Multi-talented Sailfish lays it on the plate

by Mark Rothfield on 16 Jul 2011 The new Sailfish Reef Runner is set to put the aluminium cat among the pigeons as it combines the highest levels of quality, performance and stability with a low price tag.

Sailfish is better known for its strength in the big cat league, with models running to 12 metres and beyond, but attention has now to the more affordable end of the scale.

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

There are no compromises in appointments or performance in a vessel boasting a length of 5.6 metres and beam of 2.45 metres,

‘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 monohull.’

Freeboard is relatively deep to ensure that slop stays outside the hull, while cockpit space (measuring 2.05 metres x 1.75 metres) is on par with a 7.0 metre monohull. By positioning the helm well forward in the hull, there’s a big flat and uncluttered floor for anglers.

Other standard features include a dash console with 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.

Webbe Marine recommends Honda four-stroke outboards, packaging the Reef Runner with dual Honda 60hp engines that deliver a top speed around 33 knots.

Twin Honda 75s are optional for those carrying heavy loads.

The price comes in under the $80,000 barrier as an on-water package with trailer, which is highly competitive in this hull Webbe Marine website