Alloy Boat Magazine - Spring / Summer 2015

In this issue

Features

20 The Lowdown on Downriggers
Mathew Hewetson goes north to the Hokianga Harbour, where the fishing on offer is very good for the adventurous boatie looking to explore new grounds.

34 Twice As Nice
Mike Rose checks out the options if you are looking for a trailerable alloy power cat.

48 Spring Time Work Ups
When spring arrives the anticipation goes up several notches as we eagerly await the arrival of those big snapper work-ups. Text by Mathew Hewetson.

60 Jet boats to Cape York
A group of insanely passionate Kiwi jetboaters took on the red dust, shallow rivers and crocodiles of Australia’s Cape York and lived to tell the tale.

72 Going Down Deep
In Part 2 of our 2 part series on fish finders, we look at the bigger units 8” to 16” and look at the rapidly expanding technological options now available.

85 Raro Fishing
Doug Dukeson goes back to Rarotonga and has another crack at getting ‘the big ones’ with some local experts.

96 Understanding Aluminium
You may have an aluminium boat and you know that it will take plenty of abuses, but do you understand what aluminium is all about?

100 Progression of Hooks
Paul Walker reports on how the simple hook has changed and developed over 1000s of years and why now there are so many different styles.

104 Buyers Guide to 8.5m-9m Hardtops
They are not the biggest trailer boats but they are right up there. We look at what’s on the market in the production and custom hardtops from around 8.5m to 9m.

Boat Reviews

26 FC595
FC’s latest is certainly one of their best yet says Freddy Foote.

42 FINLAY ESCAPE 5900
Finlay’s centre console variant on the 5900 hull opens new markets.

54 PROFILE 700H
Bluewater boating for serious fishermen. Text by Barry Thompson

68 MAVERICK RENEGADE
Stability, sea keeping and a very cool looking fishing platform.

80 LAZERCRAFT GT 640 SPORT
Reintroduced and better than ever.

90 INNOVISION EXPLORER 606
It performs like a GRP boat and runs like a skier on steroids.