TABS 6.70 Ocean Series

Executive Fishing

While Rick Huckstepp was testing a TABS 4.85 in sunny Queensland, I took the much larger 6.70 model out into the choppy waters of Port Phillip Bay, in Melbourne's bayside.

The term ‘bay' is not what interstate readers might expect. It's a massive area of water, so large that often the land on the other side cannot be seen and encompassing waters large enough to generate stirring seas, causing occasional damage to boats, marinas and waves large enough for surfing. As I ventured out with Regal Marine's crew, skies were dark and drizzling on us, but the TABS was ready for anything the elements could deliver.

The TABS 6.70 is a highly appointed top-of-the-range plate boat, with an outstanding finish. For more than 20 years, TABS have been Aussie-built in Queensland and command a good number of loyal owners. With more than 40 models in their range, there's sure to be a boat for all trailerboat fishermen.

It does not take much time to observe that their welds are top-class, sturdy and free of any sharp edges. The Ocean Series is spacious and highly appointed for fishing and recreational boating.

Gunwales are high and wide, with rounded edges and storage bays, plus well recessed foot-room. High siderails are strategically placed in the centre of the rear gunwales and there's a higher rail from the start of the cabin, to the most forward, where an electric winch is installed, with guides and extension, so the hull will not be scratched.

At the helm, the fibreglass driver's dash has essential instruments, with room for more, though those provided will suit all but the most professional user. The Humminbird 997c GPS Fishing System and chartplotter mounted on the centre metal panel is perfect for general use, with its large panorama format screen. The left-hand switchbank indicates electrical features: navigation light, anchor light, spotlights, cockpit lights, cabin lights and bait tank pump.

Strong, comfortable seats ensure a great ride for the skipper and passenger, with storage below the pedestal, plus an extension with two extra (albeit small) cushions for passengers or for use during fishing operations.

A five-piece windscreen affords good visibility, complemented by perfectly integrated clears above and generous headroom under the all-metal roof. In fact, many boats are a bit tight in the headroom department - not this one.

Atop, grabrails, rocket launchers, antennas, navigation light and forward-facing spotlight are welcome features, especially the light to assist forward operations in fading light.

COCKPIT FOR FOUR
The roomy cockpit suits up to four active fishermen in comfort, with rodholders at the rear, plus rocket launchers above the cockpit for all their tackle.

A checkerplate floor throughout is perfect for easy cleaning after a good catch and there's a folding sideways-facing seat portside. The transom includes good sized boarding platforms each side of the outboard, with an easy walkthrough access via the transom door on the starboard side.

In the cabin, there's room for stowage and two people to rest, or sleep, if they don't mind curling up. The skylight above is perfect for good light inside and access forward, however, the access externally around the cabin is easy too, with enough grabrails to keep you stable. The cabin is sealed from the elements via a fabric cover, closed with a zipper.

The TABS was equipped with a Mercury 225 OptiMax XL DFI V6 through a 1.75:1 gearbox and a 16-inch Enertia prop. WOT from a slow speed is as expected for a large boat, swift but not startling. Once on the plane, performance was strong and the TABS cut through the bay chop well. The Mercury instilled confidence and was a good fit for this outfit.

TABS are so confident of their manufacturing, they offer a five-year structural warranty on the hull. Overall the TABS 6.70 Ocean Master is well worth considering for a real fishermen's boat.

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