Caption: Small quarter seats aft were standard, more seating an option.
Wkff[AT]aapt.net.au
Manufactured on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, the Ocean Craft 4600 Diver with a 50hp Tohatsu two-stroke motor presented is very much a basic rig straight from the factory. As reviewed it came with only two alloy quarter seats aft and a stand-to-drive centre console with a small storage space within it.
While undeniably basic let's not lose sight of the fact that the craft is rated for a whopping nine passengers thanks to the terrific inherent buoyancy of the multi compartmented cylinders and the sealed under floor deck area. It doesn't have to be basic for long; the addition of factory options means some major transformation can take place.
Added features such as box section high sides atop the cylinders, a fabric spray dodger up front, seating along the interior sides as well as an ice box seat for the skipper and mate at the console would see the Ocean Craft 4600 Diver take on a whole new perspective.
As can be seen, the possibilities are certainly there but for now we will take a look the basic rig, as reviewed at Caloundra.
Caption: Small quarter seats aft were standard, more seating an option.
Caption: A flat area on top of the console would allow fitting
Caption: Displaced water is pushed down by the sponsons when the Ocean Craft is
under way.
between them. There's a lift in the bow sheer line as a bulwark against waves, a lot of deck area and a strong transom aft to fit an outboard motor.
Up front a wide anchor well was equipped with a cleat to tie off the pick when fishing and the bulkhead up front is high enough to ensure that the ground tackle didn't escape when under way.
The centre console was equipped with a basic helm set up consisting of forward controls for the engine to starboard, gauges for the Tohatsu 50hp mounted towards the top of the unit, an array of switches to starboard while the craft's wheel linked to non-feedback steering was central. At our feet was a grippy check tread floor that extended the length of the boat.
Navigation lights plus three rod holders aft finished off the fabric and alloy T top's fittings.
The Ocean Craft's alloy console featured a lock up door which opened to a small storage area, however the battery for the Tohatsu 50 took up a lot of the space. A shelf would be a handy option.
Aft of the console the check plate floor extended back to the transom area where a one person quarter seat sat each side of the motor; the fuel tank tucked away under a seat. As mentioned earlier, this was a basic rig; extra seating is an option.
I must say I was impressed with the quality of the welding within the Ocean Craft. I have no problem with visible welds at all, in fact it gives me confidence when I can see visible, but neatly smoothed welds.
Boaters familiar with the characteristics of rigid inflatable and cylinder style boats will understand that despite their unconventional appearance, they certainly impress in the ride and handling stakes. The Ocean Craft followed the proven design formula; a fine bow taking care of entry under way, a Vee aft to further smooth the ride, and the outer cylinders preventing the craft from departing from a level stance to any great degree.
The selling point for this boat is, while traditional craft with deep Vee hulls might tend to lean a little, the Ocean Craft won't because of the cylinder sides. Once a cylinder comes in contact with the water such as when the craft is at rest or during a sharp turn, it will steady the boat and cut out any lean.
Note that the cylinders also push any displaced water down and away from the hull to create a dry ride for the most part.
The Ocean Craft 4600 planed easily, rode gently. remained dry and was virtually impossible to lean to any extent thanks to the buoyancy of those big cylinders running the length of the hull. Mike Jessop, the manufacturer, purposely leaned out as far as he could by standing on a sponson and the craft hardly leaned at all, such was its stability.
14.9 km/h at 2400rpm
28.1km/h at 3000rpm
44.4km/h at 4000rpm.
49.3km/h at 5000rpm
and
a respectable
53.5km/h at
S800rpm. Note that engine
ratings are from 50-70hp.
Caption: The hull's Vee bow section can be seen doing its bit to provide a
soft ride in this shot.
Length: 4.62m
Beam: 2.12m
Weight: 180kg
Deadrise: 30 Degree
Persons:9
Fuel Tote tanks: 25L
Construction: 5mm bottom, 5mm decks,
2.5mm tubes
Engine ratings: 5O-7Ohp
Engine fitted 50hp Tohatsu two stroke.
Towing: Family six sedan/wagon
Overall length: 5.30 metres on trailer
Overall height: 1.80 metres on trailer
Caption: Easily powered by the Tohatsu 50hp the
OCEAN Craft had an excellent turn of speed
Caption: While the Ocean Craft's anchor well is an open affair
It's also deep enough to contain anchor and rope.
I'd like to see the standard Ocean Craft box section high sides fitted on a boat that's going to be used offshore, and make no mistake, there's blue water capability there. The craft is ideal for general estuary and bay work, with plenty of room for two or three anglers to enjoy.
Caption: A shelf would be a handy item within the console as
the battery takes up a fair amount of room.
and roller SEB trailer. Price as reviewed was $25,000.
Ocean Craft can be contacted on (07) 5499 6937 or 0416 293 686.or on the net at www.oceancraft.com.au
Quoted performance figures have been supplied by the writer in good faith. Performance of individual boat,motor/trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and trailer specifìcations.
Caption: Once a sponson hits the water all leaning stops, as we
can see from Mike's efforts here.
September 2011 Queensland Fishing Monthly Article Wayne Kampe - Page 115 www.fishingmonthly.com.au
Also OCEAN CRAFT's delayed lift bow and Ultra Deep Vee wave runner hull mean that the 1 metre distance between bow and waterline for'ard means you are half way over the wave before your bow starts lifting
with airtight watertight buoyancy sections OCEAN CRAFT look like and remain an inflatable boat that absorb shock noise and vibration - but unlike an inflatable boat the Ultra deep Vee means that take off and landing are as smooth and soft as but watch out wave jumping can be addictive!?
RESALE PRICE MAINTENANCE of a very different kind
When you come to upgrade your old OCEAN CRAFT to a different hull we will give you what you paid for your old OCEAN CRAFT hull and knock it off the price of your new OCEAN CRAFT* how's that for resale value - free use of a boat until you upgrade to a newer / bigger / better one and We also guarantee you'll never go back to any other kind of hull.
Boat Builder - Sorry Ed
* Conditions apply
to confirm or to place your order Call the sales office today - todays the day - order now (+61) 07 5499 6937 / (+61) 0416 293 686 Contact Sales
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