FIBRECRAFT/CHASE MARINE
BASS HARRIER
Specifications | Boat report | Results
Specifications
Length                                                   15' 0"            4.57m
Width                                                      6' 0"             1.83m
Weight - Boat                                                 240 kg

Recommended Horsepower                     50 - 130hp

Standard Equipment

Optional Extras back to top
Boat Report
(by kind permission of the African Fisherman  April 1994)
In August 1993, we tested the Osprey which, as we said then was the forerunner to the new Bass Ranger being developed by Fibrecraft (Pvt) Ltd  in Bulawayo. The Bass Harrier is the culmination of years of research and development by Ivor Kesson based on the more than 250 successful Rangers sold over the years. The Bass Harrier is specifically a BAss fishing boat, fully decked and equipped for the serious angler. Based on the same hull as the Osprey, the Harrier offers performance, safety and comfort hard to better.
Construction
Built with the serious tournament angler in mind, the Harrier is constructed using the usual combination of fibreglass mats, woven roving and the very light core mat material. Flotation is provided by five sealed compartments created when the floor is laminated in the hull. All hatches are self draining and waterproof. All mouldings were of a very  high standard, reflecting the precision Fibrecraft are well known for.
Trailer
Standard construction with minimal extras. Although easy to tow and perfectly functional as it is, specific design requirements can be included.
Finish
The overall finish of this boat again reflects the careful consideration given to aesthetics. Fully carpeted with colour co-ordinated upholstery, the Harrier is outstanding in every respect. The six colour gel coat and finish are noteworthy, complementing the customised console. The deep lustre finish accomplished with gel coat work is comparable to finishes normally associated with motor vehicles, the lines within the design straight and precise. Installation of accessories and all wiring is professionally finished with neatly concealed looms.
Fittings
All fittings are weather proof brass, aluminium, stainless steel or nylon. The use of imported fittings such as Gas piston pedestals on the swivel seats, and imported rod racks in the rod box complement the Harrier. All decked surfaces, as well as some of the hatches, are carpeted, cutting down noise and providing protection for equipment.
Fishability
As a Bass fishing boat, the Harrier is exceptional. The raised decks enable the angler to stow all equipment leaving the decks clear for battle. Maximum use has been made of the interior space with the rod box providing a convenient walkway between front and back decks. Although the foredeck is spacious, offering enough space for two anglers to fish side by side, space has not been robbed from the rear deck.  With two anglers on the fore deck the boat maintains a level attitude  which is important in rough water. Ultimately an inland dam boat or river fishing boat, the relatively deep vee would also handle bigger waters such as Kariba. Robbie, bream and tiger fishing would be comfortable from this platform as well.
Stability
At rest the Harrier is a most stable platform to fish from. The tendency for the bow to dip when fishing from the front deck (a criticism of the old Ranger) has been eliminated with the modifications made to the hull. The running surfaces of the hull are finely tuned to give maximum performance. At full throttle the Harrier climbs on to the water and is truly exhilarating to drive, reaching almost 100km/h with a full load. Correctly set up with the 115 hp Yamaha, the Harrier was highly responsive, yet safe to drive.
Launching and Retrieving
Suitable for any small dam, the Harrier can be launched and retrieved with most small rear wheel drive vehicles. Our test boat had a specially designed trailer that enabled the boat to float off the trailer even before the mudguards were wet.

It is an undisputed fact that all over the world, Bass fishing is continually leading the sport of freshwater angling, breaking new grounds and pioneering new ideas. We in Zimbabwe are no different. The Harrier reflects this commitment to perfection in every sense and ultimately raises the the standards of what we expect from all manufacturers in this country.
I could find no significant fault in the design or construction of the Harrier. The rod box, which forms a convenient bridge between fore and aft decks takes a lot of space from the cockpit. As this is an optional fitting, the purchaser could opt for a bigger cockpit area at the sacrifice of decking. This may suit some anglers and would be a modification I would make.
back to top

Test Results
Performance
Load               -  Two people, 40 litres petrol, 2 batteries and fishing tackle
Propeller        - 22 inch pitch Laser
Engine           - 115 hp Yamaha

Maximum RPM                     - 5900 rpm
Maximum Speed                    - 59 mph (100 km/h)

Minimum Planing Time         - 3 Seconds
Minimum Planing speed        - 16 mph (26 km/h)
 

1
Poor
2
Poor
3
Ave
4
Ave
5
Ave
6
Good
7
Good
8
Good
9
Excel
10
Excel
Trailer Construction  . . . . . . . . .
Launching . . . . . . . . .
Retrieving . . . . . . . . .
Hull moulding . . . . . . . . .
Deck moulding . . . . . . . . .
Hatches and Stowage . . . . . . . . .
Gel coat . . . . . . . . .
Upholstery . . . . . . . . .
Steering , Accessory and wiring installation  . . . . . . . . .
Motor Installation . . . . . . . . .
Overall presentation . . . . . . . . .
Fittings installation  . . . . . . . . .
Fishability - Kariba . . . . . . . . .
                  - Inland Dam . . . . . . . . .
Stowage . . . . . . . . . .
Stability - Maximum speed . . . . . . . . .
               - at rest . . . . . . . . .
back to top
Back to Index