Bar Crusher 575C vs 615C, which is best for you?

by Steve Morgan •

We recently had the opportunity to test a couple of Bar Crushers out on Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne; the 5.75m and 6.15m Cabin versions that are incredibly popular rigs in the Bar Crusher range.

Instead of presenting a couple of very similar boat tests, we thought it’d be a great opportunity to look at the similarities and differences in these two rigs to help you make the decision about which one is the best for your fishing and boating needs.

And although there’s only a legal snapper-and-a-half difference in length between these boats, it equates to a lot more than you’d think by the time the boats are on a trailer and ready to fish.

BAR CRUSHER 101
Bar Crusher is a Melbourne-made boat that’s famous for its build quality, finish and stability at rest through its water ballast system. Both of these boats feature Bar Crusher’s Gen 2 hull design with incorporated water ballast system.

Overall, the Bar Crusher hulls are a little narrower than most hulls for their length, which explains their sea legs. At rest, the water ballast fills up and sinks the chines deeper in the water, giving the hull greater stability.

When you take off, the water virtually instantly runs out the back of the cavity, vented through the anchor well. It’s a neat system that’s stood the test of time.

“The length beam equation in a bit of a dark art that I think we’ve got pretty much right for both these hulls,” said Bar Crusher’s Sales Manager, Matt Urzia, who is much more comfortable 10ft above the water off the back of a wave than he is in front of a camera.

Matt also outlines the standard feature list in these boats, which includes many that are options on most other brands.

“These boats come with a bait board, boarding ladder, through transom door, bilge pump, twin batteries, live bait tank, hard top roof, clears and a rocket launcher,” said Matt, “You only need to choose your electronics like sounder, radio and maybe an anchor winch to complete the package.”

All Bar Crusher hulls feature their unique water ballast system that fills while the craft is at rest and empties quickly as the boat takes off, giving the best of both worlds - stability and performance with minimal beam.

The 615 is 10cm wider than the 575 and offers an extra 5cm of internal gunwale height. Doesn’t sound like much but it makes a difference, especially offshore.

The 615 is 10cm wider than the 575 and offers an extra 5cm of internal gunwale height. Doesn’t sound like much but it makes a difference, especially offshore.

You’d think that the 140hp was faster than the 115hp? Wrong. The 575 was a little bit faster than the 615 at WOT, even if slightly less economical.

You’d think that the 140hp was faster than the 115hp? Wrong. The 575 was a little bit faster than the 615 at WOT, even if slightly less economical.

Although both models can be fitted on single or twin-axle Easytow trailers, there’s a good case for twin axle for long trips and a single axle for local journeys. Single axles can also be manoeuvred around easily in a tight garage.

Although both models can be fitted on single or twin-axle Easytow trailers, there’s a good case for twin axle for long trips and a single axle for local journeys. Single axles can also be manoeuvred around easily in a tight garage.

Interestingly the 140hp Suzuki delivered marginally better fuel economy than the 115hp on the 575.

Erected, the folding hard roof/top offers rod storage and shade. The 575 folds down to 2.15m while the 615 is 2.20m high when folded down.

Both models feature an enclosed cabin with bunks for overnight comfort. The 615’s wider beam gives it a little more space.

Both models feature an enclosed cabin with bunks for overnight comfort. The 615’s wider beam gives it a little more space.

Bait boards are options on most boats on the market. On the Bar Crushers in this size range, they are standard.

Plumbed livewells and transom doors are also Bar Crusher Standard. Take this into account when comparing boats of different brands.

WHAT DO WE RECKON?
After looking at the differences between these two rigs, there’s a couple of conclusions that we’ve come to.

Firstly, these rigs’ standard inclusions are, indeed, very generous and the fact that they’re matched with locally made Easytow trailers means that Bar Crusher will ensure that the cradle is suitable for the hull.

Urzia also says that if you want a single axle or twin axle on either rig, that’s legal and achievable. So, you’d opt for a twin axle if you’re doing a lot of highway miles; or, a single if you need manoeuvrability or use your boat locally most of the time.

We’re particularly impressed with the cleverness of the fold-down hard top and windscreen that allows you to fit these boats in most garages.

If you usually fish with one to two anglers, locally, and want a cheaper (by around $10K) rig that’s a little easier to launch, store and handle by yourself, then the 575 may be the rig for you.

If you like to travel more to fish and do it with a couple of mates and want a bigger tank that translates to more range, then the 615 will offer all of these benefits, and it’s price tag justifies the extra abilities.

It’s a simple conclusion and definitely stands up to the ‘boat ramp test’, which is the nautical version of the ‘pub test’.

For more information, visit www.barcrusher.com.au or talk to the guys at the Melbourne Boat Show. They’ll have everything you need at both of these places to help decide which is the best Bar Crusher for you in their range.

DIFFERENCE TABLE
Feature                                   575C                                          615C
Length:                                     5.75m                                           6.15m
Beam:                                        2.15m                                           2.25m
Material:                                  4mm bottom/3mm sides        4mm bottom/4mm sides
Trailer:                                     Single axle for local trips         twin axle for longer trips
BMT weight:                          1360kg                                         1500kg
Internal gunwale height: 730mm                                       780mm
Height on trailer:                2.15m                                           2.20m
Horsepower:                         115hp                                           140hp (max. 150hp)
Price:                                         from mid-$50K                         from mid-$60K
Top Speed:                              62km/h@6,000rpm                60km/h@6,000rpm
Best economy:                      2.6km/L@4,400rpm               2.7km/L@3800rpm
Theoretical range:              280km                                        370km
Price:                                         from mid-$50K                         from mid-$60K