Although fishing is a huge part of we do, the world of boating encompasses myriad water-based activities. You can add skiing, cruising and just having a leisurely fun day on the water with the family and you will soon see what the new 5.75 Baysport can deliver.

Formerly known as Freedom Boats, Baysport Boats have created a very versatile 5.75m vessel ideal for all boating enthusiasts. This boat can accommodate everyone, from the weekend angler to those who just want a boat for leisure activities.

For mine, it’s a fishing all-rounder ideal for those looking for something compact with great value for money.

The test day was bleak to say the least, a north-westerly around 15 knots slopping across the bay with whitecaps aplenty. They didn’t hamper the performance of the 5.75 cuddy although we prudently kept our top speed to sensible limits. Dirty days are a great test for any boat!

The Baysport features a convex planing plank quite different from a conventional vee hull’s. The concept this is to increase fuel economy, acceleration and handling, as well as getting the boat up on the plane in quick time.

This design delivers all of the above in a stylish package and I was quite surprised at just how fast it was to get on the plane – far quicker than any other boat I have tested before.

The Baysport was powered by a 115hp Yamaha V4 two-stroke that was more than enough to get good performance. With a maximum rating of 150hp, the 115hp had enough grunt to get the 820kg hull smartly on the plane and punching through the chop with ease.

A 150hp would be justified only if you were be concentrating more on skiing or tow sports. The 115hp pulled 22 knots (41kmh) at 4000rpm and we just nudged 6000rpm and 38 knots (70kmh) – but I suggest pulling this speed in calmer conditions! I’m sure that 22-knot cruise at 4000rpm is fast enough to get from A to B without costing an arm and a leg in fuel.

The Baysport did handle the conditions very well, the interesting hull design and the 21° transom deadrise providing a very comfortable ride. The foam-filled hull with its fibreglass stringer system obviously added to this sense of security.

The boat was trimmed down in chop but trimming up in calmer conditions should increase speed and improve fuel economy.

We certainly belted into some solid waves but they didn’t seem to bother the boat; the chines kept water outside and away and I can’t remember seeing even a droplet enter the cockpit.

The ‘tunnel hull’ showed amazing stability while on the move, yet at rest I felt as though I was in a much larger craft. Considering seasickness is something I have never been able to shake, good stability is high on my agenda.

Trying to meld a leisure boat with a fishing boat doesn’t always work, purely because you often end up losing fishing room. However, the Baysport’s beam of 2.45m can easily accommodate three active anglers with one monitoring the helm.

Baysport has put a lot of work into this model to blend it all together in a superb job. Moving around may be a problem for three or more anglers but the thing to remember is this design is for all aspects of boating, not just fishing.

There is a stainless steel folding transom ladder along with two ski hooks

The richly upholstered rear lounge is a unique design, with two removable kill tanks below which could be plumbed or just kept for storage.

Each gunwale has adequate storage below to accommodate gaffs and smaller items and there are more storage compartments under the helm and passenger seats.

The deck carpet which extends into the cabin, where you could comfortably fit two, maybe three, people lying down at any one time.

There are deep side pockets on either side with a large hatch providing access to the bow. The stainless bow rails and bow roller are within an easy reach, even for someone as vertically challenged as I.

Although the test boat didn’t come with a sounder, (there are plenty of electronics options), there is plenty of dash space to fit one.

If this is going to be a pleasure craft you won’t need to go to extremes in this area but do get something that’s suitable for fishing. I suggest a Garmin FF 160 sounder (now factory-fitted) or an upgrade to a GPS combo. Either can be flush-mounted to fit beautifully into this dash design.

There is even more space for additional electronics – a good music system wouldn’t go astray for family fun times.

The Baysport 5.75 Cuddy is a very nice boat with some excellent features to suit those dabbling in all water sports. This craft will suit a family who enjoys all manner of fun on the water.

Suitable for anything from trolling for trout in the Snowy Mountains lakes to offshore sorties, the Baysport 5.75 can do it all, within reason.

This newly-designed hull will appeal to many, considering the handling and fuel-saving performance. It’s a most practical and affordable craft which can be used for a wide range of purposes. For those looking to accommodate the entire family, look no further than the 5.75 Baysport.

Price as tested on a Sea Link trailer is $39, 990 as a special Sydney International Boat Show package. Check out this special deal and the Baysport range at the Blakes Marine stand at the Sydney Boat Show or call in at Blakes Marine, corner Mulgrave and Windsor Roads, McGraths Hill, NSW 2756. Phone 02 4577 6699.