The TABS 470 Territory is ideal for anglers who want a good boat for estuary and bay work, and even for offshore fishing when conditions allow.

Like all TABS craft, they’re made from plate alloy with 4mm plate on the bottom and 3mm on the sides, which allows the owner to stay on the water even when conditions are not great. TABS manufactures the 460 Territory in tiller steer, centre console or side console configurations. I reviewed the side console rig.

The TABs 460 Territory is an open craft with plenty of fishing space. There’s a carpeted, elevated, casting platform with a cleat-equipped anchor well tucked in behind the bowsprit. A pair of side lockers provide storage and an electric motor mount is located to port.

A seat spigot is central on the forward casting platform and it would be easy to move the craft into the right spots when fishing.

On the main floor there are three more seat positions for either travelling or fishing. Skipper and mate can sit side by side while moving around and then move the mate’s chair when fishing. Two fold-down pedestal seats are standard; the test rig had three.

Side consoles don’t need to be too large to be effective and this is where the Territory really excels. The side console, to starboard, is just large enough to provide some wind break for the driver and a station to monitor engine function without overdoing things. A neat windscreen, a sturdy grab rail, plus gauges for the 75hp E-Tec on the transom are standard features. The craft’s soft feel wheel was located low on the moulded dash area near an array of switches.

There is room for a sounder and GPS unit behind the windscreen. Leg room under the console was sufficient, the both Barry Tyler (TABS’ marketing and sales manager) and I drove comfortably during the test run. Forward controls for the 75hp outboard were side mounted.

The TABS 460 sported a pair of aft casting platforms each side of the engine that were large enough to fish from. The craft’s plumbed live well is under the port platform with access being as easy as lifting the carpeted lid. I liked that carpeted lid, too, as it would provide some insulation for any livies aboard.

In a fishing boat like this one you don’t expect a lot of storage yet there was a comfortable amount. Complimenting the large front compartments was the area below the console and another space below the starboard casting platform. There was also a 2m long off-floor side pocket to port. Rods holders were provided, two per side, on the big wide gunwales and I liked the way of the lanyard eyes were set up for each holder to make sure rods stayed aboard at all times.

Completing the stern features were grab rails, a boarding platform (with rail) to starboard plus cleats, stern light and a transducer bracket.

The 460 Territory has a very high standard of finish. The deep blue hull was very eye catching and a closer look revealed major attention to detail with extremely neat welds.

Under floor flotation and an 80L under floor fuel tank provide assurance of the craft’s sea worthiness and range. Plus, the flotation makes the hull remarkably quiet.

Weighing in at 420kg dry, the 460 Territory is not exactly an ultralight craft but the 75hp Evinrude E-Tec did a great job of powering it. The E-Tec started first turn of the key and pushed the hull onto the plane at 2900rpm (15 knots). Travelling at 4000rpm saw us moving at 27 knots and 5000rpm produced 34.6 knots. I was impressed with the craft’s easy cruising at 4500rpm at 32 knots. The E-Tec was particularly quiet at those revs and did not drown out normal conversation levels.

The TABS 460 Territory does not just perform well, it also provides a good ride. The test day was a shocker: around 25 knots of northerly wind and 1m chop in the bay did little to deter the Territory. There was little jarring at all, we remained quite dry and the hydraulic steering let me throw the boat around as much as I wanted to.

The subtle rounding of the 460’s stern has given it even better handling – for those really tight and very quick turns – than before.

I think belting up a winding mangrove lined creek would be real fun in the Territory. And with fully welded gunwales and decks there won’t be annoying buzzes or vibes either.

Anglers wanting a tough rig with a classy finish and great performance should consider this craft. It’s suited to virtually all fishing applications including offshore work in suitable conditions. There’s terrific freeboard while stability both at rest and under way is very good. I’d see three, maybe four, anglers working with ease. At 2.35m wide there’s certainly a lot of fishing room.

Price is around the $25,420 mark for boat and motor as tested. To find the TABS dealer nearest you contact TABS Boats on (07) 5594 6333 or visit www.tabsboats.com.au.

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