extreme 500 sf 0814... · first-time buyers will love the new extreme sport fisher 500: the...

Boat review Extreme 500 Sport Fisher

Words and photos by Lawrence Schäffler

“”

...likely to appeal to

novice boaties for multiple reasons...

extreme

90 Boating New Zealand August 2014

easy

First-time buyers will love the new Extreme Sport Fisher 500: the smallest fish from the pond of the Whakatane alloy boatbuilder.

The Extreme 500 you see at play on these pages first appeared in Boating New Zealand, May 2014 as a model under construction. It was the first of this model off the Extreme production line and debuted at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show. The 5m length reflects an interesting re-positioning by Extreme which launched a 4.6m vessel a

few years back. That model got little traction – fishing-oriented buyers probably perceived it as being just a little too small. The 500 may be the appropriate correction and continues Extreme’s reputation for producing tough, good performers with a healthy measure of built-in safety. As the smallest in the Extreme lineage, she’s likely to appeal to

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Two sturdy pedestals wtih swivelling seats in hard-wearing vinyl make comfortable perches for skipper and passenger. The for’ard hatch gives good access to the person on anchoring duties. Hatches in the cockpit sole lift up to access generous storage.

novice boaties for multiple reasons – including the ease of towing and launching/retrieval. The boat weighs only 900kg on the trailer, so if the family sedan doesn’t already have a hook, the towing proposition is a simple, inexpensive upgrade.

This 500 is fitted with a 60hp two-stroke Yamaha and, as you might expect, the generous power-to-weight ratio results in blistering performance. You could easily substitute a 50hp or even a 40hp engine. It would be make the entire package even lighter and certainly more fuel-efficient, albeit a little slower.

Lightweight also equates to comfort and confidence at the boat ramp – the 500’s a perfect vessel for learning and honing your launch and retrieval skills. Plus, being constructed from marine-grade aluminium, she’s tough enough to withstand the inevitable bumps and knocks inflicted during the learning process.

Also attractive are the standard Extreme safety features. These include three, sealed buoyancy compartments in the cockpit sole and a flooding keel for improved stability when drift fishing or at anchor. It’s easy to see the little Sportfisher becoming a favourite for a family new to boating and fishing.

This description might suggest a functional, no-frills vessel. But while the 500 is fairly utilitarian, she’s no runabout tinny. She’s nicely proportioned with clean streamlining – a good looker. As shown by her larger siblings, aluminium construction can be an art form.

The secret is in the quality of the build. The factory uses precision cutting technology for the hull’s individual panels. This produces knife-edge seams and chines free of weld spots. And just to accentuate the accuracy of the craftsmanship, this particular 500’s hull has been finished in gleaming white – a confident

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cosmetic touch that would magnify any construction blemishes inherent in the build. Very smart.

She’s also loaded with features you won’t find on the average tinny. Let’s see, there’s the spacious cockpit with its treadplate floor – more than enough room for a family of four duelling with rods. You’ll find full-length parcel shelves on either sides for said rods, rod-holders in the coaming, a big bait board which is easily removed for cleaning, and a built-in, wash-down hose for cleaning away guts and grime.

I particularly like the large, full-width locker across the

transom. It contains the battery and the engine’s fuel filter which good, easy access to both. The locker’s fold-down door is padded on the inside and functions as a bench seat. I also like the built-in, underfloor fuel tank for clean, no-fuss fuelling.

Two sturdy pedestals up front are fitted with swivel seats, covered with a hard-wearing vinyl in a fetching design with Extreme graphics.

Another shelf, next to the passenger seat, as well as full length shelves in the cabin, provide excellent storage. Much more storage is available under the sole, accessed through two treadplate

“The factory uses precision cutting

technology for the hull’s individual panels.”

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Harry JorgensenPre-purchase Inspection Service

40 years’ experience -from traditional wooden vessels

to super yachts

Harry Jorgensen Marine LtdPO Box 45 134, Te Atatu, Auckland, NZ.

Mob +64 (0)21 182 2564Tel +64 9 834 5654Fax +64 9 834 5651

Email [email protected]

Rodney Marine is one of New Zealand’s most reputable Extreme dealers.Call us today for pricing on your new Extreme.

20 GOATLEY ROAD, WARKWORTH, 0910Telephone: 09 945 2253 • Email: [email protected] 08

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cockpit sole lockers.The cabin, for’ard, has no seats, but it is lined and will provide

a little protection if the weather turns too hot/cold/rainy while you’re fishing. The lining helps to deaden the seaway noise that aluminium hulls tend to amplify.

The hatch in the cabin roof is of a decent size, allowing the person on anchor duty lots of room to flex his muscles. The anchor lives in a self-draining locker.

PErFormancEWell-engineered Extreme hulls don’t only look good – they also perform well and are appreciated for their good sea manners and sure-footedness. The most distinctive feature of the 500’s hull are its down-turned chines either side.

These do a great job of deflecting spray away from the boat, keeping things dry and comfortable. But they also contribute to the vessel’s excellent stability in tight turns – they give Extreme’s hulls their bite characteristics. Just as well there is a solid grab-rail over

The transom’s locker contains the battery and engine’s fuel filter. The locker’s fold-down door is padded on the inside to convert to a bench seat.



MAIN PHOTO: Murray Rowe of Rodney Marine goes for a spin in the Extreme 500. ABOVE: The built-in, washdown hose makes for easy cleaning.

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Extreme 500 Sport Fisher➤ loa 5m➤ beam 2.1m➤ construction marine grade aluminium➤ hull plate 5mm➤ deadrise 20 degrees➤ towing weight, on trailer 900kg➤ price starting from $37,995➤ boat supplied by Rodney

Marine 0800 969694 or email [email protected]

the top edge of the windscreen for hanging on.As suggested, the 60hp Yamaha outboard will accentuate

the need to hang on, but if the water’s flat and you’re up for a bit of an adrenalin rush, well, why not? It’s a comfortable helm set-up; I’m average height at 1.77m and the seat was just the right height for me. With the floor well within reach of my feet, I felt safely anchored behind the wheel.

Anything it needs? I’d definitely explore a bimini to offer protection as you ponder fishing’s great mysteries – knots, jiggers and lures and why the fish aren’t biting. This 500 is fitted with a Lowrance Elite 4xHDI fishfinder/depth sounder. If all else fails, you can just watch the fish.

All up, the little Sport Fisher is a good, entry-level family boat – and light and small enough to take off alone when you just need to get away from it all.

Diane and Glenn Shaw, managing directors of Extreme Boats. Glenn Shaw designs his full range of Extreme boats.

ABOVE: The Extreme 500 Sport Fisher in the design stage and, top, foreground, under construction on the factory floor in Whakatane.


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extreme 500 sf 0814... · first-time buyers will love the new extreme sport fisher 500: the...

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