Hardtop and enclosed cabins provide protection from the elements and are perfect for offshore fishing and overnight stays, writes Scott Thomas.
Enclosed and hardtop cabins have become more and more popular in Australia over the past decade or so. Why is that? Maybe it’s the weather? Or, perhaps it’s influences from other boating markets around the world and a slow refinement in our boating tastes. Maybe it’s the advancements in boat design? These days, we no longer have to sacrifice comfort for fishability. Some of the best fishing boats available feature cabins and they’re built purely for offshore fishing. Let’s explore some of the most popular choices for enclosed and hard top cabin boats.
Traditionally, when we talked about cabin boats, we usually referred to what’s known as a “cuddy cabin”. The cuddy is usually a small partial cabin. It’s typically lower and can consist of a small forward bunk, windscreen and perhaps a bimini for protection overhead. Stepping up from a cuddy is the hard top. A hard top refers to a cabin that, as the name suggests, is hard on top with a built in solid roof that extends back over the passengers, yet still leaves plenty of outside space for fishing. It usually offers better weather protection than the cuddy and usually feels roomier with a higher roof. Both the cuddy and hard top are completely open to the rear.
That’s where the enclosed cabin comes in. The closed cabin, again, as the name suggests, can be fully enclosed. Typically there’s some glass and a door to access at the rear of the cabin. Other boats have access on the side, or both. Being fully enclosed, this configuration typically takes up more space and therefore most enclosed cabins are on the larger end of trailer boats. There are a few around 6.5 metres, but typically it’s 7m+ boats with enclosed cabins.
What are they for?
Enclosed cabins originated in colder climates. They’re ideally suited to Northern Europe, North West and North East America and Canada. Boaties have been using this style of boat in those areas for many years. New Zealand is another country that has been using enclosed cabins for fishing and general boating. These cold climate countries see the benefit in using a boat with full protection from the elements. In warmer climates, a bit of wind and spray doesn’t matter.
So why would you want an enclosed cabin in Australia with our beautiful weather and warm climate? Great question and I’m glad you asked. The truth is, Australia has all types of climates, from tropical in the north to cold in the south. Areas in the south, even parts of NSW during winter do indeed receive their fair share of cold weather. Sure, there are no floating icebergs, but it’s cold enough to make fishing and boating very uncomfortable. And it’s one of the reasons enclosed cabin boats have become more and more popular over the years. It might make the difference between fishing all year round or only fishing in the warmer months. Fishos are using these boats to reach offshore fishing grounds year-round in the south. Over winter, the entire crew can squeeze into the cabin and remain completely dry and warm on their way to the fishing grounds. Winter tuna fishing across the southern part of Australia is much more comfortable and productive when you’re using the right boat and enclosed cabins and hard tops are a popular choice!
What about in the north? Yes, boaties are still using enclosed cabin boats in the tropics. However, it’s for a very different reason. Boaties in the north are taking advantage of the excellent cabin space and additional bunk area that often comes with an enclosed cabin. As such, the boats make fantastic long range vessels for reaching the Great Barrier Reef, or on the West Coast, the Kimberley region. Some of these enclosed cabins have generous space for sleeping several people and many of them have small fridges, fresh water taps, and cooking facilities. Many of these boats also have larger capacity fuel tanks, making long range trips from the coast to the outer islands possible. They’re a great option for taking off on long weekends and spending a couple of nights anchored off a Great Barrier Reef island and enjoying some world-class fishing, diving, snorkelling or just enjoying the seclusion. As you can see, it’s little wonder enclosed cabin boats have become so popular in all corners of Australia and across to New Zealand. Another bonus, for this in cold climates, is you can heat the cabin. No roughing it in an enclosed cabin!
Likewise, hard top boats have become incredibly popular in Australia and New Zealand. Some of the best brands around such as Stabicraft, Bar Crusher, Yellowfin, Edencraft and Arvor all make popular models in hard top and they all perform exceptionally. They’re better suited for day trips and they have great weather resistance. The hard top and windscreen keep almost all saltwater spray and cold wind at bay.
Pros and cons
Yes, like any boat, there are compromises. We’ve gone over some of the pros above. They offer the best possible protection in cold and rough weather. You will stay dry and there’s plenty of space for fishing crew or friends and family in the cabin. There’s also typically additional bunk space for staying overnight and facilities for cooking and refrigeration (especially in the enclosed cabin). So, what’s not to like about an enclosed cabin or hard top boat?
If you’re buying an enclosed cabin for fishing, you may, depending on the configuration, find yourself “removed” from the fishing action outside in the cockpit. This really depends on the design of the boat. Some of the models that are designed for fishing come standard with wide sliding doors, large windows and are spacious enough so you know exactly what’s going on outside the boat. It’s worthwhile looking at this when choosing your boat.
Some models, such as the Arvor Sportsfish, even have the option of an external wheel house. It’s a great idea and allows you to operate the boat from a second helm to the rear of the cabin. If you’re fishing solo or need to control the boat when someone is hooked up to a large fish, this helm position is fantastic. On boats without this option, you just need to look for good visibility around the boat from the helm. Everything in boating is a compromise and it goes without saying any boat with a cabin impedes on fishing space. Luckily, these boats are big and still have ample room outside for the action.
Fibreglass or aluminium?
In the case of cabin boats, it really doesn’t matter. Boaties will argue for days about the merits of aluminium or fibreglass and it’s really unnecessary. There are fantastic boats made from either material. I’ve fished from plenty of aluminium and fibreglass boats offshore in all conditions. My advice is to look at the boat design, the quality of the construction, warranty and servicing, and of course, its fishing features. All of these factors are more important than the type of material.
Design factors and fishability
Choosing what cabin boat works for you comes down to the design of the layout. Do you want more of an “all-rounder” that you can fish and also offer shade and some mod cons for the family? Or is it a hardcore fishing boat? Do your research, visit a boat show and check out the various options on offer. For example, this style of boat in the past would often feature a bunk with cushions. They were almost long enough to sleep, but not quite. The majority of us use this space to store gear and it typically rolls around while out at sea. It’s wasted space in many boats. Personally, I would rather see this space used for either gear storage or a proper bunk that is able to sleep two average size adults. It’s an area of boat that is difficult to compromise.
A cabin boat that is dedicated to fishing typically has a smaller cabin area and larger cockpit for fishing. Boats such as the Extended Cabin range from Yellowfin have cleverly increased the cabin size up and out without impeding on fishing area. Another factor is to look at dash and helm space. In a fishing boat, you want ample space for large marine electronics and other accessories. You also want a clear line of sight and an uncluttered area between the fishing space and the dash. It also goes without saying you will need all of the features that make a good fishing boat. These include rod holders, plumbed livewell, bait board, saltwater deck wash, cooler, and whatever else you personally see as essential for your style of fishing.
The wrap up
Cabin boats are the ultimate offshore fishing vessel. The advancements in design and ideas shared between brands and boat manufacturers around the world means we have never had more choice. There’s a cabin boat in almost every shape and size and finding one suitable for your fishing and boating needs has never been easier.
The October-November issue of Nautilus Marine Magazine is out now.
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