Streaker 5700 Bluewater: Fishing Boat Review

Streaker Boats have for many years been popular with boaters seeking a well-priced, well-made and versatile craft built to suit Aussie conditions. Now built in Brisbane by Cruise Craft, the Streaker boat range is better than ever – featuring composite GRP construction, foam-filled hulls, and an upgraded standard of finish. For this review we have the full-featured 5700 Bluewater powered by a Mercury 115hp CT four-stroke outboard.

OVERVIEW
- True blue Aussie brand finds new home with long-time rival
Founded in Melbourne in the early 1970s by Leon and Paul Savage, Streaker Boats are well-known and respected by experienced Aussie boaters and fishermen. For decades L&P Savage Bros turned out competitively priced, uniquely designed and capable trailerable craft, some of them winning Australia’s premier manufacturing design awards along the way.

One of those award-winning craft was the 585 Sport Fishermen launched in 1991. Now regarding as something of a classic, the 585SF (and related models) was well-appointed for fishing and equipped with a soft riding deep-vee hull.

But the 585SF is just one of many fine Streaker models produced over the years. This true-blue Aussie manufacturer has always produced a large range of boats, with configurations ranging from open-tiller through to sports bowriders and hardtop offshore fishing craft.

Now built in Brisbane by long time rival Cruise Craft, the Streaker is now manufactured using the latest composite materials (no timber) and construction techniques, with Cruise Craft’s trademark high quality fit and finish.

For our first test of a Cruise-Craft-built Streaker boat, we were offered one of the brand’s evergreen models, the 5700 Bluewater cuddy cabin, powered by a Mercury 115hp CT (Command Thrust) four-stroke outboard.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Great value package at just $65k
Moving the manufacturing of Streaker Boats to Brisbane has coincided with a renewed promotion of the brand to Queensland boaters, and the appointment of new dealers — including Clontarf-based Brisbane Marine.

Brisbane Marine specialises in selling complete drive-away boat packages with all the gear and equipment you are likely to want or need. Accordingly, apart from electronics (the choice of which is very much a personal thing) everything you see on our Streaker 5700 Bluewater test package is standard and included in the great value price of $64,990.

Less than $65k is a veritable bargain for a fully-fitted 18-foot cuddy cabin these days. The price includes a Mercury 115hp Command Thrust four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering, and a custom Easytow tandem axle drive-on trailer with walkway and spare wheel.

You also get a bimini with front and side clears and rocket launcher rod rack, VHF radio, deluxe fibreglass bait board, deluxe helm chairs on storage boxes, fold-down rear bench seating, boarding platforms with S/S ladder, transom door, side panel rod racks, kill tank, live bait tank, bait box, bilge pump, compass, pop-up cleats, built-in rod holders, cockpit carpet, 146 litre fuel tank, underfloor foam flotation to Basic flotation standard — and everything else you can see in the photos.

INTERIOR LAYOUT
- A traditional cuddy cabin with ample seating and storage
Within the Streaker boat range there are several different models built around the 5700 series hull — including two cuddy cabin models. The 5700 Navigator cuddy we tested back in 2015 has a lower profile cabin with a centre opening, walk-through windscreen and foredeck. In contrast, the Bluewater cuddy has a more traditional enclosed cabin with more headroom and a fixed, two-pane curved windscreen perched atop a wider, more spacious dash.

The cabin in both models is relatively short, with seats rather than berths and with a central companionway in between. In the Bluewater model this central walkway leads to a step and overhead hatch in the forepeak.

From within the open hatchway the deep and wide anchor well is within a comfortable reach so you can stand within the hatchway and drop anchor. It is easier still if you have the anchor mounted semi-permanently on the bow sprit.

As noted, the seats/berths are short of full length at only 1.7m long by around 490mm wide. However, the test boat had an infill board and cushion to increase the berth space — though it will still be a very tight fit for two adults, and you’d want to be pretty friendly with each other.

For young children however, the double berth set-up will be very useful, while the space underneath the infill board can be devoted to storage of safety gear, etc.

Our test boat for example, had a large safety gear bag stowed under the infill board/cushion for much of our time on the water.

Other cabin features include side storage pockets, shallow under-berth lockers and an easy care, flow-coated finish to the ceiling and surrounds.

HELM & COCKPIT
- Neat and practical, function over form
The Bluewater has a conventional helm and dash layout complete with a glove box to port above a handy grab rail, while the helm and fascia opposite has a modern design suitable for flush-mounted electronics and engine displays.

There is space for a VHF radio, switch panel and sports steering wheel, while the throttle is side-mounted, alongside the helm chair.

From the helm the skipper has an unobstructed view through the two-pane curved windscreen, although we found the height of the screen a tad too low.

There was also some reflection/glare from the curved screen under the harsh midday sun. Otherwise the helm/dash set-up works well and is comfortable and practical whether you drive the boat while standing or while seated in the sculptured, supportive bucket chairs.

Special mention should be given to the wrap-around stainless steel windscreen grab rail, a welcome standard inclusion.

The aforementioned sliding and swiveling helm chairs are mounted above useful storage boxes. Between them, under the floor, is another storage locker which can double as a fish box.

There is additional seating in the stern for adults and children. A split bench seat stretches the width of the transom wall with each side capable of being folded down or removed altogether.

With the rear seats folded down or removed, anglers can stand and fish securely over the stern, nicely braced against the transom wall padding.

