Haines Signature 640SF Centre Console

Armed to the teeth with great gear and fishing features, this finely crafted Aussie trailer boat is set to excite offshore anglers.

Following a flood of imported, mainly US built, centre console craft into the Australia market in recent years, demand — or perhaps more significantly acceptance — for open deck trailer boats and mid-size sports boats has grown.

Centre console boats have always been popular in the US, but until recently, most local trailer boat buyers have preferred to spend their hard earned money on a craft with more shelter and weather protection, such as a cuddy or half cabin.

There are plenty of good centre consoles on the market right now, but most are designed as cross-over boats — all-rounders with sumptuous, space-sapping bow and stern lounge seating areas. These comfortable ‘soft’ centre consoles are great for a mix of family boating and fishing, but die-hard offshore anglers generally look for a more purpose-built craft designed expressly for sports fishing.

Enter Haines Signature. Last year, this renowned Brisbane-based boat manufacturer debuted two new open deck fibreglass fishing trailer boats. They included the 640SF Side Console and the 640SF Centre Console. The two boats are purpose-built for fishing, complete with large, open, flat fishing decks, elevated casting platforms, live wells, rod lockers, and a whole lot more.

The subject of this review is the model likely to appeal most to offshore sports fishermen, the 640SF Centre Console, paired with a Mercury V6 225hp four-stroke outboard engine.

FISHING CREDENTIALS

Haines Signature has a long history of producing fine trailerable fishing craft. Founder John Haines also launched the Haines Hunter boat range back in the late 1960s. Many subsequent models, such as the V17L, V19R, 565L, 600R, 635L and Formula 233, are craft of legend among many old timer anglers.

In truth, however, those early craft were not well outfitted for fishing. In this writer’s opinion, John Haines and his design team did not really step up to produce proper fishing trailer boats until the early 1990s, with cuddy cabin craft like the 540F, 575F, 600F, and 650F, etc. These were the first of the Haines Signatures outfitted with fisherman-friendly cockpits, large live wells, sub-floor kill tanks, rod racks and rod holders, toe-rail side-pockets, etc.

Today of course, Haines Signature has an excellent line-up of fishing models and craft that have been refined over many years to be the best they can be.

Cuddy cabin boats continue to dominate the Haines Signature fishing boat range. Models available include the 500F, 525F, 543F, 545F, 580F, 620F, 640F and 680F.

That said, the open boat range has been expanded in recent years, and now includes the 580 and 620RF runabouts, along with the 485SF side console and a trio of centre consoles. The latter include the popular 543SF, the new 640SF side and centre consoles, and the flagship of the fishing boat range, the impressive 788SF.

The newly released 640SF side and centre consoles debuted last year to fill a gap in the open boat range between the 543SF centre console and the range-topping 788SF. Anglers wanted something a bit bigger, more offshore capable than the 543SF model, yet light and compact enough to be trailered behind a family-sized SUV or dual-cab ute.

The new 640SF series Haines Signatures fit the bill admirably. These two new craft are easily capable of fishing a dozen or more miles offshore, but you don’t need a three-tonne tow-tug to haul them about.

The 640SF Centre Console is particularly well suited to offshore fishing, the open bow and stern decks providing ample fishing space, while the double-width console helm station provides shelter for two anglers, especially when topped with an optional hardtop.

PLENTY OF KIT

The 640SF Centre Console is laden with good gear straight out of the Brisbane Haines Signature factory. We’ve mentioned the two casting decks and two-person wide console helm station console, but you also get an aquarium style plumbed live well in the starboard side transom corner, raw water deck wash, gunwale rod racks, four stainless steel rod holders, deep safety gear storage lockers up at the bow, an insulated bow kill tank, vertical rod racks, pull-up (snag free) cleats, and more.

Anglers will also be pleased with the included electronics suite. Each 640SF comes with a factory installed Simrad GO7 XSR multi-function display with 3-in-1 transducer and C-Map chart, Simrad RS205 VHF marine radio, a JL Audio MM50 Bluetooth stereo with speakers, 12V and USB sockets, and a ScanStrut ROKK wireless active charging cradle for your phone.

