POLYCRAFT

History will show that polyethylene boats have created a significant market niche, providing a high functioning alternative to aluminium and fibreglass. Polycraft have been around now for over 20 years, during which time they have created something of a cult following, and continue to compete strongly in the small boat market. We have driven, or at least fished from most Polycraft models, and I can tell you the experience has always been positive.

The 480 Brumby is comfortably the most popular hull in the sixmodel range. It’s the ideal size for inshore/estuary/lake/river fishing, working nicely with small to midrange horse power and offering a great combination of durability and versatility. Presented in five optional configurations (Frontrunner, Side Console, Centre Console, Rear Centre Console and Cuddy), the Brumby really does offer something for anglers of all persuasions.

The layout is great for families and fishing

Many who know the Polycraft story will be aware of the rotomould process used to make them. In a nutshell, rotomoulding involves filling a hollow mould will powdered polyethylene resin, then rotating the mould while baking it in an oven. As the mould turns, the heated polyethylene sticks to the walls, assuming the desired shape. It’s then cooled until it can be removed and sent on to the next stage of production. This is a very simplified version of the process, of course, but it gives you a rough idea of how Polycraft hulls are born.

In the Spring issue we reviewed the Brumby 480 Centre Console, which is undoubtedly the best seller in the eastern states, but by no means the most popular in the rest of the country. The Frontrunner version, which is essentially a bowrider, has developed a considerable following among those who prefer a more family-oriented small boat, and it’s certainly been a popular model here in SA. Quite a while back we ran a Frontrunner as a magazine project boat, and had a ball with it in a number of different situations —from the Murray and lakes through to Coffin Bay and a heap of estuaries on both Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas. That boat was bright yellow, and certainly stood out wherever we took it.

The boat flies with this much grunt on the back

Like most Polycraft, the 480 Frontrunner is basic in layout. There’s a good-sized casting space up front, a split walkthrough dash with pedestal seats at midships, and a drop-down lounge aft. A couple can sit up in the bow quite comfortably if so desired, and there’s ample cockpit space aft of the helm to fish over the transom. There is limited dry storage up in the bow section, and a bit beneath the split dash consoles as well. Small transom compartments are useful for bait if required.

Non-feedback steering is standard, as are four rod holders, sturdy stainless grab rails and an engine well with reinforced aluminium transom plate. From the optional extras list Sports Marine had fitted a neat, compact bait board, boarding ladder, transom cushion and backrest, glove box, side pockets and nav lights. As is the case with most models in the Polycraft range, the 480 Brumby hull can be built to satisfy survey requirements if so desired.

The test boat was presented in regal blue —one of eight optional colours, with two-tone grey upholstery. All horizontal work surfaces feature non-skid moulding, which is always handy in a small boat that might cop a bit of water from time to time. Cockpit carpet is also standard.

Polycraft recommends a maximum of 90hp for the 480 hull, which is a lot of grunt for a boat of this length and weight. The Frontrunner we ran all those years ago had a 60 on the back, and I recall that it performed pretty well, even with a decent load on board. Sports Marine had bolted a Honda BF90 onto the test boat, which attracted my interest straight away. I couldn’t wait to get it onto the water to see what sort of difference those extra horses would make.

The BF90 is indeed a neat engine, and one that has done good business for Honda over a long period. It weighs 166kg (as compared to 108kg for the BF60), and I was pleased to note that the Brumby hull coped admirably with a fair amount of weight on the transom. The inherent buoyancy of rotomoulded polyethylene certainly helps out when you’re talking weight bearing capabilities.

The Honda BF90 is maximum power

Stability is among this hull’s winning features, coming into its own when you load mum and a couple of kids on board — or, of course, a couple of big guys who like to stand and cast at snags. Beam, buoyancy and oversized outer chines combine to make this little boat a lot more stable than much of its ‘glass or aluminium opposition.

Boarding ladder is a handy option

As anticipated, the Frontrunner is a flying machine with the Honda BF90 on the back. With a couple on board, the hull popped up onto the plane in the blink of an eye, and was soon rocketing across a gentle sea at better than 35 knots. We had just a whisper of southerly outside of North Haven, enabling quite a bit of high revs running and some pretty nifty manoeuvres at speed. Like all Polycraft, this one is very responsive to trim, settling nicely into a long run at cruise revs (3800 at around 25 knots). Polycraft offers ski hooks as an option with the Frontrunner package, and there’s no doubt you could pull a lightweight skier with the Honda 90 on the back.

At anchor or on the drift, the Brumby hull sits nice and steady, which is precisely what I’d anticipated. Moving from bow to stern through the walk-through is simple and safe, and even with two of us up in the bow area the boat remained flat. It really is a lure caster’s delight, offering a decent amount of space both fore and aft.

In the versatility stakes, the Polycraft Brumby 480 Frontrunner certainly stands out from the pack. Skiing, fishing, family cruising…….. it’s all there in a package that’s easy to tow, a snack to launch, and won’t break the bank.