Sailfish puts the cat amongst the plate mono hulls

by Bob Carter on 6 Jul 2011 The world of offshore fishing on board an aluminium catamaran has just become a whole lot more accessible with the release of the all new Sailfish Reef Runner.

The exemplary range of Sailfish catamarans is normally noted for its strength in the big cat league. With models running up the scale to 12m and more, the Sailfish designers have now turned their attention to the more affordable end of the range.

As a result, the new Reef Runner introduces a hull which delivers previously unavailable levels of quality and performance with the ultimate in stability.

'This is the boat that takes the challenge right up to alloy mono hulls,' said Gavan Daly of Webbe Marine. 'The Reef Runner with twin engines is very competitively priced against a single engine plate alloy hull of the same length.'

'Sailfish has achieved exceptional automotive standard finish on their hulls. And in terms of stability, I know that I would rather be at sea fishing from the stability of a Sailfish cat, than being pitched about in a deep vee mono hull.'

The new Sailfish Reef Runner may be at the entry end of the Sailfish range, but there are no compromises in appointments or performance.

Boasting a length of 5.6m and beam of 2.45m, the hull has the basic credentials to handle anything that offshore fishing can dish up. The freeboard is deeper than most, ensuring that the slop stays outside the hull.

By any measurement the cockpit space is vast. Boasting a floor space measuring 2.05m x 1.75m, the Sailfish Reef Runner has the equivalent or greater cockpit space of an equivalent 7.0m mono hull. Not only is the helm positioned well forward in the hull, but the beam from gunwale to gunwale is massive. The outcome is an extensive, flat fishing space that delivers a boat load of space for anglers on board.

Other notable standard features include a fully appointed dash console including Garmin touch screen sounder/GPS , a pair of bolster seats for the skipper and passenger, storage bins, live bait tank, deck wash, folding rocket launcher, front and side clears, Sailfish bait cutting board, deck wash and custom aluminium trailer… the list is as endless as it is impressive.

Webbe Marine recommends and installs Honda four stroke outboards to their Sailfish catamarans. The Sailfish Reef Runner comes standard with dual Honda 60hp four stroke outboard engines which deliver a top speed around 33 knots or 61 km/h. Dual Honda 75hp outboards are optional.

Not only does the dual engine installation deliver the ultimate in offshore fishing security, but the power is more than enough to get this rig up and planning in a snap. And of course Honda’s four stroke power comes with miserly fuel consumption to keep your boating affordable.

Priced at just under $80,000 as an on water package with trailer, tow away no more to pay, the Sailfish Reef Runner is highly competitive in this hull length segment.

Sailfish Catamarans are renowned for exceptional quality, customisation, stability, cockpit space and outstanding rough water performance.

Sailfish Catamarans are acknowledged as the best in field by leading commentators and professional boating journalists.
The Sailfish range comprises models from 6.2m to 12.0m across three distinct model ranges - Platinum, Gamefisher and Weekender Series.

Webbe Marine is a specialist Sydney power catamaran marine retailer, being the authorised agent for the Sailfish brand of boats in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania. The company also proudly represents Honda outboards.