In a bold move Haines Hunter has released Australia 's first serious mainstream fiberglass tournament boat – the 490 ProStrike.

Unapologetically designed as a dedicated lure casting platform, the craft is squarely aimed at this fast moving market and our most popular sports fish – including bream, barramundi and bass – and in doing so, for the first time in its 45 year history Haines Hunter has entered the freshwater boating market.

Showing 100% commitment Haines Hunter left nothing to chance in its research and development, employing an exhaustive and meticulous process to ensure the turn-key package would perform faultlessly in Australian conditions.

And like all Haines Hunter craft, this boat is quality from bow to stern with only the best materials and fittings used throughout, and the highest level of manufacture as has come to be expected from this icon brand.

Start With a New Hull

Purpose designed from scratch, the ProStrike measures 4.9m in hull length and 5.2m overall. The shapely beam maxes out around the helm area at 2.25m, and overall weight is a robust 580kg.

Hulls for this style of fishing require very specific performance levels. They must be capable of handling high horsepower for rapid long range travelling which is often through choppy water, but also need to have maximum stability at rest.

Development Manager Eric Tattersall has astutely utilized the patented Haines Hunter Performance Deadrise Vee in conjunction with reverse chine technology, and the result is a hull capable of easily handling its 150hp rating, exhibiting excellent control at high speed and an extremely smooth, dry ride.

When running through choppy conditions the soft ride and sturdiness of the fully integrated GRP Chassis System hull is quickly felt and will be the envy of even the most advanced imports.

Even at WOT tight manoeuvring is trouble-free without any hint of slipping or cavitation.

This impressive high-speed steadiness is also matched by stability at rest, with the hull settling into the water and feeling solid underfoot for the rigours of fishing, even with a couple of burly anglers moving about. Drawing only around 30cm it also has excellent shallow water capability and when combined with the quietness of ‘glass this hull has a high stealth element.

And as you'd expect from Haines Hunter, the boat is not only tough and fast, it is also very stylish. The low profile and sharp entry is complemented by its shapely lines and twotone colour option, the anti-splash stern also features discreet steps for boarding and the four stainless steel pop-up cleats are fly-fishing friendly. And, the hull is of course covered by

the Haines Hunter seven year warranty.

Dedicated Layout

Tournament layouts can be a very tricky business. There are plenty of options available but very few combinations that are capable of both functioning properly and still suiting the widest range of angling styles and species.

And for Aussie anglers the layout and options need to be nearly bullet-proof and capable of handling the harshest saltwater conditions.

Haines Hunter went to great lengths to ensure the design of the ProStrike caters perfectly for the demanding lure casting fraternity, including procuring the services of well-known fishing tackle designer and tournament angler Ian Miller for his knowledge on the subject.

The result is a layout that is uncluttered and roomy, yet jam-packed with every feature a lure-addict could want.

The initial feel is that the boat is largely dominated by a generous carpeted casting areas, in particular the foredeck that has enough length to lay 2.4m rods and enough width to fish two anglers.

A retractable rod strap keeps these rods secure when travelling from one spot to another and a stainless steel pedestal base is discreetly set into the carpet for those who like to use a lean post while fishing.

A recessed compartment means that the foot control of electric motors ubiquitous to this style craft is positioned flush at floor level, allowing the angler a comfortable stance for long hours of fishing manoeuvrability.

If this is not required a supplied plug is simply fitted into this recess to return it to entirely flat deck space.

But there is plenty more to share the limelight.

The sporty looking starboard console is fitted with a low-profile Perspex windscreen, and the dashboard holds all the necessary gauges, two waterproof switch panels and livewell controls. An adjustable helm is comfortable and allows excellent vision of instruments and the deluxe sports steering wheel is very classy.

Seating is moulded bench style that is spacious and comfortable. Three grab handles for passengers (two are retractable) and a full length angled footrest add comfort and security for everyone while hurtling along, and there is plenty of leg room. A passenger rod ramp with retractable strap securely keeps up to four outfits out of harms way but still at the ready,

and under the middle bench seat is quick access waterproof storage that will keep anything from your cameras to your car keys dry and safe!

A sizeable rear casting deck (with another flush-mount pedestal base) further enhances the fishability of the platform, and the small size of the engine well is further reduced by a clever cover which folds forward when the engine is tilted. All the hatch hinges on both decks are hidden, latches are flush (lockable as an option) and the carpet is luxurious and very

neatly trimmed. There are even three stainless steel drink holders strategically set into the hull and two storage pockets for convenience.

And all this is just what's above decks!

Under the rear casting deck are four waterproof storage bins. While these are sized to perfectly accept the most popular large tackle boxes they can also be used for dry storage or as eskies, and the starboard side bins are removable for extra access to wiring, hydraulics, etc.

There are also two smaller hatches forward of the engine well that give excellent access to the boat workings such as the automatic bilge pump, livewell and an Absorbed glass mat crank battery.

In front of these and immediately behind the seats is a ProLive 120 litre livewell fitted with strainers, timer and fold-down baffle for separating the catch while keeping it in top condition. Under the floor sits a 125lt fuel tank fed by a Perko deck fill, giving the boat incredible range.

Under the foredeck there is a wealth of dry storage, including two massive carpeted rod lockers. The port side will accept rods of over 2.4m length, while the starboard side will also be useful for many items including rods up to 2.1m.

Between these is a massive 200 litre dry storage locker with a gas strut to keep the lid up while stowing or removing gear.

There is also a sliding system in the front of this compartment that houses two twelve volt Absorbed glass mat deep cycle batteries to power the 24V electric. The recessed foot pedal pad drains into an anchor storage bin.

Electronics

As mentioned this boat is fitted with a 24V bow electric motor and the mounting area on the deck is reinforced and designed to fit all brands of motors.

Two fish finders are also fitted. A depth sounder/GPS unit is flush-mounted into the console dashboard for navigation and fishing purposes, while another unit is flushmounted into a special angled moulding at the bow for easy viewing while fishing.

The livewell is fitted with an imported FlowRite system for easy filling, recirculating and pump-out of water, all of which is easily handled by a couple of console controls as are cockpit and deck lighting systems for those early starts and late finishes.

The Wash

The attention to detail, intelligent design and layout, proven Haines Hunter hull performance and tough, quality construction will set this boat apart and please anglers.

The level of commitment in producing a tournament boat that is Australian designed and manufactured for Australian conditions with such impressive aesthetics and performance has set a very high benchmark, and will prove an enticing platform for all lure casters that will be hard to resist.

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