8.

Trailer Boat Magazine - October 2001.
Courtesy ACP Magazines.

"CRUSHING SUCCESS" BAR CRUSHER 670 HARD TOP (NOW CALLED 640HT)

Our introduction to the Bar Crusher name was exactly 12 months ago when we tested the company's 5.5 and 610 models. At the time, they were the new kids on the block and were not afraid to trumpet the quality of their New Zealand-built product. In a whirlwind year for the Bar Crusher team, the company has established itself as a serious contender in the plate-alloy market.

The company's 5.5 and 610 models received plenty of attention from the boating media with several credible scribes giving the thumbs-up to the marque's innovative features. With the success of the 5.5 and 610 models evident it seemed a logical time for the company to launch its new 670 version. Although similar in design to its 610 sibling, it is surprising how 600mm in length can make so much difference to the internal volume of a boat.

Indeed, the cockpit is huge. Make no mistake, this is a serious fishing machine in every sense.

Innovative Designs Like the 5.5 and 610, the 670 Bar Crusher includes three innovative designs that set the company apart from the plate-allow crowd. These are, of course, its 'Quickflow' water ballast system, 'Rigideck' floor and subframe, and 'Waveslicer' hull design.

In my opinion, the most innovative by far is the Quickflow water ballast system. This system enables Bar Crusher to produce a deep-vee hull which incorporates a water ballast cavity that runs the entire length of the keel line. This cavity is open at the transom, so when the boat is at rest, the cavity fills with water, causing the boat to sit down on its chines. This ultimately gives the Bar Crusher excellent stability at rest, which would normally be difficult to achieve on a hull with a 20o deadrise. As soon as some throttle is applied and forward motion is achieved, the ballast cavity quickly empties and allows the boat to leap onto the plane. The Rigideck name comes from the boat's assembly of fully-welded longitudinal stringers, cross frames and one-piece checkerplate deck, which, combined, give the boat great torsional strength. The Waveslicer hull is also a unique and seemingly effective design of the Bar Crusher. Unlike most boats, the hull features no running strakes. The manufacturer believes running strakes aerate the water, resulting in cavitation. The strakeless hull does not seem to generate an obviously different ride, so I guess if you do not need them, why put them on?

Put to the test We decided to test the new 670 on the Inverloch bar, southeast of Melbourne, to see if the Bar Crusher lived up to its name. With 15-20kt of breeze and a solid swell pushing through the bar, there were enough breaking waves and sharp chop to help put the Bar Crusher through its paces. While I hold the utmost respect for coastal bars, if conditions suit it is a good test for the boats and a bit of rush for me.

The Bar Crusher did live up to its name, handling the moderate conditions with integrity. It handled both oncoming and following seas admirably. The full windscreen on the testboat was appreciated when the occasional plume of spray was sent into the air. On cold and windy Victorian mornings this hardtop configuration is essential. The short, sharp chop inside the bar was of no consequence, as the 670 crushed it with ease. I noticed the Bar Crusher turned very flat, which is quite unusual for such a deep-vee. Even in a tight turn it held an upright attitude.

The testboat was powered by a 150hp Yamaha HPDI direct-injected two-stroke. The new generation outboard provided relatively quiet, smoke-free running, with excellent acceleration throughout the powerband. Spinning a 17-inch stainless prop, the 670 Bar Crusher achieved a comfortable cruise of around 38kmh at 3500rpm. Wide Open Throttle resulted in 5300rpm and a top speed of 66kmh. Bar Crusher advised that they are now getting better efficiency from a 15-inch stainless prop.

Above the Waterline

While Bar Crusher actively promotes its boat's below-waterline features, there are several above the waterline that are also well worth noting. Of particular note is the oversize hatch in the cabin roof. This hatch is much larger than those fitted to most boats and provides safe and easy access to the bow during anchoring duties. Foredeck features include a large anchorwell, low-profile bowrail, bowroller and cross-bollard. The cabin features a large V-berth, with each bunk at least 2m long and providing good dry storage space. Deep sidepockets also provide storage areas and feature padded edging which forms a backrest if seated on the V-berth. A Porta Potti is located between each bunk. The helm area is basic but very functional. Both helmsman and passenger are provided with Reelax seating with both slide and swivel functions. Each seat is mounted on sturdy aluminium boxes which are welded to the floor. These boxes also incorporate recessed housings for EPIRB and fire extinguisher. The helmstation itself features a hydraulically-operated sports steering wheel, various Yamaha digital gauges, including speedo, tacho, battery, hourmeter, switch panel and 12V power socket. A 27MHz radio is incorporated in the dash while a VHF is mounted overhead. The dash incorporates a large flat surface which provides ample space for a full complement of electronics.

The hardtop and five-piece toughened glass windscreen provide all-weather protection while maintaining excellent all-round vision. Rainex eliminates the need for a windscreen wiper. The hardtop incorporates a six-pot rocket launcher, anchorlight and plenty of grabrails. After of the helm area is a fisherman's dream - a huge, clean and uncluttered deck with excellent freeboard. The maintenance-free checkerplate decking is fully self-draining and features a killtank and 200lt underfloor fueltank. The gunwales are nice and wide, and feature deck-tread on their horizontal surfaces. Six rodholders are also incorporated in the gunwales. These rodholders are fixed with heavy-duty aluminium pop-rivets to prevent electrolysis, which occurs when using stainless screws. Sidepockets run the full length of the cockpit and are positioned inside the coamings, so you do not bash your shins. They are also raised to allow for feet placement. Each sidepocket provides ample space for storing gaffs, tagpoles and the like. Incorporated in the transom is a drop-down seat which conceals batteries, oil reservoirs, fuel filter and additional storage when in its locked position. The transom also incorporates a good-sized livewell on the portside. A removable bait board is centrally located and can be replaced by an optional ski-pole in seconds. The outboard mount and boarding platform are fully integrated. A drop-down boarding ladder located on he port side aids access, while a recessed berley-pot is included on the starboard side.

The Bar Crusher 670 is a very well constructed boat which will definitely appeal to the serious fisho. Best of all, at around 1900kg on a braked tandem trailer, it can be towed by a large family car.

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.