SUMMER 2009/2010
The latest edition of Modern Boating magazine is out now! To get your copy delivered to your door, simply click on the link
The latest edition of Modern Boating magazine is out now! To get your copy delivered to your door, simply click on the link
Modern Boating and Big Hat Productions head out for a glorious day on the water to give the Seawind 1160...
Trophy's tiptop hardtop
Trophy's big walkaround hardtop suits all-weather fishermen and overnight adventurers
WORDS & PHOTOS: SHANE MENSFORTH
Large, diesel-powered trailer boats—especially those that offer a handy combination of great offshore performance and angler comfort—are proving a popular alternative to traditional, larger sportfishing rigs. There will never be a substitute, of course, for the flybridge cruiser when tackling heavyweight fish 100km from the marina. However, a fast, capable 24-footer is well worth considering if you don't have the budget for a boat that can cost more than the average house.
I first noticed the Trophy 2359 Walkaround at the Adelaide Boat Show and was taken immediately with its bold lines and its rather unique layout. It's a boat that fits nicely into the category mentioned above. The 2359 bristles with the sort of features, standard of workmanship and attention to detail that have made Trophy a big name in boating worldwide. Unlike some of the US-built craft we see here in Oz, the 2359 would fit readily into a heap of local fishing situations, and sales figures across the country to date would certainly support this.
read on below advertisement
It's a big rig that needs a four-wheel-drive tow vehicle. A Ford F250 or V8 Land Cruiser are perfect for the job. The 2359 hull is available in several configurations and the one I chose to test was the full-length cabin version. This may not appeal to all fishos, but for those who enjoy extended cruising and on-water overnighting, it's close to ideal. There's a shorter cabin option that offers more workspace out back and this would better suit the hard-core offshore sportfisher.
Standard angling features in the 2359 Walkaround include twin sub-deck fish bins, plumbed live-bait tank, quality rod holders and gaff rack. Although at first glance the live-bait tank resembles a toilet (!), it's essentially very cleverly designed. It has sufficient capacity and water recirculation volume to keep a couple of dozen yakkas happy for days if necessary. Stainless steel fittings throughout, and particularly in the cockpit, are about as good as they get.
The extended cabin is nicely equipped for a weekend away. It has a small sink with pressurised water, single-burner stove, fridge and table for two people. This table converts into a full-length bed if so desired and there is plenty of storage space beneath the cabin seats for sleeping bags, pillows and spare clothing. The cabin is lockable and also very well sealed to eliminate engine exhaust fumes while travelling. The hard top is equipped with sturdy grab rails for security while moving through the walk-around areas and there's enough room up top to carry an inflatable if so desired.
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WORDS & PHOTOS: SHANE MENSFORTH
Large, diesel-powered trailer boats—especially those that offer a handy combination of great offshore performance and angler comfort—are proving a popular alternative to traditional, larger sportfishing rigs. There will never be a substitute, of course, for the flybridge cruiser when tackling heavyweight fish 100km from the marina. However, a fast, capable 24-footer is well worth considering if you don't have the budget for a boat that can cost more than the average house.
I first noticed the Trophy 2359 Walkaround at the Adelaide Boat Show and was taken immediately with its bold lines and its rather unique layout. It's a boat that fits nicely into the category mentioned above. The 2359 bristles with the sort of features, standard of workmanship and attention to detail that have made Trophy a big name in boating worldwide. Unlike some of the US-built craft we see here in Oz, the 2359 would fit readily into a heap of local fishing situations, and sales figures across the country to date would certainly support this.
read on below advertisement
It's a big rig that needs a four-wheel-drive tow vehicle. A Ford F250 or V8 Land Cruiser are perfect for the job. The 2359 hull is available in several configurations and the one I chose to test was the full-length cabin version. This may not appeal to all fishos, but for those who enjoy extended cruising and on-water overnighting, it's close to ideal. There's a shorter cabin option that offers more workspace out back and this would better suit the hard-core offshore sportfisher.
Standard angling features in the 2359 Walkaround include twin sub-deck fish bins, plumbed live-bait tank, quality rod holders and gaff rack. Although at first glance the live-bait tank resembles a toilet (!), it's essentially very cleverly designed. It has sufficient capacity and water recirculation volume to keep a couple of dozen yakkas happy for days if necessary. Stainless steel fittings throughout, and particularly in the cockpit, are about as good as they get.
The extended cabin is nicely equipped for a weekend away. It has a small sink with pressurised water, single-burner stove, fridge and table for two people. This table converts into a full-length bed if so desired and there is plenty of storage space beneath the cabin seats for sleeping bags, pillows and spare clothing. The cabin is lockable and also very well sealed to eliminate engine exhaust fumes while travelling. The hard top is equipped with sturdy grab rails for security while moving through the walk-around areas and there's enough room up top to carry an inflatable if so desired.
next page »
« go back
