When the Port Hinchinbrook Classic came around for 2009, the Tinny Shack at Mission Beach put up their hands to supply Team Fishing Monthly a boat: The Formosa 6.2m Tomahawk half cabin.

The 6.2m Tomahawk is the latest model from Formosa. One of four in this half cab range, it boasts a multitude of features that make it stand out from the rest. This boat is about style, speed and every feature an angler could want.

When we arrived at the port, the fire-truck-red Formosa’s paintwork and decals oozed style and elegance on the water. There are plenty of colours to choose from in the Formosa range but I just love the red for its vibrancy – and, of course, we all know red goes faster.

The craft has a maximum rating of 175hp. However, we had a 150hp Honda four-stroke on the back that performed so admirably and economically that an upgrade would be a bonus, rather than a necessity. Despite being offshore for four days in pretty choppy and rough conditions, we managed to creep over 32 knots (60kmh) at 6200rpm. So in calmer conditions, this baby would roar.

Likewise, the chop and swells made it hard work for the heavy boat but it didn’t effect our fuel budget. The massive fuel tank of 225L went along way with the four-stroke and we got two days fishing out of one tankful, which is amazing considering we clocked up over 40 hours on the water over the four event days.

The real focus of the Formosa Tomahawk is its sheer number of features. This craft has been well thought out to incorporate the needs of anglers and boating enthusiasts. I would find it hard to believe that this vessel didn’t offer even the most pedantic of skippers everything they wanted.

The Tomahawk range is structurally very sound, as befits vessels likely to face harsh offshore conditions.

Formosa have really gone to extra lengths to make these boats tough; the 6.2m boat bottom and sides are made from 5mm high-tensile grade aluminium and all the welds along the boat are one continuous stream rather than broken up.

This craft is a big half cabin; everywhere you moved in the cabin and deck there was plenty of room. The comfortable driver and passenger seats swivel 180º easily and the three of us had tonnes of room to fish next to each other.

However, the best thing about all the room on board was that there was lots of space and plenty of places to put everything you needed for a day on the water. This craft had handy side pockets in the cab and even the seat bases had storage for tackle and jackets.

In the floor of the rear cabin is a massive kill tank or fish bin, fantastic for protecting the day’s catch from the sun. We had a couple of big fish hidden away on ice and when we got back to shore they were chilled and ready to be cleaned and eaten.

Catching fish and having somewhere to take care of them is essential for any anglers.

In the transom there is a small door for easy access and the flip-up ladder on the engine platform makes it easier and safer for swimmers getting back into the boat and for those stepping up when the boat is on the trailer.

Under the transom cap there’s the battery and room for extras such as deck wash. This area is securely enclosed behind hatches and in front is a cushioned bench seat which made the long runs very comfortable and then it swung down and didn’t get in the way.

The bait board/rod holder/bait bin combination was great for cutting and preparing bait and the rod holders were perfect for travel and for waiting for the fish to bite. The entire set up is welded to the hull, so it is rock-solid.

The drained and washable bait bin under the cutting board is a well thought-out design to keep everything out of the sun.

The large, roomy cabin has removable cushions with a removable centre piece that can be fitted to complete a big flat sleeping area. The test boat’s cabin also had two small storage compartments but current models now also feature under-bunk storage for even greater capacity.

There’s a narrow walkway around the cabin to the small front deck. We effortlessly slid through the cabin to drop and retrieve the anchor and the anchor well was carpeted, making it a quiet job.

The console and dash area was like the rest of the boat – huge. It could fit two full-sized screens if required. After getting to know the unit, Raymarine A65 GPS combo was very easy to use.

The VHF radio was fitted out of the way but still in reach for easy access at all times.

On the passenger side, the glove box proved handy to store our valuables and there was a fold-out drink holder strategically placed.

The Formosa 6.2m Tomahawk is extremely well thought out, looks fantastic on the water and no feature seems to be left out.

This boat sells from a respectable $56,600 including a tandem multi-roller Dunbier trailer, full safety gear including 406MHz EPIRB and regos. For more information visit www.formosamarineboats.com.au.