Recommended Horsepower                     40 - 115hp

Standard Equipment

• Hull and top deck, front casting deck with two dry hatches and swivel seat
• Rear Bench seat with hinged lockable lid
• Centre console with padded seat and two drink holders OR side mounted console with two swivel seats.
• Side mounted rod racks
• Anodized aluminium boat trim
• Battery box, fuel tank and oil tank trays
• Rust less hardware, hinges and fasteners
• Transom bracket/jack plate, bilge pump and six colour gel coat

• Handrails, rear swivel seat, fire extinguisher, Rideguide steering, bilge pump, flush rod holders, drink holders, livewell, ski pole.

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
 

	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	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.		.