The Bandit package comes with a punchy little Suzuki 40hp four-stroke outboard, which seemed well matched to the Bandit, and powered it along quite nicely. A possible increase to the maximum-rated horsepower of 50 could have made things even more fun, but that might just be me.
The Bandit 444 is a light boat by modern standards, and thus opens up a range of options for towing by a variety of vehicles. Modern Boating magazine is currently in arrangement with Good Times Marine to use one of these great little tinnies as a work boat, and I for one will be happy to see others in the team tow the boat from A to B. In the past, my hefty Land Cruiser and I have been the office's designated trailerboat drivers, since no-one else has cars with the capacity to safely tow larger boats around. The Bandit range does consist of both smaller and larger models than the one we tested, with 4.2m boats at the smallest and lightest end of the spectrum, right up to more 6.4m versions. I found the 444 to be a happy middle-ground, and plenty of boat for the applications of the inshore angler.
Most of the guys going for this boat and package are looking for a zippy spacious number to take around their local bays, harbours and estuaries, with the ability to also head offshore for a shot at bigger pelagic and demersal species when the conditions are right. In this, the Anglapro range has delivered. Affordability, customisation and a thoroughly enjoyable ride contribute to a range of boats that deserve some serious attention.
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