Certain circles of the boating community can’t keep quiet about White Pointer boats. We went to find out what all the fuss is about….
- Sound engineering and construction
- High level of customisation
- Good use of space
- Comfortable for overnighting
- Quick and efficient
The White Pointer 7.3 Kai Time met me at Westhaven boat ramp on its custom-built trailer and was clearly built with a purpose in mind – fishing.
Beach launching
The trailer has been customised for beach-launching. Except for a single row up the centreline, rollers have been replaced by padded blocks, ensuring the boat is more precisely centred as it runs up the trailer.
The auto launch-and-retrieve catch system is in the form of a snub block paired with a boat hook welded to the front of the hull.
On the hull, an adjustable transducer bracket allows owner Mike to lift the transducer foot clear of the hull line, preventing any accidental damage from contact with the sand. A full-length rubbing strip welded has been added to the centreline of the hull to protect and reinforce that area.
Also aiding beach launching, the White Pointer 7.3 has good visibility front and rear, good scuppers and bilge pumps, plenty of horsepower and responsive steering.
Stem to stern
A high quality stainless Lewmar windless graces the bow, dropping the rope and chain vertically into a fully enclosed and self-draining locker. The only access to it is via a smallish hatch inside the cabin.
The deck has a reasonable amount of stick-on tread applied and has well constructed grab rails running aft to the cabin.
The Nylac on the topsides looks at least as good as paint and certainly wears better.
The roof has plenty of space that could be used to store a dingy and comes complete with tie-down bars. The six-rod rocket launcher provides extra lashing points and is well integrated with a mounting arch for those looking to install a radar scanner.
The cabin top is pretty standard and exactly what you would expect from a company that prides itself on sound construction and rugged functionality. Strong lines and large safety glass windows; the lack of curves helps keep the costs under control, allowing resources to be put to more practical purposes.
The business end
While the dimensions are nothing extraordinary, there is no clutter to contend with, meaning every square inch can be utilised for fishing.
Full-length shelves provide good storage for dive tanks, gaffs, and other tools.
Six stainless rod holders are mounted in the gunnels on fairly practical angles, although as a gamefisherman I would probably add a couple in more strategic locations. Another six rod holders surround the bait board, bringing the total number of rod holders to 18.
The bait board is large, well drained and has a flush leading edge to facilitate the filleting process.
The step-through section of the transom doubles as a home for the well sized live-well. The transom itself is large enough to serve as a diver’s platform, with a robust ladder and good hand-holds.
A large external well in front of the outboard installation receives the drain from the internal scuppers; a good option as it reduces the inflow of seawater if the vessel is sitting low in the water or is experiencing any slop from behind.
All-weather cabin
The Kai Time’s cabin has a port-side aft-facing window which is a cavity slider, allowing it to be fully retracted. When utilised in conjunction with the sliding side windows, the cabin airflow must be pretty good.
The custom helm seats are fully adjustable, comfortable, and swivel to allow full visibility of the fishing gear behind.
The Kai Time has full-length forward bunks and a built-in toilet. Chuck in a hot shower from the gas califont hot water system supplied by an 85L fresh water tank and the boss lady should be kept pretty comfortable.
Extended fuel tanks instead of the under-floor wet locker ensure plenty of range. The 340L of fuel and the superefficient Yamaha four-stroke mean the Kai Time has no issues chasing those fish well over the horizon.
Put the hammer down
The White Pointer 7.3 is a purpose-built offshore fishing machine so I was not expecting a rocket ship. White Pointer boats are reputed to be very soft riding but a soft ride often comes with a reduction in overall speed.
When I climbed behind the wheel the first thing I noticed was the comfort of the driving position. The height, sitting or standing, was ideal and the visibility was very good. It was hard not be impressed with the dash – it’s not often you see that standard of electronics (Raymarine C140W) on a trailerboat.
Pushing the throttle down drew a very satisfying roar from the V6 Yamaha and the big stainless prop quickly converted that noise into acceleration.
Like most modern boats built for soft riding, the White Pointer has no planing strakes. Some hulls like this are found wanting in hard corners, sliding around and then biting hard and unpredictably when the chine buries. Not so the White Pointer 7.3. The harder I drove her the better she responded; so well, in fact, I was completely confident to let go of the wheel.
The verdict
The White Pointer 7.3 is a serious fisherman’s boat. What she lacks in elegant lines she makes up for in sound construction and sea keeping. Generally the finishing is pretty good, although some of the welds need a little more buffing off.
If your dream boat is a work horse that will do its job and get you home without rattling too many bones, give White Pointer Boats a call.
For more information contact Tony Bourke, phone 06 868 6519 or email rex@whitepointerboats.co.nz.
See White Pointer boats for sale.
Specifications
LOA 7.4 m
Beam 2.45 m
Deck to gunwale 750mm
Free board 900mm
Total weight boat and trailer 2350kg
Engine Yamaha 225hp four-stroke
Construction Internal keel bar, frame and stringer construction; 6mm hull plate (minimum); 6mm transom; 4mm sides; 3mm superstructure
Photography: Jeff Strang