Review: Haines Hunter 675 Enclosed Fishing Boat
Looking for the ideal boat for your next offshore fishing adventure? Well, add the Haines Hunter 675 Enclosed to your shopping list!
Haines Hunter holds a legendary status in Australia, always has, and always will in my opinion. Through many years of R and D, the Haines Hunter crew has thrown knowledge and innovation into features suiting all forms of trailer-boating, and its 675 Enclosed is a prime example of a well thought and laid out trailer boat to suit the serious offshore angler. Conveniently, one of its new dealers (Marine Care QLD in Redland Bay) is just down the road from me, so we are back online testing the latest and greatest from the brand, and the 675 Enclosed did a good job at impressing me - read on to see what this offshore weapon has to offer.
New Age Design
One thing I do like with Haines Hunter is that it has evolved with the modern aesthetic evolution through the years, but still maintained a distinct Haines Hunter look that’s easily identifiable. At a glance, well the 675 Enclosed stands out with its classic modern soft lines, big beefy shoulders, a good looking hard top with high screens, two-tone colours, and hefty freeboard.
Loaded Layout
When it comes to layouts, we all want more for less and bang for buck, and the 675 Enclosed is definitely not lacking in this department. Like all boats, you get standard fixtures and features onboard along with a plethora of option boxes that need to be ticked, generally abusing the bank account. What I do like about the 675 is that it comes with several extras already ticked (aside from electronics), without the hefty price tag. For example, anchor winch kit, deluxe captain seats with pedestals, side access boarding/dive door, windscreen wiper with wash bottle, twin live-wells, cockpit lighting, and cabin upholstery are standard items to mention a few.
Stepping aboard for a closer look, having a starboard side/gunwale dive door is a win in my opinion as it simplifies dry and wet boarding, as well as being a great spot to drag the big gamefish through. The cockpit with high gunwales, wide and full-length side-pocket storage, port and starboard live-wells, easy access to plumbing and bilge, and full fishable transom most certainly steps up the onboard fishability. Claimed to comfortably fish six adults, it could, however, I would say that four is the magic number. I’m a less-is-more type of fisherman on my boat. I must say that I was surprised to see fleck finished decks instead of moulded non-slip. In my opinion it’s a slight let down as the rest of the boat is nicely finished off, however, there is probably no need for moulded decks nowadays as many boaters seem to opt for the new SeaDek or similar deck coverings.
Creative Cab
Adding comfort to the decent fishability, the cab is another ergonomically designed part of the 675 with more height and internal beam. I like that there’s decent space to move between the captain and passenger seats, as well as a centred flush-mount hatch suited to the catch of the day, built-in tackle storage below the captain’s seat, and dedicated Esky spot below the passengers. The side pocket storage is colossal, and the hard-top with full glass, ventilation, and stainless work with grab-rails and rocket launchers is a win on this style of boat.
Tackle storage
At the helm, the dash is fairly compact and allows for easy access into the cabin. As tested, no sounder/GPS was fitted, however, the sharper-angled dash panel would easily take 40cm (16in). I also like the panel above to house the new digital gauges, as well as the small, tinted screen to eliminate sunlight. All other operating electronics then have a dedicated spot on either side of the wheel.
For those chasing a few more creature comforts, the cabin is not a bad little spot for the odd overnighter, or good place to put the kids in when they are getting out of hand. There’s plenty of extra storage space for gear, and the head is an added bonus for the family days onboard.
The bow is then accessible via the narrow hard-top walkaround, or cabin top-hatch. I found the narrow walk-around more than sufficient as there’s port or starboard side-pocket steps to get up, as well as full-length hard-top rails and a full bow-rail.
Hammer Time
Like many others out there, I highly rate Haines Hunter for its offshore performance and handling, and this 675 Enclosed is most certainly not shy in that department. With the hull weighing in at 1300kg, you would probably end up at close to two tonnes, or even a touch more with the motor, fuel and extras added. So, it’s a solid build and weight that’s not light, but not that heavy to tow either. This 675 was also fitted up with the maximum rated 250hp, and that being the latest Yamaha F250 digital to go one better.
