25.

SA Waters and Leisure, Issue No. 36 Winter 2004

610 CUDDY BAR CRUSHER IMPRESSES WITH STUNNING HULL DYNAMICS

Rounding Point Riley off Wallaroo at 21 knots (40kph) we were faced with a 20 knot northerly, one metre seas and instantly the "Bar Crusher 610" was airborne, staying level before landing stern first with a minimum of fuss. By now we two aboard were totally at ease with the ability of the remarkable hull and spent some time leaping off waves, before slowing and letting the Bar Crusher's fine tapered bow cut smoothly into the oncoming seas. It was possible to run at 15 knots with absolutely no drama. Coming about we ran downwind, gradually increasing speed and marvelling at the boat's refusal to be pushed off line or even hint at broaching. Later, with the boat rest beam onto the seas, we two stood in the middle of the cockpit, hands in pockets, quite at ease thanks to some 400 litres of water (400 kg worth) now in the Bar Crusher's keel channel, acting as a very effective ballast to stabilise the 20¼ deadrise hull. As we headed back to shore we ran first along the troughs then on the starboard quarter and still the dogged Bar Crusher tracked straight and true.

Earlier, we had launched the boat from the Copper Cove Marina ramp and headed out into the bay, which had been whipped up into a white capped chop by the northerly winds. Immediately, spray was blown aboard, so we fastened the leading edge of the bimini to the top of the windscreen and that took care of that. It quickly became clear that this boat had a very efficient hull and gradually we opened up the turbine-smooth 135hp Honda. Soon we were flying across the chop at 30 knots (56kph), taking the sea at all angles, even making some thrilling tight turns as other boats moved carefully from one fishing mark to another. The fine entry of the Bar Crusher's hull worked beautifully in these normally uncomfortable conditions. While running back across the bay on our way in the conditions were similar to those encountered with the sea breeze.

The Bar Crusher cut through the chop so well that anyone returning after a long, tiring day out fishing, would greatly appreciate the ease with which this boat navigates such lumpy conditions.

Later, in one of the marina canals, we reversed into the wind, noting that this hull still insisted on tracking truly. Helm responses too were astonishingly good.

Another exercise was to execute a 180 degree turn alongside a boat moored to a private pontoon. It was reassuring to find just how wide those Copper Cove Marina canals really are. Back at the ramp, our Bar Crusher 610 was driven onto its Easy Tow trailer, fitted with keel and wobble rollers plus teflon skids. As it moved up the ramp, water quickly poured out of the boat's effective ballast channel.

This had been an enjoyable, memorable sea trial which proved beyond doubt that the Bar Crusher 610 is a truly remarkable, capable craft.

Now back on land it was time to check out the Bar Crusher 610 in detail. Its profile revealed a long, sharp bow leading to a deep forefoot, the hull then maintaining a 20 degree deadrise aft to its swallow tail transom. Everywhere above the chines was painted white apart from the aluminium checkerplate floor which, like the deck line, ran flat for the length of the boat. Each side deck had three rod holders fitted, progressively angled astern, the bait board on the transom had three rod holders and on the roof was a 6-rod "rocket launcher". A fold-down, T-shaped ladder led to the 1.97m x 0.50m boarding platform on the transom to port, ahead of which was a draining live bait tank. In the centre was the teflon, draining bait board which could be replaced with a ski pole if required. The cockpit, 1.93m wide by 2.0m and with 0.74m inner freeboard, had a full length shelf on each side.

Beneath the sole was a 150 litre fuel tank with a floor-level gauge. Aft was a full width fold down bench seat, behind which was a two-battery installation with isolation switch in a transom locker to starboard. At the helm were two swivelling, adjustable seats with arm rests, set on "deluxe" box pedestals with storage under and footrests fore and aft. Two drinks holders were neatly to hand as were hand rails. A sports wheel with Morse Teleflex steering shared the helm panel with Honda tachometer, speedometer, voltage and outboard trim gauges. As well were engine warning lights plus switches for the nav. lights, bilge pump and live bait tank. A narrow, full-width dashboard ran beneath a raked, tinted, toughened safety glass single panel screen with side wings. In the cuddy was an overhead light, padded seats on either side with storage under, shelves above and 1.30m headroom at the helm.

At the bow a carpeted seat, with storage under, was also a step under the large 0.96m x 0.47m hatch to the foredeck. Bow rails ran aft from either side of the bowsprit. The anchor well drained into the hull length ballast chamber. Sitting on its dual axle trailer fitted with a Jarrett winch and mechanical brakes, the Bar Crusher 610 could be towed behind a 6-cylinder family sedan.

Legal Note: The statements, observations and opinions expressed in the above excerpts are those of the boat tester and were formed after inspection and testing of the Bar Crusher boat described in the test. The opinion is provided by the author of the test and not the directors of Bar Crusher boats.The information in these excerpts is offered to assist prospective buyers to do their research. Bar Crusher Boats confirms that the information above may contain factual errors and no responsibility is taken for it's accuracy or completeness. Please refer to the legal notice by clicking on the words "Legal Notice" at the bottom of each page.