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.
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.