Haines Hunter SF545LE Boat Review

It is not often a fibreglass boat features in Setting up for Sportfishing. Managing editor Grant Dixon checks out the Haines Hunter SF545 Limited Edition which has been spec’ed up specifically with fishing in mind…

Haines Hunter NZ Limited manufacture in Ellerslie, Auckland from purpose-built facilities. This iconic brand has a strong reputation in New Zealand for being well built and having extremely good rough water capabilities. The hulls are ‘hand laid’ which results in a very strong but evenly-weighted hull. Models range from the flagship 725 down to the very versatile 485 – this month we are taking a look at the SF545LE.

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First released in 2014 to compliment the tried and tested SF535, the SF545 has grown in popularity and although it was not intentionally designed to replace the SF535, sales would indicate that the popularity of the SF545 has started to shine through.

The main differences of the SF545 over the 535, are the increase in length, the revised layout in the dash area, composite moulded floors, deeper anchor locker to accommodate an auto system, wider beam and the deeper 25” transom height. This later improvement has two major benefits. It adds buoyancy to the portafino stern, allowing for greater horsepower. The vessel can now accommodate up to 150HP comfortably; and the cockpit height has been raised to 800mm to give anglers more support and the hull more freeboard overall.

The 545LE has a number of fishing features. Firstly, the extra length offers more cockpit space (1600 x 1800), something that is increased even further with the canopy folded forward and the two rear bench seats removed. There is good toe space moulded into the cockpit, enabling an angler fighting a decent fish to get plenty of purchase as well as gunwale support.

The rear bench seats are removable, adding to the fishing space.

The rear bench seats are removable, adding to the fishing space.

Included in the electronics package on the test boat is a Simrad sounder/chart plotter, upgraded to a NSS9 EVO 3 screen. The Total Scan transducer is factory fitted through-hull, with other transom-mounted options available. Other electronics include a Uniden VHF, Fusion MS-RA70 stereo, along with 12 volt and USB ports and the usual switch panel.

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Electronic upgrades to either Simrad or Lowrance 9" screen units are part of the Haines Hunter SF545LE packages.

Electronic upgrades to either Simrad or Lowrance 9" screen units are part of the Haines Hunter SF545LE packages.

A Lewmar helm-operated capstan is a welcome standard upgrade to the test boat and the drained, removable bait board comes with two conveniently placed Railblaza rod holders to compliment the four gunwale mounted ones. Storage for four further rods is found in the cockpit side pockets, two per side.

The review boat came with Ultralon decking on the cockpit floor, providing both comfort underfoot as well as a good grip. Another option is a dome-down carpet atop the fibreglass moulded floor – note that this is not a “drop in liner” but a composite moulded floor that forms part of the structural element of the boat.

An ideal spot for dive bottles and bags, or possibly a scallop dredge, is the 885mm long x 410mm wide x 250mm deep underfloor storage bin located between the helm and passenger seats. Also under the floor is a 135 litre stainless steel fuel tank which gives plenty of range for most day trips.

Generous underfloor storage between the helm and passenger seats is suitable for the likes of dive bottles and gear bags.

Generous underfloor storage between the helm and passenger seats is suitable for the likes of dive bottles and gear bags.

There is not an in-built livebait tank but I have been told the Haines Hunter designers are looking at options to rectify this. In the interim, there is space on the portofino stern to mount an after-market one.

Two pedestal-mounted seats featured in the test boat, but the passenger seat could be changed out for a king/queen style arrangement which could include a fridge/freezer unit. This has its own compressor for the temperature and can be controlled to keep items either frozen or just chilled.

An option is to replace the passenger pedestal seat with a 'king and queen', beneath which is a refrigerated bin.

An option is to replace the passenger pedestal seat with a 'king and queen', beneath which is a refrigerated bin.

In the battery department, a single installation is standard with two batteries – one house and one start – a popular option. These, along with the bilge pump, have their own compartment under the baitboard. The latter is removable and can be replaced by a ski-pole.

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Storage is plentiful. Apart from the side pockets, there is a storage compartment alongside the helm seat, more beneath the anchor locker and centre squab along with shelving either side of the cabin.

The cabin and the squabs are 1.55m long, a tight fit for many people if you were considering overnighting. An infill is available to increase the potential sleeping area. The upholstery has been upgraded for the SF545LE, setting the boat off nicely.

Upgraded upholstery is all part of the deal.

Upgraded upholstery is all part of the deal.

One thing I like to see around a boat is plenty of handholds. On the 545 there is a grab rail that runs the length of the screen, and another one beside the passenger seat.

At the business end is a F130A Yamaha four-stroke outboard. This is a motor well-matched to the hull. There is plenty of grunt when you need it in situations such as running a bar or in heavy seas, as well as towing skiers and water toys. During the test run the boat had a top speed of 45knots, while it cruised at a comfortable 20knots to handle the harbour chop. The Haines Hunter 545 is a perfectly capable game boat. Trolling lures at the standard and economical 7.5-8.0 knots, combined with 135 litres under floor, offers exceptional range.

A DMW Premier Multi Roller is the trailer of choice and there are both braked and unbraked options along with brake upgrades utilising stainless steel calipers and rotors.

Potential purchasers have a number of other options to consider. These include a washdown hose; bimini-style canopy incorporating a rocket launcher and clears; transom grab rails; auxiliary bracket; cockpit lighting and floods; along with after-market outriggers for those contemplating chasing billfish.

The Haines Hunter SF545LE is an impressive fishing rig, with the blue water performance to match. It ticks a number of boxes for the serious angler, while also doubling as a fun family vessel that is easy to tow and handle.