The battery is situated on the floor beneath the transom, behind the starboard side bench seat. It is easy to access in this location, but we would be happier if it were placed on an elevated platform or in an enclosed locker where it would be better protected from the weather.

That said any water coming onboard will flow into the sump/water catchment recess under the transom and be removed by the automatic bilge pump.

Anglers will appreciate the 2.2m x 1.95m dimensions of the uncluttered and carpeted rear cockpit, as well as the good-sized starboard corner bait bin/storage box which can easily be converted into decent-sized live bait tank.

Other fishing features include two standard in-deck rod holders, the overhead rocket launcher and bait board, cockpit side storage pockets with horizontal rod racks, recessed stern rails, and pop-up stern cleats (which keep the rear decks smooth and snag-free when fishing).

ON THE WATER
- A great all-rounder with smooth, quiet Mercury four-stroke power
The moderate deep-vee hull beneath the Streaker 5700 Bluewater is tried and tested, offering excellent all-round performance.

The hull is more stable at rest than you might expect given its 20 degree deadrise and it carves through short, sharp chop with ease — thanks to a very fine entry shape.

It is perhaps not quite as soft in larger, more open swell conditions, but the hull still does a pretty decent job of softening out the bumps, especially if you keep the nose down, the hull on an even keel, and the boat running at speeds up to around 18 knots or so.

Underway, the hull is well balanced and responsive to trim and helm, particularly with the Sea-Star hydraulic steering fitted.

With regard to performance, the 5700 series Streaker hull is rated for a single extra-longshaft outboard up to 150hp. Do you need this much power? Probably not. Our Mercury 115hp four-stroke powered test boat pulled a top speed of 37.7 knots and this should prove ample for most applications.

The super quiet and smooth running Mercury was also strong through the low and mid range, accelerating briskly and without hesitation. You might consider upping the power to 125-130hp, but you may be better served upgrading your fish finder/GPS or spending the saving on a new rod/reel outfit.

Modern four-stroke outboards are economical to run and the Mercury 115hp is no exception. At 3500rpm, the Mercury pushes the Streaker along nicely at 18.5 knots whilst burning just 13.5l/ph. This gives the boat/engine combination a maximum range with the standard 146 litre fuel tank (less 5 per cent for fuel tank line losses) of 190.1 nautical miles. Excellent range!

VERDICT
- A classic Aussie cuddy cabin
The Streaker 5700 Bluewater is the quintessential, go-to Aussie half cabin — relatively inexpensive, well-designed for a mix of family boating and fishing, and packed with standard gear and equipment.

You can tow this mid-sized trailerboat easily behind a family SUV, launch and retrieve it single-handed, stow it down the side of the house at home, and yet it is big, safe, and seaworthy enough to fish coastal offshore waters and wide open bays and harbours.

If you’re looking for a good quality, well-priced cuddy cabin all-rounder then be sure to add the Streaker 5700 Bluewater to your short list.

LIKES
>> Practical design and layout
>> Loaded of standard inclusions
>> Comfortable ride in short, sharp chop
>> Smooth Mercury four-stroke power
>> Foam-filled hull
>> Handy windscreen grab rail
>> Excellent Easytow trailer

NOT SO MUCH
>> Battery on cockpit floor
>> Narrow side coamings
>> Bait bin/tank not plumbed

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.72/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.9/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.8/5.0
On the water performance: 4.7/5.0
Value for money: 4.8/5.0
X-factor: 4.4/5.0

PERFORMANCE - SPEED
3.6kts (6.7km/h) @ 1000rpm
5.1kts (9.4km/h) @ 1500rpm
6.0kts (11.1km/h) @ 2000rpm
7.7kts (14.2km/h) @ 2500rpm
11.3kts (20.9km/h) @ 3000rpm
18.5kts (34.2km/h) @ 3500rpm
21.5kts (39.8km/h) @ 4000rpm
26.4kts (48.8km/h) @ 4500rpm
30.7kts (56.8km/h) @ 5000rpm
33.4kts (61.8km/h) @ 5500rpm
37.7kts (69.7km/h) @ 6000rpm) (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY
2.3 l/ph @ 1000rpm
3.9 l/ph @ 1500rpm
5.9 l/ph @ 2000rpm
9.1 l/ph @ 2500rpm
11.7 l/ph @ 3000rpm
13.5 l/ph @ 3500rpm
18.3 l/ph @ 4000rpm
26.2 l/ph @ 4500rpm
33.0 l/ph @ 5000rpm
35.5 l/ph @ 5500rpm
42.3 l/ph @ 6000rpm (WOT)

MAXIMUM RANGE ON 95% OF 146l FUEL TANK: 190.1nm @ 3500rpm

Specifications: Streaker 5700 Bluewater
Price as tested: $64,990 including a Mercury Command Thrust 115hp extra-longshaft (25”) four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering, Easytow custom tandem axle drive-on trailer (with alloy wheels, LED lights, mesh walkway, spare wheel), bimini with front and side clears and alloy rocket launcher, VHF radio, inshore safety gear pack, and boat and trailer registrations.

Length overall: 5.7m
Beam: 2.49m
Hull weight: 1,000kg
Towing weight: Approx 1,650kg
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Maximum power: 150hp
Engine as tested: Mercury 115hp CT four-stroke outboard
Fuel: 146 litres
Maximum Persons: Six

Supplied by:
Brisbane Marine
Phone: (07) 3889 3033
Email: sales@brismarine.com.au
Website: www.brismarine.com.au.