Stacer ups the Ante

Stacer has released its new and upgraded models for 2012 with a host of innovative features that will bring the brand further up the aluminium-boat pecking order.

At a media event on the Gold Coast this week, we got to sample (albeit briefly) some of the boats that will form part of the formidable line-up of aluminium craft for this year and into the future.

Headlining the news from the Queensland-based manufacturer are two all-new models which represent the company’s first foray into plate boats.
The first of these is the big, new 649 Ocean Ranger. This boat is designed with the hardcore fisherman in mind. From what we saw it’s a roomy and capable offshore rig with many features that will appeal to the ardent fisho.

The boat is constructed from 5mm plate and has a fully welded sub-frame rib structure beneath the self-draining tread-plate floor.

The rib structure adds strength to the hull and the self-draining floor comes in handy when you dragging in a big fish or washing the boat down after a torrid day out.

National Account Manager for Stacer, Drew Jackson, told BoatPoint and Boatsales that the 649 Ocean Ranger created a bit of stir when it was shown to the 56 Stacer dealers at their recent annual dealer conference.

"The team here at Stacer are very excited about taking (the 649) on the boat show circuit this year and anticipate a lot of interest from customers," Drew added.

The 649 has a 160-litre fuel tank and carries a maximum horsepower rating of 175.

The new boat comes standard with all the fishing features such as berley bucket, alloy cutting board, 65-litre plumbed live-bait tank and a 135-litre plumbed kill tank.

A feature of all the boats we saw including the 649 Ocean Ranger is that Stacer has allowed plenty of room to mount a good spread of electronics which is becoming more and more popular on smaller boats.

The price of the 649 Ocean Ranger starts at $53,861 for BMT package with a 150hp Evinrude including registration and safeties.

We’ll bring you a comprehensive review on this boat in the coming weeks.

Another interesting new release from Stacer is the 539 Nomad Fisher.

This is another plate boat constructed of 4mm hull with 3mm topsides. The Nomad Fisher comes in either a side-console or centre-console configuration and has a recommended horsepower rating of 115.

Jackson believes the 539 Nomad Fisher is set to become a best seller for Stacer: "The Nomad Fisher is packed with great features such as the checker-plate floor, carpeted front casting platform, 100-litre underfloor plumbed kill tank, live-bait tank and large side pockets."

The Nomad Fisher, along with all the new and revamped models, comes with Stacer’s new transom.

While a new transom might seem not worth crowing about, in reality it is. The redesign gives 200mm more internal room and hides cables for an obstruction-free duckboard.

Jackson also pointed out that the new transom allows better access for the fitup and maintenance of the outboard as well as the bilge pump. It also allows for the fitment of dual batteries and creates a lower centre of gravity for better stability.

The price of the standard 539 Nomad Fisher BMT package is $40,790.

Stacer’s runabouts have also come in for some changes and additions. In the runabout range, the Baymasters and the Seaways get the new transom, as well as a new rear lounge setup. The lounge now folds and stows flush with the transom or removes completely to give a clean and clear cockpit.

Also new is what Stacer calls the Low Profile Sports Deck (LPSD) for its runabouts. This is a totally new look for the Baymasters, EasyRiders and Sportsters. This is designed to give the boat a more sporty and modern appearance, according to Jackson.

However, it also has a more practical application. The windscreen height has been adjusted for better vision from the driving position and better wind flow.

The runabouts also benefit from more dash area for electronics and more comfortable and better-looking mouldings.

With these changes and a more aggressive marketing campaign, Stacer is certainly looking to up its market share in what is a very competitive mainstream sector.