Reviews

VIDEO: Fyran 645 Hardtop

Fyran’s newest model – the 645 Hardtop – represents an expansion of its 6.5m boats. The third in this size range, it further extends the options available from this iconic New Zealand manufacturer.

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  • Extra stability and fuel economy from longer waterline length
  • Spacious cockpit
  • East drive and soft ride
  • Space for 12 rod holders
  • Full-width boarding platform and ladder gives easy access for divers and swimmers

The new model is constructed almost entirely out of aluminium – only the hard top’s roof is fibreglass.

Fyran has also extended the hull under the oversized boarding platform in the stern, providing extra buoyancy at the rear for fishing and diving, and improved stability at rest. The longer waterline length makes it a more easily-driven hull and it’s softer riding.

That means less horsepower is required to push the boat, with improved fuel economy and a lower up-front investment. The review boat was fitted with Honda’s 135hp four-stroke.

The new model has a similar cockpit size to the bigger Fyran 760 Hardtop. The hardtop itself is shorter and open at the back and is fitted with two seats rather than four. But the sidewalls extend back from the seats, keeping occupants dry.

Sturdy hand-rails along the side and top of the roof mean extra passengers will be able to hold on securely while standing. Optional King and Queen seats are available to seat four people.

The fully-lined cabin forward features two, full-length upholstered bunks. Squabs are removable to access the dry storage area below. The centre section is designed to accommodate a toilet, while an over-size solid aluminium hatch in the ceiling offers easy access to the foredeck area.

The test boat will be fitted with a Quick Aster winch, but you can forego the winch option and opt for a hatch/anchor well in the foredeck. A sturdy bollard and fairlead is welded to the bow.

There’s good headroom under the hardtop and large armour-plate flat windscreens and side windows provide excellent visibility.

The review boat was set up with the Lowrance HDS-8 combo (GPS, chart plotter and fish finder). This features the award-winning 8.4″ SolarMax Plus screen display. The HDS software enables high-definition 3D mapping while the Broadband fish finder technology provides improved clarity and target resolution.

An engine RPM gauge, trim/tilt meter and a fuel gauge for the 150-litre under-floor fuel tank complete the instrumentation. A GME VHF is mounted inside the cabin.

Steering is hydraulic unit, and complemented by a set of Lectrotab electromechanical trim tabs. The upholstered, pedestal-mounted Cruiser seats are comfortable and wide. The pedestal has a handy under-seat storage area, and the seats swivel easily.

With a beam of 2.34m the boat’s cockpit is large. There is adequate space for four or more occupants and the wide gunwales make comfortable seats. Along the back edge of the hardtop a rocket launcher provides six rod folders plus a spotlight. Additional rod holders in the gunwale and transom provide space for six more rods.

This boat features Fyran’s well-engineered, black powder-coated bait board, which slots into two rod holders in the transom. A step-through transom on the port side is closed off by a drop-in aluminium hatch.

Two large transom lockers contain the batteries and other electrics, well above deck level. Insulated isolator switches are located under the gunwales but outside the battery locker for easy access.

The new stern arrangement provides a full-width boarding platform with the engine mounted directly to the platform rather than protruding off a pod. There is a swing-down boarding ladder and grab rails either side.

Performance

Out in awkward chop the new hull meant there were no planing strakes, and the 17-degree deadrise provided a soft, comfortable ride.

The Honda was responsive and had power to spare, though on a lightly-loaded boat. We got airborne several times, and the chines turning away the spray efficiently when we landed.

The 5mm alloy hull, with sealed air cavities and foam-filled floatation below the deck level, is CPC rated.

We weren’t able to test speed or fuel economy, but the sixteen-valve four cylinder Honda is well-known as an economical, reliable workhorse. It’s also ultra-quiet.

The under-floor 150-litre fuel tank should provide a generous range for day trips or even overnighters.

Overall, a very impressive package. A no-nonsense, rugged fishing machine that’s friendly on the wallet. The hardtop cabin can cope with extreme weather conditions and the boat requires little more than a wash down after use.

Read the full review in the January issue of Trade-A-Boat magazine, on sale now.

See a range of Fyran boats for sale here.

Specifications

LOA 6.51m
Beam 2.34m
Engine Honda BF135 four-stroke
Trailer Hosking Tandem braked
Towing weight 1780kg (dry)

Video

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