Stacer 679 Sea Ranger CC: Review

At this stage there are two models to choose from, both with 5mm plate alloy hull bottoms with 4mm topsides. These new Sea Rangers, as they have been called, are available in 6.19 and 6.79m hull lengths and share an identical layout.

Should these two new models prove successful we would expect Stacer to add a third model in due course, built around the flagship 7.39m hull. Time will tell.

The new Stacer Sea Rangers were released on the Gold Coast back in May. We are now following our launch report with a test of the larger of the two new centre consoles, the 679 Sea Ranger with power from a 225hp Evinrude G2 E-TEC DFI two-stroke outboard.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Sharp price for a big coastal fishing trailerboat
Stacer alloy boats are generally very good value for money, and the new Sea Rangers are no exception. In standard configuration the 679 model can be purchased for as little as $57k – which is genuine bargain.

The entry package is surprising well equipped for the price too. You don’t get the overhead bimini shelter, but the standard boat does have the two-person width centre console, elevated forward casting deck, large underfloor kill tank, self-draining tread-plate floor, live bait tank (with plumbing and clear viewing window), welded rod holders, transom cutting board, berley bucket, transom door, bow and stern rails, three cross bollards, two transducer brackets, hydraulic steering and a GME GX700B VHF radio.

Also included is a Stacer tandem-axle alloy braked trailer and a 130hp Evinrude E-TEC extra-longshaft two-stroke outboard, inshore safety gear for four people, sand anchor kit and boat and trailer registrations.

The 130hp Evinrude is the minimum recommended power for the 679 Stacer but should still provide the boat with reasonable performance and a top speed around the 30 knot mark. A slightly larger 140 – 150hp outboard would be a better option, but you can certainly get by with the smaller engine.

The test boat package was a demonstrator model outfitted with just about all of the options available — including the stunningly powerful 225hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboard, overhead bimini soft-top with alloy frame and rocket launcher, and Stacer’s two-person width Strike Chair lean seat with padded cushion and storage compartment.

Also included is the vinyl wrapping to the hull topsides, raw water deck wash, removable forward console ice box/seat, and a Lowrance HDS9 Gen3 Touch fish finder/GPS with HDI Skimmer XDR transducer.

Complete, as tested, the 679 Sea Ranger is priced at $83k from leading Gold Coast Stacer dealer, Whitewater Marine.

INTERIOR LAYOUT
- Room to move, room to fish
The 679 Sea Ranger will prove an excellent all-rounder fishing boat as there is sufficient aft cockpit space and cockpit freeboard for bottom bashing over the stern at anchor, as well as a massive forward deck suited to lure and fly casting as well as chasing down a runaway sport fish.

The forward deck is particularly large, 1.78m long with a maximum width of 1.83m. It is elevated 310mm above the main cockpit floor so there is not a whole lot of freeboard once you are standing up on the deck itself. That said, we did not feel unsafe at any stage while walking around the casting deck and would comfortably stand and fish from the platform while offshore.

The side coamings up at the bow are also enormously wide and can double as seats should you tire of standing up.

Beneath the tread-plate casting deck are two big lockers. The forward locker is intended for dry storage for safety gear, towels, etc., while the larger aft locker can cater for just about everything else – including deck lines, fenders, gear bags, etc.

This aft casting deck locker could also be used as a fish box, although there is a separate, purpose designed kill tank (with overboard drain) located under the main cockpit floor, forward of the helm console.

Bow rails surround the casting deck and lead forward to the large anchor well which has a roto-moulded plastic insert. The boat can be rigged for an electric anchor winch with the addition of an optional winch deck plate.

HELM AND COCKPIT
- Ergonomically designed centre console
Some thought has gone into the size and design of the Stacer’s helm console to ensure it is larger enough to serve a number of functions.

At 1.1m wide the console is quite broad, but there remains a decent 380mm of space to either side of it so you can fish from the sides and walk comfortably back and forth to the bow.

The alloy framework for the optional overhead bimini sits outside the console but does not impact on the fishing deck access either. In fact the bracing rails make excellent hand-holds when fishing in choppy conditions.

The console itself is traditional in design with a lower panel section for the steering wheel, throttle box, switch panel and included GME VHF radio.

Above the steering wheel is a broad fascia with provision for engine instruments and large flush-fitted electronics displays. Flat, level dash space across the top of the console can cater for additional bracket-mounted displays and perhaps a compass.

There is storage for jumpers, wet weather gear, charts, snacks, etc., in an open locker under the helm while your keys and cell phone can be stowed in the open glove compartment.

On the bow side of the console unit is an open recess designed to accept a pull-out and removable Icey-Tek brand 85L ice box. We reckon this is a must-have option as the ice box also doubles as a forward cushioned seat.

From the helm the skipper has an unrestricted 360 degree view around the boat and the clear perspex windshield provides shelter from wind and spray.

The Stacer Strike Chair lean seat is comfortable enough and the sporty looking steering wheel and binnacle throttle are well placed and easy to use.

Behind the Stacer Strike chair there is around 800mm of space back to the rear transom wall, making the rear cockpit area quite compact in size. We did not find this an issue however, as there is ample fishing space along the sides and forward of the helm console.

The rear transom wall has a curtained-off section — behind which is an elevated platform for the batteries, water separating filter, and master switch, etc. There is also an access hatch to view and maintain the bilge and bait tank pumps and plumbing, etc.

The live bait tank is situated just above floor level at the transom on the starboard side. Cleverly it also serves as a step leading out to the rear boarding platform and ladder.

