When Matthew Jones’ in-laws took delivery of their new Osprey 565 HT just in time for Christmas, it laid a solid foundation for a superb family summer holiday.
Well, it’s fair to say my in-laws are a decent sort. Not only
supplying a family bach a stone’s throw from the water in the
boating paradise that is Doubtless Bay, they’ve gone one step
further and purchased the boat as well. Some might say it’s almost
as good as winning Big Wednesday, but somewhat more meaningful for
John and Lorna as the toys have been well and truly earned the hard
way.
The boat in question is a 565 HT from Osprey Boats in Nelson,
christened the Maddy Rose after one of John and Lorna’s eleven
grandchildren. That’s right, eleven grandchildren. A very good
reason to own a boat: for some much needed peace and quiet, but
also to teach the grandkids about the true joys of Kiwi life, which
can’t be found sitting in front of a TV or computer game.
Ultimately, it was keeping the younger grandchildren safe that,
after months of research, led John to the Osprey 565 HT. He says
the safety factor of the pontoons, the high-sided cockpit,
protection of the hardtop, and the full-length bunks were the main
reasons he chose it and he’s very happy with his decision.
Osprey Boats is renowned for its load carrying and dependable
qualities in commercial and recreational circles both in New
Zealand and overseas. While the 565 HT is the smallest in its
hardtop range, it’s still built to MSA Survey standards. Underneath
it features a variable deadrise deep-V (23 degrees at the transom),
a fine entry, rear-planing strakes, and buoyant pontoons to provide
a safe, stable, and comfortable ride in the rough. The sealed,
pressure-tested pontoons also extend underneath the duckboard for
additional stability at rest and double as built-in trim tabs.
Instead of the usual paintjob or Nyalic coating that many
aluminium boats exhibit, Osprey uses a durable vinyl wrap for the
topsides. It not only looks good but also has the added advantage
of being easily repaired by a sign writer if damaged.
Fishing and family fun
There was quite a show of hands to partake in the maiden voyage,
so after smashing a bottle of champagne over the fairlead, our
first fishing trip consisted of John, Wayne, Barry, Jamie, Cale,
and myself. Fishing space was tight, but there were few tangles and
we managed to catch enough snapper and kahawai to feed six families
for dinner. One angler can also fish out the front hatch or even
sit across the solid U-shaped bow rail in calm conditions.
John opted for a flush-mounted Lowrance HDS8, which is easily
viewed from the cockpit, and the dash could even handle a slightly
bigger unit. The helm seats are comfortable, although
non-adjustable, and can be swivelled to face the stern to drop a
line. Two gunwale-mounted rod holders, another four on the bait
station, four on the transom, and 1.72m-long parcel shelves take
care of the rod storage. A rocket launcher is also an option.
The bait board tilts up to drain with a solid towing eye above.
While the bait board’s not suitable for filleting, a plywood board
can easily mount over the 18cm-wide gunwales, and we’ve also added
rubber non-skid for safety and backside comfort.
Most days saw the Osprey out on the water for fishing, diving,
and towing the kids on the biscuit – all of which were enjoyed in
ease and comfort.
Garlic-butter crayfish
We found this boat really useful as a stable, easy-entry dive
platform. The crayfish collectors consisted of Rhys and yours
truly, and there was plenty of room to gear up with two divers plus
John and Pete on watch. In fact, the 2.7sqm cockpit could cope with
four divers plus two crew members.
Due to the abundant sealed buoyancy and 120-litre underfloor
fuel tank there’s no underfloor storage, but a dive tank per side
can be securely stowed under the front squabs – although with the
removable full-length bunks being the go-to place for everyone’s
gear, it can be a hassle getting them out again. Removable dive
bottle holders will be installed in the cockpit for easier access
in the future.
We enjoyed a couple of successful dives with great visibility,
and after returning with fresh crayfish for dinner we were even
allowed back on-board. This was easy with the T-style boarding
ladder, and although there was only one grab rail, you can use the
outboard bracket for additional up-lift or a second hand rail can
be added.
Changing dive spots was painless thanks to the Quick automatic
capstan and Rocna anchor, which did the job well. The bow design
allows you to look through the staunch bowsprit to track the warp
being deployed or retrieved, although the actual angle of the
anchor warp is obscured from view.
Many good rides
Over the course of the week, Doubtless Bay provided a multitude
of different sea conditions to assess the ride while enjoying some
quality time amidst the stunning scenery. On a scheduled
photoshoot, conditions turned rougher than expected. The original
plan of running alongside with a similar-sized and reputable
aluminium photo boat had to be canned as it couldn’t keep up with
the Osprey’s smooth rough-water ride.
With hydraulic steering and the quiet and economical Honda 115hp
four-stroke on the stern, this boat is easy and reassuring to helm.
It’s capable of extremely tight turns with no cavitation or side
slip in case you need to get away in a hurry, but in these sorts of
manoeuvres the boat does lean hard into the turn. Depending on your
boating pedigree, this can either be thrilling or slightly
nerve-wracking. I actually quite enjoyed it – my wife not so much –
so best keep this kind of behaviour to just the boys. Under
‘normal’ use the 565 HT rides and turns on the level.
Visibility through the curved 8mm toughened glass windscreen is
excellent. John didn’t opt for wipers, and while the side sliding
windows provide ample ventilation they only open part way, which
isn’t enough to get your arm around to wipe any condensation off
the windscreen on early morning fishing missions. This isn’t a
problem with a willing crew, as they can be sent around the side to
give it a wipe. We treated the windows, but wipers would be useful
for the type of year-round use that the protective hardtop and
excellent rough water ride allows.
The boat itself is pretty dry, with minimal spray landing on the
glass; she gains an extra-dry boost from the extended 135mm-wide
walk-around side rails. Those same side rails effectively turn away
any rising spray like a ‘roid-riddled bouncer at a packed pub,
keeping the cockpit bone dry while underway and saltwater from
pelting the rods and reels.
If it seems like I’m rattling on about those side rails it’s
because they’re just so practical. They also provide an all-round
protective barrier in case of any misjudgements while docking, and
a handy step while boarding and departing. When coming into a beach
a crew member can safely walk around to the bow and simply step off
when the water’s shallow enough.
This capable battler was supplied on an un-braked Watercraft
multi-roller trailer and tips the scales at around 1200kg, so a
dedicated tow vehicle isn’t a necessity.
The last word
With its exemplary build quality, Osprey’s 565 HT is one tough
customer. It’s safe, stable, and great for the kids. It’s little
wonder why Osprey boats are held in such high-regard; and what a
summer holiday to test/enjoy it in! Sunshine was in abundance, the
ride was good, and the hunter-gatherers enjoyed good success from a
good boat. Sure the in-laws don’t own a brewery, but an Osprey 565
HT is a superb compromise in my book.
Osprey 565 HT purchased from Brokerage Marine. For more
information phone 0800 386 235, email gary@brokeragemarine.co.nz
or visit brokeragemarine.co.nz.
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Photography: Matthew Jones