Stacer 449 Outlaw SC

One of the smallest models in the Stacer Outlaw range, the 449 SC is a great little package that’s easy to use single-handed – or with a bunch of mates. This compact, garage-sized fishing rig has a proven hull shape for excellent handling and performance.

The Outlaws are light in weight, easily handled, and provide comfortable, stable performance from Stacer’s latest Evo Advance variable deadrise hull bottom.

The smooth, 3.0mm 'plate-look' alloy topsides are easy on the eye whilst the ribbed 3.0mm alloy hull bottoms are strong and durable enough to handle some rough treatment.

The Outlaws are available in five sizes – 4.29m, 4.49m, 4.69m, 4.89m, 5.29m, and with tiller-steer, centre console and side console helm configurations.

On boatsales and Boatpoint we have so far reviewed the flagship models in the Stacer Outlaw range. For this test report we head the other way and check out one of the smaller, but equally versatile models, the 449 Side Console.

The Outlaw 449 SC is well equipped and well priced too. Brisbane’s Wynnum Marine offers the side console model for a starting price of $23,675 with a 50hp Evinrude E-Tec motor, Stacer single-axle braked trailer, inshore safety pack, boat and trailer registrations, and a range of useful options. These include two-tone paint, navigation lights, a roto-moulded fish box/live bait tank (in the casting deck), and a bow mount plate for an electric motor.

The test rig was supplied with Yamaha’s compact, frugal, and smooth-running 60hp four-stroke motor – which lifts the package price to $25,200. The extra power is worth the added cost though, particularly if you fish with several mates or will carry a lot of gear.

There is enough standard equipment on the Outlaw to keep most anglers happy. The deck is carpeted from the bow to the stern and there’s even carpet to the undersides of the hatches to seal/protect the plywood and stop mould growth.

Fixtures and fittings include a bow roller forward, a plastic anchor-well deck insert (that is a bit too shallow), forward cleat, short bow and stern rails, four plastic rod holders, stern live-bait tank, transom boarding step and rail, two transducer brackets, and two helm chairs with three seat positions.

The bow deck is around 920mm wide by 1.76m long and is elevated 270mm above the centre floor. The latter is 2.01m long by 1.6m wide.

As noted earlier, the test boat was fitted with a bow-mount electric trolling motor plate on the port side of the bow.

The battery for the trolling motor is fitted on a false floor (also carpeted) in a locker beneath the casting deck.

The optional roto-moulded poly-plastic live-bait tank insert resides in the centre of the forward platform with deep storage lockers alongside it. These two side lockers are good for stowing safety gear, etc.

The helm console, offset to starboard, and positioned slightly forward of amidships, has been kept deliberately small and compact so as to maximise the interior room.

Despite its modest size, the console has sufficient space on the fascia for engine gauges and a switch panel, though you will have to bracket-mount your electronics.

On that score, you would be best to opt for a combination fish finder/GPS unit (rather than two separate units) to save space.

Other features include a small glove box/key compartment, cup holder, and grab handle.

Two pedestal seats come standard with the 449 Outlaw SC, and these can be moved to three different locations – two on the port side of the centre floor area, and a third at the helm.

The seats are well padded, comfortable, and with reversible back-rests so you can turn and face aft to fish – as well as swivel 360 degrees.

The helm seat does not have a fore and aft slider but the seat pedestal is quite well positioned for driving while standing and seated. In both cases the steering wheel and side-mount throttle are within reach.

The elevated rear platform behind the helm chairs is not so much a casting deck (as it is quite small) as a means of creating additional storage lockers.

The starting battery and master switch are located under the centre of the platform with a small live-bait tank and tackle locker to port – and storage on the starboard side.

Other noteworthy features include the above-floor centre-cockpit side pockets and very wide side coamings.

The Evo hull is easy to handle and forgiving. In chop, it tracks straight and offers a decent ride with excellent stability.

It is also an economical hull, requiring minimal power to perform; 40hp will do the job if you have a light load.

That said, the 60hp we had on the test boat is arguably the best size engine for the 449 series Outlaw as it has just the right amount of power for quick hole-shots and a decent turn of top speed.

The Yamaha 60hp four-stroke on the test rig was a little under-propped but it still achieved a speed of 27.4 knots at 6100 rpm and a cruise of 15.8 knots at 4000 rpm.

The Outlaw’s well proven Evo Advance hull offers excellent all-round handling and performance and the interior layout and features are perfect for fishing bays, estuaries and impoundments.