A Second Bar Crusher, and a Step Up
When a long-time fishing magazine figure like Shane Mensforth, a fixture at SA Angler for decades, upgrades his boat, it’s worth paying attention. His Bar Crusher 780HT was his second Bar Crusher. It replaced an earlier model specifically for more fuel capacity and greater seaworthiness, the two things that matter most once a boat starts running well offshore instead of staying close to the ramp.
The 780HT has since been discontinued. Bar Crusher’s largest current hard top is the 730HT.
Built for 60-Mile Offshore Runs
Shane runs out of Coffin Bay on trips of around 60 nautical miles to the islands near Port Lincoln, chasing southern bluefin tuna, yellowtail kingfish and samson fish. He often stays out overnight with two or three people aboard. That’s a serious offshore program, and the boat was built for it, with 450 litres of fuel capacity and a dry weight of around 2,380kg that Shane says tows easily despite the boat’s size.
A Ride Built for Rough Water
Shane highlights the hull’s composure both at rest and running hard in rough conditions, with trim tabs helping to dial in the ride. He describes one return trip from Greenly Island in 25–30 knot beam seas, holding a comfortable 18–19 knots the whole way back. It’s a real-world account of the conditions a serious offshore boat has to handle without drama.
What’s Under the Deck
The boat carries the technology Bar Crusher builds its whole range around: the Waveslicer hull for a soft, stable ride, the Rigideck sealed sub-floor, Quickflow water ballast and the SafeTank fuel system. Shane singles out the layout, the livebait tank and the onboard fridge as standout features for long days and overnight trips. He also likes the secure toe holds and Game Lock coaming in the cockpit.
The Verdict
Shane’s take is simple: reliable, a gentle ride even in rough conditions, and strong resale value. That’s the combination that makes a boat worth recommending to other serious anglers. Coming from someone who owned one Bar Crusher and then chose a second, larger one, it’s a meaningful endorsement of the platform.
Planning Long-Range Trips Today?
The 730HT carries the same long-range idea forward, with 420L of fuel and the largest cockpit fishing area in the range. It’s also the boat that landed a billfish grand slam. Read more owner reviews, or build and quote yours.
