The Horizon 415 Angler is just the right size for handy storage and easy towing with ample fishing room for up to four anglers. It’s a no-nonsense fishing rig that is great value for money.

The 415 is one of seven Angler models, which range from 3.15-4.15m, that the Currumbin based Horizon has in its stable.

It’s a neat job complete with paint, side decks, boarding step and bow and side rails. Other options that can be included are a rear step and side pockets. It would be an ideal boat for two or three anglers fishing in a quiet estuary corner or out on the bay in light weather.

The 415 has a deep hull, which makes it perfect for less than ideal fishing conditions. The hull is much deeper than you would imagine given the craft’s modest size.

There is a useful section foredeck, leading back from the bow sprit to the roller, where an angler could tend to the pick. When the pick is lifted it is stored in a locker under the foredeck area that has plenty of space for the anchor, rope and other items.

The forward thwart seat, with its in-built floatation, is large enough for two people to sit on comfortably. The carpeted area between the thwart seat and the aft seat is set low enough to allow for full use of the craft’s freeboard.

A rod holder has been included in the wide gunwales with two placed in the decks right aft for rear anglers use. A pair of side pockets has also been included below the gunwales.

With a 25hp Suzuki 4-stroke tiller steer outboard on the transom the 415 is a well powered craft that could fulfil a lot of fishing roles.

Fuel is stored in a tote tank that sits neatly on the full width rack aft of the rear seat opposite the battery. Both units are stored up off the floor.

The Suzuki Vee twin 25 4-stroke was an outstanding outboard thanks to its great configuration. The engine started on the first turn of the key and I was impressed with its smooth idle and easy torque when the throttle was opened. Without a tachometer it’s impossible to give an accurate speed calculation but using the hand-held GPS the craft planed at 18km/h, cruised very smoothly and quietly at 33km/h and 41km/h on a Wide Open Throttle (WOT) run. This was quite good considering the boat was carrying two passengers and a full tank of fuel.

I was impressed with the design of the hull, which has a fine, well raked bow that leads back to a decent amount of Vee aft. The hull cut through chop well, and remained very easy to manage even in rougher water. It was only when running across the chop with the breeze right along the gunwales that spray found its way aboard, much as one might expect from a hull of this configuration.

At 1.95m in width the hull is certainly quite wide for its 4.15m length, and it was very stable at rest. When it was under way, thanks to a good-sized keel and prominent under hull pressings in the 3mm bottom sheeting, the little Angler felt as though it was running on rails. I couldn’t find any problems with the Angler’s hull on the rig I tested.

The 415 Angler’s hull is rated for outboards to 30hp maximum.

I would give the Horizon 415 Angler full marks for a well turned out and very attractive boating package at the modest asking price of around $9,900.

The rig had plenty of get up and go, ample freeboard for it’s size, room for 3 to 4 anglers, and could be towed easily with a four cylinder family sedan.

The Suzuki 25hp 4-stroke was a smooth running engine that suited the hull very well. For further information contact Horizon Boats on (07) 5598 1033 or on fax at (07) 5598 1599.

SPECIFICATIONS

Length - 4.15m.

Beam - 1.95m

Weight - 170kg

Fuel Tote tank - 25L

Passengers - 4

Power rating - 30hp

Power tested - 25hp Suzuki 4-stroke

Price - $9,900