Honda equips Outlaw Charters

by Jeni Bone on 30 Mar 2009 John Gooding, owner and skipper of Outlaw Fishing Charters, is used to all conditions, setting off from Manly around the confines of Moreton Bay to North Stradbroke Island. He recently upgraded his Haines Hunter 680 Patriot with twin BF150s to a Haines Hunter 760 Patriot with twin BF225s.

'The decision to stick with Haines Hunter was based on the brand’s reliability and heavy duty construction, and I stuck with Honda because I have been very satisfied with Honda for several years. Over the last couple of years, I have had more than 2000 hours trouble-free operation.'

Outlaw Fishing Charters caters to locals and tourists at roughly 80% - 20%, navigating the hazards, varying conditions and complicated new Green Zones of Moreton Bay and beyond.

According to John, the main characteristics of the Honda engines which have kept him coming back each time are their fuel efficiency, extra low emissions and overall 'smoothness of running'.

'They are exceptionally low maintenance,' he says. 'Servicing is not a problem and the oil they take out could easily go straight back in, it’s so clean. That’s the thing. Even though other brands talk about environmental concerns, Honda beats them hands down.'

As for problems, John says nothing is too much trouble for the team at Honda. 'But problems have been few and far between. We have a nice relationship with Honda – they’re very easy to deal with.'

Honda QLD Territory Manager Robert Johnson describes John as 'one of the leading charter operators in south-east Queensland and a fantastic ambassador for the Honda product'.

'Constant usage of the twin BF225s really puts them to the test. But the clean, advanced four-stroke technology is up to it,': he says, adding that Honda Marine will be launching new engine products for the boat show season, including the long-awaited addition that will fill the gap in the existing Honda range.

More at www.hondampe.com.au/repository/marine/marine.aspx