Plenty of fun in a small boat

The Commando Trooper 3.6. Photo / Supplied.

Boats don't have to be large to be enjoyable. There is even a school of thought that believes the smaller the boat the more fun is had on it.

While I am not sure that I entirely agree with that sentiment - I have had a lot of fun on some sizeable vessels - there is something to be said for small, purpose-built craft that cost not a lot to buy and even less to run and maintain.

Once upon a time, the humble clinker dinghy was seen everywhere, and not just as a tender for larger vessels out on a boat mooring. These were later supplanted by the ubiquitous Parkercraft, a brand of aluminium boat so popular it became synonymous with all small aluminium vessels.

Of course these, too, have declined, replaced by inflatable craft that have the great advantage of not damaging another boat when they come alongside.

However, in recent years there has been something of an (admittedly small) move back to smaller aluminium boats, this time of the pontoon variety.

One of those leading this charge has been Commando Boats, an Auckland-based manufacturer that produces aluminium pleasure boats from just 3.1 metres up to 8.5m, as well as a range of commercial work boats and barges.

Their latest offering is the Commando Trooper 3.6. This is a slightly bigger version of the company's popular Trooper 3.1m. Like the 3.1, this boat features high-quality, marine-grade aluminium. The hull is 3mm, the tubes 2.5mm, the transom 4mm and there is a 3mm treadplate floor.

There are also three tested buoyancy chambers: one down each side and one under the floor.

Designed to appeal to divers, fishers who want to get in close to beaches or around rocks, hunters who want to access remote land and those who just want an inexpensive way to mess about in boats, the Commando Trooper 3.6 boasts a surprisingly large internal volume. It is recommended for three adults but one suspects four could happily move about and fish from this.

The layout is pretty much what one would expect from an open boat of this size.

There are three fixed thwart seat positions: one aft, under which is a convenient storage shelf; one amidships, with the tote tank storage underneath; and one small seat in the bow. Seat upholstery is an optional extra.

There are also side storage shelves that run two metres down each side of the boat and these are ideal for stowing rods, nets, oars and the like. Port and starboard storage lockers are built into the for'ard section of the Trooper and are big enough for fishing tackle, wallets and keys, even cold drinks and lunch. It is an impressive volume of stowage for such a short boat and it doesn't stop there. For a start, there is no shortage of rod holders.

These are positioned right throughout the little boat, with two for'ard and one in each of the aft corners. A further two - removable this time - are also amidships and there is even provision for a cup holder and for portable fishfinder mounts.

Up for'ard, there is a small anchor locker with roller fairlead; there is a bow rail, which extends a good third of the way aft; yet another two rod holders built into the rear of the anchor locker and a small pushpit-cum-grab rail on each aft quarter.

While the boat usually comes with tiller steering, there is a jockey console option also a Deluxe model, basically a complete drive-away package with engine, basic electronics and rear boarding steps.

The boat is incredibly stable and, as well as being ideal for fishers and divers, would also be a great platform for a couple of water-wise children to muck about in. With the pontoon design, there is virtually no chance of a capsize and, thanks to those three sealed air compartments, it is highly unlikely this boat would ever sink. The Trooper 3.6 is easily powered by an outboard in the 15-30hp range.

The guys at Commando Boats typically recommend a 30hp Mercury two-stroke. This means the Trooper 3.6 has a retail price of $12,999. Prices for the basic boat start at just $5000 and the standard trailer is $1738.

Commando Trooper 3.6

LOA: 3.6m.

External beam: 1.725m.

Internal beam: 1.125m.

Weight: 150kg.

Basic boat: from $5000.

Standard trailer: $1738.

As described: $12,999.

Want to know more?

Check out the review of the Commando Trooper 3.6 in the October/November issue of Propeller magazine.