THE LAUNCH in early March of Stacer’s 2004 Ready-2-Go package lineup and a new concept craft made for an interesting day on the water. Based at ace Brisbane Stacer dealer Northside Marine, journalists from around Australia got to check out and then test drive the new packages.

Stacer Ready 2 Go packages are designed to eliminate confusion and give you, the customer, a turnkey package. Look at the new Stacer catalogue and you’ll see a broad range of Stacer craft, all fitted with Mariner engines, registered, tested and with safety equipment. You just turn up to the dealer, hook it up to the back of your car and go boating.

“As a dealer, we’ve been really excited with this association with Stacer,” said Greg Nickerson, Northside Marine boss, at the launch. “The brochure is comprehensive and is the best sales tool I’ve seen in my time in the boating industry. It really has taken the confusion out of boating for my customers.”

Readers who attended the Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle show in late March may have seen another exciting Stacer development. Around 30 Stacer packages on display will have given show attendees the best chance ever to see the full range of Stacer boats in one place. This is a concept that is long overdue in Australia. At the very least, you should be able to see the full range of any manufacturer’s craft at what is the premier small boat show in Queensland. And, assuming its success, Stacer plans to roll out the idea to other states.

Other advantages of a new Stacer Ready 2 Go package are a three-year warranty on the boat, motor and trailer which is fully transferable if the boat is sold within the warranty period.

Keep an eye out, also, for the National Stacer On Water Day to be held later this year. It’ll be an excellent opportunity to try these packages out for yourself.

So, what caught my eye on the water? There were several impressive models, and the details of all changed models will be published in future catalogues, but these two craft stood out.

Surpassing the 605 as the biggest Stacer in the fleet, the 640 Allrounder Centre Cab is the new big kid on the block and comes surprisingly well fitted for a base-level offshore/light game fishing craft. Rocket launchers are standard, as is a rotomoulded (but unplumbed) kill tank. 160 litres of underfloor fuel can be augmented with an additional 70 litres if desired. An uncluttered and spacious rear work area would suit either application and an optional anchor winch can make life much easier while anchoring. With a 200 Mariner strapped on the back, this rig pulled 48mph at WOT, but cruised much more economically around 4000rpm.

By far the most fun to drive on the day was the 460 Pro Tournament concept boat. Essentially a cut-down (from the gunwales) Evo Hull, this rig encapsulated some of the ideas that may be standard in future Stacers.

First impressions felt like this hull handled rough water and rode faster than a similar sized Hornet; with a 75hp two-stroke on the back, the needle approached 50mph on the typically inaccurate speedometer, but rest assured that this hull performs admirably with this powerplant.

Internally, two livewells, a 7’ rod locker and huge amounts of internal storage space make this concept craft of special interest to the growing band of tournament anglers who demand specialised boats.

Adding to back deck space is a fold-down bench seat, which gives a high degree of comfort while travelling and the advantage of an eminently fishable back deck for the co-angler while at rest.

The effort that Stacer puts into its catalogue shows. All models have drive-away prices and there are no hidden charges. Check out the range of Stacer Ready 2 Go packages at your nearest Stacer dealer or online at www.stacer.com.au.

1) The 640 is a big and well appointed craft that’s suitable for light game and offshore work with plenty of room for outriggers, rod holders and other fishing accessories.

2) The 460 Pro Tournament, while still a concept craft, showed us that Stacer is heading in the right direction for a purpose-built tournament rig.