Haines Hunter 490 Prostrike awarded AMIF Boat of the Year !

( Sydney , May 26, 2006) The Haines Hunter 490 Prostrike, coupled with an Evinrude E-Tec 150 High Output motor, has been awarded 2006 Boat of the Year.

The Fishing Trailerable category is among the most hotly contested of the Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF) annual awards. This year 20 finalists fought it out, with the Protrike 490 taking the accolades.

The 490 Prostrike is Australia 's first serious mainstream fiberglass tournament fishing boat.

For the first time in its 45-year history Haines Hunter has entered the inshore fishing market. This turnkey-package performs flawlessly in Australian conditions.

"We are delighted to receive this coveted award," commented John Haber, owner of Haines Hunter. "

This purpose-built bass and bream competition thoroughbred test package lives up to its expectations of low-down power and nimble performance wrapped in a stylish finish.

The inshore fishing circuit here is driving demand for a home-grown package of this kind. We went to great lengths to ensure that the design would cater perfectly to the demands of the lure casting fraternity."

"The 490 Prostrike is quick out of the hole, has impeccable handling at speed, nimble performance on corners and an overall forgiving nature.

Seated at the wheel, the ergonomics of the adjustable tilt, steering, motor controls, engine instrumentation and fishing electronics leave nothing to be desired.

Our development process included a lot of work with the hull which is covered by a seven year," added Haber.

The Evinrude E-Tec fitted with the Prostrike is a HO or a High Output model is differentiated by its Lightning gearcase.

The gearcase allows mounting of the engine higher on the transom, increasing prop performance and generating higher speeds. Anticipate a top speed of up to 100km ph.

Bombardier Receational Products (BRP) released the Evinrude E-Tec 150hp model earlier this year. "Both here and in New Zealand , the market demand for Evinrude E-Tec is growing exponentially," said Sam Heyes, Director of Sales for BRP Australia .

"This new compact, lightweight engine platform delivers the advanced features of all Evinrude E-Tec engines, offering excellent fuel economy and stunning performance while providing the best industry emissions, no scheduled dealer maintenance for three years or 300 hours of operation, industry-leading quality components and unique BRP styling."

The attention to detail, intelligent design and layout, hull performance and tough, quality construction will set this boat apart in angling circles. The 490 Prostrike sets the benchmark in Australian tournament boats.

Coupled with an Evinrude E-Tec 150 HO it offers an enticing platform that will be hard to resist.

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