New Reflex a lesson in versatility

The Reflex 585. Photo / Supplied.

The new Reflex 585 is a real crossover model: sold on both sides of the Tasman and equally at home as a specialist fishing boat or a comfortable family cruiser.

Originally designed and marketed as a Reflex 585, in Australia it's manufactured and distributed as a product of the Brisbane-based Haines Group as a Haines Traveller TF185.

The Haines Group (THG), founded and run until his recent death by well-known Aussie boatbuilder John Haines, is the company behind the Haines Signature range. They are also (on both sides of the Tasman) the distributors of Suzuki outboards.

The Reflex 585 is a GRP trailer boat with an LOA just over 6 metres, and a trailerable weight of only 1500kgs. The latter depends to some extent on the choice of outboard, the range being between 100hp and 150hp.

It's a completely new model, owing little to previous offerings in this size range. The overall deadrise is 20 degrees but this is more of a rough-water boat than that: at the stern, the angle is a much deeper 22 degrees and there's a full-length inner and a half-length outer strake providing lift and directional stability.

The handling backs this up: in a recent test run off the Gold Coast's Broadwater, in gusty conditions with an angry steep chop, the 6-metre Haines comfortably maintained 26 knots. In calmer water, the Suzuki DF140hp-powered boat literally leapt out of the hole, hitting an impressive top speed of just over 37 knots.

Manufacturers often fit a slightly larger-than-average powerplant to their vessels before letting we media people go for a spin, and the Haines were no different: while the DF140 was well within the recommended power band, the "standard" outboard for this rig is quoted as a 115hp.

Although THG often uses their TF tag to identify their more fishing-oriented models, this is certainly not the case here. Sure, there's a raft of fishing features and the owner could certainly enjoy a day's fishing with some mates. But couple of easy changes will see the boat serve equally as well for a family day out.

On the fishing front, the key features are a Traveller bait station (complete with sink, bait board, rod holders, cup holders and knife rack), a kill tank and a live-well or ice-box, recessed into the transom top on the starboard sides. When fishing isn't the priority, the bait station lifts out and can be left ashore.

Other fishing features include generous storage in the full-length port and starboard side panels, neatly recessed toe-holds and a huge integral underfloor fish bin. The bin sits forward of the 100-litre underfloor fuel tank and can be reduced for those who prefer a 150-litre version. Again, when fishing is not front and centre, the insulated locker can be a convenient place to store wet clothes or another "cold storage" facility.

Another nice touch is the innovative rear bench seat. This quickly and easily switches from the stored position (enabling unfettered access to the transom) to ready for use (complete with padded base and back rest). This is a clever development of transom quarter seats that are easily removable or hinge out of the way, but much better as it provides comfortable seating for three adults.

Cockpit carpeting is another of these "have or not" options: when picnicking, the carpet looks good and raises the comfort level; when fishing, it's easily removed for easier cleaning.

The rest of the cockpit is nice and clear, which is great when fishing. But if you're having a bevy or a bite to eat, simply swivel the two forward facing chairs, pull down the rear seat and add a portable table.

The cabin is practical, too. Well finished, it has two good-sized single berths which can convert to one giant berth by fitting an inset, ideal for a couple or as a play area for the kids. There's also a facility for adding a Porta Potti or something similar.

The helm station, too, is of good size, with enough room to mount a brace of sizeable multi-function displays. The engine controls have their own area above this and, on the vertical, there's plenty of room for DC panels, windlass and tab controls and the like.

Perhaps one of the most interesting things is the way this model is put together. The Haines Group uses a Nexus construction method: a fully moulded process described as literally putting a boat inside a boat.

Designed to ensure the hull, deck and interior liner mouldings come together as one (bonded together with polymethyl methacrylate adhesive), it delivers a more consistent, stronger and more accurate finish. After the mouldings are joined, foam is pumped in.

Reflex/Haines Traveller

LOA: 6.14m

Beam: 2.16m

Deadrise: 20-degrees
(at transom): 22-degrees

Hull construction: GRP

Trailerable weight: 1500kg

Engine capacity: 100-150hp

Priced from: $61,000

Price as tested: $80,900

Want to know more?

Check out a full review of the Haines Traveller TF185 boat test in the October/November issue of Propellermagazine.