The latest 'baby' Pursuit 575 from Fyran boats helps extend its market reach, providing a capable hardtop cabin boat at a very affordable price.
Fyran started manufacturing production aluminium trailer boats
for the New Zealand market back in 1953, and its current
purpose-built factory in East Tamaki is one of the largest and most
modern of any boatbuilder in the country.
Several years ago, the company switched to computer-controlled
CNC router cutting, ensuring parts are cut to absolute precision
every time. Fyran also revolutionised aluminium manufacturing, with
the introduction of fibreglass hardtops attached to the aluminium
hulls. This allows the creation of rounder lines and softer
profiles than aluminium alone can do, while retaining the
durability and strength of the metal base.
The 575 Pursuit is the latest ‘baby’ in Fyran’s very popular
range of hardtops, being the smallest Pursuit yet. The hardtop that
previously filled this role was the 595, which at 6.1m LOA was just
too big for some people.
Gary Stephenson of Brokerage Marine at Westpark Marina saw the
shift in market demand towards a smaller model, and therefore
approached Fyran with a suggestion, proposing that Fyran take the
existing 560 hull, extend the cockpit slightly and add a hardtop
cabin. The result is a compact boat with an enclosed cabin but
still with plenty of fighting room in the cockpit, as well as the
one of the large boarding platforms in its class.
Fishing machine
This boat is clearly intended as a serious fishing machine, and
we were keen to see how well the idea has worked out. An
opportunity arose to test the prototype model and, despite it
having a few shortcomings in terms of the finish quality, we were
willing to have a look. Knowing that production models with the
full CNC treatment will have no such issues, we set the test up for
a fine summer’s day.
First seeing the boat out on the water from a distance, the
distinctive Fyran colour scheme made it instantly recognisable. The
white topsides and black hull look clean and neat, and at first
glance the boat looks bigger than the sub-6m length that is really
is. The silver Honda 90hp four-stroke purring quietly at the back
fits in well and we were soon on board and taking it through its
paces.
The forward cabin is definitely a day cabin only, with twin
three-quarter bunks. The review boat lacked squabs (or any other
extras) but, of course, the purchaser can select appropriate
upholstery. The forward area has carpet-lined sides and ceiling and
is bright, thanks to the large side windows. The head height is
also very good, with a cabin roof that is higher than the
average.
Accessibility
The foredeck area is reachable through an oversize aluminium
hatch, and standing on the cabin floor one can easily access the
anchor locker. This has a plate aluminium cover held closed by a
catch made from another piece of aluminium plate – we would expect
the production model to have a better option.
The anchor well was deep and a bollard welded to the hull behind
the well provides a secure attachment for the anchor. An alloy bow
rail goes right around the bow area, although the high cabin roof
means that stepping onto the foredeck is unlikely to be an option
anyway. It is not possible to step around the outside of the
hardtop to the foredeck.
At the helm station, the skipper has an upholstered seat on a
standard plastic pedestal (with a storage area underneath), while
the passenger side has a king/queen seat arrangement. The
rear-facing queen seat lifts up to reveal a waterproof storage
compartment. Other seating arrangements are also possible.
Stephenson prefers not to second-guess what electronics a purchaser
would want, so the review boat had a virgin dashboard area, with
only the gauges from the Honda BF90 fitted to the one side. There
is therefore plenty of space for other electronics to be
fitted.
The helm position is good, with sufficient space to stand while
driving – head height is generous. A welded footrest makes the
seated position equally comfortable, although since the seat is not
adjustable this will depend on the size of the skipper. The view
through the hardtop is excellent, with the window section being
made up of five flat panels. This keeps the costs down and also
simplifies fitting windscreen wipers if required.
Space to spare
The cockpit area is expansive, with ample space for four
anglers. Fyran claims the boat has a cockpit that is 30 percent
larger than its nearest competitor, and I would find it difficult
to argue with this.
The gunwales are wide and comfortable to sit on, with several
rod holders fitted into them. A rocket launcher along the back of
the hardtop gives further rod storage space. There is no carpet or
tube-mat fitted, although this is an option. The prototype did not
have an underfloor fuel tank, but it is optional. Instead, an
underfloor wet locker area holds the catch or other wet gear.
There is space under the transom for three conventional tote
tanks and, thanks to the economical Honda four-stroke, this will
give the boat a good range. Another option is to fit the new bigger
40 litre tote tanks, and the space looks big enough to accommodate
these as well. The boarding platform on this boat is, like most of
the Pursuit range, wide.
In good conditions, it is quite feasible to stand on it while
fishing, and of course divers and swimmers will love it. An alloy
boarding ladder sits on the port side and a removable step through
the transom, with sliding door, makes it easy to get in and out of
the cockpit. The only optional extra that was fitted to the boat
was one of Fyran’s excellent bait boards.
Fitting into two rod holders on the transom, this is one of the
best on the market for usability and keeping the mess out of the
boat. It stands high enough to use without bending, has a loose
wooden board as the cutting surface and is easily cleaned. A deep
tray in the rear and high sides ensure knives and gear never fall
out. Further rod holders on the board make up for the two it
occupies.
Ready for the ride
Soon, we were ready to try out the ride. Fyran’s design
philosophy is to have a relatively long waterline length to beam
ratio, making an easily-driven hull that is extremely efficient.
This hull has an overall length of 5.75m, with a beam of 2.19m.
This translates to a lower horsepower requirement, keeping down
costs and reducing fuel consumption.
We did not measure top speed but Stephenson claims it reaches
64kph (35 knots) with the modest 90hp Honda. Acceleration is
certainly excellent. The slippery hull leaps out the water easily
and the deep-vee hull is capable of tight and controlled turns. The
ride is smooth and the boat cuts through wakes and swell
easily.
Some engine vibration was transmitted through the hull, but
again this was an artefact of being the prototype model. Of course,
the downside to the smooth ride is tenderness at rest, although
Fyran mitigates this by creating a wider beam at the waterline. We
were very lightly loaded and the boat will settle down a bit more
with extra weight; when there is more gear and people on board, I
believe the boat will be more stable at rest. The boat is provided
on a single-axle unbraked trailer and, with a towing weight of
around 950kg, it is easy to tow.
A standard feature of all Fyran boats is a protective keel bar
to prevent damage when loading onto the trailer or when running up
on a beach. The hull is constructed from 4mm plate and Fyran has a
policy of not grinding their welds. This, combined with the welded
bulkheads and stringers, ensures a strong and durable hull.
All Fyran boats are now CPC approved, which means they boats
have sealed floatation compartments to make them unsinkable.
Verdict
Overall, this is a ‘big’ boat for a small price. Although it is
clearly intended as a serious fishing machine, rather than a fun
family runabout, it has enough space to suit both requirements. The
sharp entry prices (packages are available from $41,500) ensure
that this will be another winner from Fyran.
But don’t take my word for it: if you are interested in
comparing the various models on the water, contact Brokerage
Marine. The team will be holding a Sea Trial day on Saturday June
9, with eight different Fyran models on the water, from the 560 up
to the 760 – so you can see for yourself.
For more information contact Brokerage Marine, ph 0800 FUN
AFLOAT or visit brokeragemarine.co.nz
We liked
Large cockpit space Shelter from the elements Huge boarding
platform
Disliked
Rough edges of the prototype Rough catch on anchor hatch
Photography: Norman Holtzhausen