Review: Stessco Gulf Runner 550 Fishing Boat

As the largest test boat for the day the Gulf Runner was no doubt my pick of the bunch. Now not due to size as they say it doesn’t always count, but rather due to this boat being right my ally when it comes to its fishability, its stylish appearance, and bloody good ride and performance.

STYLISH LINES

ALLURING LAYOUT

For those a tad more serious about fishing the 550’s layout is well suited to lure angling and just as good for those who do the dirty and use bait. Up front the bow is configured with small anchor well and a bow mount for electric motor, along with a wide and decent sized carpeted and raised cast deck with full storage below for electric motor batteries, gear and tackle.

The main cockpit area is then spacious with high gunwales with wide coamings, as well as a bonus full-length lockable rod-locker on the port side, and multiple seat positioning bases.

At the helm the low-profile console has a small screen and flat dash for flush-mounting electronics – personally I would like bit more angle to the dash and it would be nice to have a few recessed drink holders into the console as standard. None the less the side-console positioning and comfort at the wheel is good and having a decent sized flat surface to suit larger electronics is appealing.

The stern then comprises of live-well, large floodable kill-tank in the deck, sealed storage for batteries and plumbing, rear transom door and ladder, flush mount rod-holders, and Stessco’s sturdy and stylish bait-board.

GIVE IT STICK

On the water, the Gulf Runner 550 is just one of those hulls that eats the chop and has an x-factor ride at high speeds. Powered with the Yamaha F130LA four stroke on the back this is yet another Stessco hull that’s perfectly matched to the motor.

The 550 has a deadrise of 15 degrees and when it comes to hole-shot its planes quick and effortlessly and even gives you a bit of push-back into the seat. Gentle acceleration will get you onto the plane at a low speed of 9 knots with the motor fully trimmed in.

In the mid-range, the ideal cruise speed is around 3500Rpm at a speed of 21.33 knots which is a pretty good cruise speed for any boat, especially in chop. Yet again, the economy is impressive and at 21 knots the 550 uses a moderate 15Lph of fuel, which is exceptionally good. As for the range at this speed, well you would be looking at around 150 nautical miles on 110L of fuel – and that’s quite a distance, or at least a fair few local fishing trips in the bay or the dam.

What’s also impressive is the hulls handling characteristics as its smooth in full lock turns and is nice and soft in the chop, enabling higher speeds than average when it’s rough. It’s also a dry ride and although a fair amount of spray comes off the outer chine, its projected flat and keeps it well away from blowing back in windy side-on chop or swell.

VERDICT

Again, my favourite and pick of the range and that only due to it suiting my person style of fishing and boating. At A$46,049 for the base model it’s also decent value for money considering the size of the boat, build quality, performance capabilities and standard inclusions. Whether it be lure fishing, bait fishing, light offshore fishing or even just general family boating, the Stessco Gulf Runner is most certainly worth a look.

Stessco Gulf Runner 550 Specifications

PRICED FROM A$46,049

OPTIONS FITTED

Hummingbird Helix 7X Chirp DI GPS G2 (inc Nav. card), Minn Kota and mount, rod locker, spray chines, metallic paint

PRICE AS TESTED A$53,931

GENERAL
LENGTH 5.94m
BEAM 2.24m
WEIGHT 1015kg (as tested)
DEADRISE 15deg

CAPACITIES
PEOPLE 6
REC. HP 115
MAX. HP 130
FUEL 110L

MANUFACTURED BY

Merlin Marine and Leisure

For all pricing, availability and information on the Stessco product range please contact your authorised Stessco Dealer as Stessco do not offer factory direct sales.