Big is better for designer Fink

There's plenty of room for six on Lance Fink's meticulously designed offshore craft. Photo / Supplied

Although Hamilton-based Tristram Marine offers 11 different models - from the 521 Delux to the 881 Offshore - I've always suspected that it is the bigger models that have a special appeal for Lance Fink.

Tristram's owner and designer is, of course, passionate about all his models, but Fink seems to reserve something special for those at the larger end of his range.

I know he is especially proud of his latest offering, the 741 Offshore, and says he honestly doesn't believe he could build a better specialist fishing boat of this size.

Although at first glance it may appear that the 741 Offshore is simply a smaller version of the 781 Ultimo, there are only a couple of minor similarities between the two. The 741 is a completely different design from the keel up.

The hull of the 741 is 40cm shorter than the 781, the helm is slightly further forward - creating even more cockpit space - and the built-in head has been replaced with a far more compact Porta Potti.

Fink has unashamedly aimed the 741 at the offshore fishing market, ensuring that the cockpit is big enough to cater for six anglers, a live bait tank, and plenty of rod and accessory storage.

There are also low-profile walk-throughs built into both transom corners, with a stainless boarding ladder flush-mounted into the pod on the port side.

Fink has fashioned a very stylish moulded transom, with the live bait tank in the port side walk-through and a similar-sized catch bin to starboard. In the centre, above a large locker housing batteries and other onboard systems, he has placed a substantial removable bait station that can double as a transom table.

To further cater for serious offshore fishers, thigh padding has been added along the upper inside edges of the cockpit sides.

Below this are recessed storage racks for rods, an additional stowage shelf and a separate gaff and boat-hook holder.

There is also an underfloor locker, large enough for three dive bottles, positioned well aft, close to the transom. There is further stowage under the spacious aft-facing cockpit seats.

Facing forward, the two seats are set high on moulded units that double as the ship's galley.

On the port side between the two seats, there is a small sink fed by a 100-litre freshwater tank.

The passenger seat tilts forward to reveal a gas cooker.

Under the driver's seat is a fridge unit with its door opening into the companionway.

The way the seats have been fitted means there is little room left for those who prefer to stand when driving. However, the raised position of the driver's seat does give great all-round visibility.

The helm station is pure Tristram; ultra-modern and very functional. A large Garmin multifunction display sits under the Yamaha instruments, and the controls for the trim tabs, stereo and VHF are all within easy reach.

Fink has also installed two hatches above the helm area, which will no doubt be a welcome addition when cooking.

He has cleverly used frosted glass, allowing light in while still providing protection from the harsh summer sun. He has also addressed my personal beef with many trailer boat hardtops - lack of wind flow on hot days.

With sliding side windows and those overhead hatches, keeping cool on even the stillest, muggiest scorcher should not be a problem - at least while under way.

Although the 741 cabin is not as large as that on Fink's bigger models, there is still room for a V-berth big enough to transform into a large double in the usual way.

There are shelves on one side and full-length side shelves on the other side.

For security, a bit of quiet or some privacy when using the Porta Potti, the cabin has a sliding door.

The 741 has been designed for outboard power and, thanks to the company's long-standing association with Yamaha Motor NZ, it is no surprise to see a Yamaha 250hp four-stroke on the transom.

Swinging a 17-inch Saltwater Series propeller, the 250 delivers a healthy 41 knots at 5600rpm while using 92.5 litres an hour. Drop the revs to a more sensible 4000rpm and the 250hp Yamaha will enable the 741 to cruise at 32 knots while using just 44.5 litres an hour.

Getting out of the hole and on to the plane is clearly not a problem with 250 horses on the transom.

Nor is handling rough water; the 741 inheriting Tristram's hard-earned reputation for bluewater capability.

As well as being the best fishing boat Fink and his team have built and designed, the 741 Offshore is also, he believes, the first trailer boat in New Zealand to have its plugs cut on a CNC machine, having been drawn and designed using CAD software.

"You will never," he says proudly, "get a more precise boat."

Given the way boatbuilding technology is progressing at the moment, that might be a big call.

What isn't in doubt, however, is that Fink has created a boat that appeals to his target market - those who take their fishing seriously and are prepared to head a fair way offshore to do it.

Despite aiming at a fairly niche market and creating a rig that demands the thick end of $150,000 to own, Fink has already exceeded his sales targets.

First launched late last year but not officially available until the New Zealand Boat Show in May, the Tristram 741 Offshore has already found favour with 19 owners.

With the Auckland International Boat Show just 10 days away and Labour Weekend and the spring buying season to follow, it would be a brave man who didn't see that number increasing substantially by the time we enjoy our summer holidays.

Tristram 741

LOA: 7.95m

Beam: 2.5m

Deadrise: 22 degrees

Construction: GRP

Engine size: 250hp to 350hp

Engine: Yamaha 250hp four-stroke outboard

Maximum speed: 41 knots

Fuel capacity: 275 litres

Water capacity: 100 litres

Priced from: $148,500

Price as described: $156,750

Want to know more?Check out Freddy Foote's boat review on the Tristram 741 Offshore in the September/October issue of Pacific Powerboat magazine.