Stessco Outsider 485

Stessco 485 outsider – I tested this boat in moreton bay in 30 knot s/e wind and it coped well with the 1.5 to 2m white capped bay chop although I found I needed to stay cleanly on the plane to avoid water over the outboard cowling when going up the steep tide affected bay chop. This little boat is like a little barge it can take a lot of weight and still plane with not a lot of hp. Speed is also good I use a Yamaha 40hp and took 4 adults and 5 children from camp to a swimming spot and it did 38 km/h with a 12 inch prop. I have tested the boat on my own with full fuel, esky and fishing gear and got 52.9 km/h on the gps with a 13 inch prop. Simple no fuss boat that can be used and abused.built in gunnels standard not cheap folded top edge like other tinnies. Low cost to run and maintain. Flexibility to use up a small creek or out on the reef on the good days. The Large volume and no frills allow the owner plenty of options to customize to his liking. No frills on base boat just 2 bench seats a floor and that's it but this is a plus in my opinion. Low cutout in transom is a worry in rough water although I have not had water come in but have fitted a 2000 gph bilge pump just in case.

Big tinnie at a bargain price – I coastal cruised from Hervey Bay to the Whitsundays (about 600km) in my Stessco 480 (variously called the 475 or 485) ; and go over to Fraser Island in it whenever I can. Have been 20km offshore crossing Shoalwater Bay and Broadsound even though I'm not an offshore person. Plenty of volume for carrying camping gear and/or people. Value boat. No wussy frills. Maybe not finished off as well as a Quinnie but workmanlike. I use a 40 hp Yamaha Enduro outboard on mine which is a bit underpowered when you fill the boat to its capacity with people/gear; but with just 2 or 3 people and a bit of camping gear, its great.