84 | fishingworld.com.au | March 2015
CRESTLINER Boats is a US-based
aluminium manufacturer with almost 70
years of boat building experience. While the
company has only had a presence in Australia
for the past few years, it has demonstrated an
admirable willingness to improve and enhance
its range of boats. This includes features –
such as anchor wells – designed specifically for
the Australian market.
The Vision 1600 reviewed here doesn’t vary
greatly in hull design from previous models.
However, it does boast a few new features
which warrant closer inspection.
On face value, the Vision 1600 suits
estuary and freshwater anglers. While many
Aussie boats aimed at this market feature a
“vee-nose” punt design, Crestliner builds its
inshore boats with a deep vee. The result is a
vessel which is more capable of handling
rougher water. If you enjoy fishing in
estuaries, rivers and impoundments, but
don’t mind sneaking offshore on a good day,
a multi-purpose boat like the Vision 1600
starts making a good deal of sense.
The general trade off with deep vee boats is
reduced stability at rest. However, I didn’t
notice any “tenderness” while f licking a few
lures around Sydney Harbour during the test.
Crestliner constructs its boats using a
tongue and groove process. Sheets of
aluminium are locked together creating
a seamless and strong construction. The keel
features an extruded full length design,
which Crestliner claims adds extra strength
where it’s needed.
Other standard hull features include a
reverse chine for def lecting spray away from
the occupants and a variable degree deadrise
for a soft and dry ride.Custom upgrades
Boat customisation is nothing new but the Vision
makes changing the interior layout very simple.
Most boat manufacturers allow you to chooseyour console configuration at the point of
purchase and have the factory fit out your order.
Crestliner, on the other hand, allows the boat
dealer to swap between side and twin consoles at
the point of purchase. If you buy one or the other
and decide to upgrade, it’s as simple as contacting
your boat dealer and arranging to have a console
removed or installed. There’s also a third option
to install a windscreen between the consoles for
extra protection from the weather.
It’s a simple yet clever idea and also helps out
the boat dealer which, in turn, means a better deal
for you.
The test boat featured twin consoles. Unless
you’re regularly fishing in low temperatures on
exposed stretches of water, it’s my opinion that
there’s no real need for the second console or the
windscreen. Just tell your mate to bring a jacket!
If you do prefer the twin console configuration,
or change your mind after using the side console,
it’s an easy fix to add the extra console.Features
The Vision features fore and aft casting
platforms, making it ideal for calm water
lure and f ly casting. The platforms are
carpeted while the centre section features
Crestliner's unique vinyl f looring. The vinyl
is comfy underfoot, is tough and doesn’t
catch on trebles like carpet sometimes does.
The rear platform is spacious and contains
two foldaway seats for extra passengers.
There’s also a removable underf loor fuel
tank plus extra storage for tackle and a
pedestal seat mount.
Heading forward and the low console
features a windscreen and offers plenty of
protection. There are gauges, drink holders,
and a handy glove box for your phone or
keys. The only thing I could fault is a
somewhat meagre amount of space allocated
for electronics. You could probably only fit a
five or seven inch screen to this console.20/20 Vision
MAIN PIC: Crestliner’s
Vision 1600 would make
a versatile estuary and
freshwater boat with a
host of clever features and
standard fishing inclusions.
OPPOSITE: The deep vee
didn’t compromise the
Vision’s good stability.BOAT REVIEW: CRESTLINER VISION 1600
SCOT T THOMAS REPORTSThe innovative Crestliner
Vision is a US-made tinny with
a range of clever features and
customisable options.