YELLOWFIN 6400 SYNERGY REVIEW

At first glance, the latest Yellowfin 6400 Synergy is surely eye-catching. Alongside sharp lines and clean paint work, what really draws you in for another look is the unusual internal design and layout.

Primarily designed as an open water offshore machine, the Yellowfin Synergy packs in plenty of workable fishing area as standard, but rather than employing a “normal” centre console configuration, a bit of input from up north led to a layout well suited to tropical Northern Territory waters.

The console is situated back in the stern. It’s a big plate boat, so that positioning doesn’t look out of place, and the console is compact with no windscreen (for a cooler drive in the northern climates), yet includes space to either flush-mount or bracket-mount electronics.

Instead of standard bench seating, Yellowfin went with a row of three swivel seats on posts behind the console. This system is modular and the seats can be moved to suit different arrangements, with another two positions available in front of the console and one up on the casting deck. I think it’s great having so many seating options, but it was all three in the stern that I really liked – from a lure-chucker’s perspective – as it creates huge fishability up front.

LAYOUT

Behind the rear seats a raised false transom contains a 65L plumbed livewell, access to batteries and plumbing, a transom door, full grab-rails and large rear boarding platform. At first, you might question having the seats in the rear but let’s not forget this arrangement creates space up front, and you can face them backwards. This forms a comfortable spot to hang your legs over the back while fishing a bait or even when trolling, although maybe not recommended in croc-filled NT waters.

Moving forward, the treadplate deck creates a decent non-slip platform and is fully self-draining by locating the deck being well above the waterline. I’m all for this type of deck system as it’s easy to clean, adds to safety on board and in combination with high gunwales, should keep a bit of distance between you and those crocs.

The balance of the layout consists of side pockets, outrigger mounting plates for the offshore crew, flush-mount rod holders, anchorwell, an optional bimini and a reasonable-sized casting deck with plenty of stowage space up forward.

ENGINE

Instead of the standard Gold Coast test destination, this Yellowfin was tested on the Sunshine Coast, out from Mooloolaba. This allowed for some thorough testing in pretty average conditions which included a 15-20kt south easter which produced a nasty chop on the outside and fair swell, but performance-wise, the Synergy 6400 shone in a number of areas. 

The 175hp Evinrude E-TEC on the rump was certainly not lacking power,  providing more than enough holeshot and top end that will (literally) blow your hat off. It’s gutsy in all areas and quite a sporty combination for the 6400. You could get away quite easily with less horsepower, but personally I would go the maximum for the added adrenalin rush – if you can afford to keep a few spare hats on board!

HANDLING AND RIDE

Offshore, the hull really impresses. The sharp entry, combined with a 20° deadrise did a fine job at slashing into the chop and swell, producing a comfortable ride at fair speeds. It’s one of those boats that maintains constant speed and stability well in rough conditions, and can be ridden pretty hard on and off the throttle. Having the console further back adds to the sweet ride, but naturally you will catch a bit of spray from time to time, which on a hot summer’s day was quite welcome.

The only quibble I had while driving was the positioning of the control box which sat a little upright rather than at an angle. It seemed better suited to driving while seated and twitchy to control when standing, but could be easily changed to suit both styles.

FISHABILITY

As suggested by the modular layout, it’s quite clear these Yellowfins are multipurpose vessels for serious fishing. For those dedicated to lure fishing and in particular lure-casting, the foredeck is the place to be and could comfortably fish three in comfort, without inducing hooks to the ears on a regular basis. The gunwales are fairly high considering it packs a self-draining wet deck and this –combined with good stability – makes it easy to stay in tune with the rod, rather than breakdancing across the bow.

For those into trolling offshore there are flush rodholders mounted in the gunwales and you could add a few extra to suit. One significant advantage of the E-TECs is their ability to deliver very low fuel consumption at low revs.

THE VERDICT

The Yellowfin Synergy 6400 has a multitude of features to suit every style of fishing, ample space, solid performance and a sturdy plate aluminium construction of 4mm sides and 5mm bottom sides. To top it off, they’re a super fun boat to drive, they look good on and off the water and are well finished throughout.

Fish locally or hook it up to the 4WD and hit highway. Either way, when priced at $62K as tested, Yellowfin’s latest represents great value for such a versatile rig.

HIGHS

• Generous open layout
• Deep self-draining cockpit
• Rearward seat locations maximise useable fishing space

LOWS

• A standard horizontal or console - mounted rod rack would’ve finished an otherwise well sorted layout

YELLOWFIN 6400 SYNERGY SPECIFICATIONS

PRICE AS TESTED

$62,000

OPTIONS FITTED

Bimini and envelope

PRICED FROM

$61,100 (BMT)

GENERAL

TYPE Centre console fishing boat

MATERIAL Plate aluminium

LENGTH 6.44m

BEAM 2.4m

WEIGHT 860kg (boat only)

DEADRISE 20°

CAPACITIES

PEOPLE Five

BERTHS n/a

MIN. HP 115hp

MAX. HP 175hp

FUEL 160L 

ENGINE

MAKE/MODEL Evinrude E-TEC 175hp  

TYPE Loop Charged V6 60° E-TEC Direct Injection outboard

WEIGHT 190kg

DISPLACEMENT 2592cc

GEAR RATIO 1.86:1

PROPELLER Viper

MANUFACTURED BY

Yellowfin Boats

Web yellowfinboats.com.au

SUPPLIED BY

Springwood Marine

3452 Pacific Highway, Springwood

Tel: (07) 3171 1948

Web Springwood Marine