HAINES HUNTER 585 R LIMITED REVIEW

TEST: HAINES HUNTER 585 R LIMITED

1 The construction incorporates Haines Hunter's Structural Safety Matrix (SSM), a unique fibreglass stringer system that Haines Hunter says provides incredible integral strength and longevity.

2 The hulls are individually numbered to identify the boat as a "Limited" model, with each unit delivered with a certificate of authenticity.

3 All Limited hulls are infused with closed-cell foam, providing the peace of mind that only comes with this inherently high level of buoyancy.

4 These selected Haines Hunter products are built to the requirements of the Victorian Marine Board for commercial Survey.

5 The Limited packages have an upgraded horsepower rating. The 585 R has been raised from 200hp to 230hp in Limited guise, which allows a pair of 115hp engines in twin-rig configurations. The 600 R has been raised from 230hp to 260hp for the Limited, and the 650 R has been raised from 230hp to a whopping 300hp, the Limited version reflecting modern trends and taking advantage of the latest big-cube outboards.

6 Haines Hunter has extended the gelcoat colour range, too. This 585 R Limited has beautiful, rich charcoal sides with a glowing polar white deck. From the mould up, it's classy! Customers also have the choice of charcoal graphite or red graphite interior trim highlights.

7 The new gelcoats are emphasised with a smart set of "Limited" chrome logos. The addition of multi-tone graphics and an attractive marlin logo combine with a small splash of red to really set this boat off.

8 We are finally moving into an era of hi-tech flooring materials. All Limited packages include SeaDek flooring as standard. This is a wonderful addition, and a great alternative to the old fibreglass or carpet.

9 Drum or cotton-reel-type anchor-winches have gained enormous popularity lately, so the anchorwell has been redesigned to accept an optional winch. This 585 R Limited sports a SARCA Excel stainless steel anchor.

10 Rockford Fosgate stereos are fitted as standard to all Haines Hunter Limited models. The system includes one pair of UV-stable waterproof Rockford Fosgate M262 marine speakers, an RFX2000 touch screen, an AM/FM/iPod/MP3 waterproof control unit and a 200W black box amplifier.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

Our photoshoot boat was fitted with a Solas four-blade 18in prop matched to a 200hp, four-stroke, fuel-injected Honda outboard. This arrangement does everything beautifully, yet the prop wouldn't allow the engine to reach full revs. Next prop off the block is a Solas four-blade 17in, which should give better top end without sacrificing the bottom-end urge when climbing out of the hole.

In any case, this boat felt sensational out on the water. It exuded security and comfort from the moment you step aboard - it's just like catching up with an exciting yet reliable old friend. Any friendship with a 585 R Limited is sure to be long lasting, being backed up by the confidence of a long seven-year structural warranty as it is.

Haines Hunters have truly stood the test of time. There are still quite a number of 50-year-old hulls out on the water, with the boats concerned now fetching a resale price that far outstrips their original purchase price. No doubt these 50th anniversary Limited models are destined to follow that trend.

This 585 R Limited has been enhanced with a wide range of premium components. The large, deep cabin is fully lined and has a bunk infill for overnighting (or maybe just a "nanna nap"). Its owner is still pondering the merits of the optional lockable cabin door, but regardless, the entry allows even larger blokes to hop in or out of the cabin with ease.

The quality of the upholstery throughout the boat is superb and the shell-style helm and passenger seats are fitted to gas suppression pedestals for greater comfort in the chop. There's a large insulated killtank in the floor, a lockable glovebox, a safety glass windscreen and a really comfortable
helm position.

You tend to look through the windscreen frame while seated, but it's really hard to keep those flowing lines and eliminate this minor problem. In hindsight, I never tried adjusting the height of the gas-strut pedestal, which may well have alleviated this issue.

During our photoshoot Port Phillip Bay put on a spectacular display of winter lighting, and we were treated to a visiting pod of dolphins plus a myriad of bird and sea life, including penguins, seals, gannets, turns and gulls. And somehow, amid the natural beauty unfolding all around us, this majestic Haines Hunter 585 R Limited seemed to fit in perfectly.

PERFORMANCE

19kts (35.2kmh) @ 3000rpm

21kts (38.9kmh) @ 3100rpm

24.8kts (45.8kmh) @ 3500rpm

29.5kts (54.5kmh) @ 4000rpm

34kts (62.8kmh) @ 4500rpm

39.7kts (73.4kmh) @ 5000rpm

45.2kts (83.6kmh) @ 5300rpm (WOT)

On the plane...

Beautifully presented
Large fuel capacity
Large deck
Fishable transom
Premium quality construction

Dragging the chain...

Prop selection still wasn't quite right

Small vision impairment from windscreen frame

No toeholds at transom

Specifications: Haines Hunter 585 R Limited

HOW MUCH?

Price as tested: Approx. $90,000

Options fitted: Easytow tandem trailer, Honda BF200 four-stroke, Lowrance HDS10, Rockford Fosgate M262 marine speakers, RFX2000 touch screen control unit, 200W amplifier, Lowrance LVR880 VHF, Stress Free NG anchorwinch, SARCA Excel anchor, plumbed livebait tank with deckwash, twin-batteries, rocket launcher, canopy package, cuttingboard, gas strut pedestals, BEP Marine battery management and isolator system, custom-graphics, LED work lights, Aqualuma underwater lights

Priced From: $65,000

GENERAL

Type: Deep-vee monohull

Material: GRP

Length (overall): 6.0m

Beam: 2.4m

Weight: 1000kg

Deadrise: 21°

CAPACITIES

Fuel: Approx. 230lt

Rec. max. HP: 230

ENGINE

Make/model: Honda BF200

Type: Four-stroke EFI SOHC 60° V6

Rated HP: 200

Displacement: 3471cc

Weight: 267kg

Gearbox ratio: 1.87:1

Propeller: Solas four-blade 18in

MANUFACTURED & SUPPLIED BY

Haines Hunter

56 East Derrimut Court

Derrimut, Vic, 3030

Tel: (03) 9394 1540

Web: www.haineshunter.com.au

Originally published in TrailerBoat 264.

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