The live bait tank is rectangular in shape and the bottom of the tank is stepped over two slightly different levels. This would only marginally reduce the volume of water in the tank, but we wonder whether some live baits may get damaged bumping against the ridge at the bottom when the tank is brimming with baits. Fortunately the tank has a front viewing window so you can monitor bait health.

ON THE WATER
- Power to burn with the E-TEC G2
On the water the Stacer 679 test rig proved to be an absolute weapon, the big, yet smooth Evinrude E-TEC 225hp G2 outboard shoving the Sea Ranger to a mighty 43 knot top speed. Yes, the boat had more power than you need. Quite a bit more in fact — but it was a real blast to drive.

The boat/engine combination was equally quick and responsive through the bottom and middle rpm range, with brutally fast acceleration.

That the Stacer was able to handle, and to use the power and performance of the Evinrude G2 is a credit to the excellent design of the hull. At no point did we feel concerned or unsafe, even when traveling offshore at speeds approaching 40 knots. The test conditions were admittedly calm, but the Sea Ranger’s prowess and capability at sea was evident nonetheless.

Having noted the above, the Sea Ranger does not need 225hp. It will perform adequately with 130hp, and perform well with an extra-longshaft outboard in the 150-175hp power range.

With the 225hp Evinrude G2 we recorded a best fuel economy figure of 1.04 nautical miles per litre at 3500rpm whilst cruising at 27.3 knots. This equates to a maximum (on plane) range of 212.82 nautical miles on 95 per cent of the standard 215lt fuel tank.

With regard to handling and ride we found little to complain about. The 19 degree deadrise Stacer Evo Advance hull is comfortable in chop, very stable at rest and underway, and well mannered in a following sea.

VERDICT
- A safe, sturdy, great value plate alloy fishing rig
The 679 Sea Ranger centre console is a welcome addition to the Stacer plate alloy boat range; it provides anglers with a great alternative to the Ocean Ranger cabin models.

The Sea Ranger is a big, roomy open boat with heaps of storage and forward deck space. It is easily capably of fishing wide offshore, yet still light enough to sneak under the 2000kg mark on a Stacer tandem-axle aluminum trailer – and to tow behind a regular 4WD vehicle.

With its safe, seaworthy hull, excellent performance and plenty of included gear, the Sea Ranger is a good value buy and a quality fishing boat.

PERFORMANCE - SPEED
3.4kts (6.3km/h) @ 1000rpm
5.7kts (10.5km/h) @ 1500rpm
6.2kts (11.5km/h) @ 2000rpm
10.6kts (19.6km/h) @ 2500rpm
20.5kts (37.9km/h) @ 3000rpm
27.3kts (50.5km/h) @ 3500rpm
30.0kts (55.5km/h) @ 4000rpm
35.5kts (65.7km/h) @ 4500rpm
37.7kts (69.7km/h) @ 5000rpm
43.5kts (80.5km/h) @ 5550rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY
2.8 l/ph @ 1000rpm
5.9 l/ph @ 1500rpm
10.9 l/ph @ 2000rpm
17.5 l/ph @ 2500rpm
20.0 l/ph @ 3000rpm
26.2 l/ph @ 3500rpm
37.0 l/ph @ 4000rpm
47.2 l/ph @ 4500rpm
52.2 l/ph @ 5000rpm
58.9 l/ph @ 5550rpm (WOT)
MAXIMUM RANGE ON 95 PR CENT OF 215L FUEL TANK: 212.82nm @ 3500rpm

LIKES
>> Big, comfortable coastal fishing rig
>> Strong performance from Evinrude E-TEC
>> Deep storage bins/lockers
>> Large casting deck
>> Above-floor battery shelf with toe-holds
>> Easy care, easy clean self draining cockpit

NOT SO MUCH
>> Flotation to “Basic” standard only
>> No seats in standard package

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.66/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.7/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.5/5.0
On the water Performance: 4.7/5.0
Value for money: 4.9/5.0
X-factor: 4.5/5.0

Specifications: Stacer 679 Sea Ranger CC
Price as tested: $83,219 including Evinrude E-TEC G2 225hp extra longshaft (25”) DFI two-stroke outboard, Stacer tandem axle aluminium braked trailer, vinyl hull wrap, T-Top bimini with alloy frame and rocket launcher, Lowrance HDS9 Gen3 touch fish finder/GPS with HDI Skimmer XDR transducer, removable 85L Icey-Tek ice box/seat, Stacer Strike chair lean seat with storage, raw water deck wash, soft-top LED light kit, sand anchor kit, boat and trailer registrations, and inshore safety gear for four adults.

Priced from: $56,688 including Evinrude E-TEC 130hp DFI extra longshaft (25”) two-stroke outboard, Stacer tandem axle aluminium braked trailer, battery, sand anchor kit, boat and trailer registrations, and an inshore safety gear kit for four adults.

Length overall: 7.12m
Hull length: 6.84m
Beam: 2.46m
Depth: 1.2m
Hull weight: 1,010kg
Flotation standard: Basic
Towing weight: Approx 1,900kg
Deadrise: 19 Degrees
Length on trailer: 8.19m
Height on trailer: 2.64m
Bottom & transom alloy: 5.0mm
Topsides alloy: 4.0mm
Maximum power: 225hp
Maximum engine weight: 295kg
Engine as tested: Evinrude E-TEC G2 225hp DFI two-stroke
Fuel: 215 litres
Maximum persons: Seven

Supplied by:
Whitewater Marine
Phone: (07) 5532 4402.
Email: info@whitewatermarine.com.au
Website: www.whitewatermarine.com.au.