Sea Hunter by Clark 475 Revolution

Queensland-based alloy family boat builder, Mayfairs Marine has released three models in its 1999 Sea Hunter by Clark Revolution series - 4.55, 4.75 and 5.0m versions. All three possess distinctive features, but are based on a similar design most suitable for bay and estuary work.

Trailer Boat tested the mid-sized 4.75m model and found that it could be adapted to a number of applications for family boating.

It is the clever touches of this rig, that separate it from its competition, and left me with an overall good impression. As a family boat, it is an adaptable rig that has an open, uncluttered cockpit and broad comfy seats that will keep the kids happy on a long day out. Another bonus is that it can be easily managed by all members of the family out on the water and towed by the family car.

With such a stable platform underfoot, boarding this neat and tidy boat was easy.

Although we had pretty good conditions on the water on our test day, the stability of the boat and its driving ease were soon appreciated. Fitted with a 50hp three-cylinder two-stroke Mercury outboard, the craft performed well with two adults onboard registering a top speed of around 48kmh.

LIFT AND SUPPORT
The single Merc offered plenty of performance... And note that engines of this capacity teamed with mid-sized tinnies don’t use a lot of fuel. In most cases, you can have a reasonable day out without fuel costs emptying your wallet.

The new flush pods being adopted by manufacturers have also been introduced by Sea Hunter on its 1999 model 4.75 Revolution. The set-up provides additional lift and support for the engine, of particular importance when using heavier four-stroke outboards.

The result is a more efficient use of power, making it easier to get onto the plane. It also enables the craft to plane at lower revs without the aft-end of the boat becoming bogged down.

With more weight in the boat, say, if you plan to use the boat with extra crew or cargo, an increase in engine size should not be discounted. As it is, the 4.75 is rated to 75hp, which would well-and-truly have you motoring along, even with additional weight onboard.

However, for everyday fishing, the 50hp is more than adequate and guarantees the economical running and lower purchase price associated with the smaller engine –– another in-built benefit for the family buyer.

From the helm, visibility is good even while seated in the comfortable swivel seats. There is also sufficient room forward between the seat and the wheel if you prefer to stand and drive.

The testboat had a canopy fitted with a zip-open section, which allows two persons to stand-up and enjoy a warm breeze. It can also be zipped-up for protection from the sun or cooler winds and weather –– the best of both worlds, really.

While this offers all the protection you need, there is still plenty of room out the back to fish... Simply spin around in the seats and you have access to all the fishing features you’ll want fitted to take full advantage of this boat.

The cockpit has comfortable seating for four - two swivel pedestal seats at the helm and broad boxseats in each corner of the transom. While the rear seats are quite simple, their practicality is a welcome addition to a family rig. Basically, the set up sees cushions mounted on an aluminium box with additional storage space underneath. One side is utilised for the battery, with room to spare for an oil bottle etc, while the other can be plumbed and used as a livebait tank.

There is also storage in the sidepockets and room under the bow for items you wish to keep fully protected and out of the way.

Additional innovations in the design of the Revolution include the smart-looking fibreglass dash, which has ergonomic rounded corners which are pleasing to the eye and will reduce the number of bumps and bruises encountered while moving around the boat.

Access to the anchor well is also straightforward with a centre section of the windscreen opening up over a sculptured recess in the dash.

At the bow, is a unique two-piece bowroller that makes launching and retrieving the anchor a breeze.

The 4.75 Revolution is one of the more versatile compact runabouts that I have had the opportunity to test and with a pricetag under $18,000, ready to go, it certainly has its heart in the right place.

It’s equally suited to keen fishos, a fishing family or retired couples. The common theme is the ability to enjoy economical, fuss-free quality time on the water.