Edencraft 6.0 Offshore – By Dominic Fry
When the fabulous crew from the Australian Marine Centre in Slacks Creek invited me to have some fun in the awesome 6.0 metre Edencraft Offshore it took only a microsecond to hold up my hand! A date and time was agreed upon and the event couldn’t come quick enough as far as I was concerned!
The day finally arrived and after a brief period patiently waiting in the manly Boat Harbour ramp area the somewhat imposing Edencraft rolled into view, proudly sitting on a dual axle Easytow Alloy trailer. Make no mistake this is a big vessel. At first glance it is suggestive of a blue-water boat in excess of seven metres. In truth, it is 6.4 metres in length and a beamy 2.4 metres across. This was going to be a fun day!
The beautiful Edencraft 6.0 Offshore certainly makes an impression on arrival.
The Edencraft 6.0m Offshore punches far above its size to provide the hardcore boater with the versatility of a smaller vessel without sacrificing its offshore performance. The smaller size gives owners amazing flexibility with easier storage and towing on a smaller trailer while retaining the offshore capabilities of its larger 233 Formula brothers.
There’s no debating the blue-water credentials of the 6.0m Offshore, with the time-honoured 22degree hull and flared bow that provides the quality of ride and safety renowned of the Edencraft fleet. Capable of carrying a single outboard or dual outboards, the test vessel was rigged up with two 140 horsepower two litre Suzuki’s. Rated for up to 400 ponies this was well within its limits. Having said that the two Suzuki’s pushed the hull along nicely, acceleration was excellent and with a top speed of 80 kilometres per hour or so this set up would suit most boaters. With 280 litres of underfloor fuel, range would be significant enough to allow for long range expeditions and would be around the 250 kilometre mark. Obviously different configurations will deliver different results. For me, the twin 140’s were perfect and adds a level of safety as well when out wide.
Seastar trim tabs, ski tow points and a couple of rearward underwater light for those hectic squidding sessions finish off the external stern area very nicely.
Two Suzuki 140 horsepower outboards pushed her along very nicely.
The Edencraft range, built from the ground up in Geelong, Victoria, are constructed to meet and exceed the demanding needs of commercial operators. The outstanding build quality is an industry-recognised hallmark of all Edencraft boats. In fact, they are so confident about the quality of their boats, they offer a ten-year structural warranty. These hulls are relatively heavy at around 1250 kilograms but the ride they provide is truly exemplary.
Naturally the first thing to do was to have a good look around and in the vessel. The Easytow Alloy trailer complimented the grand looks of the 6.0 Offshore perfectly and carried a spare tyre on the winch pole. An electric winch and boatcatch system completed the picture there.
Climbing on board couldn’t have been easier by way of the dive door on the starboard side. Ingress from a jetty or pontoon would be a breeze via the dive door which is an optional extra. Adding a level of safety and comfort, I would be thoroughly recommending that this inclusion make the short list of optional extras, and particularly so for those that like to dive or snorkel.
The 6.0 Offshore sits very nicely on the Easytow Alloy trailer which comes as part of the package.
At the stern, mounted centrally, was a very solid bait prep board with a tackle hatch underneath and rod holders on the trailing corners. Conveniently located directly beneath the classy bait board is an adequately sized live bait tack and forward of that a very good sized kill tank underfloor. Storage hatches along the stern house batteries for start and house management as well as for an electric motor, bow mounted, which the AMC team can organise and install. The crew carry both Minn Kota and Motorguide for buyer convenience and choice.
Indeed there is storage aplenty with hatches and stash points everywhere you look! Adjacent to the dive door is a large compartment that housed the deck wash and would also be suitable for life jackets or pretty much anything else required on board. Full length cockpit pockets provide storage for fishing rods and the like.
On the port side there is a row of stainless rod holders conveniently located on the side of yet another storage pocket. Yep, you guessed it, more storage space! Forward of the kill tank is a beautifully appointed game fishing station mounted by a pole into a stainless socket. This platform was crescent shaped for user convenience and was comprised of four stainless steel rod holders and two drink holders.
A very classy and functional bait station sits atop the stern.
Further forward is the lockable door that provides access into the enclosed cabin area. This could be utilised for an afternoon nap after a torrid session on the rods, a large, secure and of course dry storage area for dive/snorkel gear or as a bed for those lazy weekends away.
The two helm seats were multi adjustable, very stable on their pedestals and super comfortable. Right in front of the starboard seat was the business end of the helm. The five spoke steering wheel was conveniently fitted with a spinning knob for ease of manoeuvring in tight marinas and the like. Controls, instruments and switches were all within easy reach and there was heaps of room for more sounders/plotters or whatever might float your boat. The engine controls can be used individually or for ease and convenience one control can be used to run both engines.
Stainless footrests and a lockable glove box pretty much complete the picture in the helm area. The windscreen and clears can be set up to allow for a cooling breeze or of course shut completely to keep the weather at bay when necessary.
A live bait tank sits right under the bait station which is very convenient.
Atop the rocket launcher sits seven stainless steel rod holders, the all-round white light and two very handy LED work lights. The navigation lights were in stainless steel housings and out of harm’s way.
High rails on the bow add another element of safety and the Stress Free electric anchor winch delivers a level of convenience that is becoming more and more common these days. A large stainless steel platform above the anchor set up is ready to take the electric motor of your choice.
At last the 6.0 Offshore was reversed down the ramp. The drive off/drive on trailer complete with boat catch make launch and retrieve an absolute breeze. Once in the drink and out into Moreton Bay we really put the big girl through her paces. The conditions were very good which was somewhat disappointing but we were able to utilise lumpy water left behind by other boats (and including our own). Acceleration was plenty quick enough for me and certainly good enough to tow a skier or two with consummate ease. The roomy boat performed faultlessly in super tight turns at full noise. I can’t recall sitting in a boat going flat chat and through a very tight turn with no cavitation whatsoever. This was stunning performance.
The crescent shaped game fishing station sits nicely in the cockpit.
When we were able to find or create lumpy water the 22.5 degrees deadrise hull and some significant hull weight on board smashed us through the available slop with no issues whatsoever. The landings were true, soft and smooth and the bottom line for me was that the ride is next to faultless and dry, be it running through chop and slop or super quick tight turns.
For more info in QLD or northern NSW please contact AMC, Slacks Creek, QLD on
07-3808 7333. For other regions please check out edencraft.com.au
The helm is neatly laid out and there is heaps of room for more gear if required.
