Introducing the 780HTP: Long-Range Comfort
Presented by co-founder Peter Cleland at the Bar Crusher factory in Melbourne, the 780HTP is the largest model in Bar Crusher’s Hard Top Pilothouse range. It’s built on the 7.8m hull with a fully enclosed, lockable pilothouse cabin. That one change does two jobs: it keeps gear secure while you’re travelling or in storage, and it turns the cabin into a warm, dry space for overnighting, whether you’re on the road between trips or anchored up on the water.
A Cabin Built for Real Use, Not Just Shelter
Inside, the 780HTP has a fully lined cabin with a 2.10m V-berth for a proper night’s sleep, and a plumbed toilet under the centre cushions. Port-side seating converts into a dining area with a table that stows behind the helm seat. Behind removable seat cushions you’ll find a plumbed freshwater sink and space for a portable stove. The boat shown also has slide-out tackle drawers, a leader-spool dispenser and a 57L fridge under the driver’s position, paired with an adjustable bolster helm seat that works sitting or standing in rough conditions. Because every boat is built in Melbourne, the cabin layout can be configured to suit you, from a family-friendly dinette to a stripped-back fishing setup.
Visibility and Ventilation at the Helm
A full-height toughened glass windscreen gives excellent all-round visibility from the helm. Sliding side windows provide ventilation, and an optional half-opening centre-front window and a windscreen wiper help in rough weather. Full-height split rear doors can be run open or closed underway, and they lock to secure the cabin when you leave the boat.
Still a Serious Fishing Cockpit
Despite the added cabin, the cockpit stays open and functional, with 720mm of internal freeboard and coaming at thigh height for real fishing. As shown, the cockpit has cast-aluminium rod holders, a built-in livebait tank, a practical baitboard, a kill tank in the floor, and a folding rear seat that hides the bilge and dual-battery setup. 450L of fuel in the SafeTank system gives it real long-range capability.
Flagship Hull Technology
The 780HTP has 5mm bottom sides and a deep Waveslicer hull for a smooth ride through wind chop. It sits on Bar Crusher’s fully welded, sealed Rigideck sub-floor for strength and low maintenance. At rest, the Quickflow system floods a 721L ballast chamber that runs along the keel, for superior stability. When you accelerate, the water is pushed out quickly, so the boat comes onto the plane without lag. It’s rated for 200–350hp and up to seven people. A helm-controlled anchor winch on the boat shown keeps anchoring hands-free.
Trailer Options Built to Match
Buyers can choose a galvanised steel tandem trailer or Bar Crusher’s lighter alloy option. Both are custom-designed for the 7.8m hull, with breakaway brakes, stainless calipers, load-levelling springs and LED lighting. As on every Bar Crusher, the Bar Catch system makes launching and retrieving straightforward. With a dry tow weight of 2480kg before fuel and gear, check your vehicle’s towing capacity against the loaded weight.
Want a slightly smaller pilothouse? See the 730HTP. Or build and quote your 780HTP.
