A Proven Hull, a Redesigned Boat
Fishing Monthly’s Steve Morgan put the updated 730HT through a rough test on Port Phillip Bay, joined by Bar Crusher co-founder Warren Cleland. The starting point for the update was simple: the 730’s hull was already proven and didn’t need fixing, so the changes cover everything from the self-draining Rigideck deck upward.
What’s New Above the Deck
The redesigned roof drains better and looks cleaner, with built-in mounts for radios and stereo gear up top instead of add-ons. The dash has been reworked to sit more upright, keeping electronics visible and cutting glare, which helps both at the helm and from the back of the boat while you’re fishing.
Three Cabin Configurations
Buyers can choose from three cabin setups on the 730HT: a fully open cabin, a roller shutter version for easy, secure lock-up, or a full pilothouse with glass rear doors for maximum weather protection. Pilothouse buyers can also explore Bar Crusher’s dedicated HTP Series. There’s a setup to suit how and where you use the boat.
A Small Detail That Changes the Feel
One comfort upgrade stands out. The cockpit now has a graduated fold instead of a harsh angle, so it’s noticeably more comfortable to lean against while fishing. It’s a small change, but it also makes the cockpit look and feel roomier, with space for up to four anglers to fish comfortably in the 7.3m boat.
Power and Trailer Package
The test boat ran a 225hp Suzuki four-stroke, a proven, light and powerful pairing. It was rated to 250hp at the time of testing; the current 730HT is rated for 200–350hp. The boat sits on a custom trailer purpose-built for easy launching and retrieving, with Hella lighting throughout. Like every Bar Crusher trailer, it uses Bar Crusher’s own Bar Catch system, so one person can launch and retrieve a boat this size solo.
Rough Conditions
Testing happened in a real “washing machine” on Port Phillip Bay, with 20–25 knot winds kicking up a couple of metres of sea. The 730HT’s extra length and weight compared with smaller Bar Crusher models helped it bridge the gaps between waves and flatten out the ride. Its Waveslicer deep-V and 612L of Quickflow ballast are built for exactly this. Conditions were too rough to record clean performance numbers, but Bar Crusher’s factory figures put the boat in the low 70s (km/h) with the 225hp Suzuki.
Rough-Water Driving Tips from Warren Cleland
Part of the test doubled as a driving lesson for anyone stepping up to a bigger boat in bigger water. Warren’s key advice:
- Keep your speed controlled, around planning speed, a little under or over.
- Keep one hand on the throttle and one bracing the wheel.
- Watch the waves as they come.
- In a moderate chop, trim down and let the hull do the work.
- In big waves, trim the motor up as high as you can without cavitating to keep the nose up. Trim down slightly more heading into the wind, and higher when running with the waves behind you.
For more on getting the ride right, see our guide to trim tabs on deep-V hulls.
Positioning and Towing
The 730HT is built as an ultimate boat for serious snapper fishing, reef fishing and offshore work. For current package pricing, build and quote yours or talk to your local dealer. With a dry tow weight of 2260kg before fuel and gear, check your vehicle’s towing capacity against the loaded weight. A capable four-wheel drive makes launching and retrieving easier.
