"

Boat Test: Bluefin 4.25 Scoundrel Side Console
  |  First Published: July 2013



Bluefin appear to be covering quite a few bases with their range of Scoundrel open alloy boats which, incidentally, share their basic hull design with the Rogue series. The main differences are the interiors and options lists.

The Scoundrels range from 4.0m to 5.0m long and offer layouts from tiller-steer to centre or side console.

The Scoundrels also offer pressed or plate sides and choice of either Nyalic clear coat finish or a custom paint job.

Buyers certainly have some choices to consider before deciding on which of the 15 Scoundrel variants will best suit their needs!

Fortunately, for this review I was not confronted with such bewildering choices and I spent some pleasant time in a 4.25 side console Scoundrel with a 40hp Mercury two-stroke outboard on the transom.

This Scoundrel can accommodate four adults and easily handle fishing, crabbing and general boating in smooth waters. It is roomy, stable and has an excellent ride and predictable handling.

Bluefin build strong boats and the Scoundrel has evenly spaced ribs, gusseted floors and rigid side decks.

LAYOUT

The 4.25 Scoundrel side console test model featured an electric motor pad up forward with the bow rail modified to accommodate it. The open anchor well on the foredeck has a T bollard immediately aft.

The Scoundrel’s useful forward casting deck had three hatches – one forward, two side by side – to accommodate the electric motor battery and quite a decent amount of general storage space.

There was a seat pedestal mount on the casting platform and another four in the cockpit so there should be a seating arrangement for every purpose, from fishing to cruising and crabbing.

The cockpit also featured metre-long side pockets, two rod holders, fully welded and quite wide decks with grab rails aft, a plumbed live-bait tank in the port quarter and an engine splash well.

The side console featured a handy grab rail and low windscreen and when at the helm the screen did provide some weather protection, so it’s definitely more than an ornament.

There was ample room for large sounders or plotters on the console top. The test craft was somewhat modestly adorned with a Humminbird 150 sounder with a gang of switches below the wheel and to port.

Engine controls were set into the side in the normal manner.

Helm seating was fine; the one-size-fits-all seating position useful and the ample legroom under the console and the well-upholstered seat made for a comfy driving position.

The carpeted raised aft decks covered theengine battery, space for a fuel tote tank and the live-bait tank and doubles as a casting platform divided by the splash well – a neat and practical layout. A boarding step was located on the port transom.

PERFORMANCE

The Mercury 40 two-stroke was an excellent match for the Scoundrel’s 230kg hull, which is rated for 25hp-50hp engines. It’s very easy to forget the advantages of ‘older’ two-stroke technology these days but the Mercury’s ease of starting, almost instant pick-up and willing power (and lack of smoke) quickly provided me with a refresher.

With adults aboard the rig planed at 8 knots (14.8kmh), cruised sweetly at 15.2 knots (28.3kmh) and nipped along at wide-open throttle at 21.8 knots (40.4kmh).

On a somewhat choppy day with three somewhat large passengers aboard, the Scoundrel impressed me with its ability to iron out the short chop and its overall performance.

The 2.05m wide hull, with its 15° vee and numerous bottom pressings, was quite stable for its modest size and I had no difficulty in walking around.

For the most part, the ride was quite dry with only some windblown spray blowing aboard when travelling across the chop.

FISHABILITY

With ample work room, 530mm interior depth, variable seating options and sufficient features provided to make time on the water as pleasant as possible, this newcomer from Bluefin ticks a lot of boxes. It’s the ‘right’ size, and is easily towed and stowed.

In many respects it is an excellent beginner’s boat, yet just as useful for the more experienced angler.

The test craft carried options such as the bait tank, electric motor pad and side console and others include a 90L catch well under the forward deck, bow roller, navigation lights, bimini, and 40L underfloor fuel tank in lieu of the standard tote tank.

SUMMARY

At 4.25m and 230kg, the popular-sized Scoundrel is a solid, well-built boat with plenty of angling potential. Other options are available to complete the custom package and with underfloor basic floatation and excellent seakeeping ability, this craft is very suited to a lot of our fishing demands in more sheltered waters.

The test rig was supplied by Cunningham’s Marine of Redcliffe for $15,990, which is certainly quite sharp. Call them on 07 32848805 or visit www.cunninghamsmarine.com.au.

Facts

SPECIFICATIONS

Hull length4.35m
Length on trailer5.30m
Beam 2.050m
Hull weight230kg
Bottom alloy3mm
Side plate2.5mm
Capacity4 adults
Fuel 30L underfloor
Power25hp-50hp
Test engine 40hp Mercury two-stroke.
Towing4cyl wagon or mid SUV

The Scoundrel made easy work of the slight chop.

The Scoundrel under way: Note the ample freeboard, thanks to those 650mm high sides.

This side view of the Scoundrel’s helm gives an ideal of the amount of room available.

Reads: 8120

Matched Content ... powered by Google




Latest Articles




Fishing Monthly Magazines On Instagram

Digital Editions

Read Digital Editions

Current Magazine - Editorial Content

Western Australia Fishing Monthly
Victoria Fishing Monthly
Queensland Fishing Monthly