KEY POINTS:
The Buccaneer 650 Billfisher is intended for both the serious fishers and those who are more family-oriented. Few fibreglass trailer boats have a better pedigree in this country than those from Hamilton's Buccaneer Pleasure Craft.
For 25 years Buccaneer has been producing boats for New Zealanders who like
to waterski, dive and - more often than not - head out for a day's fishing.
These boats have built a reputation for good seakeeping, a high level of appointments and a sound resale value.
Although most in the range are for general family boating, the Billfisher models are purpose-designed for fishing and, in particular, for the gamefishing of which owner and designer Gerry Gerrand is so fond.
The latest model in the Billfisher range is the 650. At 6.76m, with a beam of 2.42m, it shares the same hull design as the 635 Billfisher and the 635 Exess and Esprite. Gerrand's philosophy: if it is working well, there's not much point re-inventing it.
Like its predecessors, the 650 has a reasonably deep 21-degree hull designed to handle offshore conditions.
The running surface has two strakes each side, with a double chine arrangement and a wide ski plank down the keel. The full bow sections part the swells when running upwind and there is no hint of bow-steering in following seas.
The 650 is rated for up to 200hp and, with a Yamaha 200hp four-stroke on the transom and swinging a 19-inch Saltwater Series propeller, tops at 78km/h at 5900rpm.
The 19-inch prop gives more control at slower speeds when gamefishing. A 21-inch prop will give a top speed of over 80.5km/h.
While the boat is rated down to a 150hp outboard, the extra weight of the hardtop and the new GRP fully moulded hull liner mean most will probably opt for the bigger engine.
The hardtop provides plenty of protection and headroom. A top hatch allows air to circulate through the helm area while under way or when anchored in a breeze. There are no side windows. This is common to all Billfisher models and can make for some hot days when trolling in little or no wind.
A remotely operated quick rope/chain system allows all anchoring to be done from the helm, although there is excellent access forward around the bulwarks.
The cockpit configuration is standard, with two forward pedestal seats mounted on a GRP base, with storage underneath. There are two aft-facing passenger seats, positioned quite low, and vertical hatches to provide access to the cavernous storage locker under removable squabs.
Storage throughout the cabin is excellent, with moulded side panels specially designed for fishing rods and gaffs. There are also a couple of smaller trays that are great for keeping keys and cellphones safe and dry and, under the cockpit floor, a hatch leads to a large removable plastic fish bin.
Like its bigger brother, the 735 Billfisher, the 650 has some hefty scuppers for excess cockpit water. However, the cockpit sole has been raised and the coamings are slightly lower than on previous models. Thigh padding on the inside of the coamings is a nice touch.
There is no shortage of fishing features, including a large fully plumbed live-bait tank, a large bait board and a separate locker in the starboard aft corner. A tap for the washdown pump is on the port side of the bait station.
The cabin is voluminous and airy for a walkaround and doesn't in any way feel claustrophobic, even when the bi-fold door is shut to provide privacy when using the toilet. The cabin includes an infill for the V-berth, enabling two adults to overnight reasonably comfortably.
For a full review of the Buccaneer Billfisher 650 see the December/January issue of Propeller Magazine, on sale now.
* Propellermagazine.co.nz