Streaker 5.02 Fisherman

Streaker's 5.02-metre hull is one of those lovely little boats that seem to have been around for years. And indeed the model has been, in two forms: a runabout and a cuddy. But now there's a third version, which Streaker's Savage brothers call the Fisherman.

Basically this is a new walkthrough deck on the same hull - well, almost the same hull, because it's had a few little tweaks in the past 12 months to make it even better.

According to Leon Savage, the latest tinkering has made the boat more trim sensitive; strakes have been broadened to allow the boat to plane at lower speeds; drain holes are bigger; and the dash has been redesigned around twin-dial Yamaha instrumentation.

Although called the Fisherman, the 5.02 is an entry-level family runabout which would be just as happy towing biscuits as baiting bream.

ROOM TO MOVE
The most alluring feature of this boat is its brilliant walkthrough. The centre panel of the windscreen folds sideways and once that's out of the way almost the entire centre of the foredeck is hinged.This lifts to port to give wide access forward to the anchor locker. The bowsprit which will carry an anchor for easy handling so Mum or the kids can simply unclip it and let it drop away. A solid bowpost and split bowrail also make forward work easy.

Beneath the deck to the sides are small sidepockets for safety vests and other gear.

The twin bucket seats are mounted on short aluminium pedestals and the skipper's seat is well positioned behind a soft, black helm. Yamaha tacho and speed digital instruments are in front and easily read but the centrally mounted compass is mounted behind the helm and is difficult to read without craning one's neck. A Lowrance X67C fits neatly on the right of the helm and a basic switch panel is opposite. The control lever falls well to hand and there is a good footrest under the dash.

There are no storage pockets near the helm although the passenger has a lockable glovebox in front above two moulded cup holders in the dash.

The five-piece screen is strongly supported by twin pillars to the dash on either side of the walk-through. The marine radio is fitted underneath the dash - it is within easy reach of the skipper but, unfortunately, out of sight.

 Sidepockets are a good size behind plastic mouldings and feature Teflon rod racks.

A bimini and clears, mounted on a light rod rack with five pots, keep the weather out - although the clip mount for the bimini is too close to the throttle.

BIG BEHIND
The underfloor 75 litre fuel tank and a wet storage bin between the seats are covered with a strip of carpet down the centre of the boat.

Short grabrails are moulded into the gunwales and there are two rodholders in the gunwales towards the transom. Rear quarter seats are positioned on either side of the engine well and have removable seats to allow access to oil bottles and the battery, which are hidden behind a canvas screen.

The placement of the oil bottle filler in the top of the transom is a very good idea. The fuel filler is outboard as well. Each rear quarter has small corner bins with Teflon lids which are always handy for odds and ends.

Rear quarter cleats are recessed and a basic baitboard completes the transom picture.

RACY PERFORMANCE
Streaker hulls perform at their best when you use plenty of trim and the 5.02 is no exception. It travelled well in a sloppy little chop and was quite dry in running. It cruised comfortably at 36kmh at 3300rpm but conditions weren't ideal for a full speed run. Stability at rest was quite good.

It seemed well balanced with the 115hp V4 Saltwater Series Yamaha spinning a stainless steel prop. Streaker packages all its boats with Yammies and the combination works well. Options include four-stroke motor packages.

In its various forms, this has long been a popular boat around Australia and the small refinements added to this Fisherman model will ensure that it remains very competitive in the marketplace.

HIGHS

LOWS