Moda Marine of Clontarf Queensland are an established a name for really top quality workmanship.

The 4700 Elite Tiller with its 78cm high sides and self draining floor is one of several plate alloy craft in the Moda BV 5000 series. These boats are purpose designed for a wide range of bay, estuary and impoundment situations, with even a run offshore in smooth water conditions also quite feasible.

The 4700 Elite Tiller is almost entirely made up of fishing room. The craft boasts angler friendly features including deck wash, a rod locker, a live well and a host of other items.

The 4700’s two pack paint job and decal work was impeccable, with fastidious attention to detail throughout the whole craft. All welds were smoothed on the 4mm plate hull, joinery was of the highest quality and the overall presentation was simply outstanding.

There’s also lots to like that’s not visible. Moda Marine build their plate hulls with grid a system of stringers and ribs forming compartments underneath. Topped off with fully formed welding throughout the craft, the end result is a very rigid boat.

The 4700 is rated for four passengers. The smooth riding foam filled Moda hull boasts a 45º bow entry and 15º deadrise aft and features a 45cm high casting deck up front, sufficient for two anglers to easily fish.

Standard craft inclusions consist of a mounting point for a bicycle seat on the deck and an electric motor bracket. Low profile front grab rails for work around the ramp were also part of the 4700 Tiller Elite’s package.

Storage lockers within the carpeted forward casting deck consisted of an anchor hatch right up front, with the Minn Kota’s battery in the rear; a general storage compartment aft; the live well, or alternatively a handy ice box, stretching the full width across the rear of the casting deck.

Aft of the cast deck the main work area was impressively set out. Features include paired rod holders, pop up cleats, drink holders and aft grab rails extending over the stern where they were linked to neatly inlaid wooden boarding platforms.

In lieu of side pockets soft lined lockers were built into the 65cm high sides, neatly trimmed with carpet to match the hull liner.

The locker to starboard, closest to the skipper, was set up with a couple of compartments to hold personal items. In between the lockers was a dedicated switch panel area, trim and fuel gauges for the engine, Humminbird 485 CI sounder GPS, 12V outlet and compass. The craft’s CD player and sound system was kept handy and out of the weather in the locker. The 2.4m long rod locker to port offered safe storage for up to four rods.

The 4700 Tiller’s non-skid cockpit floor also comes with clip in carpet that can be left at home if things are likely to get messy once on the water; a clever alternative to trying to scrub squid ink or tuna guts out of the boat carpet.

Three seat spigots for sliding pedestal seats are standard inclusions. The two slide adjustable, pedestal, bucket-style seats are high quality, very strong, and of a standard consistent with the rest of the craft.

Transom features consist of a lockable compartment for the craft’s engine battery to port and a storage compartment to starboard. The craft’s fuel filter was within easy view and reach in the engine well, next to the deck wash unit. The fuel filler to service the craft’s 75L under floor tank was also set to starboard.

The ride, handling, and general performance of the Moda 4700 Elite Tiller matched the finish and presentation in every way. Rated for engines from 40-60hp the 60hp Yamaha four-stroke seemed the ideal match for the solid plate hull.

With two aboard the craft planed at 14.8kmh; cruised sweetly at 40kmh with minimal engine noise intrusion; and clipped along smoothly at 55.4kmh at WOT.

The ride was outstanding and quite possibly the best I’ve experienced in an alloy craft of this size and configuration. The hull has a lot going for it: the design incorporates smooth lines; a well raked bow; 75mm reversed outer chines for directional and at-rest stability; and a weight of 450kg.

Driving the Moda was a breeze. The helm seating can be adjusted to your desire and there was ample leg height and room and comfort and support from the seat.

The power trim/tilt Yamaha had very little torque steer and with the engine’s trim control on the tiller arm just ahead of the gear selector, it was a very user friendly set up with sharp turns a lot of fun, but also a swift recovery.

As an all open, tiller-steer craft the Moda 4700 and 60 Yamaha four-stroke combination will fulfil a lot of angling requirements from impoundments to estuary or bay work or even a run offshore in smooth water conditions. The option of electric motor power makes the craft handy for many plastic, lure, and fly situations in smoother water, while decent side heights give it good sea keeping ability for all round work. Inherent stability also enhances its usefulness.

With it’s ample features and flexible seating arrangements the four person Moda 4700 Elite Tiller presents as a very well put together package with a lot of potential for general all round fishing work, whether it be for a couple of dedicated anglers or a small family. Although the finish and presentation are outstanding the ride is the bonus factor; it needs to be experienced to be appreciated.

The rig is a real head turner and when set onto its custom Moda all alloy trailer is virtually guaranteed to turn heads. At $35,599 as reviewed this neat craft is very good value for money.

For more information phone Moda Marine on (07) 32838537, fax (07) 32840863 or visit www.modamarine.com .