A bigger version of the 635, the Everyman 685 was voted as favourite boat of the show at Waikato in 2009
- Smooth-riding and stable hull
- Geared for fishing with 16 rod holders
- Easy maintenance
- Top build quality
- Cabin suitable for overnighting
The smaller 635 delivers a smooth, quiet ride and despite its relatively shallow deadrise angle, was soft-riding. The 685HT has continued the tradition.
The new boat comes in two different models: the Sports Fisher and the Over Nighter. The overnighter sacrifices 300mm of cockpit space for slightly longer bunks, and extra cabin space for a sink and gas cooker.
The Sports Fisher (tested here) measures 6.85m overall, with a beam of 2.50m. The hull’s built from 5mm aluminium plate (6mm optional for extra strength), with 4mm sides. Topsides and the Hard Top are 3mm.
Build quality must be among the best in the industry. Lines are smooth flowing, with clean and neat welds. The bowsprit is an integrated part of the hull rather than welded on as an afterthought. The Manson Supreme anchor is coupled to a Quick automatic anchor winch.
Living area
Despite the slightly reduced space, the Sports Fisher’s cabin is still usable for overnighting. The forward cabin is fully-lined and the bunks are well padded and of adequate length. A centre lift-up section is available for fitting an onboard toilet, and a polycarbonate hatch provides light and access to the foredeck area.
The main cabin features two pedestal-mounted “soft rider” padded seats, and the dash is carpeted. A useful cubbyhole on the passenger side, plus the standard side shelves, offers plenty of storage space for small items. The entire inside of the Hard Top is plush-lined for warmth and sound-absorbtion.
Large windows are fitted with toughened glass. The skipper’s window has a wiper, and sliding windows enhance ventilation. Grab-handles are all around the sides and top edge of the hardtop, plus along the outside edge of the hardtop.
The demonstrator boat has a large Northstar M84 combo chartplotter/fishfinder, VHF radio and Boss stereo CD player.
The rocket launcher along the rear of the hardtop holds eight rod holders. Each gunwale has a further three, and the transom has two more. A bait station with drain hose is mounted in the two transom rod-holders. An optional live bait tank can be fitted into the transom.
Distant fishing grounds are in range thanks to the 230-litre under-floor fuel tank, and the two, sealed buoyancy tanks run the length of the boat.
A locker containing the double battery setup and the two-stroke oil reservoirs occupies most of the transom width. A full-width, drop-down aluminium hatch is fitted. An optional upholstered squab fits onto the hatch, transforming it into a rear seat.
The large boarding platform is on the other side of a step-through in the port side of the transom. A swing-down boarding ladder rests on the boarding platform, and grab rails are fitted on both sides.
Performance
The hull’s rated for 150 to 200hp – this one’s equipped with a Yamaha 200hp V-Max HPDI two-stroke outboard. The Yamaha was impressive, accelerating the boat “out the hole” very quickly. Very little engine noise is transferred to the hull, and the hydraulic steering is positive and light.
This boat’s not fitted with trim tabs, nor does it seem to need any. Stability at speed is good and at rest is excellent – putting all the weight on one side produced very little lean.
The wide chines effectively turn the spray down and away from the boat and in tight turns “bite” well and keep things on track.
See a range of Everyman boats for sale here.
Read in-depth boat reviews in the latest issue of Trade-A-Boat magazine, on sale now.
Specifications
LOA 6.85m
Beam 2.50m
Deadrise 17º
Engine 200 hp Yamaha V-MAX HPDI
Construction Alloy – 5mm hull, 4mm sides, 3mm topsides