Stacer 420 Proline Angler

Win an angler

Well, some lucky subscriber to TrailerBoat will be lining up shortly to take possession of their subscription prize in the form of a Stacer 420 Proline Angler boat, motor and trailer package. Not a bad reward for signing up for 12 months of good, solid boat reviews.

We decided to take a run to the Telwater Factory where all Quintrex and Stacer boats are born, and to have a look at the actual rig. With a boat ramp just across the road at the Gold Coast City Marina, we thought it may as well get damp on the bottom in the process, having just come off the production line the night before this test.

This model has been around for some time and is popular around the sheltered estuaries and on the lakes for freshwater anglers. There hasn't been a need to do a major revamp since its debut, but rather, a cosmetic makeover to keep it looking smart; that is, with the exception of the inclusion of the Stacer Proline Sports Hull. This new-shaped bottom side has the bow more forward of the keel forefoot and features a flaring out from the keel line to push water and spray away.

The carpets in this and all Stacer models will be grey in colour with seating cream and grey coloured to suit.

NEW FEATURES
On the prize boat, and as an option on purchased vessels, is featured an electric-motor mounting-plate base on the port forequarter.

The port forequarter grabrail has been shortened to accommodate this feature, while the starboard remains standard length. These rails are now highly polished rather than the standard matt finish as on the older models.

This boat has an ample forward casting deck with three hatches. The hatch situated forward centre is large and opens away from the inside of the boat to reveal a very large rota-form insert that is bunged at the bottom. It's large enough to fit a pair of batteries for the electric motor, or be used as a fish live or killtank.

Aft of that compartment, another two hatches opening toward the centre reveal a full-width stowage area, large enough to house paddles and other safety gear. A centrally located seat-post base is available for those resting their legs while fishing.

Down in the cockpit are four more seat-post bases and another fixed to the forward part of the bulkhead of the short, rear casting platform.

While the prize boat is fitted with a short tiller arm on the 30hp two-stroke Mariner, the seat base is ideal should you opt for a longer tiller arm. This can be accommodated with the seat moved slightly forward into the base.

In the aft casting platform base, a hatch opens to the tote tank, which may be installed on either side to keep the trim of the boat correct. The other side of this compartment is vacant, but will hold another tote tank if need be.

CARPETED DECK
The hatches are carpet-covered Allycore and the deck in the cockpit is marine ply - also covered with carpet.

On a run down the Coomera River with two people aboard, the 420 wound out to about 50kmh on estimate. Considering its V-nosed punt-style hull and bow entry, it rode very softly over passing boat wake.

Hard cornering created aeration at the propeller, but this was remedied soon after (the boat only had the finishing touches put to it the night before) and the usual torque felt at the tiller will be alleviated with the adjustment of the fin under the anti-cavitation plate.

With the 30hp fitted, the boat has plenty of holeshot and acceleration; and with the maximum of 40 horses fitted, it would fly!

All-in-all a basic boat but a freebie to one of you lucky subscribers. Good luck in the draw!

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