Trade-A-Boat 492 2017

the 780HW has been put into local

commercial charter with a safety rating

for nine passengers.

The build quality is comparable

to that of more established pontoon

manufacturers, although the

neatness of the welds in some places

could be improved. Few welds are

ground back, the builders preferring

uncompromised strength over the

lesser element of form.

One very pleasing element was to

note Profile’s use of external mounting

brackets fabricated to the transom

to mount transducers and trim tabs,

reducing any risk of water ingress or

long-term corrosion.

Aesthetically speaking, the 780HW

is extremely sharp and stylish with

quality two-pot paint systems and

striking graphics.

At nearly 8m overall, it is big enough

to avoid the boxy looks of some

aluminium pontoon boats, while

the hardtop superstructure is well

proportioned to the topsides and

overall dimensions of the boat.

SMART DESIGN

Clever use of space is a feature of the

780HW and smart touches and design

features abound. Chief among these is

the centrally mounted aft bait station

that is fabricated as a part of the build

process. This station dominates the

transom real estate but allows two

anglers to bait-up simultaneously or

fillet and prepare their catch on the

large and stable station. Mounted

within this is a retractable drawer

with various compartments for tackle,

knives, lures and whatever else you

might need at hand. Practicalities

include a six-gang aft rodholder, taking

the total number of holders spread

across the cockpit coamings and

overhead rocket launcher to 18.

Transom access on this particular

boat is a little challenging given the

owner’s decision not to have a walk-

through transom, preferring instead

the security of a full-width transom

across the entire rear of the cockpit.

Fortunately, the 780 has one of the

widest boarding platforms in its class.

This affords divers the space required

to remove tanks and gear without first

“At nearly 8m overall, it is big enough to avoid the

boxy look of some aluminium pontoon boats”

The Profile 780HW lives up to its

promise as a capable and practical

large trailerboat. Its size attests to its

versatility as both a recreational

fishing craft and a small commercial

workboat. Its aesthetics and style put

it squarely at the top of its class in the

pontoon genre – it is little wonder

Profile Boats is gaining traction and

winning awards.

40 tradeaboat.com.au