Firstly, when it comes to outboards, I must say that Yamahas new pearl white colour is outstanding. I chose that colour for my personal F200. The new model F250XSB2 is fully digital, meaning it has the new built in DES (digital electronic steering), as well as fly-by wire controls that definitely take operating to the next level - the steering and controls are silky smooth and effortless to operate. These motors are also plug and play ready to take the new Yamaha Helm Master joystick and autopilot system.
Knocking the hammer down, the F250 is perky and impressive on hole-shot and very responsive throughout the rev-ranges. The most efficient RPM is 3000, producing a speed of 19.76 knots (36.6kmh), and pretty decent economy of 23.8LPH/1.54LPKM considering the motor size. Getting heavy-handed on the control achieves a WOT of 41.5 knots (77kmh), and economy of 93LPH (0.93KMPL).
The 675 Enclosed is no different to any other Haines Hunter in my opinion, meaning it’s a boat that likes to be driven hard. Sporting a 21-degree deadrise, these hulls do a great job at punishing the harshest of ocean conditions. The ride is soft and comfortable at higher than standard offshore speeds and to be precise, 25-30 knots in the rough is still comfortable. There’s always compromise with any hull and in this case the deep variable deadrise throws a bit of extra spray in rough conditions, however, you have full screen protection and wipers, and the compromise is a minor and no-brainer in my opinion. Nice soft ride in the rough, equals no fatigue and back pain at the end of a big day out.
At 6.75m in length, it’s a nimble and easy boat to manoeuvre and handle on the water. The 675 hooks into turns sharply and easily, however, it can bank quite hard into turns. It’s far from a negative and a characteristic to be expected from the deep deadrise. Simple, just take the time to learn how to get the best out of a hull, in this case its power that makes these hulls tick.
Aside from the impressive rough water capabilities, the 675 Enclosed is not too bad on the stability side - at rest and underway at slow troll speeds. It’s a little tender in the rough, however, nothing that bothered me. Again, it’s another small compromise if any, and the simple solution being, spend more time at sea and get some sea-legs if it bothers you.
The Wrap
Overall, the Haines Hunter 675 Enclosed sports all the normal attributes and characteristics of the brand, however, it’s modernised and has far more to offer when it comes to comfortable inshore and offshore fishability.
Is it multipurpose, suiting the serious angler and family boater? Yes to the avid fishos, and not so much to the family boater, but that’s a real easy fix as the only thing missing would be a bit of extra seating onboard. Add a few boat beanbags or Eskys with padding, and you are sorted.
Starting at around $190,950, they are competitively priced and most certainly one to consider when looking for an upgrade.
Weather Conditions
Wind: Variable 6-12 knot SE
Sea: Moderate to choppy Moreton Bay
Highs and Lows
Highs
- Rough water handling capabilities
- Soft Ride
- Spacious cockpit and features to suit fishing
- Side dive/access door
- Numerous standard features
Lows
- Fleck deck finish could come across as date
Haines Hunter 675 Enclosed Specs
General
| Type | Offshore/family |
| Material | GRP |
| Length | 6.75m |
| Beam | 2.4m |
| Weight | 1300kg (boat only) |
| Deadrise | 21° |
Capacities
| People | 6 |
| Berths | 2 |
| Rec. HP | 250 |
| Max. HP | 250 |
| Fuel | 270L |
Engine
| Make/mode | YAMAHA F250 XSB2 |
| Type | 24-Valve DOHC with VCT 60 deg V6 |
| Weight | 288kg |
| Displacement | 4169cc |
| Gear ratio | 1.75:1 |
| Propeller | 15 1/2 x 17" |
Options available:
- Yamaha F250XSB2 Pearl White (DEC DES)
- Charcoal sides
- Cabin Lights
- Large fibreglass bait-board
- Live bait tank aerator and pump system
- Captain’s side seat box with stainless tackle locker
- Passenger large stainless seat frame
- Passenger stainless footrest
- Lenco 9x12 trim tab kit
- Under bunk electric toilet
- GME gx750b vhf
- Hertz Bluetooth stereo
- 675 offshore Easytow alloy I-beam trailer
Haines Hunter 675 Enclosed price from $190,950
Haines Hunter 675 Enclosed price as tested $199,950
Supplied by Marine Care Qld
THE NEXT STEP
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