This is one of the most interesting crafts I’ve reviewed for quite a while and it comes with some equally interesting history behind it.

Adrian Lyne, CEO of Tru-Line, is a fully accredited marine surveyor with Maritime Safety Queensland. He understands what a boat needs to make it exceptional and has set out to provide just that. It comes with the assurance of customization to an owner’s specifications plus construction to commercial registration standards where necessary - something pretty rare in today’s boat building circles.

Before discussing layout of the craft a word on construction might be in order. Firstly, these all glass crafts are totally unsinkable thanks to its two section construction. In a nutshell, the entire top and interior portion of the hull - which includes the floor and all items within it - right down across the gunwales to the external gunwale rubber is one section of the hull; the external section below the rubber strip, which includes the sides and bottom being the other.

There’s also fuel proof foam floatation between the hull sections so a buyer can have a lot of confidence in the craft’s integrity.

The Tru-Line 6.2 centre console features a sleek design mated to plenty of useful features for both the dedicated and family anglers among our ranks. Its racy looking aluminium fold down T top, which incidentally is set up with fore and aft rod holders, completes the classy design.

Starting at the bow the craft’s deep anchor well comes equipped with a locking lid. Immediately aft is a large general purpose hatch with a gas strut to keep the lid from falling and making a nuisance of itself. This area is also a two person seat with a cushion being standard although not fitted for our test runs.

It’s worthy to note that the pair of pop-up cleats in the bow area are drained into the anchor well, which keeps water away from the craft’s interior.

Immediately aft is a plumbed and drain pump equipped in-floor well; just the place for the cold drinks or the catch.

A single seat in front of the centre console features a storage box under it. Note that there are large areas of non-skid surface on the gunwales up front as well as on the hatch above the forward storage area.

The centre console features quite a massive frame work around it which serves as a grab rail while moving about amidships. With a neat tinted windscreen on it’s upper section, the console sports a carbon fibre like material over it’s entire surface. The gauges for the 115hp Yamaha are set on the upper level to port, with engine forward controls to starboard.

The craft’s six spoke wheel is set to port on a lower level with the Tru-Line’s ignition key beside it. A Fusion stereo system and a full set of ten back lit rocker switches were located below but within easy access.

A stereo head unit and the door providing access within the console – where the craft’s batteries and Fusion CD changer were located- were situated on the lower section of the console.

All in all the craft boasts a quite easily monitored yet functional helm set up that would suit both old hands or beginners to boating equally.

Seating within the Tru-Line is left to the owner’s requirements, but in this instance a well built and very comfortable single seat was set up conveniently aft of the console. With slide adjustment and terrific support the seat also provided a clear unobstructed view of all surrounds.

Aft of the seat a wide and unobstructed area of cockpit allows three or four folk to fish with ease, facilitated by the non skid floor surface throughout the craft plus the 700mm interior side height. Any rain water or water from a fish coming aboard would be taken care of by a large under floor sump with a floor grille to move water as quickly as possible.

A pair of rod holders were set into the gunwales and although the test rig was not equipped with side pockets I’m advised they are certainly available upon request.

A pair of quarter seats adorned the rear of the craft with a large recirculating live well set centrally into the transom area directly ahead of the engine well.

Transom height is almost that of the gunwales, which was designed to keep water well away from the craft’s interior under all sea conditions.

Aft of the transom a pair of non skid boarding platforms would keep the diving fraternity happy, with grab handles each side facilitating re-entry.

Engine ratings for the solid 6.2 Tru-Line were from 90-200hp, which is going to cater for a lot of quick travel. Set up with a 115hp Yamaha four stroke, the 750 kg hull was quick off the mark, planed without any inclination to lift the bow and handled about as good as anything.

Planing occurred at 2400rpm, while 3000rpm saw us moving at 31.3km/h. 4000rpm provided 46.6km/h, 5000rpm 60.2km/h and 5500 64.7km/h.

My assessment of the package was that the Tru-Line’s hull - with it’s 24 Vee, multiple under hull strakes and central planing plank – was very slippery indeed. The way it planed and moved so easily made the 115hp Yamaha four stroke hardly seem like it wasn’t working at all.

Noise levels from the engine were very low at virtually all revs and it was only from around 4500rpm onwards that it was slightly intruding on conversation.

Response from the Yamaha was also excellent; the craft would leap ahead as soon as the throttle was pushed forward.

Given the ease of the hull’s performance an engine at the bottom of the power ratings would still work fine in my view. I can’t help but wonder how it would go with a 200hp strapped to the back. Better keep the face pointing forward or the slip stream might pucker the cheeks!

Ride and handling were spot on. Test runs were carried out within the Southport Broadwater where the craft showed its easy performance in wave action, a soft ride and spot on handling. The hydraulic steering offered finger tip precision and full lock turns without the slightest hint of prop ventilation or cavitations. Jumping waves was fun and sharp turns saw some serious G-forces generated – exhilarating!

The Tru-Line will excel as a fishing boat for either inshore or offshore work. Interior side height is 700mm and external is 750mm, providing ample freeboard.

The basics within the reviewed craft were certainly there right from the paired storage areas to the 60L live well astern. With the ability for an owner to customize final fit out to suit individual needs, the craft has terrific potential both as a dedicated fishing boat or a family pleasure craft.

Finish was exceptionally good throughout, which is consistent with the overall presentation of the entire package.

A Redco multi-roller galvanized trailer would be part of the package and would see the rig as tested come home for around $43,800 which is quite competitive on today’s market. A budget rig with 90hp E-Tec would cost $34,500 - Food for thought.

Tru-Line can be contacted on phone (07) 31025432, through fax (07) 55371734 or on the net at --e-mail address hidden-- .