What's new in 2002?

The efforts of Stacer to remain a dominant manufacturer of production line aluminium boats has been bolstered with its introduction of eight new models for 2002. Five of these new models feature Stacer's EVO hull configuration.

420 PROLINE ANGLER
The smallest of the new models, the 420 Proline Angler, does not feature an EVO hull, but rather a punt-style configuration that sweeps upwards from the keel line near the bow to form a broad vee.

The transom of this model is braced with the inclusion of a full-width raised storage box that doubles as a thwart seat with two access hatches in the top. A seat base is welded to the front of it so that motors can be easily operated with standard tillers. The test model featured a swivel seat with its own base in the floor forward of the rear platform.

The 420 Proline was amply powered by a 40hp four-stroke Yamaha.

We experienced cavitation in 'full lock' high-speed turns, but it was not excessive given the aggression with which we were driving.

In addition to the flat floor, the 420 includes another seat base for a passenger and a good-sized raised casting platform at the bow. The full-width anchorwell is huge and could hold a large amount of ground tackle, not to mention being a good place to store small buckets, gaffs, nets and the like. Beneath the raised platform is another huge storage area. The entire deck area is carpeted.

The 420 really caught our eye. It offers a surprisingly gentle ride for a punt-style hull and would be a great little barra boat for the northern estuaries. It will be equally at home on inland impoundments around the country. This boat has an incredible amount of under-deck storage. Full marks to Stacer on this one.

435 BARRA ELITE SPORTS
The 435 Barra Elite Sports is an extended version of the 420 Proline Angler. It features a steering console about a third of the way along the starboard gunwale and a swivel seat for the helmsman. Fitted with a 50hp four-stroke Honda, this boat had ample power to lift three heavy anglers and travel in comfort. A removable swivel seat is mounted on the flat floor for the skipper and passenger. Raised thwarts provide casting decks forward and aft while below there is bulk storage space for safety gear and tackle.

With a similar hull shape to the 420 Proline Angler, the ride, if anything, was slightly softer due to increased hull weight and seating positions midships.

Dead in the water, the stability when moving about the casting areas will hold this boat in good stead with inland impoundment anglers looking for something more than a bare boat package.

435 SEAWAY SPORTS
The 435 Seaway Sports caters for those who prefer to swan around estuaries in a bit of comfort. This model was fitted with a 40hp Mariner EFI four-stroke outboard. We found the Seaway Sports dry. It has a wrap-around screen that provides easy access through the opening centre screen to the anchorwell and also featured a good-sized bimini for shade. The cockpit floor is raised, with the two swivel seats forward. The floor in front of the helm is recessed, giving plenty of legroom and dry storage space in front of your feet. With the seating positions well forward of the longitudinal centre of balance, the ride over boat wash was predictably a little bumpy but not uncomfortable.

The 435 Seaway Sports is well-suited to people on a budget, who could easily tow the boat with a four-cylinder car and could economically fish most of the estuaries and impoundments around the country.

455 SUN FISHER SPORTS
The 455 Sun Fisher Sports is the first of the new models to feature an EVO hull design. It will suit coastal boating for those who want to cut their teeth on inshore sportsfishing.

It features a fold-down screen on the centre-console, which allows the boat to be stored under low carports. There is storage under the foredeck and three-quarter pockets provide further storage in the sides of the cockpit. It has a full-width Mod Pod that is neatly fitted out with minimum clutter from wiring and steering cables.

Seating is on a purpose-designed icebox with a special nylon base. The icebox and the base are easily removed if required.

The testboat was fitted with a 60hp four-stroke Yamaha outboard that complemented the package nicely. It has a flat attitude when turning and is very responsive at the helm. Squat grabrails all round on each gunwale allow the easy loading and unloading of gear and provide additional safety to this stable boat.

475 EASY RIDER SPORTS
The 475 Easy Rider Sports also features an EVO hull and, on the day, was powered by a 75hp Mercury outboard. It is the baby in the bowrider range and features a walk-through screen, which gives access to a comfortable bow section. Bulk deck-space aft of the helm and passenger seating makes for further casting or relaxation space. As with the other Easy Riders in Stacer's range, an infill may be used to flush the benchseating, forming a comfortable and roomy casting deck. The versatility of this model along with the stability offered by the EVO hull means it will suit those wanting more than a serious angling boat for inland impoundments and estuaries. Indeed, it could cater for the rest of the family in other recreational pursuits.

525 EASY RIDER SPORTS
The new model 525 Easy Rider Sports is a seriously fun boat that now comes with an EVO hull and was on display powered by Yamaha's smooth 115hp EFI four-stroke.

This big bowrider features a large wrap-around handrail reinforcing the screen that opens at its centre to allow one to walk into the bowrider section. It has side seating in the bow section and an insert can be placed between the seats to turn the bow section into a casting deck that is seriously large, stable and safe.

The dash is self-supporting as is the console in front of the seated passenger. Rota-form modules make up the storage and drink container holders for the passenger and helmsman. Stacer's Mod Pod supplies ample flotation to keep this boat on an even keel with a heavy four-stroke fitted.

575 OCEAN RUNNER SPORTS
The 575 Ocean Runner Sports has a wide beam of 2.40m and a nylon access door in the starboard side of the transom. The loom for the outboard motor runs underneath the step at the bottom of the door opening, allowing uninhibited entry to and from the cockpit.

This hull retains its large sidepockets and open cockpit area and now has a new user-friendly seat module for skipper and passenger. These modules taper toward the rear so people walking between the seats don't stub their toes on the corners of the boxes. An opening facing into the companionway allows access to the boxes for storage and a padded seat aft of the swivel seat provides additional passenger seating. A large tinted hatch in the roof aerates the cabin.

The 575 Ocean Runner also features an EVO hull and Mod Pod for added stability and buoyancy.

575 EASY RIDER SPORTS
The 575 Easy Rider Sports is the big brother to the 525 Easy Rider Sports. The inclusion of the EVO hull design greatly assists in cutting through chop, and the downturned hull forming the chines offers great stability. It is the largest boat in the Stacer range, an imposing sight on the water and offers an impressive amount of passenger room at all quarters. It could comfortably handle a family of six for a day of social boating.

By inserting the infill across the bowrider seats, a large casting deck will allow a couple of lure casters to work with ease. This boat performed exceedingly well with a 130hp Honda four-stroke motor fitted.

The new additions to the Stacer range are impressive and offer something for almost everyone in the recreational trailerboat market be they anglers or family boaters.