A Testimonial from John C. Townsville, Queensland.

Following are the fuel figures for a trip to Arab Reef which is some 57 Nm off Townsville. The boat was loaded with 400 litres of fuel, which was a full tank together with three guys, ice and gear for a 2 day trip. Weather conditions were 10 to 15 knots, with 1.5 metre seas from the NE.

Leaving Townsville we headed straight into the wind and swell at 24 knots which proved to be a bit too bumpy for my old back, so I went and sat in the back seat and let Stephen drive, he came back in speed to twenty knots which provided a very comfy ride.

The seas stayed pretty lumpy for the whole trip but apart from heading straight into the seas, the boat handled it with ease. In fact, on the way home I placed a self-inflating mattress on the cockpit floor and went to sleep whilst we were travelling at 24 knots with a following sea.

The GPS logged 132.4 Nm for the trip with an economy rate of 1.54 Ltr/knots for the whole trip which I was over the moon with considering that we were starting & stopping & moving between reefs and the lumpy seas use extra fuel.

We are thrilled with the whole combination: boat, motor & trailer.

We towed the boat home to Townsville from [Lifestyle Boats’ factory at] Caloundra at 90-95K/hr with my 3.0Ltr Nissan diesel Patrol, sure I used a lot more fuel but it towed beautifully.

The Honda 225Hp Motor is ideal for this boat with a top speed of close to 36 Kn/hr and a great cruising speed of 27Kn/hr @ 4700 rpm and 36 Lt/hr. I might add that I lost my bet with Stephen (it cost me a new rod & reel ). I didn’t think it would do better than 40 Lt/hr @ 25 Knts, however a couple of reef trips and I will have saved the money I lost.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this combination to any prospective buyers.