If there are fish on the chew, there’s usually a Haines Hunter 445F prowling nearby. These classic consoles might look like a bathtub, but their reputation as a giant killer is legendary. They’re as stable as an old gum tree, ride the waves like a Malibu surfboard, turn on a dime and are notorious fish catchers – or maybe that’s just their owners.
The Captain has recently acquired one of these beauties and is in the process of kitting her out. Make sure you check out part one when The Captain hits the stands this summer.
In 1980 at the age of 29 I bought a 445F and re-powered with a 65 Suzi. 18 years of wonderful service, fishing & diving, bringing up kids, even had a big beach umbrella on board and they thought we were the ice-cream boat! Caught tuna, kings, flathead and many other species in water from 30 cms depth to 12kms offshore. An amazing small boat that I eventually sold to an ex-student and it is probably still going! Hit 59 years of age and thought, ” I have got to have another go”! So I bought a Formula 15 (same hull) in 2010,with an F70A Yamaha. We are having a ball, and our aim is to catch our first marlin off Sydney. I look forward to seeing your 445F unfold and the adventures that follow. Thanks again for the memories, from Captain Smackie!
G’day Captain! Great to see this project – I’ve always had a soft spot for this little legend of a boat (though not to sure about claimed stability – at rest..). But my concern is for the Captain’s crew on the photo shoot, blokes who live to dangle string in water for a living, (especially those mustache Hawaiian shirt wearing type)need to always remember that they ARE on display for all the boating public to see, and ARE of influence to their readers – intended or not. My point … Captain, PLEASE always insist your crew wear the appropriate PFD (Person Floatation Device) when on the water – Especially 1 up AND always in a vessel underway under 4.9 metres!! Cheers Capt. Keep keeping it real otherwise! See you out there real soon mate! Capt.Groves
Mick
I Think I have a 1415f original boat with fibreglass over ply gunnels, needs some work but still a solid boat.Who can help me with repairs in NSW.
Cheers