Our test boat featured a number of upgrades, the most notable being Signature’s own XDeck foam rubber flooring throughout, along with a display upgrade to a massive Simrad NSO19 EVO3 equipped with a chart plotter and CHIRP enabled fish finder.

The test boat was also presented with a MotorGuide electric trolling motor mounted on a plate off the port side bow, along with black powder-coating to all rails, cockpit coaming bolster padded, a casting deck lean-seat, and a stereo upgrade.

FISHING LAYOUT

The deck layout in the 640SF Centre Console is particularly well suited to lure and fly casting, thanks to the elevated platforms at the bow and the stern. The front deck is substantial in size at 1.72m long with a maximum width on the trailing edge of 1.75m.

This front deck is a tall step, or 375mm, above the main central self-draining cockpit area. Standard boats come with diamond-pattern GRP non-slip finish to the fibreglass deck, but our tested boat was optioned with the much grippier XDeck foam rubber flooring. Frankly, this excellent material is a must-have option for this boat.

As noted, there are two moulded, weatherproof storage bins beneath the forward part of the deck for stowing safety gear. Then there is a second, full width storage locker behind that, followed by a full width, insulated kill tank, which can be optioned into a large live well for competition anglers.

Low-set bow-rails surround the front platform, while the anchorwell on the forward deck is large enough to fit an optional electric winch.

The elevated rear platform is nothing like as big as the front deck, but nor should it be. At 4.95m long x 1.75m wide, this rear deck is big enough for a single angler to perch up upon. whilst taking up minimal space in the rear cockpit.

Normally, this aft deck space would be consumed by a larger outboard well and broad transom coamings. By shrinking the outboard splash well and extended the aft platform right back to the actual stern wall of the boat, Haines Signature has maximised the available fishing deck space.

Of course, the space beneath the aft deck is well utilised as well. The circular shaped, aquarium style live well on the starboard side is big enough for most recreational fishing applications. You can also convert the front kill tank into a live well as required.

On the port side of the aft platform there is a decent sized storage locker, which is used as the battery compartment in some instances. Our test boat had the batteries moved to an equally secure, and accessible location inside the helm console.

A five-rod vertical rod rack is usefully situated in the centre of the aft transom platform. Behind it there is access to the bilge area.

Beneath the 135mm bolstered side coamings there are horizontal rod racks to cater for a total of four rod/reel outfits, along with elevated side storage pockets with foot-space underneath.

Another noteworthy inclusion is the Phender Pro quick-release fender kit, which allows fenders to be deployed quickly and without having to tie them to cleats or side rails.

DOUBLE-WIDE HELM

The double-width helm console is nicely set-up for two people. The tilt-adjust stainless steel steering wheel and controls are offset to the port side to provide ample space for the skipper and a second person to sit or stand at the helm.

For long trips out to the fishing grounds, the double-wide helm is a good idea, although it does not cater for a third or fourth angler. I expect additional crew members will be comfortable enough standing behind the alloy-framed bench helm seat, or perhaps alongside the console, whilst holding securely onto the excellent console grab rail.

Helm console features include a port side accessed storage/battery compartment, full-height acrylic windscreen, full width foot-rest, drink holders, and a fascia panel that is so large it can accommodate the optional Simrad NSO19 EVO3 display or two smaller displays.

Cleverly, the black gelcoated front fascia hinges out from the console to provide easy access to the wiring for servicing, and to make it easy to install additional instruments and electronics.

The two-person wide, alloy framed bench seat in our test boat had a fixed back-rest, but there is an option for a seat with a reversible back-rest so anglers can reconfigure the seat to face aft while fishing.

Overall, I was pleased with the size and ergonomics of the helm console for offshore boating and fishing. It is big enough to cater for all your electronics needs but small enough for there to be space on each side to move easily between the bow and stern fishing decks.

That said, I expect most anglers will option the boat with an overhead T-Top to provide shelter from the sun and for use as a mounting platform for radio aerials, outriggers, etc.

CHOOSE YOUR ENGINE 

Haines Signature is not affiliated with any one outboard engine brand, so your choice of outboard will be determined by what is available from your local Haines Signature dealer.

