New to the Stessl stable and exclusive to Gold Coast Boating Centre is the 460 Extreme side-console series. Why it got the extreme tag was the extreme features and HP capacity on this tricked-up hull. This is one tough beast for a 4.6 side-console hull and side visual is deceptive until you get in this boat.
Stessl has always been at the forefront in hull design and remains one of the oldest Australian-built brands today. It has a full alloy checker plate deck, beefed up commercial 32mm rails, solid welded-in rod holders, sports steering, alloy internal walls, alloy cast deck which is only seen on boats over the $50k mark. The alloy deck is amazing – with no more soft floors or warped timber. It is designed for longevity and everyday practical use. For all the boaties prawning, cast netting, and crabbers, this one wins all over. There have been countless boats over the years that rot or warp with age and poor maintenance, moisture and heat over the years. Even the good stuff (marine ply) has a life span and will move with abuse and use. If floor heat or glare is of concern, then tube matting can be thrown over the top (you can buy this stuff at hardware stores for minimal cost). You can then just hose out the day’s carnage and sit back and have a coldie. Maintenance on this baby is so much simpler and will outlast most of us. Saving time and money long-term, what’s that worth?
More internal features on the practical side include the 100L Live/Kill well in the front on the cast deck fully plumbed, with aerator and centre baffle, perfect for whether you fish the ABT, flattie classic, Clarence Valley bass, local tournaments, or just want to keep your catch in pristine condition. At the rear is a good-sized LBT tank fully plumbed, flush mounted tackle tray boxes, and a full height transom. Standing on this at rest is comfortable, while leaning against the rear for support. The offshore fishing crew will like this feature, as a full transom is most practical for swell or reversing.
Our test boat was a F75 Yamaha 4-stroke (1832cc). The power was a supa responsive hole shot performance and a top speed of 55kmh on the water. The test day was a little lumpy with the northwesters blowing although she ate it up.
The tide has turned in this ever-popular size market and what is most surprising is the price. The Stessl 460 X-TREME Package of a boat fitted with 60HP high thrust Yamaha 4 stroke motor, a good-sized combo sounder/GPS, VHF radio, rego, and a list of X-TREME features, available for under $30,000. An upgrade to the larger big block F75 is a dramatic increase in power with the price tag remaining low around $33,000. A result of a combination of lots of work between Gold Coast Boating Centre and the Stessl factory to develop a competitive well-priced boat that is already making waves in the industry.
goldcoastboatingcentre.com.au/listing/stessl-460-x-treme-series
Written by David Edwards
