The Stacer name is one that every boat owner and prospective boat owner knows and trusts. After 40 years of making boats, Stacer is held in high regard amongst the boating fraternity.

The most popular boat in today’s market are the smaller fishing boats that cater for family outings as well, which is exactly I found when I recently tested the Stacer 409SF Bass Elite.

This 4.09m boat has more to offer than you see at first glance.

I started my fishing in a 4m boat similar to this; I wanted a boat that I could go out with my mates and cast a lure for a flathead, bream or bass but still tow the kids around in a tube in the warmer months. This boat is just that: the perfect little all rounder that can keep the fishos happy as well as the kids.

When I got my first boat I also added a lot of custom extras like live wells, electric motor brackets and even a rod locker, well the Stacer 409SF comes with all as standard – you don’t have to add a thing.

When we took the 409 out the river was chopping so it was a great testing ground for this boat! But the new Evo Advance Hull gives the boat a sharper bow design and deeper V, so this boat cuts through the water a lot better, and this also reduces the banging that some aluminium boats give.

It also makes for a safer boat, as it handles much better running down and into chop. This makes the tiller steer motor a lot easier to drive and handle, especially on runs longer than a few kilometres; believe me, your arm will thank you.

The boat actually felt like we were flying. I didn’t have anything with me to measure speed, but the 40hp Honda four-stroke was well and truly enough for this boat. With three big guys on board, the Stacer got up on the plane fast and smoothly. That said, the 409SF would also be fine with a smaller motor; a 25hp would sufficiently do the job.

The Honda was fitted with electric trim so getting the boat’s trim perfect with a slight adjustment was simple. I threw the boat into some serious turns and it turned sharp and true without dropping too much power, which would be perfect for the kids in the tube.

The 409SF hull was painted white in the test boat, but you can choose a custom colour if you’re ordering a new boat. The finish on these boats is top notch, with lots of attention to detail.

For a 4m boat there sure is a lot of room and storage inside. The bow has a large, raised casting deck, which makes casting easier and also allows for a huge storage area underneath. This space includes a double-sided anchor well and a live well that is huge enough to bath your kids. The live well has also been made to suit ABT events all around Australia, all of which have a 60L live well requirement.

There is also a seat position available on the forward deck, for those who like to sit down and cast all day.

The boat is fully carpeted within, which makes for a comfortable day on the water, plus on hot days keeps your feet cooler when not wearing shoes.

Internally there are two more seating positions, so you can move your seats around to suit. The two-supplied seats are fold down models with padded cushions.

There is a rod locker down the port side, which can hold numerous rods up to about 7ft long. The starboard side also has a full-length side pocket, so you can place your necessities there for the day for easy access.

The stern deck is also raised; while it’s not as high as the bow, it’s high enough to cast off and have storage within. The stern hatches house the battery and fuel tank, with a little motor well and easy access under it all to the pumps and bilge.

There is a stern step and grab rail mounted for easy access into and out of the water. The bow is fitted with an electric motor bracket, which was not mounted during the test, but it’s a solid structure that keeps the motor away from interfering with the internals of the boat.

The 409SF sits on a Stacer custom trailer with skids and full rollers.

This boat is a one man show boat; it’s very light and can easily be launched and retrieved on your own, it’s easy to maintain and it can fit into a garage. But it is also simultaneously a family boat, which is great for taking the kids fishing or tubing on the weekends. If you’re looking for an entry level boat with value and punch, then look no further than this little 4m Stacer Sports Fishing Bass Elite!

As with all Stacer boats, the 409SF comes with a three year warranty comes with your purchase.

This boat was supplied by Shane Morrison Marine, who are located at 18 Evans Ave, North Mackay. Please call them on 07 4951 1991 or see them online www.shanemorrisonmarine.boatpoint.com.au.