Horizon Sunrunner 485 with Yamaha F90hp

There’s nothing like being offshore as the sun rises. The SunRunner is eminently capable in both inshore and offshore situations, and the 90hp Yamaha gives the rig a range of over 200km with an 80L fuel tank underfloor.

by Steve Morgan •

I found it hard to believe that while testing Horizon’s 2018 SunRunner, it was the first time I’d ever been over the Tweed River bar. Of course, I’d been through the Southport Seaway (to the north) and the dicey Brunswick River bar (to the south) countless times. Apart from the great scenery to take some images for this test, it was obvious the fishing opportunities the entrance offered. These were noted for a future fishing trip.

Travelling on the SunRunner 485 with Scott James from Horizon Boats, it was good to be in the boat with a local. The factory for both Horizon and Stessl Boats is just up the road and the boat has been designed with offshore anglers on the southern Gold Coast particularly in mind.

Horizon’s Hyrdo Lift hull has the runs on the board, so it’s the internal fit-out improvements that herald the 2018 version of this craft.

The transom deadrise isn’t massive, which provides a balance between rough water ride and shallow water loading ability.
The anchor well is simple and easily accessible through the split section for’ard.
Cradled on a single-axle trailer, the rig is manoeuvrable off the water as well as on. It helps with tight storage spots.
The rear bait station is practical and has enough room to work around.
The rear lounge can fold away after you’ve finished travelling to your fishing spot.
Check out the large kill-box under the cockpit floor. It keeps things neat when the mackerel are running.
The fully flat floor and rail system makes storage simple.
Designed with the serious angler in mind, there’s plenty of rod storage in the rocket launcher and shade for when you’re traveling.
The SunRunner will turn heads at the boat ramp and on the water.
Boarding is easy with the fold down ladder and the slip-in transom door.
The dash of the 2018 model is improved. There are plenty of places to hang on and access to the anchor well is easy. You can also flush mount large electronics.
The 90hp Yamaha delivered excellent economy, with 3km/L at 3500rpm.
With the transom bait station, the SunRunner is set up for bait or lure fishing. That’s the Gold Coast in the background.
There wasn’t enough swell or wind chop to give the Hydro Lift hull a proper workout.

Unique to the boat is the internal layout. A full, flat, internal floor runs from bow to transom. Instead of a front cabin, there’s a simple rail system that helps your gear stay in place up the front while opening up the maximum amount of fishing space down the back. Indeed, there’s a lot of cockpit room for a sub-5m boat, and that’s exactly what the Horizon team wanted to deliver.

What the hull has also delivered is a rig that’s east to anchor, with a split-access to the anchor well. With the added Bimini top and bait board, it was obvious that this boat had been set up with the keen snapper angler in mind.

Loading and unloading is easy with the transom door to the starboard side of the outboard.

Powered by the new Yamaha F90 4-stroke outboard, the rig was economical, delivering 3km/L burned at a comfortable cruising speed of 3500rpm and 34km/h. With an 80L fuel tank, this gives a theoretical range of around 24km. Plenty enough to run around on a glassed-out weekend offshore.

The other thing that turns heads about Horizon boats is the price. With packages starting from under $40,000 (the rig as tested was under $45,000), it’s a great stepping stone for anglers upgrading from their first tinnie. You get shade, offshore capability and the ability to spend a family day on the water with ease.

Often, buyers will overlook the practicalities of trailering. Supplied on a single-axle trailer, this rig is just as manoeuvrable off the water as it is on the water and you can jack-knife it into a tight parking or storage space if needed. This may include a garage.

For more information, you can visit www.horizonboats.com.au and make sure you like Horizon Boats on Facebook.

You can also contact Chelsea Yamaha on (03) 9772 1212 and check out www.chelseayamaha.com.au for more information.

Specifications
Length 4.985m
Beam 2.02m
Hull weight 450kg
Max hp 90
Fuel 80L
Test weight 889kg

Performance
RPM Speed km/L
1000 6.5 3.3
2000 10.9 2.7
3000 24 2.7
4000 40 2.9
5000 53 2.3
6000 63 1.6
* With a 16” alloy Yamaha SDS propeller.