Our test boat was paired with a Mercury 225hp V6 four-stroke, but Suzuki and Yamaha powered examples were presented to media during the unveiling of the 640SF series boats.

What is constant however, is the maximum power rating for this boat of 225hp. The boat accepts power between 150hp and 225hp, but it would be a shame to run this boat with the minimum power because the variable deadrise concave hull is a beauty, and offers scintillating handling and performance with the right motor on the transom.

We were not able to run full performance trials, but did perform a few top speed runs with the test boat to confirm it achieves 43 knots with two adults onboard.

It is understandably quick and agile off the mark too, rising instantly to plane and accelerating without hesitation up through the middle rpm range.

For fishing applications, there is more than enough power on tap with the maximum size engine, so I would consider dropping back to a 175hp or 200hp motor — specifically, I’d be putting that saved money into the optional T-Top hardtop or other fishing accessories.

We were not able to record fuel consumption figures with the Mercury powered 640SF, but when paired with a Yamaha 225hp V6, the 640SF CC is most economical at 3500rpm. At this middle rpm the boat/engine combination burns 28.5L/h at a speed of 25.4 knots for a maximum range (with ten percent in reserve) of 240.6nm.

VARIABLE DEADRISE

Haines Signature’s variable deadrise hulls are renowned performers. Introduced by John Haines in 1992, this concave shaped, deep vee hull provides a very smooth, comfortable ride, yet coupled with excellent stability.

I have tested many Haines Signatures with these hulls, and going back to the original models they never fail to impress. The fine entry at the bow on these hulls cuts easily through wave chop and ocean swell, whilst the concave, reverse angled transom vee bottom — which can be likened to a large reverse chine on each side of the keel — firms up the boat on a lateral axis.

The 640SF Centre Console handles beautifully too. It surfs easily out of wave troughs, maintains an even keel/balance in a cross wind (though trim tabs are standard), and it carves tight turns and figure-eights in smooth water with ease.

Most people will buy the 640SF exclusively for fishing, but the hull has the handling and performance prowess to double-up as a family boat for tow-sports and bay cruising.

THE WRAP

The Haines Signature 640SF Centre Console is another terrific boat from one of Australia’s leading fibreglass trailer boat builders. Most rivals in this market segment are offering up cross-over family/fishing models. The 640SF does have the versatility to perform family boating applications, but this fine craft is a serious fishing boat first and foremost with the appropriate features and fit-out to match. 

Package prices for the Haines Signature 640SF centre console start from around $105k when paired with a 150hp outboard and a tandem axle trailer.

Optioning the base boat with stack of extra kit and the maximum size Mercury 225hp V6 outboard will ramp up the price significantly, although the actual package price of our test boat was not disclosed. Check with your local Haines Signature dealer for current pricing.

Find more on Haines Signature here.

FACTS & FIGURES

PRICE AS TESTED

POA

OPTIONS INCLUDED

• Black coloured hull and topsides
• Black powder-coated rails
• Gas-strut assist hatch lids
• Signature X-deck foam rubber flooring
• Trolling motor plate
• MotorGuide electric motor
• Lean-seat to casting deck
• Simrad NSO19 EVO3 display
• Upgrade JL stereo
• Padded coaming bolsters
• Custom deck upholstery

PRICED FROM

Approx $105,000

GENERAL

TYPE Centre console

MATERIAL fibreglass

LENGTH OVERALL 6.62m (21ft 9in)

BEAM 2.43M (7ft 12in)

DEADRISE 21–33 degrees

WEIGHT 2399kg including engine, trailer, fuel

CAPACITIES

PEOPLE 8

REC. HP 150–225hp

FUEL 300L

WATER FRESH N/A

ENGINE

MAKE/MODEL Mercury 225hp

TYPE 4-Stroke 24 valve DOHC V6

WEIGHT 216kg

DISPLACEMENT 3.4L

GEAR RATIO 1.85:1

MANUFACTURED BY 

Haines Signature

SUPPLIED BY 

The Haines Group

140 Viking Dr, Wacol QLD 4076

Ph (07) 3271 4400

W hainessignature.com.au