Trade-A-Boat 492 2017

T

here have been so many

announcements recently

that it’s been hard to keep

pace with new releases from

Arvor. And surprisingly,

many of these new offerings have

taken this usually slow-paced and

quirky marque into fresh territory.

Owing its heritage to fishing boats

pushed along by conservative inboard

diesels, Arvor owners are typically

more interested in the scenery than

letting it rip. But new management is

keen to broaden the brand’s appeal

and some models now sport outboards

capable of 40kt. Merde!

But traditional diesel power remains,

and they’re as popular as ever for their

frugal fuel use, roomy interiors and

capable sea handling. They occupy a

small niche in this size range, being

stirred along by shaft-driven props.

Largestoftherangeisthe810D,

releasedinAustraliain2016asa

makeover of the classic Arvor 25, with

a new deck layout, roomier cabin,

interior finish upgrades and new 220hp

Mercurydieselpower.

PeterCollinsofArvorBoatsin

Sydney has been a brand champion

foryears,evenbuildingearlyversions

locally under licence, but while they’re

a common sight here, those new to the

brandcanfindthemunusual.

Bigshoulders,highfreeboardand

wide chines running high towards

thebowallcontributetotheboat’s

distinctivelooks,andthesizable

uprightcabincreatestheimpressionof

aboatbiggerthanits7.49mfootprint.

Thefull-widthboardingplatform

leadstoawidestarboardgatewith

heav y-duty latches and hinges. A

retractable swim ladder is stored under

itsfibreglassmoulding,andthere’san

engine bracket for European safety

standardsrequiringaback-upmotor.

Provision to store four fenders is

moulded into the rear of the transom,

making them easy to access and

freeingupvaluableinteriorspace.

Step aboard and the three-metre

beam and high freeboard create a

feeling of space in the cockpit. A quick

look reveals well-moulded fittings and

convertible seating so you can relax or

enjoy an uncluttered deck for fishing.

The enclosed cabin is offset to port.

The crafty European designers have

embraced a practical approach to

maximising cabin space by including

a wide walkway to the bow along the

starboard side and a narrow one to

port. It may seem strange but it works

and didn’t create docking issues.

Seating in the cockpit includes

neatly upholstered lounges along

the sides and smaller removable and

folding fibreglass benches in the rear

quarters. Add a folding table and

it’s a great place for lunch, but close

everything down and you have a big

non-skid platform for serious fishing.

A central lazarette is big enough

for your tackle and diving gear plus

any extras for extended voyaging.

Fisherfolk will be impressed by lengthy

killtankseithersideofthelazarette

andamonsterbaittankwithawindow

at the transom. I also noted rod holders

on the gunwales, a four-slot rocket

launcher high on the cabin roof as well

as rod storage on the port side deck and

inside the lockable cabin.

Takeastrollalongthestarboard

side, and you’ll find yet another usable

fishingareainthebow,protectedbya

high rail. A substantial plough anchor

sits on a stainless steel housing, with

aQuickelectricwinchpluschainand

rodestoredinadeepdecklocker.

An outdoor helm station starboard

ofthecabinentryaddstothefishing

appeal.Thisoptionkeepstheskipper

in contact with anglers during a battle

and makes single-handed docking a

breeze. And though the second helm

seems light-on for electronics, the

inside screens are visible when driving

from outside so there shouldn’t be any

excuse for missing a fish or getting lost.

The roof extends some 400mm

over the cockpit and offers weather

protection as well as housing a pair of

LED lights and external speakers for

theFusionsoundsystem.

In a world where many brands seem

to offer very similar boats, the Arvor

810 D stands out from the crowd as a

practical and safe cruising and fishing

vessel. Its diesel-driven shaft-drive

offers reliability along with economy

in running costs and servicing.

A substantial lockable sliding glass

door gives entry to the cabin, where

European design makes the most

of the available space. Lots of white

fibreglass surfaces and timber trim

should be easy to clean and keep the

interior looking sharp for years.

The main helm area reaches 2m

overhead, while further forward

the floor drops at the entry to

the forward cabin for a height of

“Big shoulders, high freeboard and

wide chines running high towards

the bow, all contribute to the boat’s

unique image”

48 tradeaboat.com.au