middle of summer is a small luxury I didn’t
want to sacrifice.
The underf loor storage has been designed
with the extended offshore trip in mind.
The 220L of fuel underf loor is fine for 80
per cent of the boating I do in and around
Dampier. However, as soon as I head
offshore there is the need for extra gear and
fuel. The first hatch comfortably stores 12
standard jerry cans. A welded internal
bracket is a good fixing point and separates
the fuel from the remaining two forward
hatches. This is where all of the camping
and fishing gear goes. On a long trip I
unload most of the fuel and gear on arrival
but I also have the option of maintaining a
clear deck if I want to fish along the way,
which was the whole idea of this boat in the
first place.
On the port side of the boat I modified
the side pocket design of the standard
XS model and included a two tier f ly rod
system. The rod racks are capable of storing
six fully rigged f ly rods on a carpet lined
shelf. It’s an option not commonly offered
by Australian boat manufacturers but
one Bar Crusher was more than happy
to accommodate.
Finally the forward anchor well has again
been designed sticking to the theme of an
open boat. That being one without the little
grabby bits that like to snag up my f ly lines
on a presentation cast. It’s a simple design
but extremely effective. The anchor and
chain sits neatly in the well, with the
securing cleat sitting inside the compartment
also. The well is covered up by a hatch and a
low profile retaining cleat. Simple, neat and
f ly line friendly!What I would change
Having had Looper for six months now there
are a few things I’d modify if I were to build
again. I would shift the side console to the
centre and replicate the f ly rod storage system
that I have on the port side to include the
starboard side. I would also remove the mid
gunwale rod holders as they get in the way a
little when I’m trying to put f ly rods away.
They hang a little low under the gunwale,
which would be fine if I wasn’t always in a
rush. And finally, the lean post that I had
installed would be slightly better
if it were positioned one metre further
aft, but still serves great purpose in its
current position.
However, I’m not sure if the design would
allow for the inclusion of a larger fuel tank for
extended range without the need for jerries.What I have now serves its purpose but
eliminating the requirement to carry jerries on
those extended trips would allow me to carry
more of everything else.Overall
It’s difficult to find a boat that “ticks all the
boxes”, particularly when searching for an
all-rounder. My 615XS is the third boat that’s
been through a custom build process and
I can say I’m extremely satisfied with the
outcome. Bar Crusher has been an absolute
pleasure to work with and more than
accommodating in its approach to a custom
job. The team offered advice and solutions to
problems that I couldn’t think of and the
craftsmanship is the best I’ve seen. Overall,
I think I am the closest I have ever been to
having “my perfect boat”.(^106) FEBRUARY 2015 MY BOAT CUSTOM BAR CRUSHER 615XS
Bar Crusher 615XS
(Custom hull fit out and design)
ENGINE: 150hp Evinrude E-TEC, Sea Star
hydraulic steering, I-Command gauges.
TRAILER: EasyTow dual axle
LOA : 6.15m
BEAM: 2.25m
HULL THICKNESS: Bot tom sides 4mm, Top
Sides 3mm
HEIGHT ON TRAILER: 2050mm
OVERALL TRAILER LENGTH: 7350mm
FUEL: 220 Litres
WEIGHT: 1350kg (dry)
CON TAC T: http://www.barcrusher.com.au
The 615XS Bar Crusher is perfect for multi day
trips along Western Australia’s Dampier region.
Brad has customised his Bar Crusher for fly and
lure fishing the productive north-west of WA.