SEA JAY 483 BAY SEEKER BOAT REVIEW

It’s difficult to argue the versatility of a quality runabout in the 4.5-5m range. There are literally hundreds of situations and locations throughout the state that lend themselves to this style of boat, and particularly one that’s well designed, well constructed and well fitted out. Seajay’s runabouts – the Bay Seeker and Crusader – have long been popular models, particularly with inshore/lake/estuary anglers and their families.

There are three models in the Bay Seeker family – 428, 453 and 483 – and each offers advantages that will appeal to a range of different buyers. In mid February we tested the Bay Seeker 483, which will undoubtedly suit the needs of inshore whiting/squid/car/crab enthusiasts. It will also be the ideal platform for those who like to chase big kingfish in locations like Coffin Bay, Port Augusta and Point Lowly. As mentioned, versatility is the name of the game when you have a multitude of potential fishing challenges in mind, and the larger Bay Seeker certainly has them covered.

Seajay has been building aluminium boat now for 35 years, and it has been interesting to watch the company’s development. From agricultural beginnings back in ‘89, the current crop of Seajays is now as good as any Aussie-built boat on the market. Consumer input, and particularly input from serious fisho’s, has helped shape where the company is headed – a factor that’s immediately obvious when you climb aboard and check out how well these boats are put together.

The Bay Seeker 483 looks deceptively larger than its spec’s would indicate. At around 460kg dry, it’s got some bulk on its side, yet it works well with modest horse power. The test boat from Sports Marine had been fitted with a new Honda BF75 four-cylinder four stroke, which is maximum recommended power and seems to be the ideal match. I would recommend sticking with the top power option, especially if you carry a bit of gear and a few bodies on a regular basis.

The Bay Seeker’s layout is more or less standard for fishing-oriented runabouts. Up front there’s a three-panel, wrap-around windscreen with lean-through dash and an anchor well spacious enough to house a mid-sized electric winch. The driver’s console is dual tiered, and comfortably large enough to handle a 12” display unit, marine radio, engine gauges and a bank of switches – again typical of most runabouts these days.

Low swivelling bucket seats are provided for driver and passenger, and it’s a step down beneath the dash for extra leg room. There are four optional seating positions available in this model, which enhances versatility further. Half-length side pockets are included in the cockpit, and at the stern there’s a drop-down bench seat and deeply padded gunwale backrest cushions for comfort while seated or standing to fish. Again, there’s not too much out of the ordinary here, but it all works well and would be easy to keep clean. The plywood deck is covered with grey exterior carpet.

Seajay provides a comprehensive standard features inventory with this model, including a bowsprit, gunwale rubber inserts, a heavy-duty boarding ladder, dual sounder transducer brackets, lockable glove box, drink holders, four rod holders and deluxe pin striping on the hull. The optional extras list also is impressive, and I’m sure that a plumbed live bait tank, deluxe removable bait board and hydraulic steering upgrade will be popular with serious anglers who have a little extra cash to spend.

One of the appealing features of a runabout of this size is you don’t need a large vehicle to tow it. It’s also a snack to launch single-handed if so desired, whether it be from the local ramp, from the beach or maybe from the bank if visiting the Murray. And fishing three guys or mum, dad and the kids would be no issue, particularly in enclosed waters or along the coast on a reasonable day.

As mentioned, Honda’s BF75 four stroke would definitely be my choice for the 483 Bay Seeker hull. This is among Honda’s most popular smaller engines, and has been part of the range for about as long as I can remember. It features a 1.5 litre, in-line four cylinder block and weighs 165kg, which is right at the top end of recommended motor weights for the Seajay transom. The BF75’s fuel economy is legendary, which is handy in a boat that holds a modest 80 litres under the floor.

Conditions were near perfect when we launched the Bay Seeker for a run out of North Haven. We even took a squid rod along with us and managed half a dozen calamari in a single drift down towards Largs Bay!

With a couple on board, the 483 is quite spritely with the 75 Honda on the back; as already mentioned, there’s no doubt this engine is the right option. Going smaller would definitely be a mistake. Top speed over calm water was around 33 knots, and we cruised very economically at 25. Seajay’s Adrenalin hull has been a winner in this extremely competitive market sector, and I was very impressed with its ability to hang on in tight turns. Big reverse chines deflect spray efficiently, and stability at rest is well above average; in fact, this is among the most stable tinnies of its size we’ve tested in quite some time, which has to be good news for those who enjoy drift fishing for whiting.

An aluminium trailer comes standard in this package from Sports Marine – again keeping weight down while optimising corrosion resistance.

There’s no doubt the Seajay 483 Bay Seeker ticks a lot of boxes for everyday fishing or cruising. The package, as offered by Sports, represents pretty good value, too. Included is a bimini canopy, Garmin Ecomap 75SV sounder/ GPS combo, GME VHF radio and battery isolation system, so it’s definitely worth checking out.