The acquisition of Melbourne based Streaker boats by iconic Brisbane boat builder Cruise Craft hasn’t attracted all that much attention. Maybe that’s a good thing and maybe it isn’t, but from a consumer’s point of view, having the brand under the Cruise Craft roof is nothing but positive.
Immediately, all wood has been removed from all Streaker models. They are now built with 100% composite materials. Also, you’ll find that the dealer base is expanding, which led us to Brisbane Marine, Streaker’s newest Queensland dealer.
Troy Wood and his Brisbane Marine team have been growing the Clontarf-based business in leaps and bounds in recent years, moving it from a service centre to a boat dealership with marine chandlery and multiple boat brands. On the test day, major building expansions were underway. It’s good to see dealers expanding after the contraction that the GFC caused since the late noughties.
Brisbane Marine and Streaker are a good fit. Surrounded by Moreton Bay, it makes sense for Brisbane Marine to take on a well-built, family-friendly bay boat.
Supplied on a quality, Australian made Easytow trailer, the 6100 Navigator is a good looking rig and a perfect match for the 3.0L, 135hp Mercury 4-stroke which is bolted to the transom. It spun a 17” Enertia propeller.
Out on the water, the 6100 jumped on the plane with ease and maxed out at 74km/h with the hammers right down. Of course, not every day is like the test day and the most economical cruising speed was around 3200-3400rpm, where around 2.5km per litre of fuel burned was achieved with judicious trimming.
Troy Wood has spent more time than most behind the wheel, and made it his personal challenge to find out the sweetest spot for economy of this rig. And when you think about it, that’s a good figure for a 6m+ cabin boat. I’ve seen much worse in my years in this role.
For us, this boat is a pretty good compromise between family and fishing. The cabin is quite spacious in all dimensions and, with the infill fitted, offers sanctuary for those not driven to fish 24/7.
The best part about Brisbane Marine is that they’re close to the boat ramp and happy to get you on the water to feel how these Streakers feel for yourself. Check out www.brismarine.com.au for their package prices and www.streakerboats.com.au for in-depth details on the hulls.
Facts
SPECIFICATIONS
| Length | 6.1m |
|---|---|
| Beam | 2.49m |
| Total Length on trailer | 7.2m |
| Deadrise | 20° |
| Fuel | 184L |
| Tow weight | 1.6 to 1.8t |
| HP | Max 200 |
| Capacity | 6 adults |
Facts
PERFORMANCE
| RPM | SPEED (km/h) | ECONOMY (km/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Idle (700) | 5 | 2.4 |
| 1000 | 8 | 2.4 |
| 2000 | 14 | 1.5 |
| 3000 | 35 | 2.4 |
| 4000 | 52 | 1.9 |
| 5000 | 67 | 1.5 |
| WOT (5350) | 74 | 1.5 |
The test day was definitely not the best for assessing the rough water capabilities of the biggest Streaker Navigator in the range.
With the corner seats out and stowed in the side pocket, there’s more room available in the back corners.
Drop the seats back in and there’s a great place to travel, whatever the weather.
When you don’t have budget in your photo shoot for bikini-clad models, here’s how you show the available room in the canopy. Here, the infill has been inserted. Not a bad place to wait for a bite.
The gunwale height makes the side pockets very roomy.
Now THAT’S a neat console. Sometimes boats offer a great façade and a mess out back, but not this one. There’s even an access hatch to help keep the salt spray out.
The 3.0L Mercury 4-strokes have had wide acclaim in the marketplace since their release. The 135 is the smallest of the platform and is as solid as a rock.
All Streaker boats supplied by Brisbane Marine come on customised Easytow trailers, which offer an easy drive-on, drive-off experience.
The split windscreen and front cabin walk through means that whoever is tasked with pulling up the anchor can do it in comfort.
There’s plenty of width in the way for’ard. Most Streakers of this configuration in Melbourne would have an anchor winch. Queenslanders’ requirements are different.
Once you’ve had a drive-on/drive-off trailer, you’ll never go back. The Easytow/Streaker combination works perfectly.
There’s plenty of head room on the cabin of the 6100. Here, Brisbane Marine’s Troy Wood does some of his finest male modelling work.
The Navigator has impressive gunwale height and room to jam the feet under the side pockets.
The passenger dash features a large glove box while the driver side has room to flush-mount a large fishfinder/GPS combo. There’s a Mercury Vessel View at the top of the dash which gives all the necessary engine data.
Anglers will be happy with the canopy-mounted rocket launchers. They keep the rods out of harm’s way and the cockpit uncluttered.
