Recommended Horsepower 40 - 115hp
Standard Equipment
Ivor
Kesson, managing director of Fibrecraft, is not afraid to try new ideas,
and although the concept of a centre console is not new, this particular
configuration was unfamiliar to me. The console and driving seat are an
integral unit, aligned longitudinally in the centre of he hull. At first
glance the unit resembles a jet ski that has been incorporated into the
deck. Whilst I was a little unsure at first, once accustomed to the straddle
position, I found it most comfortable. One has the impression of riding
the boat rather than driving it. In tight turns and manoeuvres the extra
support gained by clenching the seating box between ones knees is impressive.
In really rough water conditions, rising up above the seat into a jockey
type posture enables the pilot to ride the rough water comfortably. This
position also facilitates good forward vision when navigating.
The Osprey we tested was fitted with a 90 hp Yamaha, which is the
ideal recommended horsepower for this craft, although it will perform quite
comfortably with a 40 hp. In my opinion the 90hp provided ample power.
We played with several different performance propellers and attained
a maximum top speed of about 53 mph,
although
the standard Yamaha prop gave us the best all round performance. Putting
the boat through its paces, I whipped into some tight turns at varying
speeds and trim settings, progressively tightening the turn whilst adding
power - she stuck to the water and was very responsive, never feeling as
if she would break and slide. Opening her up on the straights and trimming
for maximum speed, I was able to to set her up with just the motor and
a small part of the hull was in the water - The ride was exhilarating.
The hull held steady on the water and at no time at all did I
feel that I was going to lose control. Ivor Kesson who has an impressive
boat racing background, seemed able to squeeze that last bit of performance
out of the boat, making it look striking on the water.
Fishability
As a fishing boat the Osprey is versatile. At one stage we fished
four people from the boat and di not really get in
each others way. The ability to walk around the console enables complete
control when fighting a fish. Many times during the weekend, I found myself
standing on the console seat whilst fishing, especially when there were
four of us on the boat. The front deck fishes two comfortably and possibly
even three if the pedestal seat is removed. With two fishing from the front
deck the boat maintains a level attitude with good freeboard, which is
important in rough water.
Although our boat was fitted with a back pedestal seat, I found
it was in the way more than it was useful. As a general fishing boat or
river boat this extra seat is superfluous and in future models, will be
an optional extra rather than a standard fitting. Alternatively a ski pole
may be fitted into the mount for those that do not use the boat purely
for fishing. If required, the short back deck could be padded and double
as a seat for passengers without detracting from its function as a casting
deck.
As this configuration is the fore runner to the "Super Bass Ranger"
currently being developed, it incorporates many of the features of a Bas
boat. Under deck storage fore and aft that has been designed to carry at
least four Plano Tackle boxes (fore) and two caddy tanks, batteries etc.
as well as additional tackle boxes (aft). A live well may be added beneath
the front deck if required. Under the centre console additional space is
available for storing cooler boxes and the like. All hatches are water
tight and incorporate the new self draining channels in the lids, this
is a definite plus when one considers our climate.
With three people on the boat it is possible to stow all items one
normally trips over, leaving the decks free for fighting fish. Ivor has
also taken cognisance of the need for small cubby-hole type storage compartments
for tucking away sunglasses, sun creams and the smaller items that normally
levitate when the boat is in motion.
As it is intended that the Osprey supercede the River Ranger, the
boat has obviously been designed with the river and small dams in mind.
The high centre console gives good all round vision, an important factor
on the river.
The Osprey
reflects the new commitment to quality we talked of in the last issue.
Apart from the imported fittings and high standard of finish, Ivor has
built some excellent lines into the deck giving a pleasing and attractive
modern shape to the boat. The gel coat stripes are of a very high standard
and certainly enhanced the overall impression. Final finish may be tailored
to suit the owners pocket. Extras such as carpeting, custom electric's,
mounting of accessories etc., are available on request. The boat is also
available with a side console for the unconverted.
I have no major criticisms of the Osprey. As I've already mentioned,
the aft pedestal seat is unnecessary but this will not appear on the standard
version. I would like to see the plain fibreglass edges covered or finished
with either aluminium edging or something similar (fibreglass edges were
neatly rounded after moulding) as this adds to the overall presentation
of the craft. Again this is minor and probably available on request.
back to top
Minimum
Planing Time
- 3 Seconds
Minimum
Planing speed - 26 km/h
Poor |
Poor |
Ave |
Ave |
Ave |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Excel |
Excel |
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Trailer Construction | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Launching | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Retrieving | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Hull moulding | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Deck moulding | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Hatches and Stowage | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Gel coat | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Upholstery | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Steering , Accessory and wiring installation | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Motor Installation | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Overall presentation | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Fittings installation | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Fishability - Kariba | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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- Inland Dam | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
Stowage | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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Stability - Maximum speed | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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- at rest | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | ![]() |
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