I have a 2012 SF485 with a f70, I use the boat for similar activities, fishing in the Hauraki Gulf, as well as further afield and looking to set up for game fishing, and for fishing/water sports on Taupō. The f70 is a great motor but I would like something with more torque to improve hole shot especially for water sports. It is a great little boat but it is a little boat, for me everything is just that little bit too small to fit things in properly. In saying that I have owned it for a few years now and had hours of safe family and solo boating. Yes I would love to upgrade but it would cost a lot more money to get something significantly better. Mine has king/queen seats on both sides, this is great for family but does limit fishing space. I have fished with 3 but it is pretty tight, especially if lure fishing, ideal is 2.
The ride is remarkably soft for a 17 degree hull, but the best thing about how the boat performs is in a following sea. The hull tracks straight and is very capable, I constantly overtake much larger ray glass boats in a following sea with what looks to be a drier and more comfortable ride. The hull can be a bit sensitive to trim at times, but feels more stable that the old sea nymph 14.6 I had previously. The boat is as stable at rest as any 5-6m boat I have been in, the gunwales are high and the boat gives confidence in its safety.
My parents have a Buccanner 605 that is a nice boat, but is heavier. I don’t find much difference holding the two but it is a different story for the rest of the family, especially on a beach with a few waves. I would look to go to the Buccaneer 525 or HH535/545 if I found one in the price range with the features I wanted, but I couldn’t find that and I am happy with the 485 for now and will be looking over 6m for my next boat.
It hit like a freight train, line peeling and drag screaming the rod now doubled with a tell tail nodding and Salt thickening within the veins.