This Genesis 700XL is a Game Changer
A 7m plate-alloy walkaround with 250hp Mercury Verado is making waves in WAWhen it comes to big plate monohulls, Western Australia is a hotbed. Take Perth-based boatbuilder Genesis Craft, whose new 700XL walkaround with reverse chines, powered by a single 250hp Mercury Verado FourStroke outboard, has the boatbuilder raving.
"It's the best-selling size of boat in our range, about 7.6m overall, with a true 7.0m length. It weighs 2.8t loaded with 300lt of fuel and 150lt of water," Matt Armenti, Genesis Craft’s Director and Workshop Manager, enthuses when we called him.
The boatbuilder also says the 250hp Mercury Verado pairing brings a lot to the party. Indeed, the bones for this news story was a Mercury press release.
"There’s the power steering and the low vibration, which makes a trip so much more pleasant, and the supercharger is amazing — there’s real power all across the throttle range with no lag," Armenti was quoted as saying.
ON THE TRAILERBOAT ROAD
While he is obviously full of praise for his big 7m plate boat, Armenti says that the cuddy cabin configuration is the most popular in his range. But he always builds one of these Islander walkarounds as a demo, he adds.
The keen fisho has already towed and launched this rig around Coral Bay (1000 km to the north of Perth), and used the boat successfully for overnighters to Rottnest Island with two or three sleeping on board.
The new boat with polished aluminium bow doesn't show the stone chips but certainly attracts attention. However, the plate boat's appeal runs more than skin deep.
REVERSE CHINES OR SPRAY RAILS
Armenti offers the choice between reverse chines or spray rails depending on your usage. That said, there's not a lot of difference in the performance and it comes down to customer preference, he says.
"Tweaking the hull design can be tricky but we’re actually really happy with the way it’s performing on the new boat," adds Armenti. "It’s got a lovely feel to it."
Other notable features include an extended passenger seat in the cabin, with backrest so you can watch the lure spread when trolling, and a convertible driver’s seat with a barbecue.
"We put it up online and got 1400 hits in no time, and for everyone who’s had it in the water there’s been nothing but positive feedback," Armenti says.
THE WILD WEST
Of course, all boats are a product of their environment. But by virtue of its rugged coastline, windy weather and challenging roads, WA produces more than its fair share of premium plate fishing boats.
Check out Genesis Craft at www.genesiscraft.com.au.
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