enough stability to walk around the cockpit with confidence, however we did need to balance the load a bit with three adults working the area. Its stability also means you can lean into the side coamings without upsetting the boat.

Its level attitude holds itself in tight cornering, with minimal cavitation from the three-cylinder 75hp Mercury two-stroke fitted. Non feedback push-pull steering is a standard feature on the vessel.

Although travelling long distances is not usually a priority in a rig this size, the 480 cruised along nicely at around the 30kmh mark at 3200rpm. Top speed was an indicated 64kmh at 5400rpm.

It was a progressive and level transition onto and off the plane. For offshore fishos, planing was maintained below 30kmh. If venturing further afield, the Avalon 480 is rated up to 90hp.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Price wise, out testboat came in at around $23,700 fitted with a mid-sized 75hp Mercury. With the boatload of custom options fitted (including an under-console fueltank) the as tested price however would have been hefty.

Nonetheless, the ready-to-go rig can be yours for around $20,000 including 2001 Series Mackay PU4500 trailer with 13-inch wheels and mechanical brakes.

It's a cinch to handle at the boat ramp and with features such as a split bowrail, rodholders and side pockets to start it out as a fishing rig, Savage's Avalon 480 has all the right ingredients to be the perfect all-round family rig.