An Independent Test, Focused on One Practical Question
Trade-A-Boat’s Angelo put the Bar Crusher 730HT through its paces with a 250hp Suzuki on the back. The review’s most useful takeaway for buyers isn’t only how the boat handled. It’s a direct, practical comparison of engine options for anyone deciding how much horsepower this hull needs.
How the 250hp Setup Performed
With the 250hp Suzuki, the hull responded exceptionally well to hard driving. Angelo noted that “the hull is so soft it begs you to drive it harder” and that with 250hp on the back, “it certainly has more than enough grunt”. That’s a meaningful data point for buyers planning demanding offshore use, where power in reserve matters more than outright top speed.
Matching Horsepower to How You’ll Use It
Instead of simply recommending the biggest engine, the review broke the choice down by use. It rated 250hp best for serious offshore trips, where reserve power and confident rough-water handling matter most, and 200hp a solid, well-balanced choice for all-round use. It found 175hp workable but the least ideal for getting the most out of the hull. Since that review, the 730HT’s rating has moved to 200–350hp, so today’s buyers have even more headroom at the top end. Check the model page for current power options.
Room for Four and the Family
As one of the largest boats in Bar Crusher’s Hard Top range, the 730HT comfortably fits four large anglers or a family outing. With the largest cockpit fishing area of any Bar Crusher, it balances serious fishing capability with real day-boat comfort.
Ballast and Bar Flap Control
The review also highlights the 730HT’s Quickflow water ballast. On the current model, it floods a 612L chamber along the keel for stability at rest. The test boat was fitted with the optional electric Bar Flap, which lets you keep water out for shallow running or hold it in for extra weight in rough conditions, all from the helm. Hook, Line and Sinker showcase the same feature on their 670C. This flooding-keel design is central to the stability and soft ride the review highlights.
The Verdict
Trade-A-Boat’s overall verdict was positive: a well-matched hull and engine, strong stability and a functional layout, with no significant criticisms raised. For more independent tests, see the Fishing Monthly rough-water test of the 730HT, or read how Hook, Line and Sinker’s 730HT landed a full billfish grand slam.
Build and quote your 730HT, or talk to your local Bar Crusher dealer.
