A Real Contender, Not Just an Entry-Level Boat
In Trade-A-Boat’s Australia’s Greatest Fishing Boats 2016 competition, the Bar Crusher 490C was a real contender. Reviewers called the layout “almost faultless”, and the panel’s feedback made it clear this wasn’t treated as a token small-boat entry. At 4.9m, judges admitted it’s easy to look at it and think “small”, simply because it sits next to much bigger Bar Crushers. On the water, though, the panel found it a competent, capable boat, not a toy.
The 490C has since been discontinued. Bar Crusher’s smallest current cuddy is the 535C.
The Everyman Fishing Boat
Part of the 490C’s appeal was who it was built for. It was easy to trailer, launch and retrieve, and small enough to store without hassle, yet still capable of getting anglers into serious water and onto serious fish. Bar Crusher sold the 490C to a huge range of owners, from an 80-year-old buyer to a 21-year-old first-time boat owner. That spread shows broad appeal rather than a single niche.
A Cuddy Cabin Layout Judges Liked
The cuddy cabin layout drew specific praise for balancing deck space with real weather protection. The judges called the dash innovative despite its simple look. It sits at a comfortable height, with more than enough room for instruments and switchgear. Swivel seats with tackle storage underneath, footrests, an under-floor fuel filler, and a windscreen that folds all the way back for low-clearance garage storage completed a layout the judges found close to faultless.
The Small Details That Won Judges Over
Two features stood out to reviewers. The first was the combined baitboard and livebait tank: on a boat too small for a built-in livebait tank, a drop-in tank solves the problem and doubles as a ski pole mount. The second was the bow roller and anchoring setup, which judges described as designed from real experience and completely hassle-free to use.
Honest Feedback: Where Judges Had Reservations
The judges also flagged some criticisms. The bimini was too low, even for people of average height. Some found the deep-V hull a touch tender at rest, even with the water ballast doing its job. One reviewer found the ride not quite as soft as expected, with some spray coming through. The 490C rewarded owners who understood its character: it was quite sensitive to trim and weight.
Power and Value
With a 60hp Suzuki four-stroke, the judges praised its smooth low-speed handling, its performance when pushed and its strong fuel economy. As tested with options in 2016, the 490C came in at $39,590, a price the judges considered fair given Bar Crusher’s reputation for build quality and strong resale value.
Looking for a Compact Bar Crusher Today?
The current 535C carries the same easy-to-own idea forward on the Gen2 hull with a dedicated livebait tank, Bar Catch trailer and a folding targa. For more independent tests, see Bar Crusher’s media reviews, or build and quote your boat.
