Even though the Gold Coast manufactured Jackaroo 590 is relatively new to our fishing scene, I’m predicting that it won’t be long before these craft are a very familiar sight.

Jackaroo Boats seem to have taken a whole host of really good features across a wide range of fishing craft and then combined them in one rig: a really superb riding and well performing 6.1m centre console with true offshore capability.

This is a big call, and one I’d seldom make, yet a look at the Jackaroo in detail will reveal the features, one after the other. Just to mention a few items that really took my interest were the identical (at 800mm) interior and exterior hull side heights, the raised helm station area, ample storage areas throughout the open craft, the toilet set up within the console plus even more additional storage space. And the finish was top shelf all round.

The Jackaroo 590’s overall hull layout is unique in many respects. It’s very eye pleasing, courtesy of sweeping lines incorporating a cutaway stern and a subtle lift in the bow sheer line, and the floor to deck height is impressive. The floor is carried down deep within the hull to provide outstanding internal depth.

The 6.1m long, 2.35m wide stepped vee hull features a fine and very deep entry with a 23º variable deadrise forming astern. A wide outer spray chine commenced at the bow and extended aft to form a 300mm wide reversed outer chine. Further enhancing the hull’s performance and capability were the steps within the hull’s bottom vee section; each commencing in conjunction with two prominent under hull longitudinal bottom strakes and at the lowest point of the hull (aft) the vee gave way to a rounded area.

It is a complex arrangement that offers a lot more than just being different. The ride is simply brilliant underway and, coupled with a 1030kg hull weight, offered an impressive degree of stability at rest.

Another interesting, and very functional aspect, of the craft was the width of decks in the bow area. Paired outboard draining kill tanks, each 1700 long, 400 wide and 300mm deep, were accessed via gunwale top hatches. Below the kill tanks were two storage lockers per side which were ideal for PFDs, personal items and similar. A couple of anglers fishing up front would no doubt appreciate the convenience of these features.

The seat equipped console sported a massive framework supporting a moulded overhead hard top with pleasure and marine radios, a speaker, and lighting for front and rear of the hull plus the immediate internal area. At the rear of the hard top was a full width storage compartment for personal items. A very useful set up.

The large windscreen equipped centre console, virtually a centre cab, deserves an honourable mention. A bi-fold door to starboard allows access. It is sufficiently large enough for a chemical toilet installation as well as storage of larger items, such as the rear transom seats, which could be easily removed while fishing. The large recess within the console’s rear (actually under the 300mm high raised helm deck) could be well suited to the installation of either an extra 90L fuel or water tank.

The Jackaroo’s raised dash and helm area dominated the rear of the console with paired Mercury Smart Craft gauges, steering wheel linked to hydraulic steering to port, two arrays of switches plus paired drink holders to starboard. Within convenient reach were controls for the anchor winch, ignition key and master isolator switch. A dedicated fire extinguisher/EPIRB compartment was also close by.

Helm seating offered full visibility whether seated or standing. It consisted of paired bolster style seats with fore/aft facing capability mounted on a large ice box, which was easily accessed by simply unlatching and lifting the top off the bolster seats. A strut ensured the box remained open.

Aft of the console, there was enough fishing room for three, perhaps even four, anglers. With 800mm gunwale height, plus that great hull stability, you would feel very safe when offshore in the Jackaroo 590.

Side mounted rod racks featured in-hull provision for boat rods up to 1200mm long. Also handy were upper side pockets plus a pair of storage lockers each side; starboard locker was set up with tackle trays for use in conjunction with the bait station nearby.

The well constructed bait station with its lure, knife and drink holders, cutting board, and four rod holders were all removable; the same as the transom seats. Completing the transom features were two above floor lockers for batteries, oil bottles and similar, with a 60L plumbed recirculating live well to starboard, and a deck wash to port. Cockpit drainage was courtesy of an under transom sump and 1100gph pump.

The Jackaroo’s boarding area to port had a ladder tucked under a dedicated cover.

The Jackaroo’s extra wide transom was rated for twin engine installation. Engines are listed from 115-180hp, with twin 90hp being optimum. The test craft was fitted with a Mercury 150 Optimax Pro XS and, while not quite top power, it never struggled at any time while powering the rig.

Under hard throttle application, the Jackaroo could plane in virtually seconds but gentle power application saw planing at 22.4km/h at 2800rpm; 3,000rpm saw a speed of 32.2km/h; 4,000rpm, 54.6km/h; and 5,000rpm, 68km/h. WOT at 5500rpm recorded 74.4km/h on the hand held GPS.

While many modern engines idle quietly a bit of throttle application can change this situation rapidly: not so with the 150 Optimax. I found the direct injection 2.5L V6 two-stroke to be remarkably quiet throughout the rev range with noise only impinging from around 4,500rpm onwards.

Running out of the seaway saw the Jackaroo really strut its stuff. The ride impressed me greatly, as oncoming swells were breasted without bump or sound. The large spray chine directly displaced water downwards and the hull’s overall configuration kept us on track with ease whether breasting or running with seas.

Purposely remaining stationary offshore revealed just how stable the solid hull was and offshore anglers will love this rig. It’s meant to fish far and wide!

For the angler, the Jackaroo really does seem to have virtually everything going for it. Storage, so hard to come by in open boats, is plentiful. It has fishing and comfort features abound and, when matched by the gentle and entirely predictable ride, the Jackaroo 590 will deliver the goods for the really keen bay, estuary or offshore angler.

Coming home on a tandem trailer, the Jackaroo is priced at around the $63,000 mark. It’s a fair amount of money but this is a lot of boat for the dollar as a test run will confirm. This craft won’t need any DIY work as everything is there, except a GPS/sounder installation.

Overall standard of finish was deluxe, attention to detail and the use of top quality fittings and furnishings throughout were very evident. Jackaroo Boats can be contacted on 0418 602 019.

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