ON THE
WATERFRONT
Noteworthy products
for the offshore angler
To find your nearest stockist call (02) 9533 0000,
or for more information visit: http://www.shimanofish.com.auIn the 26 years since
Shimano’s first Stella spin
reels hit the market they’ve
seen regular improvements as new
technology advanced the capabilities
of these premium-quality reels. The smaller
reels in the series have now undergone another
technical makeover, resulting in five new models
in the FJ series. Ranging from the 1000 FJ to
the C5000XG FJ (pictured), they feature 12 SA-RB
bearings and one roller bearing housed in a Hagane body
and produce up to 11kg of drag pressure, ideal for fishing with braid.
Their new technology includes the MicroModule II, offering a unique gear
tooth surface design that makes the FJ Stellas even smoother and quieter
than their predecessors. Together with their improved Hagane gears, they are
now twice as strong and durable as the previous FI models.
The new Long Stroke AR-C spool increases casting distance, and the Tangle-
Proof Rotor design means errant strands of braid can’t get caught up anywhere.
SilentDrive reduces handle play and eliminates the clicking noise and feeling
from the worm shaft when winding, delivering a silky-smooth experience.
Stella reels feature exceptional saltwater protection, with EI Surface
Treatment protecting the exterior and the X Protect labyrinth system keeping
water and dirt out of the line roller and roller clutch.
Shimano’s Stella reels are available from premium tackle stores throughout
Australia.Aussie-built
KeyWest55
Sportsfisherman
After seven years in development, Saltwater
Marine has commenced production of their Key
West 55 Sportsfisher in Perth, Western Australia.
With a hull designed by Trevor Rumble, who also
designed the Precision 45 and more recently
the Key West 50 hulls, the new 55 oozes
performance, speed and style.
Powered by 2 x MAN 800hp diesels through ZF
gearboxes, this 16.49m hull is the culmination of
Trevor’s more than 40 years of experience and
proven success building exceptional bluewater
game fishing battlewagons. Drawing just 1.35m,
the Key West 55 features a tunnel hull design to
reduce shaft angle and therefore improve thrust
efficiency and fuel economy.
Trevor’s brief before designing this boat was to
make it the ultimate offshore performer, rather
than compromising ride comfort, sea-handling
and gamefishing manoeuvrability – as many
pleasure boats do – just to add a little more
space in the cabins. The cockpit offers more than
14.7 square metres of deck space, plus a built-in
livebait tank and a transom door.
Built with the latest fibreglass hull construction
technology, the Key West 55 utilizes a vinyl
ester skincoat and stitched multi-axial reinforced
fabric, with a PVC foam core on hull sides,
superstructure and flybridge. Foredecks include
foam composite panelling with reinforced glass.
The standard layout includes three cabins and
two bathrooms, with sleeping for nine adults,
plus more on the saloon lounge or dinette.
However, the layout can also be customized to
your specification.
Standard fittings in the 5-star interior include
European appliances in a designer kitchen with
a two-drawer fridge, leather lounges, a 17.5
KVA Onan Genset, ice maker and an extra-large
eutectic fridge/freezer in the cockpit.
The first Key West 55 hull from the moulds is
now available for viewing and immediate sale.For more information, contact Brett Martin
on 0407 919 933, (08) 9431 7781, or email
[email protected]Shimano’s
Stella spin
reels now
updated
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