HIGHS
- Well-engineered, solid build
- Attractive lines and high-quality finish
- Impressive, economical performance
- Great value
LOWS
- Dash could be bigger for larger screens
W
hen I last tested the
inboard version
of the 750 HT in
its home waters
off Adelaide, this
biggest Northbank scored well enough
to fight its way into contention for the
2016 episode of Australia’s Greatest
Boats Trailer Boats.
And even though it was pipped at
the post, this vessel remains one of my
favourite offshore powerboats.
So when Northbank fronted this
year’s Sydney Boat Show with a new
east coast dealer AND an outboard-
powered 750HT, it didn’t take much
convincing to get me on board.
The Northbank name is as familiar
to South Australians as Coopers or the
Adelaide Crows, but for some reason,
they are still something of a rarity
further east.
That’s a real shame, because the
company has been creating beautiful
and very seaworthy models since
1995 from its factory on the shores of
Spencer Gulf.
Company owner Rob Cuming is
a passionate fisherman who, like
other gulf anglers, often travels long
distances chasing snapper and pelagics
in conditions that can be treacherous
in a wild westerly.
That short, sharp chop will quickly
highlight any handling issues, and the
Northbank range has been developed
to shine in such trying conditions.
The big Northbank vessels are built
to survey standard, and on the water,
the boat feels every bit of its 1650kg
weight, with real presence.
Seven glass-clad timber bearerscontribute to the mass, and layers of
woven rovings are hand-laid before the
underfloor space is foam-filled.
The sharp entry has a moderate flare,
and leads back to reversed chines and a
rounded 21 degree deadrise.
Dark grey and white sides that
follow the straight sheerline seem to
emphasise the boat’s length and its
pretty lines, while wraparound glass50 trade aboat.com.au