for me to prefer smaller engines than
larger ones on practically any boat, but
on this model I think the 115hp choice is
definitely the way to go. If we’re talking
Mercury power here (as tested), the
115 Pro XS weighs in at around 165kg,
as compared to 195kg for the 150. That
30kg differential may not sound like a
great deal, but it’s certainly noticeable
out on the briny.
I’ve driven this model on several
occasions and on different waterways
in the past couple of years. Westernport
in Melbourne, Port Lincoln and St
Vincent’s Gulf have all provided their
own combination of local breezes and
chop, allowing me to run the boat in a
variety of conditions. It also enabled me
to try three separate motor installations- a Honda BF135 (off Lincoln), Mercury
Optimax 150 (in Victoria) and Mercury 115
Pro XS (off Adelaide). This is something I
don’t get to do all that often!
The most challenging of all was my
day in Melbourne, where it blew 20 knots
from the south for much of the six hours
we spent on Westernport chasing snapper
that didn’t show up. Two small gummy
sharks and a fiddler were all we could
interest, despite laying down a berley trail
that stretched half way to Tasmania!
The Westernport experience
demonstrated graphically how efficient
the deep vee hull really is in a 1-1.5m
chop. It also highlighted the fact that
(in my opinion at least), the Mercury
150 is a tad too heavy for the 565, and
that the 115 (as tested off Adelaide) is
undoubtedly the better option. The
150-powered rig was undoubtedly
quicker off the mark, but top speeds
weren’t much different. Balance and
‘feel’ were areas in which the Mercury
115 Pro XS seemed to prevail – an opinion
shared by several other leading boating
writers around the country.
Haines Hunter provides a 200 litre
fuel tank in the 565 Offshore, which
seems about right for most applications.
You could expect to travel a long way
with that sort of capacity in reasonable
sea conditions.
As far as highway towing is
concerned, you won’t need a big vehicle
to pull the 565 safely and legally. I
reckon a standard SUV, larger family
sedan or mid-sized four wheel drive
would do the job nicely. Depending on
motor and trailer choice, you’re probably
looking at between 1400-1600kg all-up
towing weight.
Sports Marine is currently offering
boat/motor/trailer packages from
$60,560 or you can tow away the test
boat with a heap of extras for $78,589.HOW MUCH?
Packages start at $60,560GENERAL INFO’
Length: 5.65m
Beam: 2.40m
Dry Weight: 720kg
Height On Trailer: 2.30mCAPACATIES
Fuel: 200 Litres
HP Range: 115 – 150SUPPLIED BY
Sports Marine,
583 Grand Junction Road, Gepps Cross
Ph: (08) 8349 7177
[email protected]
http://www.sports-marine.com.auA mid-sized SUV or
4WD will pull the
565 comfortablyIt’s certainly a handsome
rig to look atuoS
th^ A
ustralian (^) An
(^84) rleg http://www.saangler.com.au