I chose to fit one of the new fuel-injected F40F Yamaha four-stroke outboards. At 106kg, this is the absolute maximum power and weight of motor for the hull. Tyson actually recommends a 20 or 25hp for the TE version, while the lighter CT performs well with just 15hp on the back, and can even be fitted with a smaller motor. However, I enjoy the extra speed and load-carrying capacity provided by the bigger 40. My rig tops out at an impressive 54km/h (one up) and handles extremely well, with acceleration that belies the sedate reputation of four-strokes. It's also a remarkably dry boat for its size and configuration, and rock solid at rest. Best of all, it cruises effortlessly at close to 35km/h while sitting on a fuel-miserly 4000 to 4200 RPM, consuming around 6l to 6.5l of fuel an hour and providing better than 120km of range on a standard 25l tank. You've got to love that sort of economy!
To suit my favourite fishing styles, I've mounted a 12V, 55lb thrust electric motor on the bow and one of the new HDS-7 high-definition broadband Lowrance depth sounder/GPS units amidships, atop the little starboard-side console. The end result is a neat package that constantly turns heads and attracts attention and comment at boat ramps or fuel stops. Unlike some big, flash rigs, people don't seem intimidated by the CrossXCountry. Instead, they tend to look at it and say, "Wow, that looks great, and I bet I could actually afford it." They're right, too. Better yet, owning such an economical and easy-to-handle rig is encouraging me to get out onto the water and go fishing even more often than I did in the past. For me, that's the final tick of approval.

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Declaration of interest: Steve Starling undertakes unpaid promotional work for CrossXCountry Boats, Yamaha and Lowrance and, in return, enjoys access to the rig described here on a long-term loan and evaluation basis.

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